Duke’s Cooper Flagg Faces Injury Setback in ACC Quarterfinal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cooper Flagg, star freshman for the Duke Blue Devils, suffered a potential ankle injury during the team’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Georgia Tech on Thursday. The injury occurred near the end of the first half as Flagg attempted to grab a defensive rebound, landing awkwardly on a crowded sideline.

Struggling to find his rhythm, Flagg had scored only two points and missed six of his seven shots before the injury led to concern on the sidelines. He was clearly in distress and required assistance from trainers and teammates to leave the court and get evaluated. The atmosphere in the arena turned tense as fans remained silent, fearing for the health of their star player.

According to reports by Bryan Fischer of Sports Illustrated, Flagg was seen being escorted to the locker room while putting little weight on the injured ankle. The situation appears grim as Flagg was transported in a wheelchair during halftime, further raising alarms about the severity of his injury.

Flagg’s importance to the Blue Devils cannot be understated. He is not only the ACC Player of the Year but also a leading candidate for National Player of the Year honors. This season, he has averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability both on offense and defense.

Duke, which entered the ACC Tournament with high expectations, found itself in a challenging position before the injury. The Blue Devils started the game with a dismal performance, missing their first 13 attempts from beyond the arc and falling into a double-digit deficit.

As they headed into halftime, Duke managed to cut the deficit to five points, but Flagg’s injury overshadowed any momentum they had gained. Adding to the Blue Devils’ woes was the absence of veteran forward Maliq Brown, who also left the game with an injury.

The implications of Flagg’s injury could be significant for Duke. Without their star player, their chances of advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament might diminish, a prospect that is further complicated by their need to secure a favorable seed in the upcoming dance.

The team’s coach, Jon Scheyer, remains hopeful as he continues to monitor Flagg’s condition. “We’re waiting to get more information, and we hope for the best,” Scheyer stated during a press conference.

With the ACC Tournament still ongoing, the Blue Devils must brace for the challenges ahead, while Flagg’s health remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be tracking updates, knowing that the fate of Duke’s championship aspirations hangs in the balance.