Duke Star Cooper Flagg Set to Shine in NCAA Tournament Opener

Duke Star Cooper Flagg Set to Shine in NCAA Tournament Opener

The Duke Blue Devils, the top-seeded team in their bracket, are welcoming back Cooper Flagg as they prepare to embark on their NCAA Tournament journey. This highly anticipated return signals strength for a team that has navigated recent challenges.

Flagg has been cleared to play and is officially on the roster for the matchup against No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s, scheduled for Friday at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. His absence has created tension among Blue Devils fans, but now they can breathe a sigh of relief.

As the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s return is crucial. He has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the ACC quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, leaving a significant void in Duke’s lineup.

Flagg’s Assurance Boosts Team Morale

In an interview with The New York Post, Flagg expressed optimism about his condition, stating he feels “really confident about going 100%” for the tournament’s first round. This confidence stems from a thorough recovery process.

Flagg mentioned visiting medical professionals, noting that both his MRI and X-ray results were positive. He shared insights into his recovery journey, indicating that it involved significant pain management and rehabilitation.

Preparing for the Challenge Ahead

In the days leading up to the game, Flagg has worked diligently to regain his physical form. He has participated in individual workouts and resumed practice sessions. A full practice on Wednesday helped solidify his readiness for competition.

Initially, the prospects of Flagg’s injury had fans worried about Duke’s championship aspirations. His impact on the court cannot be overstated; losing a star player like Flagg would have dramatically altered the team’s dynamics.

Success Without Their Star

Despite Flagg’s absence, Duke managed to secure victory in the ACC Tournament, triumphing even without starting forward Maliq Brown, who is also recovering from a dislocated shoulder. This resilience showcases the strength and depth of the Blue Devils’ roster.

Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, acknowledged Flagg’s eagerness to participate in the ACC title game but ultimately decided it was wiser to hold him back for the NCAA Tournament. After observing Flagg’s progress in practice, Scheyer indicated that Flagg’s movement and agility were key factors in determining his return.

“We built him up slowly and really progressed him the right way, but he’s ready to go,” Scheyer stated. This alignment with Flagg’s physical capabilities marks a pivotal moment in Duke’s season.

Flagg’s Impressive Stats

Flagg’s performance throughout the 2024-25 season has earned him widespread acclaim. As a consensus All-American, he is a strong contender for the Player of the Year award. Through 32 games, Flagg boasted impressive statistics: averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. These numbers reflect his leadership role within the squad.

What Lies Ahead for Duke

The excitement surrounding Cooper Flagg’s return cannot be underestimated, as he brings not only talent but also leadership to the court. Duke’s path in the NCAA Tournament looks promising with Flagg reintegrated into the lineup. His ability to elevate his teammates will be critical in the high-stakes games ahead.

Blue Devils fans are eager to see how their team performs now that Flagg is back. His presence is expected to energize the squad as they aim to pursue their national championship dreams. Observers of college basketball will surely keep an eye on Flagg and the Blue Devils as they advance through this thrilling tournament.

As the first round of the NCAA Tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Flagg to see how he leverages his skills in this critical moment.