As March Madness approaches, excitement escalates around the Duke Blue Devils, largely due to the spotlight on freshman forward Cooper Flagg. Originally from Maine, Flagg is not only the standout player on his team but is also recovering from a sprained left ankle sustained during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament last week. Despite the circumstances, the anticipation for his performance in the NCAA tournament remains high.
When asked about Flagg's condition, Duke Coach John Scheyer expressed optimism, stating that the team's goal was for him to play in their tournament opener scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025. “Hopefully 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,” he remarked during a Sunday interview. Notably, X-rays following the ankle injury were negative, reassuring fans and analysts alike that he will likely be ready for action.
Adding to the intrigue is Duke’s first matchup, which will take place at 2:50 p.m. in Raleigh, North Carolina, against a yet-to-be-determined No. 16 seed. Historically, No. 1 seeds have encountered only two No. 16 seeds that pulled off major upsets, one of which was Fairleigh Dickinson's shocking win over Purdue in the previous year's tournament. Regardless of Flagg's condition, Duke is expected to enter the game as the overwhelming favorite.
This year has been monumental for Flagg, as he led his team in all five major statistical categories during the regular season—a feat not achieved in the ACC for the past 25 years. His performance earned him ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year accolades, along with a spot on the conference’s All-Defensive Team. Additionally, Flagg was named a unanimous pick for the Associated Press All-America Team, further underlining his extraordinary talent. Matt MacKenzie, Flagg’s player development coach, shared insights about Flagg’s drive, stating, “His competitiveness is what fuels him. And his will to win just makes him so much better.”
Despite the pressure and challenges, including the recent ankle injury, Flagg's focus remains firmly planted on guiding Duke through a successful tournament run. He aspires to achieve what his mother, Kelly Flagg, accomplished during her time on the University of Maine women's basketball team, where she was pivotal in earning the program's sole NCAA tournament victory in 1999. Her legacy adds another layer of narrative as Cooper aims for his success in the tournament, reflecting on his family's basketball history.
In a time when high-level high school talent from states like Maine often faces skepticism about their potential, Flagg's rise has ignited hope and inspiration among young athletes back home. Kelly recently remarked, “Cooper has sort of broken the mold for what can happen for a kid from Maine,” emphasizing the shift in perception about what local athletes can achieve. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for youngsters like Quinn Pelletier, an eighth grader who scored 43 points in a recent high school basketball game. Pelletier expressed, “Cooper and Ace Flagg’s success definitely shows all the kids from Maine here that there really is a chance for us, and gives us a boost of confidence.”
Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg graces the cover of several publications, positioning him as the potential first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His exceptional on-court skills are complemented by a projected high valuation in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) space, where his current portfolio ranks him second only to University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning. This substantial NIL valuation enhances Flagg's marketability and underscores the shifting dynamics in college athletics, providing him a unique opportunity to remain in college without the immediate pressure to enter the professional arena.
As Cooper Flagg prepares for the NCAA tournament, the direction of his career might very well hinge on how he performs in this high-stakes environment. The NCAA tournament is a platform that can elevate a player's profile significantly, especially if they showcase remarkable skills in crucial moments. Observers anticipate potential electrifying matchups, particularly in the earlier rounds. Those closely following the Blue Devils hope that Flagg’s competitive spirit and tenacity will shine through on the court, regardless of the challenges he faces.
As excitement builds for March Madness, the spotlight on Cooper Flagg amplifies the significance surrounding his every move. With the tournament set to not only define the closing chapter of the college basketball season but also impact the futures of numerous athletes, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how this remarkable story unfolds. Whether Flagg's journey leads to NCAA glory or further opportunities in professional basketball, one thing is certain: he's already made a significant impact in the game and on young athletes, particularly those from Maine.
