Duke University emerged victorious in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament this season, yet the team's journey took an unexpected turn when freshman sensation Cooper Flagg was sidelined due to an injury. Flagg exited in the first half of the quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech on Thursday, March 13, 2025, leaving both fans and teammates concerned.
His mother, Kelly Flagg, shared insights about her son's struggles following the injury in an interview with People magazine. "I know it was really hard for him to feel helpless and not be out there with his team," she said. Even under the bright lights of March Madness, this setback has tested the resilience of the freshman standout.
During the quarterfinal game, Flagg experienced a painful fall. After vying for a rebound, he landed awkwardly on the foot of Georgia Tech's Darrion Sutton. Kelly recalled her immediate reaction, saying, "I was like, 'Oh, no, how can this be happening now?' He got through the entire season fairly injury-free, other than he got poked in the eye, he had some cramping, but nothing major that sidelined him." This was a pivotal moment for both Cooper and the team, as he had been a key contributor to their successes throughout the season.
After the incident, Cooper was seen sitting on the bench for several minutes before being helped to the locker room. Notably, during halftime, he was taken in a wheelchair to undergo X-rays, prompting even more concern among fans and family members. It was a nervous moment for the team, as they understood the weight of his absence.
Looking ahead, Duke is gearing up for a significant upcoming challenge. As the number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Blue Devils will begin their March Madness journey on Friday, March 21, 2025. They are set to face off against the winner of a play-in game between the University of the American and Mount St. Mary's College. This match is not only pivotal for Duke but also comes with the added benefit of being close to home, as Raleigh, North Carolina, is only a short distance from their campus.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer expressed optimism regarding Cooper Flagg's recovery, stating, "From my perspective, it's full steam ahead. I want to get Coop back as quickly as I can, and he wants to do the same. Obviously, tomorrow is important. Today was an off day; we got back late from the ACC Tournament." Scheyer's commitment to getting Flagg back on the court is clear, and he added, "We are hoping he can start to progress starting tomorrow with doing some on-court work and then build up to where he can practice later in the week. Our goal is for Friday. No question about that."
The expectations are high, as Flagg's influence has been monumental for the Blue Devils this season. His skill and determination have played a significant role in the team's success, making the prospect of his return crucial. Cooper Flagg is expected to suit up for Duke's first-round contest, bringing renewed hope to fans and teammates alike.
As the countdown to March Madness continues, all eyes will be on Flagg. After several days of uncertainty since his injury, the anticipation surrounding his potential playing status is palpable. The Blue Devils have shown they can rise to the occasion, even without their star player. However, having Cooper Flagg back on the court could be the boost they need to advance deep into the tournament.
In the world of college basketball, injuries can bear a heavy toll on teams, but a collective response from teammates often unveils their true character. Kelly Flagg believes in the power of this adversity to shape her son and his team positively. “But I think in the long run, this may end up working out well for our team because the other guys really stepped up and they played great without him, and it gave them some confidence,” she noted.
As they prepare for their NCAA Tournament campaign, the Duke Blue Devils' resolve, combined with the potential return of Cooper Flagg, paints a hopeful picture for their chances at success. Will the team capitalize on this momentum? As diehard fans, students, and alumni rally behind them, March Madness is sure to be a rollercoaster ride filled with emotions, hope, and basketball magic.
The future is bright for Duke as they navigate the upcoming tournament. Whether Flagg's recovery allows him to return for the crucial first games will significantly influence the outcome of this year's March Madness. The determination of the players to conquer adversity will be on full display as they take on the challenges that lie ahead.
