Duke Blue Devils Aim for NCAA Glory with Cooper Flagg’s Return

SYRACUSE, New York – The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for the NCAA Tournament with hopes of ending a decade-long championship drought, set against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding their standout freshman, Cooper Flagg. Duke, a No. 1 seed in the East Region, begins its quest for the national title this week at the JMA Wireless Dome, after dominating the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament.

Flagg, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, has been recuperating from an ankle injury sustained last week, casting a shadow over the Blue Devils’ championship aspirations. “We need Cooper back, but this team has proven to be resilient,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, whose tenure has yet to yield a national title following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s era.

Duke’s first game is set against the winner of a First Four matchup between American University and Mount St. Mary’s on March 22. The Blue Devils will play their opening weekend games in Raleigh, North Carolina, giving them a near-home advantage, although history has not always favored them in that arena.

As the Blue Devils head into the tournament with a 31-3 record, their roster mirrors that of the 2015 championship squad, featuring Flagg alongside fellow freshman Kon Knueppel and experienced players like Tyrese Proctor, who could be pivotal as the competition intensifies. “We’re a deep team and ready to show what we can do,” Proctor stated.

The East Region is known for its fierce competition, bolstered by strong teams such as Alabama, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Notably, Duke previously defeated Arizona earlier in the season. “Every game will be a battle, but we are confident,” Scheyer emphasized.

In addition to Flagg’s possible return, the Blue Devils are challenged by the likes of Alabama’s Mark Sears and Wisconsin’s John Tonje. Facing these high-scoring teams like Alabama, which has averaged nearly 82 points per game, will test Duke’s defensive chops, which led the ACC in fewest points allowed.

“If we want to win it all, we need to focus on our defense,” Scheyer added. “That’s where it all begins.”

The first-round matchup against American or Mount St. Mary’s starts what many hope will be a thrilling journey back to the Final Four – and perhaps even the national title. With Flagg potentially returning from injury, fans are optimistic that this will be the year the Blue Devils reclaim their crown.

As Duke prepares for the high-stakes tournament, the team’s collective depth and the potential return of Flagg could be critical in navigating a challenging path through the NCAA landscape. “We’ve always believed in the next man up, but having Cooper back would be huge for us,” Knueppel concluded. The spotlight now shifts to the court as Duke aims to capture its sixth national championship, and end a long wait for Blue Devils fans.