Duke University's Cooper Flagg is poised to be a crucial player in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, despite concerns surrounding his recent ankle injury.
After an impressive season, during which he averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, Flagg has drawn national attention. The freshman from Newport, Maine, is a key player for the Duke Blue Devils and has been recognized as a top contender for the National Player of the Year honors alongside Auburn's Johni Broome. Following his performance this season, which includes an unforgettable 42-point game against Notre Dame, expectations for Flagg's impact in March are enormous.
Flagg's journey took a concerning turn when he suffered an ankle sprain during Duke's victory over Georgia Tech on March 13, 2025. Consequently, he missed the final two games of the ACC Tournament, which Duke remarkably went on to win. Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer, expressed hope regarding Flagg’s recovery. “From my perspective, it's full steam ahead,” Scheyer stated, emphasizing his desire for Flagg to return in time for the tournament's opening round.
Other notable players in the mix include Florida and Auburn, both of whom have made headlines alongside the Blue Devils. Oddsmakers have Duke listed as favorites to win the national championship, with +320 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook. This was confirmed by Seamus Magee, a college basketball trader at BetMGM, who stated, “We expect action to pour in on Duke if Flagg can play.”
Duke’s main rival for the NCAA Tournament is now Auburn, who secured the No. 1 overall seed despite Duke's strong performance throughout the season. The selection committee decided to place Auburn at the top, even as concerns lingered about Duke's efficiency without Flagg in the lineup.
Despite the injury scare, Flagg's family remains optimistic. Kelly Flagg, Cooper's mother, recently reassured fans about her son's health, saying, “He’s feeling great.” In the meantime, Duke's victory over Louisville in the ACC Tournament showed that the team is capable of overcoming obstacles, showcasing depth and resilience.
Duke's path to the national championship appears favorable but challenging. With potential Sweet 16 matchups that may include powerhouse teams like Arizona and Alabama, they will need Flagg back in peak form. As the team gears up for the tournament, analysts remain divided on how far Duke can go depending on Flagg’s availability.
Analyzing Duke’s trajectory reveals that recent performances have shifted perceptions of critical players. Flagg’s teammate, Toby Fournier, also a freshman sensation, has been praised for her versatility. She ended the season averaging 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, having shown an ability to rise to the occasion following disappointing performances. Fournier's contributions include impressive games where she scored over 20 points, reinforcing her role in Duke's young talent lineup.
In summary, Duke’s roster features an exciting mix of youth and talent with players like Flagg and Fournier leading the charge. As they prepare for March Madness, fans are keenly watching Flagg's recovery with hopes pinned on both him and the team to fulfill their championship aspirations.
