Cooper Flagg’s Return and Seth Curry’s Insights on March Madness
The Duke Blue Devils and their legions of fans are holding their breath, eagerly anticipating the return of their star freshman, Cooper Flagg, to the hardwood for the NCAA Tournament. Flagg, a projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick, suffered an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his availability for March Madness. While his presence is highly desired by experts and fans alike, Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, and the medical staff have been carefully navigating a delicate balance between ensuring Flagg’s health and maximizing the team’s chances of success.
The potential impact of further injury on Flagg’s future professional career looms large. With the NBA Draft just months away, any setback could jeopardize his standing as the top overall pick. However, the allure of chasing a national championship at Duke is a powerful motivator.
Seth Curry, a former Blue Devils guard himself, understands the gravity of this situation. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Curry emphasized the unique draw of playing for Duke, stating that "one does not go to Duke and not want to play for a national title." He believes Flagg is fully aware of this and is determined to rejoin his teammates in their quest for a championship run.
"There’s a reason he came to Duke, came to college when, honestly, he didn’t really have to in the first place," Curry explained. He highlighted the significance of the ACC Tournament and March Madness, emphasizing that "this is his time."
Flagg possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism that makes him a prototype for the modern NBA star. His ability to score, pass, and defend at a high level has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players.
Curry witnessed Flagg’s talent firsthand during Charlotte Hornets training camp at Duke’s facility before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. "I’m loving everything I’m seeing from him," Curry exclaimed. He was particularly impressed by Flagg’s competitiveness, leadership, and maturity. "Seeing just his competitiveness, it’s as good as it gets, especially from a young guy. He’s not afraid to go out there and take control, and his leadership has been good, too. You can tell from those practices."
Curry is confident that Flagg will excel in the NBA, but he believes the college experience, especially at a program like Duke, offers something invaluable. "He’s going to be fine in the NBA, it’s more than about setting yourself up for the future," Curry said. "It’s about those experiences and the reason you go to college, and specifically, you go to play for Duke. This is the time of year why you do that. This is his opportunity to leave his legacy on that campus and that program, like we all did."
The memories and bonds forged during a tournament run with teammates are priceless, according to Curry. He recognizes Flagg’s desire to play and contribute to the team’s success.
Coach Scheyer confirmed Flagg’s eagerness to return, revealing that the star freshman had expressed his desire to play in the ACC Championship game. However, the team opted to prioritize his long-term health and ensure his availability for the NCAA Tournament.
Fans will soon find out if Flagg is ready to take the court on Friday, when the Blue Devils face No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s.
Beyond basketball, Seth Curry is also focused on another March Madness tradition: cooking up delicious snacks. He shared his family’s go-to recipe, "Curry Caviar," which features Bush’s Beans. According to Curry, his wife, Callie Rivers, introduced him to this healthy and addictive snack. "It’s honestly something we make in our house every year around this time. It’s healthy, you can snack on it all day for a week straight after we make it. It’s top notch," he says.
This year, Bush’s is celebrating family recipes with the "Your Fam on a Can" campaign. Fans can personalize cans with their family names and recipes. "With the family name in the front, and the recipe card on the back, Curry’s delectable delight and many more family recipes can shine just like the players on the court this tournament season," the article states.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg. His performance, combined with the wisdom and experience of former Blue Devils like Seth Curry, promises to make this March Madness one to remember. Whether Flagg dominates or not, his presence adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s tournament. Duke fans are certainly hoping that he can not only play but lead the team to a deep tournament run. Only time will tell if he and his team can live up to the high expectations, but the stage is certainly set for a thrilling ride.
