Cooper Flagg’s Ankle Injury Update Before Duke’s Friday March Madness Clash

Huge Update on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Duke’s March Madness Opener
By Leocciano Callao

Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg is cleared to play in Friday’s NCAA Tournament first-round game against Mount St. Mary’s after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ACC Tournament. The Blue Devils, seeded No. 2 overall, confirmed Flagg’s return Thursday, ending speculation about his availability.

[Image: Cooper Flagg dribbling during a game]

Flagg, a projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, injured his ankle while grabbing a rebound in Duke’s quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech. He missed the semifinal and final rounds, but the Blue Devils still clinched their 23rd ACC title with victories over North Carolina and Louisville. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized prioritizing Flagg’s health, stating, “We didn’t want to risk aggravating it.”

NCAA executive Dan Gavitt hinted earlier that Flagg’s return was likely, noting the selection committee considered his status during seeding. Despite his absence, Duke’s strong ACC performance secured them a No. 1 seed.

Flagg’s Impact
The 6’9” forward has dominated his freshman year, averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and leading Duke in assists, steals, and blocks. His standout performance included 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four blocks in a win over North Carolina just before his injury.

[Image: Flagg blocking a shot in a previous game]

Tournament Outlook
Duke faces Mount St. Mary’s, which advanced after beating American University in the First Four. The Blue Devils are heavy 32.5-point favorites, with odds at +280 to win the national title, per FanDuel. Flagg’s return bolsters their championship aspirations, though the team has proven depth after winning without him.

Tip-off is set for Friday as Duke begins its pursuit of a sixth NCAA title.

Published: 17:22 GMT, 20 March 2025 | Updated: 18:00 GMT, 20 March 2025

[Image: Duke celebrating their ACC Championship victory]

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