Duke Star Cooper Flagg Suffers Left Ankle Injury in ACC Tournament Game
In a dramatic turn of events, Duke Blue Devils’ standout freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal game against Georgia Tech on Thursday. The incident occurred with 2:46 remaining in the first half, as Flagg attempted to secure a defensive rebound and landed awkwardly on his left leg, twisting his ankle at an uncomfortable angle. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, as Flagg clutched his ankle in pain and required assistance from teammates to leave the court.
Initial Reaction and Injury Details
Flagg’s reaction to the injury was one of frustration and pain. He punched a chair on the bench and screamed before being escorted to the locker room for further evaluation. The injury was severe enough that Flagg was unable to put much weight on his leg, and he was later seen being wheeled off in a wheelchair with his left shoe removed. This visual underscored the potential seriousness of the injury and raised concerns about Flagg’s availability for the remainder of the ACC Tournament and the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Replays of the incident showed Flagg rolling his ankle as he came down from the rebound, immediately grabbing the area of injury while writhing in pain on the court. The injury occurred at a critical moment in the game, with Duke trailing Georgia Tech 26-17. Despite Flagg’s absence, the Blue Devils managed to rally in the second half, ultimately securing a 78-70 victory over the Yellow Jackets.
Impact on Duke’s NCAA Tournament Prospects
Flagg’s injury has significant implications for Duke’s chances in the NCAA Tournament. As the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and the frontrunner for National Player of the Year, Flagg is an indispensable part of the Blue Devils’ lineup. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and blocks, making him a crucial component of Duke’s strategy.
The Blue Devils are currently projected to be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but Flagg’s injury could potentially alter their seeding if it is deemed serious enough to keep him sidelined for an extended period. CBS Sports Bracketologist Jerry Palm noted that if Flagg misses significant time, it could impact Duke’s seeding, though if he only misses this game, it might not be a major concern.
Team Response and Support
Despite the setback, Duke showed resilience by coming back to win the game without Flagg. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome his absence was a testament to their depth and determination. However, the long-term implications of Flagg’s injury remain a significant concern.
Flagg’s teammates and coaches have expressed support for him, acknowledging the importance of his role in the team’s success. The Blue Devils’ coaching staff will likely be cautious with Flagg’s recovery, ensuring that he is fully healed before returning to action, especially given the high stakes of the NCAA Tournament.
Injury Update and Future Outlook
As of now, Flagg’s status for the remainder of the ACC Tournament is uncertain. He was ruled out for the second half of the game against Georgia Tech and was seen in a wheelchair, which heightened concerns about the severity of the injury. The swelling in his ankle was reportedly significant, as observed when he emerged from the X-ray room still in a wheelchair.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of Flagg’s injury and how it might affect Duke’s postseason run. If Flagg is unable to participate in the NCAA Tournament or is limited by his injury, it could significantly impact Duke’s chances of advancing deep into the bracket.Cooper Flagg’s left ankle injury has cast a shadow over Duke’s promising season, raising questions about their ability to contend for the NCAA championship without their star player at full strength. As the Blue Devils move forward, they will need to rely on their depth and team cohesion to overcome this setback. The resilience shown in their comeback victory over Georgia Tech is a positive sign, but the true test will come in the games ahead, where Flagg’s absence could be deeply felt.
