Cooper Flagg’s availability for the Duke Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament is one of the biggest stories around No. 1 seed in the East region.
Flagg suffered a seemingly left ankle injury in the ACC quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, and he has not yet gone to a court to play since then. Despite the damage to the flagg, as well as Maliq Brown, dealing with a staggered left shoulder, Duke ended up as ACC masters to secure the top seed in their region.
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Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg, #2, cuts the web after winning the 2025 ACC Conference Championship Game against Louisville Cardinals at the Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Preferred Pictures)
“Yes, that’s the NCAA tournament,” Rose said when asked if Flagg’s absence could lead to Duke being upset early. “And the one thing about the separation between teams, it’s not that powerful when you are without your best player that may be the first choice in [2025 NBA] Draft. That’s how it just works.
“So yeah they could have trouble if he doesn’t come back.”
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Flagg’s presence for Duke is obvious in terms of winning a national title. He leads in the scoring (18.9 points per match) and rebounding (7.5) as well as assists (4.1), stealing (1.5), and the list continues.
However, there is a fine line that the blue devils have to go, says Rose.
Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg, #2 and Frem Maliq Brown, #6, on the bench during the first half against North Carolina Tar Heels at Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Preferred Pictures)
“If you are him and them, you will not rush him back because you do not want him to be out there in half or even a game, and not be able to make a long tournament,” he explained.
“So that’s why they are recruiting other all -allers, that’s why they are one of the big programs in the story of Collegiate Basketball. They got other good players on the team. They have to hold it down for their guy until he comes back.”
Blue Devil’s principal coach Jon Scheyer gave a very positive update on Flagg on Sunday after his team’s 73-62 win over Louisville to win the ACC Tournament.
“I think it’s in a great way where Cooper will be ready to go right away in the NCAA tournament,” Scheyer said.
Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg, No. 2, goes to the bench during the first half against North Carolina Tar Heels in the Spectrum Center. (Jim Dedmon-Preferred Pictures)
It would be a great news for Blue Devils that will take on the winner of the “first four” matchup between American and Mount St. Mary’s in the first round Friday at. 14.50 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
