Duke Blue Devils Head Coach Manny Diaz Has Finally Broke His Silence on The Teams Decision to Make Cooper Flagg the..
After weeks of speculation and mounting pressure from fans, media, and college basketball insiders, Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz has finally broken his silence on the program’s decision to elevate freshman phenom Cooper Flagg into the starting lineup. Speaking during a press conference at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Diaz delivered a candid, composed, and impassioned address to the Duke faithful, addressing not only the reasoning behind the move but also the larger vision for the Blue Devils’ 2025 season and beyond.
“This wasn’t just about hype,” Diaz began, his voice steady as he addressed a packed room of reporters. “This was about readiness. This was about a young man who has not only lived up to the moment but has elevated it every single time we’ve asked him to.”
Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most heralded high school prospects in recent memory, committed to Duke amid a whirlwind of attention and lofty expectations. A dynamic two-way player with elite court vision, relentless motor, and an innate understanding of the game, Flagg had already been turning heads during preseason workouts and scrimmages. Yet Diaz, who took over the Blue Devils program following a successful stint coaching defense in football, emphasized that the decision to start Flagg came only after thorough evaluation—not media pressure.
“There’s a lot of noise out there,” Diaz said. “And in a program like Duke, you expect that. You embrace it. But we make decisions based on what’s happening in our gym, in our film room, in our locker room. Cooper earned this, day by day. He’s not just a talented player—he’s a student of the game, a leader in his own right, and a competitor who makes everyone around him better.”
Diaz also addressed the team dynamic, acknowledging that introducing a freshman into the starting rotation can sometimes create friction. But he was quick to shut down any suggestion that the move had caused division among the upperclassmen.
“Let me be absolutely clear: This team is united. Our captains have welcomed Cooper not just as a teammate, but as a brother. What we’re building isn’t just about one player. It’s about Duke Basketball. And Cooper understands that better than anyone.”
Several reporters pressed Diaz about Flagg’s development behind the scenes—what specifically tipped the scales. Diaz pointed to several key indicators, from Flagg’s rapidly improving defensive reads to his quiet leadership style that has already begun to set the tone in practices.
“You don’t usually see a kid this age call out switches on defense before they happen,” Diaz said with a smile. “He’s two steps ahead, mentally and physically. It’s rare. And when a player brings that to the table consistently, you can’t keep them on the bench.”
Diaz’s statement also included praise for the rest of the starting lineup and a reminder that the decision is part of a broader plan to position the Blue Devils for a deep tournament run.
“We’re not chasing headlines,” Diaz concluded. “We’re chasing banners. We’re building something for March, for April. And that means putting our best five on the floor every night. Right now, that includes Cooper.”
The press conference ended with applause from several Duke staff members in attendance, a sign of the internal confidence in Diaz’s leadership and in Flagg’s potential.
As the Blue Devils prepare to face off against a stacked ACC schedule, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on the newest star in Durham. But if Diaz’s speech is any indication, Duke isn’t just betting on talent—they’re betting on unity, culture, and the kind of leadership that has defined the program for decades.
And in the words of Coach Diaz, “The next chapter of Duke Basketball has already begun—and Cooper Flagg is helping us write it.”