Duke basketball fans are anxiously awaiting news on Cooper Flagg, the standout forward who's been sidelined due to an ankle injury. Flagg, considered one of the top prospects for the upcoming NBA draft, has been pivotal for the Blue Devils, leading the team with impressive stats this season. During the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament, he suffered the injury against Georgia Tech, raising questions about his availability as the NCAA Tournament approaches.
Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed optimism about Flagg's prospects of returning. "From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead," Scheyer said during Sunday’s bracket reveal. He emphasized the team's commitment to getting Flagg back on the court as soon as possible. "Our goal is for Friday, no question about it. I know that's his goal as well," Scheyer added, indicating the urgency felt by the team as they prepare for their first NCAA Tournament game against the winner of Mount St. Mary's and American University.
Flagg's injury had fans holding their breaths, especially when he had to be carried off the court. The sprain occurred during the first half of the Blue Devils' win over Georgia Tech, leading to concerns about his status as the tournament loomed. Medical assessments confirmed the ankle sprain, forcing him to miss both the semifinals and finals of the ACC Tournament, which the Blue Devils managed to win, securing their No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.
Despite his absence, his contributions this season have not gone unnoticed. Flagg leads the team with averages of 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing his all-around skills on the court. His presence is expected to be invaluable for Duke as they look to advance past early rounds of the tournament, particularly with potential matchups against teams known for their competitiveness, such as Mississippi State or Baylor.
Outside of basketball, some changes are also occurring within the Flagg family. Kelly Flagg, Cooper's mother, recently signed with Dr. Scholl’s for their “Sole Support: Moms of Sports” campaign—her first endorsement deal. She expressed her belief her son would return to play very soon. "I will expect to see him—yes—very soon," she told Front Office Sports, clearly echoing the optimism of coach Scheyer.
Kelly also humorously noted the coincidence of her endorsement coming at the time her son is recuperation from his injury, mentioning how Dr. Scholl’s products had been beneficial for her family over the years. She said, "We may need to see what products we can help him out with,” indicating her son's recovery is on track. The family dynamic also seems to be shifting as they have decided to sit out filling out tournament brackets for the first time in many years—an indication of just how serious they take Cooper's tournament run.
Cooper Flagg's expected return is not just about another game; it holds significant weight for the Duke basketball program and its aspirations this season. Flagg's performance could heavily influence how far they progress through the tournament bracket. For his teammates and coaching staff, his presence or absence could dictate the outcome of closely contested games. Fans can look forward to the tipping off of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, with Duke playing at 2:50 PM ET at the Lenovo Center.
If Flagg can take the court, it’s likely he will boost the Blue Devils' chances significantly as they contend for another national title. With him back on the floor, Duke looks poised to make waves during the tournament, enhancing the excitement around March Madness. The success of the Blue Devils might hinge on the quick recovery of one of college basketball's brightest stars. Stay tuned as fans eagerly anticipate his return.
