CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The excitement of the ACC Tournament was overshadowed by injury concerns for the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils during their quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg showcased his athleticism by going airborne for a rebound but landed awkwardly, resulting in a painful sprained ankle that has left his participation in the upcoming games in jeopardy.
Coach Jon Scheyer expressed that it’s a “real long shot” for Flagg, who is seen as a leading candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, to return for the Atlantic Coast Conference semifinals. Flagg’s injury occurred shortly after defensive powerhouse Maliq Brown had to exit the game due to a dislocated left shoulder, raising serious doubts about the Blue Devils’ chances as they head deeper into the tournament.
During the game against Georgia Tech, Flagg was attempting to rebound when his left foot inadvertently clipped the right foot of Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo, causing his ankle to roll. Flagg immediately expressed distress, grabbing at his ankle and hobbling back to the bench. After a few minutes of observation, he was taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
Although initial X-rays showed no fractures, Flagg was already experiencing significant swelling. His absence would be a massive blow to a Duke team that had to overcome a 14-point deficit to secure their victory against Georgia Tech. “It’s not just about being ready for tomorrow,” Scheyer remarked, emphasizing the importance of Flagg’s health for their potential run in the NCAA Tournament next week.
In addition to Flagg’s injury, the Blue Devils lost Maliq Brown to a dislocated shoulder, which he had only recently returned from. Brown plays a crucial role in Duke’s defensive strategy, known for his ability to switch screens and guard multiple positions effectively. His absence could significantly impact the team’s defensive efficiency as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
Brown's injury occurred just moments before Flagg's, as he was attempting to guard Georgia Tech's Naithan George. Following a collision, Brown instinctively grabbed at his shoulder, which had previously sidelined him for nearly three weeks. The loss of both players could severely affect Duke’s performance in the tournament.
The injuries to Flagg and Brown pose a daunting challenge for a team that ranks in the top five nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency metrics, as measured by KenPom. Duke guard Tyrese Proctor expressed concern for his teammates but remains optimistic: “It’s tough to see them go down. But it’s basketball, it happens. We’re going to get them right, and we’ll just continue to play our game.”
As Duke prepares for the next stages of the tournament, the health of Flagg and Brown remains a pivotal concern. Both players' recoveries will not only affect their immediate participation but could also have lasting implications for Duke’s performance in March Madness.
This article has been updated to clarify that Flagg landed on Ndongo's foot, not that of Darrion Sutton.
AP Sports Writer Steve Reed contributed to this report.
