Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer gives Cooper Flagg injury update before ACC Tournament championship game

The atmosphere in Durham, North Carolina, has been electric throughout the 2025 ACC Tournament, with the Duke Blue Devils having made an impressive run to the championship game. However, as much as the team’s success has been fueled by collective efforts, the spotlight is firmly placed on one player: Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom, who has been a revelation in his first year at Duke, has been one of the top college basketball players this season. His combination of scoring, defense, and versatility has made him a standout player, and many were eager to see how he would perform in the ACC Tournament championship game.

However, ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, the Duke basketball program, particularly head coach Jon Scheyer, faced a difficult decision regarding Flagg’s status for the championship game. The standout freshman had been dealing with an injury that threatened to sideline him for Duke’s biggest game of the season. As the Blue Devils prepared to face their formidable opponent, coach Scheyer took center stage to address the media, providing an update on Flagg’s condition and how the team was preparing for the championship game, regardless of Flagg’s status.

The Road to the Championship Game

Duke’s path to the ACC Tournament championship game had been a testament to their depth, discipline, and resilience. The Blue Devils, who had been playing some of their best basketball of the season, were entering the title game with momentum. Despite missing Flagg for a brief stretch during the tournament due to injury, Duke had been able to continue its impressive run, defeating formidable opponents and showing a level of cohesiveness that was clearly evident on the floor.

Flagg had been a major contributor to Duke’s success all season, and his absence from the lineup had the potential to change the dynamics of the team. While the Blue Devils boasted several other talented players, including veteran guard Jeremy Roach and freshman point guard Tyrese Proctor, Flagg’s all-around game, basketball IQ, and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor had set him apart. Without Flagg, the Blue Devils would be forced to rely on other players to step up and contribute in significant ways.

As the championship game loomed, the question on everyone’s mind was whether or not Flagg would be able to return to the lineup. The injury, which had kept him out of a key stretch of the tournament, was still being evaluated, and the Blue Devils’ medical staff was working around the clock to determine whether Flagg would be cleared to play. With all eyes on him, coach Jon Scheyer faced the media in the days leading up to the championship game to provide clarity on the situation.

Coach Scheyer’s Press Conference: An Injury Update

On the morning before the ACC Tournament championship game, Coach Jon Scheyer held a press conference to address Flagg’s injury status and give an update on the team’s preparations. Scheyer, who had been fielding numerous questions about Flagg’s status, took a calm and measured approach in providing the latest information.

“Cooper has been working hard to get back on the floor,” Scheyer began, addressing the reporters gathered in the room. “He’s been going through treatment every day, and we’re in constant communication with our medical staff to evaluate how he’s progressing. Right now, the situation is fluid. We’re doing everything we can to make sure he’s in the best position possible to play, but it’s still too early to make any final decisions.”

Scheyer emphasized that the medical staff had been monitoring Flagg’s progress closely and had been working on a daily basis to ensure that the injury wasn’t more serious than initially feared. “We’re hopeful, but we want to be smart about this. Cooper has been a huge part of our success this season, but we’re not going to rush him back unless he’s fully ready. His health is the most important thing, and we’re going to take it one step at a time.”

The coach also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Flagg’s availability but reassured fans that Duke was well-prepared for the game, regardless of whether their star player was able to play. “We’ve got a great team, and we’ve proven that we can win as a collective group,” Scheyer said. “Whether Cooper is able to play or not, we’re going to be ready. We’ve got a lot of talented players, and we’ve been focusing on preparing for the championship game with or without him.”

Flagg’s Impact on Duke’s Success

While Duke’s success throughout the tournament had been a result of many players stepping up in key moments, Cooper Flagg’s absence was still a significant loss for the team. As one of the top players in the country, Flagg’s presence on the floor had been a difference-maker all season long. His ability to play multiple positions, his scoring ability, and his defensive prowess had made him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Flagg’s unique skill set allowed him to impact the game in a variety of ways. He was known for his ability to stretch the floor as a forward who could knock down three-pointers while also being able to dominate inside. Defensively, Flagg had the ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers with his length and athleticism. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities were also a huge asset to Duke’s defense, and his basketball IQ allowed him to make plays on both ends of the floor.

Without Flagg, Duke would need other players to step up and fill the void left by their star freshman. In particular, Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor would need to carry more of the offensive load. Roach, the veteran leader, had been Duke’s most consistent player all season, and his experience would be critical in navigating the pressure of a championship game. Proctor, the talented freshman guard, had shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season and would need to provide scoring and playmaking to keep Duke competitive.

Filipowski, Duke’s 7-footer, would also be a key player in the absence of Flagg. The big man’s ability to dominate inside, score in the post, and rebound would be crucial for the Blue Devils. Filipowski had the potential to become the focal point of Duke’s offense, and his ability to anchor the defense would help minimize the impact of Flagg’s absence.

Preparing for the Championship Game: Focus on Teamwork

As Coach Scheyer mentioned, the team’s focus had shifted to preparing for the championship game, regardless of whether Flagg could play or not. The Blue Devils had faced adversity before, and this injury to their star player was just another challenge for them to overcome. Scheyer emphasized that Duke’s success had always been about teamwork and the collective effort of every player on the roster.

“We’re a team, and that’s what we’ve built all season long,” Scheyer said. “It’s not about one player; it’s about how we play together as a unit. Whether Cooper is on the floor or not, we’ve got to stay focused on what we do well, which is playing defense, sharing the ball, and executing our game plan.”

The Blue Devils had shown resilience throughout the season, and Scheyer was confident that his team could rise to the occasion in the championship game. He pointed to the leadership of Jeremy Roach, the defensive presence of Kyle Filipowski, and the playmaking ability of Tyrese Proctor as key factors in the team’s preparations. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can make plays, and we’re confident that whoever steps up will do what’s necessary to get the job done,” Scheyer said.

Flagg’s Recovery and Future Outlook

As the Blue Devils continued to prepare for the ACC Tournament championship game, Coach Scheyer made it clear that the team’s primary concern was Cooper Flagg’s long-term health. “We’re going to make sure that Cooper is fully ready to go, not just for this game, but for the rest of the season,” Scheyer said. “He’s been such an important part of this team, and we want to make sure that he’s at 100% for whatever comes next. We’ll take it one day at a time, but we’re optimistic about his recovery.”

Scheyer also expressed his appreciation for Flagg’s attitude and work ethic during the recovery process. “Cooper’s been great through all of this,” Scheyer noted. “He’s been working hard with our medical staff, and he’s remained positive throughout the process. He’s a competitor, and we know he wants to be out there, but he’s also been understanding about the importance of taking care of his body. He’s a tremendous young man, and he’s been a huge part of this team’s success.”