Cooper Flagg Out for ACC Championship Game, Duke’s Tournament Hopes Hang in the Balance

The college basketball world has been fixated on Cooper Flagg throughout the 2024-25 season, and rightfully so. The Duke freshman sensation has not only met the immense hype surrounding his arrival in Durham, but has arguably exceeded it. As the top-ranked prospect in the 2024 recruiting class and the widely projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Flagg has been the driving force behind a Blue Devils team that has achieved historic statistical success, boasting an impressive 30-3 overall record heading into the ACC Championship game. His impact has been undeniable.

Flagg’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He recently earned ACC Player of the Year honors, solidifying his place among the nation’s elite. He is now considered a leading contender for national player of the year awards, alongside Auburn’s standout big man, Johni Broome. Duke’s success has been inextricably linked to Flagg’s dominance on both ends of the court, and his presence has instilled a sense of confidence and invincibility within the team.

However, the seemingly perfect narrative surrounding Flagg’s freshman season took an unexpected turn earlier this week, throwing a wrench into Duke’s championship aspirations. During the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, a moment of sheer misfortune struck. Late in the first half, Flagg landed awkwardly while contesting a rebound, resulting in an ankle injury that forced him to leave the game. Initial assessments revealed no structural damage, but coach Jon Scheyer confirmed it to be a significant sprain, injecting a heavy dose of uncertainty into the Blue Devils’ future at this critical juncture of the season.

The immediate question on everyone’s mind: What does Flagg’s injury mean for Duke as they prepare to face Louisville in the ACC Championship game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte? The answer, unfortunately for Duke fans, is not encouraging.

Coach Scheyer announced in a postgame press conference following Duke’s hard-fought victory against archrival North Carolina in the ACC semifinals that Flagg will be unable to participate in the championship game against Louisville. "As far as Cooper goes, he’s doing better," Scheyer stated. "Sprained ankle, all the imaging came back negative. He sprained it pretty good, though. It’s a good sprain. I’m not breaking any news. He’s not going to play (Saturday). He can’t play. But our goal is to have him ready for the tournament. But we need to see how this weekend goes with the swelling and what he can do."

This news is a significant blow to Duke’s chances of securing the ACC title. Flagg’s absence leaves a gaping hole in their lineup, both offensively and defensively. His scoring prowess, rebounding tenacity, and playmaking ability are all irreplaceable. Without him, the Blue Devils will need other players to step up and fill the void, a task that will be far from easy.

Adding to Duke’s woes, Scheyer also revealed that junior forward Maliq Brown, a vital cog in the Blue Devils’ defensive machine, will also be sidelined for the championship game. Brown re-dislocated his shoulder in the win against Georgia Tech, a reaggravation of an injury he sustained earlier in the season against Virginia. Brown’s absence further weakens Duke’s defensive capabilities and limits their options on the frontcourt.

Despite the significant setbacks, Duke managed to overcome North Carolina in the ACC semifinals, albeit in a nail-biting fashion. After building a commanding 24-point lead in the second half, the Blue Devils nearly squandered their advantage, ultimately holding on for a narrow 74-71 victory. This win completed a three-game season sweep of the Tar Heels and may have effectively extinguished their Tobacco Road rivals’ NCAA Tournament hopes.

The upcoming matchup against Louisville presents a unique challenge for Duke. In their only previous encounter this season, the Blue Devils secured a 76-65 road win, with Flagg leading the charge with a team-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. However, foul trouble limited his playing time to just 28 minutes in that game. Without Flagg on the court, Louisville will undoubtedly focus their defensive efforts on Duke’s other offensive threats, making it crucial for players like Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, and Mark Mitchell to elevate their game.

The injury that sidelined Flagg occurred during a seemingly innocuous play in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. As he leaped for a rebound on a missed Georgia Tech 3-pointer, his left ankle twisted at an unnatural angle upon landing, causing him visible pain. He was immediately attended to by team trainers and subsequently helped off the court, eventually being transported to the locker room in a wheelchair for further evaluation.

While the X-rays came back negative, Scheyer emphasized the severity of the sprain and deemed Flagg’s participation in the semifinal game against North Carolina a "long shot." His priority is to ensure Flagg’s long-term health and availability for the NCAA Tournament.

"I would have to be, like, convinced by everybody in the locker room when I go back there that he should play," Scheyer said. "It’s not worth it. It just isn’t. Again, he was swollen already. It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow. That’s not the most important thing for us. We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the tournament."

Flagg’s statistics speak volumes about his impact on the court. The 6-foot-9 Maine native is averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and all-around skill set. He is also shooting efficiently from the field (48.8%), from 3-point range (36.8%), and from the free-throw line (83%). Defensively, he has been equally impressive, averaging 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. It is a well rounded game that is hard to replace.

Despite his exceptional defensive contributions, Flagg narrowly missed out on winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, an award that ultimately went to Louisville guard Chucky Hepburn. This underscores the depth of talent within the ACC and highlights the challenges that Duke will face in the championship game without Flagg’s defensive presence.

The question now becomes, can Duke overcome the absence of their star player and secure the ACC Championship? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Blue Devils will need a collective effort from their remaining players to step up and fill the void left by Cooper Flagg. Their NCAA tournament hopes are highly dependant on getting him back.