Mar 1, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks back to the bench after sustaining an injury during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images Duke star Cooper Flagg was spotted in a wheelchair to get further examinations on his ankle after a scary fall in Duke’s ACC Tournament game against Georgia Tech.
With just under three minutes remaining in the first half of Duke’s quarterfinal game, Flagg grabbed a rebound, landed awkwardly, fell hard and immediately grabbed his ankle.
He was helped to his feet but needed assistance from teammates to limp off the court. From there, trainers helped Flagg get to the bowels of the stadium, where he was placed in a wheelchair without his shoe to undergo further examinations on his leg injury in Duke’s locker room.
Flagg did not return to start the second half for the Blue Devils, and there has yet to be an official statement on his injury status. He was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday afternoon’s game but returned to the bench in the second half without a boot, which was an encouraging sight for Duke fans everywhere.
Of course, regardless of severity, this injury is a major blow for Duke. Flagg is a big part of its 28-3 record, and the anticipated No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick was set to dazzle the nation during the NCAA Tournament beginning next weekend.
In his first collegiate season, Flagg averaged 19 points per game, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 49 percent from the field. He’s been the engine behind what Duke does on both sides of the basketball court and the reason why it’ll be a popular pick to win March Madness.
Duke’s regular-season dominance will have it as a No. 1 seed in this tournament. Many analysts expect the Blue Devils to be one of the teams remaining in this year’s Final Four. But if their star forward is unable to suit up, their outlook could become much more difficult to project.
College basketball fans everywhere will be keeping their fingers crossed that one of the brightest stars in the game will be healthy enough to compete in March Madness.
With bracket pools and bets on the line throughout these next few weeks, Flagg’s injury status will be one to monitor as the Blue Devils continue through the ACC Tournament, Selection Sunday and ultimately their first-round matchup against whichever unfortunate No. 16 seed will see them first.