Despite sustaining an ankle sprain, Duke standout Cooper Flagg will participate in the NCAA Tournament, the team announced.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be an exciting one, and for fans of the Duke Blue Devils, there is one key storyline that is on everyone’s mind: the status of Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom, who has taken college basketball by storm this season, is one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the game today. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him a standout player for Duke, and many have pegged him as one of the players to watch as the Blue Devils make their march toward the national title.

However, just days before the NCAA Tournament, Flagg sustained an ankle sprain that raised concerns about his availability. With Duke’s national title aspirations on the line, the question of whether or not Flagg would be able to suit up for the tournament lingered in the air. For a program like Duke, where expectations are always sky-high, the potential loss of a player like Flagg could have had a huge impact on their chances of success.

But the good news came quickly from the Duke basketball program. Despite the sprained ankle, Cooper Flagg was cleared to play in the NCAA Tournament, and the team announced that he would be available for Duke’s first-round matchup. The announcement was a major relief to Blue Devils fans and a significant boost for the team, who are already among the favorites to win the tournament.

The Significance of Cooper Flagg to Duke’s Tournament Hopes

Cooper Flagg’s impact on the Duke Blue Devils this season cannot be overstated. As a highly touted recruit, he arrived on campus with a reputation as one of the top high school prospects in the country. At 6-foot-9 with an incredibly versatile skill set, Flagg has the ability to contribute in virtually every facet of the game. Whether it’s scoring in the post, hitting outside shots, or locking down opposing players on defense, Flagg’s well-rounded game has made him one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

Through the regular season and into the postseason, Flagg has been a catalyst for Duke. His contributions have been invaluable, especially on the defensive end, where he can guard multiple positions with his length and athleticism. Offensively, he has developed a smooth, reliable scoring game, adding a dangerous outside shot to his already impressive finishing ability around the rim. His basketball IQ and leadership on the floor make him the cornerstone of Duke’s lineup and a player that the coaching staff relies on heavily.

While Duke has other talented players on the roster—such as Tyrese Proctor, Jeremy Roach, and Kyle Filipowski—Flagg’s presence on the floor gives the Blue Devils a level of versatility and talent that few teams in the country can match. His ability to impact the game in so many ways makes him a key asset, and his absence would undoubtedly have altered Duke’s dynamic, especially in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.

When news broke of Flagg’s ankle sprain, it immediately sparked concern among fans and analysts. While Duke has a deep roster and a wealth of talent, Flagg is one of the players who can take over a game when needed. His defensive prowess, offensive scoring, and ability to play at both ends of the floor make him indispensable to Duke’s championship aspirations. Without Flagg, the Blue Devils would have to rely even more heavily on their other players, and while capable, no one could fully replicate Flagg’s all-around game.

The Injury: What Happened to Cooper Flagg?

The ankle sprain occurred during a non-conference game just before the NCAA Tournament. While competing in a heated matchup, Flagg twisted his ankle in the second half after landing awkwardly following a jump shot. As soon as he hit the ground, it was clear that something was wrong. Flagg hobbled off the court and immediately headed to the locker room for further evaluation.

The initial prognosis was concerning, with reports indicating that Flagg had sprained his ankle. The Blue Devils’ medical staff quickly went to work, conducting X-rays and other tests to determine the severity of the injury. While it was feared that Flagg might be sidelined for an extended period, the results came back more promising than expected. The injury was classified as a mild ankle sprain, and although it would require some rest and rehab, it was not serious enough to keep Flagg out of the NCAA Tournament.

As a highly competitive player with an intense desire to help his team succeed, Flagg was determined to return to the court as soon as possible. The Blue Devils’ medical team, working in conjunction with the coaching staff, created a recovery plan designed to help him regain full mobility and strength in the ankle in time for the tournament. It was a race against the clock, with just days separating Flagg from the start of Duke’s tournament run.

The Announcement: Flagg Cleared for Tournament Play

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Flagg’s injury, the Duke basketball program delivered the much-awaited news: Cooper Flagg would indeed play in the NCAA Tournament. The announcement came directly from Duke’s athletic department, confirming that Flagg had been cleared by the team’s medical staff to participate in the tournament.

In a statement, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer expressed his relief and excitement about Flagg’s availability. “Cooper has been working incredibly hard to get back on the court, and we’re confident that he’ll be ready to contribute to the team’s success in the tournament,” Scheyer said. “While the injury was a setback, Cooper’s determination and our medical team’s efforts have put him in a position to be available for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. We’re excited to have him back on the floor with us.”

For Flagg, the announcement was a moment of triumph. After days of uncertainty and hard work in rehabilitation, he was able to take the next step toward his ultimate goal: competing for a national championship with Duke. The Blue Devils’ first-round game in the NCAA Tournament would be a crucial test, and having Flagg back in the lineup would be invaluable.

“I’ve been working hard to get back to 100%, and I’m excited to be able to play with my teammates in the tournament,” Flagg said in his own statement. “It’s been a tough few days, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. The team is ready, and I’m ready to contribute to our run in March Madness.”

The Importance of Flagg’s Return for Duke

Cooper Flagg’s return to the lineup for the NCAA Tournament could not have come at a better time for the Blue Devils. While Duke has many talented players, Flagg’s unique skill set and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor are key to their success in the tournament.

On offense, Flagg’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and create off the dribble adds a layer of unpredictability to Duke’s offense. Whether playing in the post or on the perimeter, Flagg’s scoring ability will be crucial to the Blue Devils’ chances in March Madness.

Defensively, Flagg’s presence is equally important. His length, athleticism, and basketball IQ make him one of the most effective defenders in college basketball. Flagg can guard multiple positions and has the ability to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and provide elite rim protection. In a tournament setting, where every possession counts, Flagg’s defensive contributions could be the difference between advancing or going home.

While Duke’s depth and talent are undeniable, having Flagg back on the floor provides a boost of confidence and energy for the entire team. His leadership, both on and off the court, will be invaluable as the Blue Devils look to make a deep run in the tournament. Flagg’s ability to remain focused and perform under pressure will be key, as the NCAA Tournament is known for its intense, high-stakes games.

The Road Ahead: Duke’s Tournament Run

With Cooper Flagg cleared to play, Duke enters the NCAA Tournament with renewed optimism. The Blue Devils have been one of the most impressive teams in the country this season, and they are well-positioned to make a deep run toward the national title. With Flagg back in the fold, Duke’s chances of advancing to the Final Four and beyond are significantly improved.

The first-round matchup will serve as a testing ground for Flagg’s ankle, as well as for the Blue Devils’ overall game plan. The team will be looking to build momentum and chemistry as they continue their pursuit of the championship. Having Flagg in the lineup gives Duke a distinct advantage, and his return to full strength could play a pivotal role in their success in the tournament.

For Cooper Flagg, this NCAA Tournament is an opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of the most exciting young talents in college basketball. After a standout freshman season, a strong performance in the tournament could elevate him to even greater national prominence, and it could be the perfect stage for him to showcase his talents on the biggest stage in college basketball.