The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament title game against the Louisville Cardinals, but the mood is somewhat somber as they contend without star freshman Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 phenom suffered an ankle sprain during the quarterfinals against Georgia Tech on March 13, 2025, and is sidelined for the pivotal matchup on March 15, 2025.
Flagg's injury came as he attempted to secure a rebound, landing awkwardly on his left ankle. Initially, the situation appeared concerning enough to require wheelchair assistance for transport to the locker room, igniting fears among fans and teammates alike. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed post-game after the Duke victory over North Carolina—a nail-biting affair won by just three points—that Flagg would also miss the finals. "He’s not going to play [Saturday]. He can’t play. But our goal is to have him ready for the tournament," Scheyer stated.
Despite missing the semifinals and the upcoming title game, Flagg’s shadow looms large over the Blue Devils, who find themselves battling for the ACC Championship without their leading player. His offensive and defensive prowess has been evident all season, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Not only has he been Duke’s statistical leader, but his contributions have significantly helped the Blue Devils achieve their impressive 30-3 record and establish dominance with a 19-1 mark within the ACC.
Fortunately for Duke fans, the NCAA’s senior vice president for men’s basketball, Dan Gavitt, provided uplifting news during his CBS appearance on March 15, confirming Flagg will be available for March Madness: "What we understand from communication with Duke and the ACC is Cooper Flagg will be available for the NCAA tournament, so don’t expect his injury to impact their seeding." This news offers hope as the Blue Devils eye the upcoming NCAA Tournament, potentially on course to receive a No. 1 seed.
The immediate concern now lies with the performance of the remaining team members as they prepare to face Louisville for the ACC crown. The team will need to fill the void left by Flagg, who has been instrumental for Duke, especially during high-pressure games. Notably, Duke displayed resilience against North Carolina, even when leading by as many as 24 points before narrowly escaping defeat.
Cooper Flagg’s absence has provided other players, such as freshman Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, the opportunity to step up. Knueppel led the team against North Carolina with 17 points, demonstrating the depth and talent within the Blue Devils' roster. Maluach also made significant contributions, finishing with 13 points and nine rebounds, showcasing the ability of the team to adapt even without their star.
The cloud of uncertainty surrounding Flagg initially evoked fears among college basketball fans—considered not only the standout player for Duke but also potentially the No. 1 overall pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. His injury, particularly with conflicting opinions post-diagnosis, raised eyebrows, but the positive outlook following X-ray results, which revealed no significant damage, calmed some nerves.
Looking at the bigger picture, the program's ambitions toward winning their sixth national championship hinge greatly on Flagg’s health. Scheyer emphasized after the game against North Carolina, "It’s not worth it for Duke to play Flagg again this week when they have larger ambitions." The objective is clear: secure Flagg's full recovery to maximize his impact during March Madness.
With the NCAA Tournament looming, the Blue Devils are focused on maximizing their strategy and ensuring every player is ready for the intense competition to come. Flagg's anticipated availability is expected to factor heavily as they prepare for their first game on March 20, 2025, against yet-to-be-determined opponents.
Meanwhile, Louisville awaits, poised for battle against Duke. The Cardinals will likely use Duke's setbacks to their advantage in the title game, but the Blue Devils remain undeterred, gearing up to battle for their place at the top of the ACC. Regardless of Saturday's outcome, the looming presence of March Madness has the potential to reinvigorate hopes around Flagg’s miraculous recovery and return to the court.
One thing is certain: Cooper Flagg's next move will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and competitors alike. With the world of college basketball holding its breath, the real question remains—how will the Blue Devils fare without their star, and how quickly can he rejoin the fray as they march toward the NCAA Championship?