CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The excitement of the ACC Tournament took a hit when Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a scary injury during his first game. Shortly after he leaped for a rebound, he landed awkwardly, hurting his left ankle. This injury raised alarm bells for Coach Jon Scheyer and the team.
Just moments earlier, defensive player Maliq Brown had struggled off the court with a dislocated shoulder. These injuries come at a critical time, raising concerns about Duke’s chances as they prepare for March Madness.
Coach Scheyer described Flagg’s situation as a “real longshot.” Though Flagg is seen by many as a top contender for the next NBA draft, his availability for the upcoming semifinals is uncertain. Initial X-rays didn’t show any fractures, but he is dealing with significant swelling. “It’s not about being ready tomorrow,” Scheyer emphasized, highlighting the priority of rehabilitation for a deeper tournament run.
Teammates like Sion James expressed hope for Flagg’s speedy recovery, noting his toughness. “I haven’t seen him yet, but I really hope he feels better,” he said.
The injuries happened during a tense moment in the game. Flagg’s foot clipped an opponent’s foot as he came down from his jump, twisting his ankle painfully. He was distraught, showing visible signs of pain as he hobbled to the bench. Later, he was seen in a wheelchair but managed to rejoin his teammates for the second half, though he didn’t play.
Brown’s situation is equally concerning. He had just returned from a shoulder injury and played a crucial role in Duke’s strategy. Losing both Flagg and Brown would significantly impact Duke, particularly when they are among the best teams in the country, ranked highly for both offense and defense.
This season has been a rollercoaster for the Blue Devils. Injuries can change the course of a tournament, and teams have to adapt quickly. Players like guard Tyrese Proctor acknowledged the difficulties. “It’s tough to see them go down, but it happens. We’ll keep working and hope they return soon,” he said.
As college basketball gears up for the NCAA Tournament, teams like Duke understand the stakes are high. With fluctuating player health and unexpected injuries, every game can turn into a test of resilience. Current tensions mirror past seasons, where teams had to overcome similar hurdles to make deep tournament runs.
As fans eagerly wait for updates, the resilience and dedication of the players will be put to the test in the coming days. For now, the focus is on recovery and staying hopeful for a promising season ahead.
For more insights into college basketball and player health statistics, you can check out the NCAA’s official website.
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