Cooper Flagg Exits with Ankle Injury in Duke’s ACC Tournament Opener. Here’s What We Know
Duke’s ACC Tournament opener on Wednesday took a concerning turn when freshman star Cooper Flagg was forced to exit the game after suffering an ankle injury in the first half. The injury, which occurred during a fast break, left fans, teammates, and coaches anxious as the Blue Devils’ hopes of a deep tournament run now hinge on the health of their standout freshman.
The Incident
Flagg, who has been one of the most impressive freshmen in college basketball this season, was playing his usual dynamic game in the first half when the injury occurred. After securing a defensive rebound, Flagg pushed the ball up the court and appeared to land awkwardly as he changed direction. It was a seemingly innocuous play, but Flagg immediately grimaced and grabbed at his right ankle, signaling that something was wrong. He was quickly helped to the sidelines by the medical staff, and after a brief evaluation, it was determined that he would not return to the game for the rest of the half.
The entire Duke bench seemed to hold its breath as Flagg limped off the court, with many players showing visible concern. The cameras captured the somber mood of the situation, with head coach Jon Scheyer also visibly distressed as he spoke with his staff. Flagg’s injury was a significant blow to a Duke team that relies heavily on his scoring, playmaking, and defense.
The Impact on the Game
Without Flagg on the court, Duke struggled to find its rhythm in the opening half. The Blue Devils were facing a competitive opponent, and while players like Kyle Filipowski and Tyrese Proctor stepped up to keep the team competitive, there was no replacing Flagg’s presence. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute offensively has been crucial for Duke’s success this season, and his absence created a noticeable void.
The Blue Devils trailed by a slim margin at halftime, and the coaching staff had to quickly adjust their game plan to account for Flagg’s injury. Filipowski, who has been Duke’s primary offensive weapon throughout the season, found himself carrying a heavier load in Flagg’s absence. Proctor, the team’s point guard, also had to handle more ball-handling duties while Duke’s bench depth was put to the test.
“I’m proud of the way our guys responded,” said Coach Scheyer after the game. “It’s never easy when you lose a key player like Cooper, but we’ve got a lot of confidence in our team. We’ll take it one game at a time and hope for the best.”
What We Know About the Injury
As of now, the severity of Flagg’s ankle injury remains unclear. Duke’s medical staff continues to evaluate the freshman, and updates are expected as they gather more information. There is no official word on whether Flagg will return to the tournament or if the injury will affect his availability for the NCAA Tournament, which is just around the corner.
The initial prognosis will likely depend on how Flagg responds to treatment and how much swelling and pain persist in the coming days. Ankle injuries are notoriously tricky, particularly for players who rely on quick lateral movements and explosive jumps, such as Flagg. It’s unclear whether the Blue Devils will have to proceed without their star player for the rest of the ACC Tournament, or if he will be able to return after a brief recovery period.
Looking Ahead
Duke fans will be on edge as they await further updates on Flagg’s condition. The freshman has been one of the most exciting players in college basketball, and his health is crucial not only for Duke’s ACC Tournament run but also for their aspirations in the NCAA Tournament. If Flagg is unable to return, Duke will rely even more heavily on players like Filipowski and Proctor, as well as others who will need to step up in his absence.
While the uncertainty surrounding Flagg’s injury looms large, Duke’s focus remains on moving forward in the ACC Tournament, with hopes that their star player will be back on the court soon to help them chase an ACC title and beyond.
