Cooper Flagg’s Ankle Injury Shakes Duke’s ACC Tournament Run
The Duke Blue Devils secured a hard-fought 78-70 victory over Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, but the win came at a cost. Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, the ACC Player of the Year and one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball, suffered a left ankle sprain late in the first half. The injury sent shockwaves through the arena and left fans anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.
Flagg’s injury occurred as he went up for an uncontested rebound. Upon landing, his left foot awkwardly landed on the foot of Georgia Tech’s Darrion Sutton, causing him to crumple to the floor in pain. The 6-foot-9 forward immediately grabbed his ankle, visibly distressed, and was helped off the court by teammates. He was later seen being wheeled to the X-ray room for further evaluation.
Despite the injury, Duke managed to rally in the second half, showcasing their depth and resilience. However, Flagg’s absence was felt, as the Blue Devils struggled to find their rhythm early in the game. The team’s ability to overcome adversity without their star player speaks volumes about their championship potential, but the question on everyone’s mind is: How long will Flagg be sidelined?
X-Rays Negative, but Swelling Raises Concerns
Initial reports from Duke’s medical staff confirmed that X-rays on Flagg’s ankle were negative, ruling out any fractures. However, significant swelling around the ankle has raised concerns about the severity of the sprain. Head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the media after the game, stating, “Cooper has a sprained ankle, and we’ll monitor his progress over the next few days. The swelling will determine his timeline for recovery.”
Flagg’s return to the bench in the second half without a boot or crutches was a positive sign, but he did not re-enter the game. His presence on the sidelines, however, seemed to inspire his teammates as they mounted a comeback. Kon Knueppel led the charge with a game-high 28 points, while Khaman Maluach and Isaiah Evans contributed 14 points each.
The injury comes at a critical juncture for Duke, who are projected to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Flagg’s availability could significantly impact their championship aspirations. The freshman sensation has been the cornerstone of Duke’s success this season, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His versatility on both ends of the floor has made him a nightmare for opponents and a favorite for national player of the year honors.
Maliq Brown’s Shoulder Injury Adds to Duke’s Woes
While Flagg’s injury dominated headlines, Duke also lost another key player during the game. Maliq Brown, a versatile defender and vital cog in the Blue Devils’ rotation, dislocated his right shoulder in the first half. Brown, who had recently returned from a three-week absence due to a similar injury, was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Brown’s absence further depleted Duke’s frontcourt depth, forcing Scheyer to rely on his bench players to step up. The 6-foot-9 forward has been instrumental in Duke’s defensive schemes, and his ability to guard multiple positions has been a key factor in their success.
The dual injuries to Flagg and Brown have raised questions about Duke’s ability to navigate the remainder of the ACC tournament and prepare for the NCAA tournament. While the team has shown resilience in the face of adversity, the loss of two key players could prove challenging as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks.
Flagg’s NBA Draft Stock Remains Unaffected
Despite the injury, Cooper Flagg’s status as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft remains unchanged. The 18-year-old phenom has been a dominant force in college basketball, earning accolades such as ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and first-team All-ACC honors.
NBA scouts and analysts have long been enamored with Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. While the ankle injury is a setback, it is unlikely to deter teams from selecting him with the top pick.
Flagg’s journey to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. After growing up in Maine, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he solidified his status as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2024. His commitment to Duke in October 2023 was a major coup for the program, and he has lived up to the hype in his freshman season.
Duke’s Path Forward in the ACC Tournament
With Flagg and Brown sidelined, Duke will need to rely on their depth and experience as they advance in the ACC tournament. The Blue Devils are set to face the winner of the Wake Forest vs. North Carolina matchup in the semifinals, a game that promises to be a tough test for the injury-plagued squad.
Coach Scheyer emphasized the importance of staying focused and adapting to the challenges ahead. “We’ve faced adversity all season, and this is no different. Our guys are resilient, and we’ll continue to fight for each other,” he said.
Duke’s ability to overcome injuries and maintain their dominance will be a key storyline as the tournament progresses. The team’s depth and talent have been on full display this season, but the absence of their star player could prove to be a significant hurdle.
FAQs About Cooper Flagg’s Injury
1. What is the extent of Cooper Flagg’s injury?
Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle sprain during Duke’s ACC tournament game against Georgia Tech. X-rays were negative, but significant swelling has raised concerns about his availability for upcoming games.
2. Will Cooper Flagg play in the NCAA tournament?
Duke has not provided a definitive timeline for Flagg’s return. His status will depend on the severity of the swelling and his recovery progress over the next few days.
3. How does Flagg’s injury impact Duke’s championship hopes?
Flagg is a cornerstone of Duke’s success, and his absence could significantly impact their performance. However, the team has shown resilience and depth, which could help them navigate the challenges ahead.
4. Is Cooper Flagg still the No. 1 NBA Draft prospect?
Yes, Flagg’s injury is not expected to affect his status as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
5. What happened to Maliq Brown?
Maliq Brown dislocated his right shoulder during the same game and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. His status for the remainder of the tournament is uncertain.
Conclusion
Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury has cast a shadow over Duke’s ACC tournament run, but the Blue Devils have shown they are capable of overcoming adversity. As fans and analysts await updates on Flagg’s condition, the team’s resilience and depth will be put to the test in the coming weeks. Whether or not Flagg returns to the court, his impact on college basketball this season has been undeniable, and his future in the NBA remains as bright as ever.
Cooper Flagg being helped off the court after injuring his ankle.
For more updates on Cooper Flagg’s injury and Duke’s tournament run, stay tuned to ESPN.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the latest available information and may be updated as new details emerge.
