The college basketball world seemingly came to a standstill on March 13, 2025, as Duke's star freshman Cooper Flagg went down with a left ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal against Georgia Tech. Just moments before his injury, teammate Maliq Brown also suffered his second dislocated shoulder, leaving the top-ranked Blue Devils with serious questions heading to the semifinals.
Flagg, the projected number one pick for the upcoming NBA draft, landed awkwardly after securing a rebound with just 2:46 remaining in the first half. The sprain sent him crashing to the floor, writhing in pain. Brown had earlier been instrumental for Duke, but his own misfortune struck when he was forced to leave the game after colliding with Georgia Tech's Naithan George.
Head Coach Jon Scheyer characterized Flagg’s chances of returning as “a real long shot,” emphasizing the need to prioritize his long-term health over immediate game needs. “X-rays were negative, which is great,” Scheyer noted, “but Flagg was already dealing with swelling.” Flagg had entered Thursday’s game averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, and lightening his absence was bound to impact Duke’s postseason run.
The Blue Devils narrowly managed to defeat Georgia Tech 78-70 after trailing 26-17 early on. “Obviously, it’s tough to see them go down. But it’s basketball; it happens,” said guard Tyrese Proctor. Proctor noted the team would need to step up defensively, reflecting Duke’s resilient mindset even as players grapple with the ramifications of losing their star freshman and defensive anchor.
Brown had just returned from the same dislocated shoulder injury less than a week before the quarterfinal game, underscoring the fragility of the Blue Devils' lineup. Scheyer’s concerns go beyond just Flagg's potential absence for the semifinals; the total impact on Duke's roster hinges on how both players can recover. Brown’s unique ability to guard multiple positions effectively means his injury leaves openings on the defense.
Scheyer expressed mixed sentiments about Flagg's condition. “It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow,” he said. “We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run.” This pragmatic approach highlighted the importance the coaching staff places on preparing for the NCAA Tournament looming just around the corner.
Teammates reacted swiftly to the injuries on the court, demonstrating the strong bond within the Blue Devils’ roster. “It hurt just to see one of my brothers go down. We all just want to see each other play ball. No matter the circumstances, we’ll keep playing,” said freshman wing Isaiah Evans. The emotional toll was evident, as the team regrouped to secure their quarterfinal win.
Despite their victory, Duke is now faced with tough decisions. A path forward without Flagg and Brown could require significant shifts to their game plan, relying more heavily on players such as Mason Gillis and Patrick Ngongba. Duke’s solid performances throughout the season backed by statistical rankings of 128.7 points per 100 possessions and 89.9 defense efficiency have kept them competitive.
Flagg's potential absence is poised to affect more than just the upcoming games. His performance has garnered attention for individual accolades, and the Wooden Award race could sway based on how Flagg fares throughout March Madness. Coach Scheyer acknowledged the paradoxical nature of the sport: careers can pivot dramatically based solely on the health of players and the unknowns of postseason tournaments.
With Selection Sunday drawing near, Duke’s seeding could waver depending on how the committee evaluates their performance lacking Flagg and Brown. Observers wonder if Duke can retain their expected number one seed if they advance without both players. Industry analysts are already speculating possible adjustments to their bracket placement.
Reflecting on the challenges at hand, Scheyer remains optimistic about his injured players. “I know how Cooper is wired. I would have to be convinced by everyone about whether he should play at all. It’s about his long-term health,” said Scheyer, providing insight not just on game strategy, but on player well-being. The team must navigate through these uncertainties as they prepare to face either Wake Forest or UNC on March 14, 2025.
While Duke walked off the court victorious against Georgia Tech, the shadow of uncertainty looms large over their NCAA aspirations. Players and fans alike remain hopeful for quick recoveries as they anticipate their chances to compete for glory, with all eyes now on the status of their star player, Cooper Flagg, and defensive stalwart, Maliq Brown. Only time will tell how this drama plays out, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for the beloved Blue Devils as they aim for another title run.