Even NCAA Officials Can’t Save Duke as Kelvin Sampson Is Not the Only One Mounting Suffering for Jon Scheyer

Kelvin Sampson’s coaching career came full circle on Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. But the nightmare continued for Jon Scheyer. Only one year removed from a heartbreaking exit in the Sweet 16, Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils entered this year’s postseason as heavy favorites to win the National Championship. However, despite the hype and promise, Scheyer found himself on the wrong side of history once more. This time, however, it wasn’t just the loss that had everyone talking.

The Cougars’ win was punctuated by defensive tenacity and poise under pressure—features of a Kelvin Sampson-coached team. “No one ever loses at anything as long as you don’t quit,” Sampson said after the game. But not everybody was happy. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who had placed a $25,000 bet on Duke to win—expecting a nearly $200,000 payday—was less than pleased with the result. Portnoy didn’t hold back in his criticism of Duke’s performance or its fans’ complaints about the late foul call on Flagg.

“Duke fans complaining about this foul call are babies,” Portnoy wrote. “You blew it….. Proctor played hero ball and missed [a] free throw. A million chances to seal it and you’re gonna blame the ref? Loser talk from losers.” Portnoy’s harsh analysis of what Duke failed to do resonated with many, as Jon Scheyer’s team failed to execute in multiple situations when it mattered most. Turnovers, missed free throws, and defensive lapses sealed their fate.

Yet, as easy as it is to get hung up on the referee’s game-altering foul call. Duke’s collapse wasn’t the result of just one bad call. The Blue Devils went ice cold and scored just one field goal in the final 10 minutes. And were outscored 15-6 in the final two minutes of the night. Their continued tendency to lean on Flagg through the toughest parts of the game not only showed Duke’s lack of depth but also its inability to convert when the screws tighten. They simply couldn’t get it done when it mattered.

Meanwhile, Houston played with the type of execution that only a well-coached team can. Every Cougar stepped up in their own moment—Sharp’s viral triple, Roberts’ free throws. None of it surprised Sampson. “At some point, if you have a culture … quitting is not part of the deal,” he said, emphasizing the commitment to continuing at the team’s own pace, regardless of what was across the scoreboard.

For Cooper Flagg, this crushing defeat likely closes the door on his college career. The freshman Phenom, who had already confirmed himself as one of the most exciting talents in college basketball, just couldn’t guide his team through the collapse. Flagg contributed 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists to finish his game.

Jon Scheyer hints at Cooper Flagg’s future

Reflecting on the season, Flagg remained gracious despite the crushing loss. “Didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but still an incredible year”. Even Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, hinted at the inevitable. “He’s about to move on with something special,” Scheyer said. Acknowledging the likely next step for the freshman: the NBA Draft. Despite calls from some fans hoping for his return to Duke next season, Flagg’s future in the NBA seems all but assured.

Even though Flagg’s college career could end on a sour note, his legacy at Duke will remain. The forward has already established himself as one of the best freshmen to play college basketball, as a National Player of the Year. With averages of 19.2/7.5/4.2, Flagg’s impact on Duke will remain for years to come, regardless of what happened in his last game.

The Final Four showdown between Houston and Duke will long be remembered as much for its competitiveness as for the emotional rides it created for both sides. While Sampson and his Cougars got to celebrate a justly deserved win, Jon Scheyer was left to live with what could have been. “It’s heartbreaking; it’s incredibly disappointing,” he said after the game. For both teams, and their fans, it was the perfect emotional snapshot of a March Madness classic.