Duke’s Cooper Flagg Goes Down with Injury in First Half at ACC Tournament
Duke Blue Devils’ star freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a major setback during the first half of his team’s game at the ACC Tournament on Thursday, leaving fans and teammates concerned as the game progressed. Flagg, who has been one of the standout players for Duke this season, appeared to be in significant discomfort after a collision late in the first half. The injury could have serious implications not just for the tournament but for the remainder of the Blue Devils’ season as they look to make a deep run into March Madness.
The Incident
It was a pivotal moment in the game, with Duke facing off against a tough ACC opponent. The Blue Devils were in the midst of a back-and-forth battle when Flagg, known for his versatility and all-around play, went up for a contested rebound. In the ensuing scramble, Flagg collided with an opposing player, landing awkwardly on his right leg. The impact seemed to knock the wind out of him as he immediately fell to the floor in pain, clutching his leg. Medical staff rushed to his side, and after a brief examination, Flagg was helped off the court.
As he limped to the locker room, a somber mood fell over the Duke bench. Flagg’s injury, combined with the high stakes of the game, left the team in a state of uncertainty as they prepared to continue without their star player. The exact nature of the injury was not immediately clear, but it was enough to force Flagg out for the remainder of the first half, with his return to the game in question.
Impact on the Game
With Flagg on the sidelines, Duke’s offense struggled to maintain the same level of intensity. The freshman had been one of their key players in recent games, providing scoring, playmaking, and defense. His absence was felt almost immediately, as the Blue Devils had to adjust to their new dynamic without their standout forward.
The first half ended with Duke trailing by a narrow margin, and coach Jon Scheyer was forced to make quick adjustments, relying on other players like Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor to step up in Flagg’s absence. While both Filipowski and Proctor delivered, there was no denying that the Blue Devils missed Flagg’s presence on both ends of the floor.
“We’ll wait and see how he’s doing,” Scheyer said post-game. “Cooper is a big part of this team, and we want to make sure we have all the information before we make any decisions on his status. We’re confident in the depth we have, but obviously, we’re hoping for a quick recovery.”
Looking Ahead
With the game continuing into the second half, Duke’s focus shifted to maintaining their rhythm without Flagg. The injury has now raised significant concerns about his availability for the rest of the ACC Tournament and, more importantly, for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Flagg, who has been projected as one of the top players in this year’s NBA Draft, had already established himself as one of the brightest young talents in college basketball. His all-around game—marked by his ability to score, rebound, defend, and pass—had made him a standout on a Blue Devils team that had already shown signs of becoming a powerhouse under Scheyer’s leadership.
If Flagg is unable to return, Duke will face a tough challenge in the coming weeks. However, the Blue Devils are no strangers to adversity. With a deep roster and experienced leadership, they will look to adapt and make the necessary adjustments to remain competitive.
As for Flagg, the Duke coaching staff will continue to monitor his injury closely, hoping for the best while preparing for all possible outcomes. The news of his recovery will be crucial for the Blue Devils’ chances, as they aim to make a statement in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament in the coming weeks.
