Duke’s Tournament Hopes Rest on Cooper Flagg’s Return

Duke’s Tournament Hopes Hinge on Cooper Flagg’s Return

As the NCAA tournament looms large on the horizon, the Duke Blue Devils are charging forward with a sense of urgency and optimism. The team, under the guidance of coach Jon Scheyer, is eagerly anticipating the return of their star freshman, Cooper Flagg, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. In a conversation with ESPN on Sunday, Scheyer expressed his determination to have Flagg back on the court for Friday’s first-round game.

“From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead,” Scheyer confidently told ESPN’s Rece Davis. “I want to get Coop back as quickly as we can, and he wants to do the same. … So our goal is for Friday, no question about it. I know that’s his goal as well.”

Flagg, who is not only the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft but also the favorite to win the Wooden Award, suffered an unfortunate fall during the ACC tournament quarterfinal against Georgia Tech. The incident, which occurred during Duke’s 78-70 victory, saw Flagg awkwardly land on his left ankle, necessitating his removal from the court. Fortunately, X-rays were negative, but the injury kept him out of subsequent wins over North Carolina and Louisville, as the Blue Devils clinched the conference title and secured a coveted 1-seed in the NCAA tournament.

Monday marks a crucial day for Flagg’s recovery, as Scheyer noted that it would be the start of his on-court work. The plan is to “build up to where he can practice later in the week,” ensuring that Flagg is ready to contribute when Duke faces the winner of the First Four game between American University and Mount St. Mary’s on Friday.

The anticipation surrounding Flagg’s return is palpable, not just within the Duke camp but also among fans and analysts. His presence on the court is seen as pivotal to Duke’s success in the tournament. The Blue Devils and the ACC have been in communication with the NCAA tournament selection committee, assuring them that Flagg, the ACC Player of the Year, would be ready to play, as confirmed by Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of men’s basketball, in a statement to CBS on Saturday.

As the countdown to the tournament continues, the focus remains on Flagg’s recovery and readiness. The Blue Devils are hopeful that their star freshman will be able to make a significant impact, helping them navigate the challenges of the NCAA tournament. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on Duke and their quest for glory.

• Cooper Flagg’s injury status: X-rays negative, aiming for Friday return.
• Duke’s recent victories: Wins over North Carolina and Louisville.
• Upcoming match: Duke vs. winner of American University and Mount St. Mary’s.

As the excitement builds, the basketball world waits with bated breath to see if Flagg can lead Duke to triumph. The journey to the championship is fraught with challenges, but with Flagg’s potential return, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.