Duke’s Jon Scheyer: Cooper Flagg Made ‘Zion Kind of Play’ on Viral Dunk vs. Pitt

The Duke men’s basketball team defeated Pittsburgh 76-47 on Tuesday, but it was one play that stood out more than the final score.

Freshman Cooper Flagg stole a pass near the baseline on the defensive end, drove the length of the floor and then unleashed a one-handed tomahawk slam to fire up the crowd at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Head coach Jon Scheyer said it was “a Zion kind of play,” in reference to former Blue Devils star Zion Williamson, per ESPN’s David Hale.

“We’ve had a few guys through the years to make a couple plays that just spark everybody in the building,” Scheyer said. “That was one of those moments tonight.”

It was a fitting comment considering Williamson had “a Zion kind of play” of his own when he returned to the floor from a hamstring injury for the New Orleans Pelicans for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He broke free in transition and threw down a 360 windmill dunk:

It likely won’t be long until Flagg joins Williamson in the NBA, as B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman projected the Duke star as the No. 1 overall pick in his latest 2025 mock draft. Ironically, it is Williamson’s Pelicans with the No. 1 pick in that mock draft, so Duke fans may have to buy some New Orleans gear if that becomes a reality.

The rims will also be on notice when the Pelicans take the floor if that hypothetical becomes a reality.