Duke Coach Jon Scheyer provides an update on Cooper Flagg’s injury, outlining a hopeful timeline for his return.

The Duke Blue Devils have been one of the most successful programs in college basketball history, boasting a long legacy of elite athletes and championship runs. The 2025 season was no different, as the Blue Devils featured a team loaded with talent, led by one of the most highly anticipated freshman prospects in recent memory: Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a highly touted forward who was ranked as the top recruit in the country, arrived at Duke with sky-high expectations. His versatility, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ made him a central piece of Duke’s national championship aspirations.

However, as the season progressed, the Blue Devils received troubling news regarding Flagg’s health. The freshman phenom suffered an injury that left the Duke basketball community holding its breath, unsure of what his timeline for recovery would be and how it might affect the team’s goals for the rest of the season. On the heels of this development, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer stepped up to provide an update on Flagg’s injury and outlined the hopeful timeline for his return to action.

The Injury: A Setback for Duke’s Star Freshman

The injury to Cooper Flagg occurred during a pivotal game in the early part of the 2025 season. With Duke looking to assert itself as one of the premier teams in college basketball, Flagg had been a key figure in their success. He played with a maturity beyond his years, contributing both offensively and defensively. His ability to score efficiently, rebound, and defend against some of the top players in college basketball made him indispensable to the Blue Devils’ rotation. Whether it was his smooth mid-range game or his tenacious defense that often set the tone for Duke, Flagg was quickly becoming one of the most dominant players in the country.

In the game where he sustained the injury, Flagg was battling in the post and came down awkwardly after contesting a shot. The initial concern was a knee injury, with reports suggesting that Flagg had suffered a sprain. While the initial prognosis indicated that the injury might not be as severe as first feared, the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the injury raised doubts about how long he would be sidelined.

As Flagg underwent medical evaluations, it became clear that the injury would require some time to heal. The Blue Devils, who were aiming for a deep run in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, needed to figure out how to adjust their game plan without their star player. Fans and analysts were left wondering if Flagg’s absence would impact Duke’s chances of contending for a national title, and if so, for how long he would be out of action.

Jon Scheyer’s Update on Flagg’s Injury

Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, faced one of his most challenging moments as the leader of the Blue Devils when the injury news broke. Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful approach, Scheyer addressed the media with a sense of optimism, despite the uncertainty surrounding Flagg’s recovery.

At a press conference shortly after the injury, Scheyer provided the first public update on Flagg’s condition. “Cooper is a very tough kid, and we’re hopeful that he will make a full recovery,” Scheyer said. “Right now, we’re taking it day by day, and the medical staff is doing everything they can to get him back to full strength. We’re not going to rush him back, but we’re optimistic that he’ll be able to return sooner rather than later.”

Scheyer’s message was one of cautious optimism, but he also stressed the importance of Flagg taking the time necessary to heal properly. “We have a long-term vision for Cooper’s career, and while we want him back as soon as possible, we’re committed to making sure that his recovery is thorough and that he’s 100% before he steps back on the court,” Scheyer explained. “The most important thing is his health, and we’re not going to risk that.”

Following the press conference, the Duke basketball community began to rally around their star freshman, with fans offering their support and hoping for a swift recovery. The questions regarding the timeline for Flagg’s return, however, persisted, as the Blue Devils looked to find a way to navigate a tough schedule without their key player.

The Recovery Process: What Flagg Needs to Return

While Scheyer remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of Flagg’s injury, it was clear that the recovery process would involve a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and strengthening exercises. Knee injuries, even when minor, are tricky for athletes who rely heavily on their speed, agility, and vertical leaping ability—attributes that Flagg has in abundance. As such, the Duke medical staff had to be meticulous in their approach to Flagg’s rehab.

“We’re going to take it step by step,” Scheyer noted during the same press conference. “The doctors have a detailed plan for Cooper, and we’re making sure that he’s progressing in his recovery at the right pace. We have to be smart about this, but Cooper’s attitude and work ethic are exceptional. He’s been doing everything he can to stay in shape while he recovers.”

One of the primary goals of the recovery process was to ensure that Flagg could return to action without risking further injury. This meant that Flagg would have to go through a series of assessments to determine his readiness for contact, as well as regaining his full mobility and strength. The process would involve physical therapy, strength training, and conditioning exercises to make sure that his knee could handle the demands of high-level basketball competition.

Additionally, Flagg would likely have to go through a series of low-contact drills and gradually build up his intensity as his knee healed. This would allow the coaching staff to assess whether he could return to the physicality of game action without any lingering issues. With a player like Flagg, who is known for his relentless energy and athleticism, the Blue Devils needed to ensure that he was 100% before he returned to the floor.

A Tentative Timeline for Flagg’s Return

In the immediate aftermath of Flagg’s injury, Coach Scheyer remained cautious about providing a specific timeline for his return. The medical staff wanted to give Flagg the necessary time to recover, avoiding any unnecessary risks. However, Scheyer did provide some insight into the projected timeline for his star freshman’s return.

“We’re hopeful that Cooper will be back within a few weeks,” Scheyer said. “We’re targeting a return sometime in mid-to-late March, but that timeline could adjust depending on how he responds to rehab. If all goes according to plan, he should be able to return in time for the NCAA Tournament, but again, we’re not going to rush him.”

The target date for Flagg’s return was set around mid-March, which would place him back on the court just in time for Duke’s push toward the NCAA Tournament. However, this timeline was contingent upon Flagg’s recovery and how quickly his knee responded to treatment and rehab. Scheyer emphasized that the priority remained Flagg’s long-term health, and that the coaching staff would not make any decisions until they were confident that he was fully prepared to return to action.

The Impact on Duke’s Season

As Duke moved forward without Flagg, the Blue Devils faced the challenge of maintaining their momentum while missing one of their top contributors. Flagg had been a key player for Duke both offensively and defensively, and his absence left a noticeable hole in the Blue Devils’ lineup. Fortunately for Scheyer and the Blue Devils, they had a talented roster that could pick up the slack in the interim.

Players like Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, and Jeremy Roach had been stepping up in Flagg’s absence. Proctor, in particular, had proven himself as a capable playmaker and scorer, providing leadership on the court. Filipowski’s size and skill set allowed him to contribute in the post, while Roach’s experience and scoring ability provided much-needed stability for the team.

Even without Flagg, Duke remained one of the top teams in the country, thanks to the depth of their roster. However, there was no question that Flagg’s eventual return would elevate the Blue Devils to another level. His ability to guard multiple positions, score in transition, and provide a versatile offensive threat would make him a major asset come tournament time.

Duke’s season-long goal of a deep run in March Madness remained intact, but the Blue Devils would need to continue to build chemistry and momentum without their star player. With a mix of experience and youthful talent, the Blue Devils were still a force to be reckoned with—but the return of Cooper Flagg was expected to provide a significant boost in the tournament’s final stretch.