Duke’s Cooper Flagg Faces Injury Before ACC Tournament

Durham, North Carolina — Duke University‘s men’s basketball team is gearing up for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament, set to begin Thursday against Georgia Tech. As the No. 1 seed in the tournament, Duke aims to secure a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, assuming no unexpected outcomes occur.

Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman and potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has made headlines this season by earning accolades such as ACC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. His impressive performances have solidified his status as a top contender, but he is now dealing with a concerning injury.

On Thursday, Flagg sustained a left ankle injury during the first half of the ACC tournament quarterfinals. He was assisted off the court and later seen in a wheelchair, raising concerns about his status moving forward. This incident comes just days after he was included in the Naismith Awards‘ list for College Defensive Player of the Year, thanks to his remarkable season.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Flagg led Duke this season with an average of 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, all while contributing 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. He is notably the only player in the ACC to rank within the top 10 for both steals and blocks.

After the announcement of his defensive nomination, Duke’s men’s basketball social media account celebrated, stating, “COOP. Only ACC player on the list,” highlighting Flagg’s unique position as both the only freshman and the sole ACC player named in the running.

Flagg’s accolades are a testament to his skills, but concerns loom over the team without its star player. The Blue Devils currently hold a 28-3 overall record and went 19-1 in ACC play, underscoring their dominant season thus far.

As the team prepares for its next game, Coach Jon Scheyer is navigating the impending challenges posed by Flagg’s injury. Scheyer remarked, “While we don’t yet know the full extent of the injury, we believe in our team’s depth and resilience. We will adapt and focus on the next game ahead of us.”

Meanwhile, Flagg’s mother drew attention after her emotional reaction to his recent performances went viral. During a heated game against North Carolina, she passionately celebrated after he scored a notable dunk, later expressing her frustration with opposing fans’ comments directed at her family. She stated, “We were subjected to numerous harsh remarks. It was a moment of pride for our son, but sometimes emotions take over.”nDuke’s potential without Flagg remains to be seen as the NCAA tournament approaches. Coach Scheyer and the Blue Devils are anxiously awaiting updates on Flagg’s condition as they look to secure a strong tournament run.