Cooper Flagg's Injury Shakes Duke's ACC Tournament Hopes
With Selection Sunday right around the corner, the basketball world has been rocked by a major development—Duke's standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, suffered a sprained ankle during the Blue Devils’ ACC Tournament quarterfinal clash against Georgia Tech. The injury, which took place late in the first half, left fans and analysts alike speculating about his availability for the remainder of the tournament and beyond.
It was a tense moment in Charlotte’s Spectrum Center when Flagg, leaping for a rebound, landed awkwardly and immediately crumpled to the floor, clutching his left ankle. His teammates and Duke’s medical staff rushed to his aid as he struggled to put weight on his foot. The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath as Flagg was eventually escorted off the court with visible discomfort.
Also Read:The initial fear was palpable, especially given Flagg's immense importance to Duke’s success this season. Fortunately, x-rays came back negative, confirming that he suffered a sprain rather than a more severe injury. However, head coach Jon Scheyer made it clear that Flagg’s return for the ACC semifinals was highly unlikely.
“We just have to understand there's going to be swelling and see how he recovers,” Scheyer explained in the post-game conference. “It’s not worth risking his long-term health. Our focus is getting him right for the NCAA Tournament.”
Though he was later seen walking without assistance, the decision to sideline him for the rest of the game underscored Duke’s caution. Despite his absence, the Blue Devils rallied in the second half to secure a 78-70 victory over Georgia Tech.
Flagg’s injury comes at a crucial time for Duke, a team that has dominated much of the ACC season and is considered a strong contender in March Madness. With a showdown looming against either Wake Forest or North Carolina in the semifinals, all eyes are on Flagg’s recovery. If he remains sidelined, Duke will need other key players to step up in his absence.
For now, the Blue Devils and their fans can only hope that their star freshman makes a swift and full recovery before the real madness of March begins.
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