As March Madness approaches, the basketball world is buzzing with anticipation over Duke’s postseason campaign, with Cooper Flagg at the center of attention. The star freshman, who has been a key figure in Duke’s dominance this season, suffered a left ankle injury in the ACC tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech.
Cooper Flagg’s Mom Sparks Excitement for Duke’s NCAA Run
This setback caused him to miss the remainder of the tournament, raising concerns about his availability for the NCAA tournament. However, his mother, Kelly Flagg, provided an encouraging update on her son’s condition, leaving Blue Devils fans hopeful for his return.
During Selection Sunday, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the lingering questions surrounding Flagg’s injury. He shared a tentative recovery timeline, stating that the team is optimistic about his return by Friday. This update brought some relief to fans eager to see their star player back in action as Duke prepares for their NCAA tournament opener.
Despite concerns about Flagg’s health, his mother, Kelly, reassured everyone with her statement to Front Office Sports on Monday. When asked if she expected her son to be on the court this weekend, she confidently responded:
“I will expect to see him–yes–very soon.”
While she did not specify an exact date, her words provided hope that Flagg’s absence would be brief and that he would be ready to contribute to Duke’s title pursuit. Duke secured the No. 1 seed in the East Region and is set to face the winner of the First Four matchup between American and Mount St. Mary’s in Raleigh on Friday.
The Blue Devils enter the tournament as the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25, boasting a near-perfect record, with their only loss since February coming against Clemson. With Flagg potentially returning, Duke’s championship aspirations remain strong.
The excitement surrounding Flagg’s return is not just about Duke’s title hopes—it’s also about the remarkable journey of a young phenom destined for the NBA. At just 18 years old, Flagg has already built an impressive resume, making him one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball.
His journey began at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, where he dominated as a freshman, averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game.
Seeking greater competition, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a school known for producing elite basketball talent. There, he continued to elevate his game, posting averages of 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game in his senior season while leading Montverde to a flawless 34-0 record and an eighth national title.
His stellar performances earned him numerous accolades, including Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year. These achievements solidified his status as the nation’s top recruit, and his decision to join Duke was met with immense excitement.
Duke’s Championship Aspirations and Flagg’s NBA Future
From the moment Flagg stepped onto the court for Duke, he made an immediate impact. In his collegiate debut, he recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, showcasing the all-around game that has scouts and analysts projecting him as a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
At 6-foot-9, with exceptional skill and versatility, Flagg has been the driving force behind Duke’s success this season.
With Flagg’s return imminent, Duke remains a top contender for the national title. The team’s net rating of 33.5 points per 100 possessions—the highest since the 1996-97 season—illustrates their dominance on both ends of the floor.
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As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Flagg, not only to see if he can help lead Duke to a championship but also to solidify his status as a future NBA star.
Duke fans are holding their breath for Flagg’s return, and with his determination, he could be the key to adding another championship banner to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The countdown to his comeback has begun, and March Madness is about to get even more exciting.
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