Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech on Thursday. The highly-touted Blue Devils forward had to be assisted off the court early in the game after going up for an uncontested rebound and coming down awkwardly on an opponent’s foot. At that moment, Duke was trailing 26-18 late in the first half, and Flagg was seen limping toward the bench, visibly in pain.
As the game continued, Flagg was transported to the X-ray room in a wheelchair at halftime for further evaluation.
Shortly after, he returned to the bench on his own, walking without the support of a medical boot, offering a glimmer of hope for the team and fans. However, it was later confirmed that he would not return to action for the remainder of the game.
The star freshman, who has been a pivotal player for the Blue Devils and was recently named ACC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, was clearly frustrated by the injury.
Star Freshman Cooper Flagg Leaves Game with Ankle Injury
Cameras caught Flagg grimacing as he hobbled to the sideline, pounding a chair in frustration before sitting down for a brief period. His disappointment was evident as Duke trailed Georgia Tech, 26-21, at the time of his injury.
After initial tests, Duke’s medical staff determined that while X-rays came back negative, there was significant swelling in Flagg’s ankle, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Given his crucial role as both a defensive powerhouse and an offensive catalyst for Duke, his potential absence could impact the team’s championship aspirations.
In addition to Flagg’s injury, the Blue Devils faced another setback as 6-foot-9 forward Caleb Brown suffered a dislocated ankle, which was reportedly a recurrence of a prior injury.
Brown, who had just returned to action after a three-week absence, was transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation.The Farewell to Oliver Miller Remembering the NBA Giant After His Passing may his soul rest in peace.
Despite these challenges, Duke managed to pull off an impressive comeback victory against Georgia Tech, extending their winning streak to nine games and solidifying their position as the top-ranked team heading into the NCAA Tournament.
The team remains hopeful that Flagg’s injury is not severe and that he can recover in time to contribute to their championship run.
Duke fans and analysts will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Flagg’s condition, as his presence on the court is considered instrumental to the team’s success.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the young star will be ready to return for the tournament and help lead the Blue Devils in their pursuit of another national title.
Here’s a Q&A format using the long-tail keywords:
1. What is the latest injury update on Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg suffered an ankle injury during Duke’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech. While X-rays came back negative, there is significant swelling, and his status for the upcoming NCAA Tournament remains uncertain.
2. Is Cooper Flagg playing in the NCAA Tournament?
As of now, Cooper Flagg’s availability for the NCAA Tournament is unclear. Duke has not confirmed a timeline for his return, and his participation will depend on his recovery from the ankle injury.
3. What is Cooper Flagg’s NBA Draft projection for 2025?
Cooper Flagg is widely projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Many analysts believe he has the potential to be a No. 1 overall selection due to his impressive skill set, size, and defensive abilities.
4. How long will Cooper Flagg be out with his injury?
The exact recovery timeline for Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury is currently unknown. While initial X-rays were negative, Duke has confirmed significant swelling, and his status will be monitored in the coming days leading up to the NCAA Tournament.
5. What is the latest news on Cooper Flagg’s injury and Duke basketball?
Duke is preparing for the NCAA Tournament, and the team remains hopeful that Cooper Flagg will recover in time to participate. The Blue Devils are closely monitoring his progress, and more updates on his condition are expected soon.
