Duke’s NCAA Tournament Hopes Ride on Cooper Flagg’s Ankle
For the fifteenth time in its storied history, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has earned a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a testament to their regular season dominance and consistent performance. However, the excitement surrounding this high seeding is tempered by a pressing concern: the health of star freshman guard Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, a consensus top prospect and widely considered one of the most impactful players in college basketball, has been sidelined for Duke’s last two games due to an apparent left ankle injury. The injury occurred during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, casting a shadow over Duke’s championship aspirations as they enter March Madness.
The timing of Flagg’s injury is particularly unfortunate. Not only is Duke preparing for a deep tournament run, but Flagg himself is in contention for the prestigious national player of the year award. He is engaged in a tight race with Auburn’s Johni Broome for the honor. If Flagg were to win, he would become the first freshman since Zion Williamson to achieve this feat, further cementing his legacy as a generational talent.
Duke’s NCAA Tournament journey is slated to begin on Friday, March 21, against the winner of the First Four matchup between No. 16 seeds American and Mount St. Mary’s. The game will be held at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, giving Duke a slight home-court advantage. American and Mount St. Mary’s will battle it out in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 19, for the right to face the Blue Devils.
The paramount question on the minds of Duke fans and basketball analysts alike is whether Flagg will be ready to play. Fortunately, early indications suggest that Flagg is expected to suit up for the NCAA Tournament.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer addressed Flagg’s status on ESPN’s "Bracketology" show following the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal. Scheyer expressed optimism about Flagg’s return, stating that the goal is for him to be available for the first-round game on Friday.
"From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead. I want to get Coop back as quickly as I can, and he wants to do the same," Scheyer said. "Obviously, tomorrow is important. Today was an off day, we got back late (from the ACC tournament)."
Scheyer outlined a plan for Flagg’s rehabilitation, indicating that he would begin on-court work the following day and gradually increase his activity level throughout the week. The ultimate aim is for Flagg to participate in practice sessions later in the week, paving the way for his return to the court on Friday.
Scheyer’s comments align with those of NCAA selection committee head Dan Gavitt, who previously stated that Flagg’s injury was not expected to affect Duke’s seeding in the tournament. Gavitt’s remarks provide further reassurance to Duke fans that Flagg’s absence will be temporary.
"What we understand from communication with Duke and the ACC is that Cooper Flagg will be available for the NCAA Tournament, so don’t expect that to impact their seeding," Gavitt said on Saturday.
Flagg’s injury occurred with 2:48 remaining in the first half of Duke’s ACC quarterfinal victory over Georgia Tech on Thursday, March 13. While attempting to secure a defensive rebound, Flagg appeared to land awkwardly, resulting in a rolled ankle.
The injury occurred after Flagg secured a defensive rebound. In the process of coming down from the rebound, Flagg seemed to land awkwardly, causing him to roll his ankle. He immediately clutched his ankle and displayed obvious discomfort as he hit the floor.
Flagg hobbled off the court and received immediate medical attention from Duke’s medical staff on the bench. He was then escorted to the locker room for further evaluation, including X-rays, which reportedly came back negative, according to Scheyer.
In light of Flagg’s injury, Duke opted to hold him out of both the ACC semifinal against North Carolina and the ACC championship game against Louisville. Scheyer acknowledged the long-shot nature of Flagg’s potential participation in those games, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his long-term health for the NCAA Tournament.
"To be honest with you, I would have to be, like, convinced by everybody in the locker room when I go back there that he should play. It’s not worth it. It just isn’t," Scheyer said on Thursday. "We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the tournament."
Scheyer later clarified that Flagg was diagnosed with a sprained left ankle. The negative X-ray results were a positive sign, but Scheyer cautioned that swelling and recovery time would be crucial factors in determining Flagg’s availability.
"Cooper, he just came down, sprained his ankle, X-rays were negative, which is great," Scheyer said. "We just have to understand there’s going to be swelling and see how he recovers and how he goes from there."
Cooper Flagg’s potential return is not just about his individual talent. His presence on the court elevates the entire Duke team. He is a dynamic player who contributes in multiple facets of the game. His scoring ability stretches defenses, creating opportunities for his teammates. His rebounding prowess gives Duke second-chance points and limits opponents’ possessions. His defensive tenacity disrupts opponents’ offenses and generates turnovers.
Flagg’s absence during the ACC tournament exposed vulnerabilities in Duke’s lineup. While the team managed to secure victories, their performance lacked the fluidity and dominance that characterized their regular season play. The return of Flagg would undoubtedly restore a sense of confidence and stability to the Blue Devils.
The team’s performance in the NCAA Tournament hinges on Flagg’s health. A fully healthy Flagg makes Duke a legitimate contender for the national championship. A hobbled or absent Flagg significantly diminishes their chances of making a deep run.
As the clock ticks down to Friday’s first-round game, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg. His ability to recover from his ankle injury will dictate Duke’s fate in the NCAA Tournament. Duke’s fans are hoping that he will be ready to lead the Blue Devils on another championship run.
