RALEIGH, N.C. — The heart of the Duke Blue Devils' aspirations in the 2025 NCAA Tournament rests on the shoulders of freshman star Cooper Flagg, who has been cleared to play after recovering from a left ankle injury. With their first game approaching against Mount St. Mary's, Flagg expressed optimism and readiness, stating, "I'm feeling pretty good. We have an incredible team, incredible training staff," during a press event at the Lenovo Center on Thursday.
Flagg, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, has been a pivotal player for the Blue Devils this season, averaging an impressive 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His performance has not only earned him accolades like the ACC Player of the Year but also a place on the Associated Press first-team All-American list. Yet, his journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, particularly the ankle injury he sustained in the ACC tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech.
After missing two critical games, Flagg confidently stated, "I feel really good, I'm really confident about going 100 percent tomorrow." He participated in a full practice on March 19, evidencing a pain-free recovery that has the coaches and fans alike hopeful for his return to form.
Coach Jon Scheyer weighed in on Flagg's condition, explaining that the team's medical staff had monitored him closely. "Cooper, for us, this is about him being able to move properly," Scheyer said. "He wasn't going to play if he was compensating or if he was — look, no matter what, an ankle sprain, to say he's 100 percent tomorrow, he has to work through that a little bit still. But he's not compensating." Scheyer shared that the break from competition might have benefitted Flagg, allowing him to regain explosiveness before the critical tournament stretch.
As the top-seeded Blue Devils ready to face No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s on Friday, March 21, at 2:50 p.m., there's a palpable buzz surrounding the game. Duke, with a stellar 31-3 record, is keen to make its mark in March Madness, especially with Flagg back in the mix. "The time off, I think, has helped him, his explosiveness, he's getting a little bit of rest," Scheyer noted, hinting at the potential advantages this break could offer as the tournament unfolds.
Flagg played an integral role in leading Duke throughout the season, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals—statistics that, if maintained, could make him the first freshman in NCAA history to lead a team in every major statistic. His absence had been felt during the ACC tournament, where the Blue Devils managed to claim the title despite having to rally without their star player.
Fans and analysts have eagerly anticipated Flagg’s performance in the tournament, especially considering the buildup following his injury. His past experiences with ankle injuries have equipped him with perspective, as he remarked, "I’ve rolled my ankle a good amount of times growing up playing basketball. Usually I'm able to just tie my shoe and walk it off. It was definitely a little bit of a different feeling as soon as I rolled my ankle this time." Fortunately, immediate X-rays and MRI results indicated the injury was not as severe as initially feared.
During Thursday’s practice, Flagg displayed his readiness, going through drills with no visible signs of discomfort and showcasing his shooting skills by repeatedly sinking three-pointers. His return signals a shifting dynamic for the Blue Devils as they gear up for a challenging tournament run.
With less than 24 hours until game time, anticipation builds, not just for Duke's chances but for what Flagg will bring to the court. The implications of his health stretch beyond a single game; they potentially shape Duke's fate in the tournament and the futures of the young athletes involved as they aspire for glory.
As March Madness kicks off, the return of Cooper Flagg marks a thrilling chapter for the Blue Devils. Will his prowess on the court translate into early victories for Duke? Only time will tell as fans and supporters of college basketball prepare for an exhilarating tournament filled with surprises, tension, and, undoubtedly, high-stakes performances from stars like Flagg.
