Cooper Flagg injury status before Duke vs Mount St Mary’s in 2025 NCAA Tournamen
Cooper Flagg, a freshman forward for the Duke Blue Devils, entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the most anticipated players to watch. His performance during the season had solidified his status as a top NBA prospect, making his health and availability a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Prior to Duke’s opening game against Mount St. Mary’s, Flagg had been recovering from a left ankle injury sustained during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament.
Injury Occurrence and Initial Impact
On March 13, during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, Flagg rolled his left ankle while securing a rebound. He immediately felt discomfort and was escorted off the court, with initial assessments suggesting a sprain. Flagg’s absence was notable, as he had been instrumental in Duke’s success throughout the season, leading in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game. citeturn0search0
Medical Evaluations and Recovery Process
Following the injury, Flagg underwent both X-rays and an MRI, which fortunately revealed no significant damage. He began a structured rehabilitation program, working closely with Duke’s training staff to regain full mobility and strength in his ankle. By March 19, Flagg reported being pain-free and participated fully in practice, expressing confidence in his readiness for the upcoming NCAA Tournament game. citeturn0search2
Coaching Staff’s Perspective
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, provided insights into Flagg’s recovery, noting that while Flagg was eager to return, the coaching staff prioritized a cautious approach. Scheyer observed that the brief period of rest might have benefited Flagg, potentially enhancing his explosiveness. He emphasized that Flagg had been progressing well and was expected to be fully ready for the tournament. citeturn0search2
Flagg’s Return to Action
As Duke prepared for their NCAA Tournament opener against Mount St. Mary’s on March 21, the team confirmed that Flagg would be active and carry no injury designation. Flagg expressed his readiness, stating, “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m really confident about going 100 percent tomorrow.” He reflected on his recovery journey, mentioning the progression from individual drills to full practice, culminating in his return to full mobility. citeturn0search7
Anticipation and Expectations
Flagg’s return was met with enthusiasm from fans and analysts, given his significant impact on Duke’s season. His all-around contributions had been a driving force for the team, and his presence in the tournament was expected to bolster Duke’s championship aspirations. The matchup against Mount St. Mary’s was seen as an opportunity for Flagg to reassert his dominance on the national stage.
Looking Ahead
With Flagg’s successful return, Duke entered the tournament with renewed vigor. The team’s depth, combined with Flagg’s versatility, positioned them as strong contenders. As the tournament progressed, all eyes remained on Flagg, whose performance was anticipated to influence both Duke’s success and his NBA draft prospects.
