Duke basketball star Cooper Flagg, who injured his ankle during the ACC tournament, will be back for the NCAA tournament, according to Dan Gavitt, the NCAA’s senior vice president of men’s basketball. This reassurance came during a CBS broadcast, where Gavitt mentioned that both Duke and the ACC informed the selection committee about Flagg’s recovery.
Flagg is a key player and currently projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He had to be carried off the court after his accident in a game against Georgia Tech. Thankfully, X-rays showed no serious damage. However, he missed Duke’s next games, including the ACC title match against Louisville.
The Blue Devils also face concerns about another player, Maliq Brown, who suffered a shoulder injury that might keep him out for a while. During the matchup against North Carolina, Flagg supported his teammates from the sidelines as they clinched a victory, showcasing the team’s strong spirit despite the injuries.
Duke’s season has been impressive, with notable wins over teams like Arizona and Auburn. Their record of 19-1 in the ACC gives them a solid foundation as they approach the NCAA tournament. The team’s past success, including their national title win in 2015 under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, adds to the pressure and expectation surrounding them.
Head Coach Jon Scheyer is optimistic about Flagg’s recovery. He shared that Flagg is working hard to be ready, though he noted that Flagg wouldn’t play in the ACC title game due to the injury. As the NCAA tournament looms, it’s crucial for Duke to have their star player at peak performance.
In the world of college basketball, player health can significantly impact team performance. A recent survey by the NCAA found that injuries affected nearly 20% of teams during tournament season last year. Managing player health and recovery is now more critical than ever.
As Duke prepares for the challenges ahead, fans are eager to see if Flagg and his teammates can rally together and push towards another successful tournament run.
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