Duke’s Cooper Flagg Cleared to Play in NCAA Tournament Opener Amid Injury Concerns
RALEIGH, N.C. – Duke Blue Devils fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, widely projected as the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft and a leading contender for national player of the year honors, has been cleared to play in the first round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament. The No. 1-ranked Blue Devils are set to face off against No. 16 seed Mount Saint Mary’s on Friday, and Flagg’s presence on the court significantly boosts their chances of advancing.
The news comes after Flagg suffered an ankle sprain a week ago during the ACC tournament quarterfinals, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial tournament. The injury occurred early in the game against Georgia Tech when Flagg jumped for a rebound and landed awkwardly on another player’s foot, twisting his left ankle.
"I’m feeling pretty good," Flagg stated, expressing optimism about his recovery. "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’s initial appearance was cause for concern, as Flagg was unable to put weight on his injured foot and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair for examination. However, subsequent tests revealed that Duke had managed to avoid a major setback to their star player.
Flagg confirmed that X-rays and MRIs provided reassuring results, allowing him to commence a return protocol this week. This rapid progress has been a welcome development for Duke, who are heavily reliant on Flagg’s contributions on both ends of the floor.
Head coach Jon Scheyer echoed Flagg’s positive sentiment, acknowledging the player’s eagerness to return to action. "In his mind, he was ready last weekend," Scheyer remarked. "But he wasn’t."
While Scheyer refrained from stating definitively that Flagg would be at full strength for Friday’s game, he emphasized the crucial fact that medical evaluations indicated Flagg was able to move properly on his left ankle without resorting to overcompensation. This is a vital aspect of the recovery process, as it minimizes the risk of further injury and ensures that Flagg can perform at his best.
Flagg participated in a full contact practice on Wednesday, a significant milestone in his return to play. Scheyer noted that Flagg’s performance in practice was encouraging. "He still has to work through it a bit still, but there’s no imbalance in the way he’s moving," Scheyer said. "He looked really good. He’s ready to go."
Flagg’s anticipated return provides a major boost to Duke’s championship aspirations. The 18-year-old freshman has been a dominant force, averaging an impressive 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability make him a difficult matchup for opposing teams. Flagg’s defensive prowess is equally important, as he is a disruptive presence who can guard multiple positions and protect the rim.
Despite the positive news surrounding Flagg, Duke is facing injury concerns with junior forward Maliq Brown. Brown injured his left shoulder in February and appeared to reaggravate it during the ACC tournament. While Scheyer did not completely rule out Brown’s participation in the NCAA Tournament, his comments suggested that the role player, who averages 17 minutes per game, will likely remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Brown’s absence would be a blow to Duke’s depth and defensive capabilities. He is a valuable contributor off the bench, providing energy, rebounding, and interior defense. His injury further underscores the challenges that teams face during the long and grueling college basketball season.
Despite the injuries to Flagg and Brown, Duke demonstrated its resilience and depth by winning the ACC tournament. Freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach stepped up in a significant way, showcasing the team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
"Sometimes injuries are bad luck, but it’s really an opportunity and that presented an amazing opportunity to show our toughness in a critical moment," Scheyer said. "With that said, we need (Flagg) and we are a lot better with him. But it gave us more confidence in what we can do."
Knueppel and Maluach’s emergence provides Duke with additional offensive firepower and interior presence, which will be crucial as they navigate the NCAA Tournament. Knueppel is a sharpshooting guard who can stretch the floor, while Maluach is a talented center who can score in the paint and protect the rim.
Duke’s victory in the ACC tournament has solidified their status as a national championship contender. With Flagg expected to play a significant role and other players stepping up to fill the void left by injuries, the Blue Devils have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their combination of talent, experience, and coaching makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
As Duke prepares to face Mount Saint Mary’s in the first round, they are focused on taking one game at a time and maintaining their composure under pressure. The NCAA Tournament is known for its unpredictability, and Duke understands the importance of staying focused and executing their game plan. With Flagg leading the way, the Blue Devils are confident in their ability to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a national championship. The road to the Final Four is long and arduous, but Duke has the talent and determination to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
