Duke University men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer has expressed strong confidence in freshman star Cooper Flagg’s readiness for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Flagg, who suffered a sprained left ankle during the ACC quarterfinals against Georgia Tech on March 13, has since recovered and is expected to play in Duke’s tournament opener against Mount St. Mary’s on Friday.
Scheyer emphasized the team’s commitment to getting Flagg back on the court, stating, “From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead. I want to get Coop back as quickly as we can, and he wants to do the same… Our goal is for Friday. There’s no question about it.”
Flagg’s return is significant for Duke, as he has been a pivotal player throughout the season. The freshman forward leads the team in several statistical categories, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His versatility and impact on both ends of the floor have been widely recognized, with former head coach Mike Krzyzewski praising him as “the best player in the country.”
Despite Flagg’s absence in the ACC Tournament, Duke secured the championship by defeating Louisville 73-62. This victory highlighted the team’s depth and resilience, as other players stepped up to fill the void left by Flagg’s injury.
Looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament, Duke enters as a No. 1 seed with a 31-3 record. Their first-round matchup is against No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s, who earned their spot by defeating American. Mount St. Mary’s will need to leverage their three-point shooting and transition game to challenge Duke’s size and talent effectively.
The anticipation surrounding Duke’s tournament run is heightened by Flagg’s potential impact. His all-around play and leadership are expected to bolster Duke’s pursuit of another national championship. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Flagg’s performance and its influence on Duke’s success.
