Duke University’s men’s basketball team has been navigating the NCAA tournament with a singular focus: ensuring the swift return of star freshman Cooper Flagg. Flagg, widely regarded as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a leading candidate for the Wooden Award, suffered a significant ankle injury during the ACC tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. The injury occurred when Flagg fell awkwardly on his left ankle, necessitating assistance off the court. While X-rays revealed no fractures, he was sidelined for Duke’s subsequent victories over North Carolina and Louisville in the ACC tournament.
In the face of this setback, Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, has remained optimistic about Flagg’s recovery and return to play. Speaking to ESPN, Scheyer expressed a sense of urgency and confidence, stating, “From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead.” He emphasized the mutual goal of getting Flagg back on the court promptly, adding, “I want to get Coop back as quickly as we can, and he wants to do the same.” Scheyer outlined a cautious yet hopeful approach, mentioning plans for Flagg to begin on-court activities to “build up to where he can practice later in the week.” The coach confirmed that the target was for Flagg to participate in the team’s first NCAA tournament game on Friday.
Duke’s confidence in Flagg’s imminent return is further underscored by communications with the NCAA tournament selection committee. Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of men’s basketball, noted that both Duke and the ACC had informed the committee of Flagg’s expected readiness to play.
Flagg’s potential return is pivotal for Duke’s aspirations in the NCAA tournament. In his 32 games this season, he has averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. His all-around contributions have been instrumental in Duke’s success, making his presence in the tournament crucial for the team’s championship aspirations.
As Duke prepares for their upcoming game against the winner of the First Four matchup between American University and Mount St. Mary’s, the basketball community remains attentive to Flagg’s recovery. His return would not only bolster Duke’s lineup but also add to the excitement of March Madness, as fans anticipate the performance of one of college basketball’s most dynamic talents.
