Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown Injured Before NCAA Tournament/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Duke’s championship hopes took a hit as star freshman Cooper Flagg and defensive standout Maliq Brown suffered injuries during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals. Flagg sprained his ankle, making his return for the next game unlikely, while Brown re-injured his left shoulder and was taken to the hospital. Coach Jon Scheyer expressed concern about their availability for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, leaving Duke facing uncertainty at a crucial time.
Duke Injury Woes Quick Looks:
- Flagg’s Ankle Injury: The star freshman landed awkwardly, spraining his left ankle and leaving his return uncertain.
- Brown’s Shoulder Dislocation: Brown, a key defensive player, re-injured his left shoulder just before Flagg went down.
- Impact on Duke: The top-ranked Blue Devils are now facing major lineup concerns as March Madness approaches.
- Scheyer’s Concern: Duke’s head coach called Flagg’s chances of playing in the ACC semifinals “a real long shot.”
- Next Steps: With the NCAA Tournament looming, Duke must balance rest, recovery, and their championship ambitions.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown Injured Before NCAA Tournament
Deep Look:
Duke’s push for an ACC title and deep NCAA Tournament run was dealt a major setback Thursday night as two of its key players, freshman sensation Cooper Flagg and defensive specialist Maliq Brown, went down with injuries in a 64-59 win over Georgia Tech.
Flagg’s Injury: A Blow to Duke’s Offense
Flagg, a projected No. 1 overall NBA draft pick whenever he turns pro, suffered a sprained left ankle late in the first half. Attempting to grab a rebound, Flagg appeared to clip Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo mid-air, rolling his ankle upon landing. The 18-year-old immediately collapsed in pain, grabbing at his left foot.
Flagg’s frustration was evident as he pounded a chair after limping to the bench. He was later spotted in a wheelchair but eventually walked out under his own power and returned to the bench for the second half, though he did not re-enter the game.
After the win, Duke coach Jon Scheyer tempered expectations about Flagg’s immediate return.
“I would have to be really convinced that we should even consider seeing if he can go [Friday],” Scheyer said. “He probably won’t be able to go anyway. But I think it’s a real long shot, a real long shot.”
While X-rays ruled out a fracture, Flagg’s availability for the NCAA Tournament remains uncertain, a troubling sign for a Duke team relying on his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence.
Brown’s Shoulder Injury: A Defensive Setback
As if losing Flagg wasn’t enough, Duke also saw Maliq Brown re-injure his left shoulder just two minutes earlier. Brown had only recently returned from a three-week absence due to the same injury and was instrumental in Duke’s win over North Carolina last weekend.
Guarding Georgia Tech’s Naithan George, Brown reached out to disrupt the ball and immediately grabbed at his shoulder in visible pain. He was quickly escorted off the court by Duke’s medical staff and later taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
Brown’s defensive versatility has been a key asset for Duke, as he is capable of switching on screens and disrupting opponents with his length. Losing him for an extended period would weaken the Blue Devils on both ends of the floor.
Duke’s NCAA Tournament Outlook
Duke, ranked No. 1 in the nation, had to rally from a 14-point deficit to defeat Georgia Tech. The injuries add a layer of uncertainty as the Blue Devils navigate the rest of the ACC Tournament and prepare for March Madness.
The team is one of the most balanced in the country, ranking in the top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency per KenPom. But losing Flagg’s all-around production and Brown’s defensive impact could force Scheyer to make significant adjustments.
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.
“Obviously, it’s tough to see them go down,” Proctor said. “But it’s basketball, it happens. We’re going to get them right, and they’re going to be good. We’ll just continue to play our game.”
As Duke prepares for its ACC semifinal matchup and the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Flagg and Brown’s recovery timeline. If the injuries linger, Duke’s championship aspirations could be in serious jeopardy.
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