The Duke Blue Devils got the best possible news ahead of March Madness—star freshman Cooper Flagg is officially cleared to play in their NCAA Tournament opener. After missing the ACC Tournament semifinals and championship game due to an ankle injury, Flagg is set to take the floor for the Round of 64.
Cooper Flagg Ready for NCAA Tournament Debut
Duke will face No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary’s on Friday, and despite speculation that the Blue Devils might rest Flagg for a game, they’ve confirmed that he’ll be active. The team announced the news Thursday, putting any concerns about his availability to rest.
“Coop update –> active tomorrow vs. Mount St. Mary’s,” Duke posted on X.
Coop update –> active tomorrow vs. Mount St. Mary’s
🕺🕺🕺🕺👿 @Cooper_Flagg pic.twitter.com/V5fDURoYPF
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 20, 2025
Flagg, the consensus No. 1 recruit in the nation and ACC Player of the Year, has been a dominant force in his freshman season, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. His presence is a game-changer for a Duke squad eyeing a deep tournament run.
Flagg suffered a left ankle sprain in Duke’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Georgia Tech. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the tournament, but the Blue Devils still powered through, winning the ACC title with victories over Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Louisville.
While some speculated that Duke might hold Flagg out against a 16-seed to ensure he was 100% for the Round of 32, head coach Jon Scheyer made it clear that getting him back on the floor as soon as possible was the priority.
“From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead,” Scheyer said on Selection Sunday. “I want to get Coop back as quickly as I can, and he wants to do the same… Our goal is for Friday. No question about that.”
How Will Flagg’s Return Impact Duke’s Title Hopes?
Duke enters March Madness as a No. 1 seed with a 31-3 record, and Flagg has been the engine driving their success. His ability to take over games on both ends of the floor makes the Blue Devils a national championship contender, and his return eliminates any doubts about their potential.
The biggest question now is how his ankle holds up over the course of the tournament. While he’s been practicing in full, game speed and intensity are a different challenge. If Flagg is anywhere near 100%, Duke’s path to a deep run looks even more secure.
KEEP READING: Former US President Barack Obama Picks Duke To Win It All
The Blue Devils tip off against Mount St. Mary’s on Friday at 2:50 p.m. ET, with Flagg ready to step back onto the big stage.
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