Cooper Flagg’s Injury Puts Duke’s ACC Tournament Hopes in Jeopardy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Duke Blue Devils are facing a significant challenge as they head into the ACC tournament semifinals. Coach Jon Scheyer has expressed serious doubts about the availability of their freshman star, Cooper Flagg, due to an ankle sprain. Scheyer described Flagg’s chances of playing as a “real long shot,” a sentiment that has left fans and analysts alike concerned about Duke’s prospects.
Flagg’s injury occurred during the first half of Duke’s 78-70 quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech. The top-ranked Blue Devils were already dealing with adversity when Flagg rolled his left ankle. The incident happened as he went up for an uncontested rebound, only to have his left foot clip the foot of Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo. The awkward landing sent Flagg crashing to the court, clutching his ankle in pain.
Flagg, who has been a standout player for Duke, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the regular season, was visibly distressed. He hobbled off the court and was later seen in a wheelchair, a sight that no Duke fan wanted to see. Despite returning to the bench in the second half, Flagg did not re-enter the game.
Coach Scheyer emphasized the importance of Flagg’s health for the upcoming 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.” He reiterated that Flagg’s participation in the semifinals is highly unlikely, saying, “He may not be able to go anyway. He probably won’t be able to go anyway. But I think it’s a real long shot, a real long shot.”
Adding to Duke’s woes, the team also lost Maliq Brown in the first half. Brown, a key reserve and versatile defender, dislocated his left shoulder and was taken to the hospital. His absence is another blow to Duke’s championship aspirations, especially with March Madness just around the corner.
As the Blue Devils prepare for the semifinals, the question on everyone’s mind is how long they might be without these two crucial players. Duke, with a record of 29-3, was projected as the likely No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament. They had been on a roll, winning eight straight games before the ACC tournament. However, the injuries to Flagg and Brown have cast a shadow over their recent success.
- Cooper Flagg: Averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the regular season.
- Maliq Brown: Key reserve and versatile defender, recently returned from a shoulder injury.
- Duke’s Record: 29-3, projected as the likely No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament.
The Blue Devils were trailing 26-17 late in the first half when Flagg’s injury occurred. His absence was felt immediately, as he is not only the ACC’s player and newcomer of the year but also a pivotal part of Duke’s strategy on both ends of the court.
As the team and fans await further updates on Flagg and Brown, the focus shifts to how Duke will adapt to these challenges. The Blue Devils have a deep roster, but the loss of two key players could test their resilience and depth as they aim for ACC and NCAA glory.
In the world of college basketball, injuries are an unfortunate reality, and Duke’s current predicament is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. As the ACC tournament continues, all eyes will be on the Blue Devils to see how they navigate this unexpected hurdle.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
