Cooper Flagg left the game during the ACC tournament quarterfinal between Duke and Georgia Tech due to an ankle injury. This unfortunate incident happened just before halftime as he tried to secure a rebound. After landing awkwardly, doctors quickly attended to him, and he needed assistance to go to the locker room for further evaluation.
Duke informed fans that Flagg was "doubtful" to return as the second half began. Compounding their troubles, teammate Maliq Brown also suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the game.
Despite the setback, Flagg managed to walk out of the locker room without a boot and took a seat on the bench for the rest of the game. At halftime, Duke was trailing 31-26 and struggled offensively, missing their first 13 three-point attempts and shooting just 36.7% from the field. Flagg scored only two points, hitting 1-of-7 shots before leaving the court.
Flagg, 18 years old, is a standout player. Experts forecast him to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. In his freshman year, he amassed several accolades: ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and first-team honors among others. These achievements highlight his exceptional talent and potential future in professional basketball.
Fan reactions have poured in on social media, with many expressing concern for Flagg’s health and hoping for a speedy recovery. His impact on the game is significant, and his absence is keenly felt by both fans and teammates.
In recent reports, injury rates in college basketball have gained attention. According to a survey by the NCAA, injuries among college athletes, particularly in high-contact sports like basketball, continue to be a pressing concern. This raises questions about player safety and the protocols in place for managing injuries during tightly contested games.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Flagg’s situation unfolds and how it might affect Duke’s chances of advancing in the tournament. For more on the latest updates regarding NCAA sports injuries, check out this NCAA report.
This incident highlights both the unpredictability of sports and the incredible resilience of young athletes like Flagg.
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Source linkGeorgia Tech,Cooper Flagg,ankle injury,Blue Devils,Jacob Kupferman,Duke,the Duke
