The availability of Cooper Flagg for the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament is one of the largest stories surrounding seed number 1 in the east region.
Flagg suffered an apparent lesion in the left ankle in the quarterfinals of ACC against Georgia Tech, and has not yet stepped on a court to play since then. Despite Flagg injury, as well as Maliq Brown who deals with a dislocated left shoulder, Duke ended up as champions of ACC to ensure the upper seed in his region.
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Duke Blue Devils striker, Cooper Flagg, #2, cuts the network after winning the Championship game of the ACC 2025 conference against Louisville cardinals at the Spectrum center. (Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn)
“Yes, it is the NCAA tournament,” Rose told him when he was asked if Flagg’s absence could lead Duke to bother early. “And the only thing about the separation between teams is not so powerful when you are without your best player that could be the number one selection in the [2025 NBA] Draft. This is how this works.
“Then, yes, they could be in trouble if it doesn’t return.”
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Flagg’s presence for Duke is obvious in terms of winning a national title. Lead the score (18.9 points per game) and the rebounds (7.5), as well as assists (4.1), robberies (1.5) and the list continues.
However, there is a fine line that the Blue Devils must walk, says Rose.
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg striker, #2, and striker Maliq Brown, #6, at the bank during the first half against the heels of North Carolina tar at the Spectrum center. (Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn)
“If you are and them, you don’t want to hurry back because you don’t want me to be out there, or even a game, and you can’t make a long tournament,” he explained.
“So, that is why they recruit other Americans, so they are one of the great programs in the history of university basketball. They obtained other great players in the team. They have to retain it for their type until they return.”
The Blue Devils chief coach Jon Scheyer gave a very positive update about Flagg on Sunday after the 73-62 victory of his team over Louisville to win the ACC tournament.
“I think he is in a great way where Cooper will be ready to go immediately in the NCAA tournament,” said Scheyer.
Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg striker, #2, walks to the bank during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Spectrum Center. (Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn)
That would be excellent news for the Blue Devils, who will face the winner of the “First Four” confrontation between American and Mount St. Mary’s in the first round on Friday at 2:50 pm in Raleigh, North Carolina.
