Duke’s Injury Woes: Flagg and Brown’s Uncertain Future in ACC Tournament
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Duke Blue Devils, a team that has been riding high on a wave of success, now finds itself in a precarious position as it heads into the ACC tournament semifinals. The reason? Injuries to two of their key players, Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown, have cast a shadow over their championship aspirations.
In a recent game against Georgia Tech, Duke’s freshman sensation Cooper Flagg suffered a significant setback. Flagg, who has been a standout performer for the Blue Devils, rolled his left ankle during the first half of their 78-70 quarterfinal win. The injury occurred when Flagg went up for an uncontested rebound and appeared to have his left foot clip the foot of Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo, causing his ankle to roll grotesquely. The sight of Flagg crashing to the court, clutching his ankle, was a moment of collective breath-holding for Duke fans.
Flagg’s absence was immediately felt as he hobbled off the court and headed to the locker room. Although he returned to the bench in the second half, he did not play again. Duke coach Jon Scheyer has since expressed doubt about Flagg’s availability for the semifinals, describing it as a “real long shot.” Scheyer emphasized the importance of getting Flagg ready for the NCAA tournament, stating, “It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow. That’s not the most important thing for us. We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the [NCAA] tournament.”
Flagg, who was named the ACC’s player and newcomer of the year, has been a pivotal player for Duke, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the regular season. His potential absence is a significant blow to the Blue Devils’ lineup.
Adding to Duke’s injury woes is the situation with Maliq Brown, who dislocated his left shoulder during the same game. Brown, known for his defensive prowess, was taken to a nearby hospital after the injury. His ability to switch screens, guard multiple positions, and disrupt the opponent’s offense has been crucial for Duke. The uncertainty surrounding his return only compounds the challenges facing the team.
As Duke (29-3) prepares for the semifinals, the team is grappling with the reality of these injuries. “We worried about it after the game,” said Duke guard Tyrese Proctor. “Obviously it’s tough to see them go down. But it’s basketball, it happens. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to get them right and they’re going to be good and we’ll just continue to play our game.”
Despite these setbacks, Duke remains a formidable force, having been projected as the likely No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. The Blue Devils had won eight straight games before the ACC tournament, and their resilience will be tested as they navigate these injury challenges.
- Cooper Flagg: ACC’s player and newcomer of the year
- Maliq Brown: Defensive whiz with a dislocated shoulder
- Duke’s record: 29-3
- Next game: ACC tournament semifinals
As the Blue Devils regroup, the focus will be on recovery and strategy. The team will need to adapt and find ways to compensate for the potential absence of Flagg and Brown. The road ahead is uncertain, but Duke’s determination and depth will be key factors in their quest for success.
Graduate guard Sion James summed up the sentiment, saying, “Cooper’s one of the toughest guys I know. I haven’t gotten a chance to see him or talk to him but I really hope he’s feeling a lot better.”
As the ACC tournament continues, all eyes will be on Duke to see how they handle these challenges. The Blue Devils’ resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as they aim to maintain their top-ranked status and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
