Cooper Flagg Returns: Duke’s Star Ready for NCAA Tournament Run

The Duke Blue Devils are heading into the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a renewed sense of optimism as their star freshman guard, Cooper Flagg, is set to make his return to the starting lineup. Flagg, a Naismith National Player of the Year candidate, has been sidelined with a sprained left ankle, forcing him to miss Duke’s ACC Tournament semifinal and championship games. However, all signs point to his availability as the No. 1 seeded Blue Devils prepare to face No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s in the first round.

The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Friday, March 21, at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, and fans are eager to see Flagg back on the court leading the charge. Despite the injury setback, Flagg remains a dominant force for Duke, leading the team in scoring (18.9 points per game), rebounding (7.5), assists (4.1), and steals (1.5). His impressive shooting percentage of 48.8% from the field further underscores his offensive prowess.

Flagg’s absence in the ACC Tournament undoubtedly impacted Duke’s performance, and his return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Duke coach Jon Scheyer has expressed his confidence in Flagg’s readiness, stating that the plan was always to have him back for the tournament opener.

"From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead," Scheyer said during an appearance on ESPN’s "Bracketology" show. "I want to get Coop back as quickly as I can, and he wants to do the same. Our goal is for Friday. No question about that."

Flagg himself has also conveyed his positive outlook, assuring fans that he is feeling good and confident about his ability to contribute. "I’m feeling pretty good," Flagg said during a media availability. "We have an incredible team, incredible training staff, so we’ve been working through the steps of just getting back, getting to 100 percent. I’m very confident moving forward."

The injury occurred during the first half of Duke’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech on Thursday, March 13. Flagg landed awkwardly after securing a defensive rebound, causing him to fall to the court in visible pain. He was subsequently taken to the locker room for further evaluation, and X-rays later revealed that there was no fracture.

While the X-rays came back negative, Flagg was ruled out for the remainder of the game and missed the subsequent two contests in the ACC Tournament. However, the time off appears to have been beneficial, allowing him to rest and recover.

Scheyer emphasized the importance of the rest period in Flagg’s recovery, stating that it has helped him regain his explosiveness. "The time off, I think, has helped him, his explosiveness, he’s getting a little bit of rest," Scheyer said. "We built him up slowly and really progressed him the right way, but he’s ready to go. In his mind, he was ready last weekend, but he wasn’t. But he’s been itching to get out there."

The return of Cooper Flagg is not only a significant development for Duke but also a major storyline heading into the NCAA Tournament. As one of the most highly touted freshmen in the nation, Flagg has captured the attention of basketball fans with his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and court awareness. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset for the Blue Devils.

Duke’s first-round opponent, Mount St. Mary’s, earned their spot in the tournament by defeating American University in the First Four. While they may be a No. 16 seed, they should not be underestimated. However, with Flagg back in the lineup, Duke is expected to be a formidable opponent, capable of making a deep run in the tournament.

The Blue Devils are aiming to add another national championship to their storied program history, and Flagg’s presence will be crucial to their success. His leadership, scoring ability, and defensive intensity will be vital as they navigate the challenges of March Madness.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils. Can Flagg lead his team to victory and solidify his status as one of the nation’s top players? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the return of Cooper Flagg has injected a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation into the NCAA Tournament.