RALEIGH, N.C. — Duke University declared its freshman star Cooper Flagg ready to return to action just in time for the NCAA Tournament. Flagg, who had sprained his left ankle in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, is set to play as the Blue Devils, the No. 1 seed in the East Region, begin their tournament campaign against No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s.
Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed that Flagg carries no injury designation and will be active for the first-round game scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 2:50 p.m. ET, at the Lenovo Center. “I’m feeling pretty good,” Flagg remarked Thursday during a news conference, expressing confidence about his ability to perform at 100%. “We have an incredible team, incredible training staff, and I’ve been working through the steps of just getting back to full health.”
Flagg’s injury occurred late in the first half of Duke’s victory over Georgia Tech on March 13, 2025, which led to him missing the subsequent games of the conference tournament. However, he watched his team rally to win the ACC title with impressive back-to-back wins against North Carolina and Louisville.
Despite his absence, the Blue Devils showcased their depth, with freshman guard Kon Knueppel averaging 21.0 points during the tournament, earning MVP honors in the process. “It was a great opportunity for our guys to step up,” Scheyer said. “With every injury, there’s a chance for others to shine, and that gave us a lot of confidence going forward.”
During Duke’s practice on Wednesday, March 19, Flagg participated fully, displaying no signs of discomfort. He expressed the emotional strain he felt while sidelined. “I hated every second of not being able to play, but these guys made it easy for me to watch them execute on the court and dominate the game,” he said.
Flagg is a consensus All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and widely considered the probable No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, leading Duke in multiple categories: points (18.9 PPG), rebounds (7.5 RPG), assists (4.1 APG), steals (1.5 SPG), and blocks (1.3 BPG). With Flagg back in the lineup, Duke aims to make a deep run in March Madness.
Coach Scheyer was cautious about Flagg's complete readiness but emphasized the importance of the freshman’s ability to move properly without compensating for the injury. “He looked really good during practice, but we still want to ensure he’s fully comfortable taking contact. The time away might even have benefitted him,” he stated. “Ankle sprains can be tricky, but he’s handling things well.”
As Duke prepares for their opener versus Mount St. Mary’s, the stakes are high. The Blue Devils, standing at an impressive 31-3, are determined to leverage Flagg’s abilities as they pursue the championship. The first-round match comes paired with heightened anticipation from fans and players alike, as Cooper Flagg resumes his role as a key player for the team.
While the situation looks promising for Flagg, fellow junior Malik Brown’s status remains uncertain. Brown, who had previously sustained a shoulder injury, is still at risk for the upcoming games. Nevertheless, the depth shown by Duke has prepared the team to adapt in his absence as well.
The matchup against Mount St. Mary’s marks not only a significant game for Flagg but also serves as a testament to Duke’s resilience and capability to overcome challenges. The Blue Devils are ready to showcase the depth of their roster as they dive into the tournament with renewed energy from Flagg's return.
As fans flood the arena to support their team, the anticipation builds not just for a game but for witnessing a potential star’s return to form as he navigates through the pressure of March Madness. This is just the beginning for the Blue Devils, and they aim to prove themselves on the national stage again.
In a season filled with highs and lows, Cooper Flagg epitomizes the drive and determination necessary for success in the NCAA Tournament. The excitement surrounding his comeback helps galvanize not only his teammates but also Blue Devil fans everywhere as they gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating journey through March Madness.
