Cooper Flagg Cleared to Play as Duke Blue Devils Gear Up for NCAA Tournament Opener
The Duke Blue Devils received a major boost ahead of their NCAA Tournament campaign as star freshman Cooper Flagg has been given the green light to play in their first-round matchup against No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s. The highly anticipated tournament opener is set to take place at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday.
Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. His absence cast a shadow over Duke’s tournament hopes, but the news of his recovery and readiness to play has injected a renewed sense of optimism into the Blue Devils program.
The freshman sensation himself expressed confidence in his ability to perform at his best. "I’m really confident about going 100% in the first round of the NCAA Tournament," Flagg told The New York Post on Thursday, allaying any lingering concerns about his fitness. He further elaborated on the process of his recovery, explaining that initial scans provided positive results. "I had an MRI, X-Ray, both of those looked really good. So, from then it was just moving on, pain-tolerance type of things, just getting the recovery and treatment that I needed."
Flagg’s rigorous rehabilitation involved a gradual reintroduction to basketball activities. He explained that he was working to regain strength and mobility in his ankle through practice sessions and individual workouts. A full practice session on Wednesday served as the final confirmation that he was ready to return to competitive action.
The initial concern surrounding Flagg’s injury was palpable among Duke fans, who understood the pivotal role he plays in the team’s success. The possibility of entering the NCAA Tournament without their star player was a daunting prospect, potentially jeopardizing their chances of making a deep run.
Despite Flagg’s absence, Duke demonstrated their resilience by navigating the ACC Tournament and ultimately claiming the championship title. Their triumph was achieved even without the presence of starting forward Maliq Brown, who continues to recover from a dislocated shoulder.
Head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the cautious approach taken in Flagg’s recovery. He revealed that Flagg had expressed a desire to play in the ACC title game, but the coaching staff opted to prioritize his long-term health and hold him out. Scheyer’s primary focus was ensuring that Flagg could move without any compensatory movements that could lead to further complications.
"He wasn’t going to play if he was compensating," Scheyer explained, underscoring the importance of a safe and gradual return. He acknowledged that Flagg would likely still experience some residual discomfort. "Look, no matter what (with) an ankle sprain… to say he’s 100% tomorrow, he has to work through that a little bit still. But he’s not compensating. We built him up slowly and really progressed him the right way, but he’s ready to go."
The return of Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly a major positive for Duke, bolstering their chances of making a significant impact in the NCAA Tournament. His presence provides a significant lift on both ends of the court, with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive capabilities making him a true game-changer.
Flagg’s outstanding performance throughout the 2024-25 season earned him consensus All-American honors. He is also considered the frontrunner for Player of the Year accolades. His statistics speak volumes about his impact on the game, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Remarkably, Flagg leads the team in each of these statistical categories, highlighting his all-around dominance and importance to the Blue Devils.
The news of Flagg’s return has been met with widespread excitement and anticipation within the Duke basketball community. Fans are eager to witness his performance on the national stage as he leads the Blue Devils into the NCAA Tournament. While an ankle sprain is always a cause for concern, the fact that he is not compensating and has been progressively integrated back into practice signals that he is ready to contribute significantly.
Adding to the excitement surrounding Duke’s tournament run, former Blue Devil star Seth Curry has publicly praised Cooper Flagg, describing him as "wise beyond his years." Curry’s endorsement further underscores the immense potential and talent that Flagg possesses.
The Blue Devils’ journey through the NCAA Tournament will undoubtedly be closely watched by basketball fans across the country. With Cooper Flagg back in the lineup, Duke possesses the firepower and determination to contend for the national championship.
However, despite the optimism surrounding Flagg’s return, Duke still faces challenges. Maliq Brown’s continued absence due to his dislocated shoulder leaves a gap in the team’s frontcourt rotation. Overcoming this obstacle will require other players to step up and contribute.
Furthermore, the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament means that no victory is guaranteed. Duke will need to remain focused and execute their game plan effectively in order to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
The Blue Devils’ opening game against Mount St. Mary’s will be a crucial test. It will provide an opportunity for Flagg to shake off any remaining rust and for the team to establish their rhythm and confidence. A strong performance in the first round will set the stage for a potentially deep and memorable tournament run.
