Cooper Flagg’s Ankle: A March Madness Saga for Duke’s Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils, soaring high as the top seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, find themselves shadowed by a major question mark: the availability of star freshman Cooper Flagg. The apparent left ankle injury Flagg sustained during the ACC quarterfinals against Georgia Tech has cast a pall over Duke’s championship aspirations. Flagg has yet to see game action since suffering the injury.
Despite the injury to Flagg and another concern regarding Maliq Brown’s dislocated left shoulder, the Blue Devils showcased their resilience by capturing the ACC championship. That victory solidified their position as a number one seed in the upcoming tournament.
College basketball analyst and legend Jalen Rose offered his insights on the situation, speaking to Fox News Digital on behalf of Fanatics Sportsbook. Rose emphasized the significant impact of Flagg’s potential absence on Duke’s chances of success.
"Yes, it’s the NCAA Tournament," Rose began, responding to a question about whether Flagg’s injury could lead to an early exit for Duke. "The one thing about the separation between teams, it isn’t as mighty when you’re without your best player, who might be the number one pick in the [2025 NBA] Draft. That’s just how this works." Rose concludes with a grim outlook "So, yes, they could be in trouble if he doesn’t come back."
Flagg’s importance to the Blue Devils’ pursuit of a national title is undeniable. He leads the team in scoring (18.9 points per game) and rebounding (7.5 rebounds per game), demonstrating his all-around excellence. His contributions extend beyond those two statistics. He also leads Duke in assists (4.1 per game), steals (1.5 per game).
Rose believes that Duke must carefully consider how they handle Flagg’s recovery. It’s a delicate balancing act between getting their star player back on the court and risking further injury. "If you’re him and them, you don’t want to rush him back, because you don’t want him to be out there for one half, or even one game, and not be able to make a long tournament run," he cautioned.
However, Rose also pointed out that Duke’s status as a basketball powerhouse means they have other talented players ready to contribute. "So, that’s why they recruit other All-Americans," he said. "That’s why they’re one of the great programs in the history of collegiate basketball. They got other great players on the team. They’ve got to hold it down for their guy until he gets back."
Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer offered an optimistic update on Flagg’s condition following Duke’s 73-62 victory over Louisville in the ACC Tournament final. "I think it’s trending in a great way where Cooper will be ready to go right away in the NCAA Tournament," Scheyer declared.
Scheyer’s statement provides a glimmer of hope for Duke fans, but the uncertainty surrounding Flagg’s ankle remains.
Analyzing the Impact of Flagg’s Potential Absence
If Cooper Flagg is unable to play or is limited in his effectiveness, Duke will have to rely on other players to step up. Players like Jeremy Roach, Kyle Filipowski, and Tyrese Proctor will need to shoulder a heavier load on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Each player has different strengths and weaknesses and it will be interesting to see who raises their play.
Duke’s offensive strategy will likely undergo some adjustments if Flagg is sidelined. They may need to emphasize their inside game more, relying on Filipowski’s post presence and Roach’s ability to drive to the basket. Their three-point shooting, which can be streaky at times, will become even more critical. Proctor’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates will also be crucial.
Defensively, Duke may need to become more reliant on their team defense and rebounding. Flagg’s absence would be a blow to their ability to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. Their ability to protect the paint and limit second-chance opportunities will be vital to their success without Flagg.
Duke’s Path Through the Tournament
Duke’s first-round opponent will be the winner of the First Four matchup between American and Mount St. Mary’s. Regardless of their opponent, Duke will need to establish their dominance early in the game. This is especially important if Flagg is limited or unavailable.
In the second round, Duke could face a more formidable opponent, potentially including teams like James Madison. The Dukes will need to be sharp on both ends of the court. Any lapse in concentration or execution could prove costly.
As the tournament progresses, Duke will face increasingly challenging opponents. Potential matchups against teams like Kentucky, Houston, and Purdue loom large. Duke will need to be at their absolute best to navigate through these tough contests and reach the Final Four.
The Importance of Team Chemistry and Leadership
In the face of adversity, team chemistry and leadership become even more critical. Duke’s players will need to support each other, both on and off the court. Jeremy Roach, as the team’s veteran leader, will need to play a crucial role in keeping the team focused and motivated.
Coach Scheyer’s leadership will also be essential. He will need to make the right adjustments to the team’s strategy and rotations. He will also need to instill confidence in his players and ensure that they are ready to perform at their best.
The story of Duke’s journey through the NCAA Tournament will depend greatly on Cooper Flagg’s health. Regardless of Flagg’s status, the Blue Devils’ success will depend on the collective effort of the entire team. They will need to play with passion, determination, and a unwavering belief in their ability to achieve their goals.
