Injuries to freshman star Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown hit at inopportune time for No. 1 Duke
No. 1 Duke Faces Injury Concerns as ACC Tournament Heats Up
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Duke’s path to an ACC Tournament title took a dramatic turn when freshman star Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle sprain during Thursday’s quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech. Just moments earlier, defensive specialist Maliq Brown exited the game after dislocating his left shoulder.
Flagg’s Status in Doubt for Semifinals
Flagg, widely projected as a top NBA Draft pick, went up for a rebound in his ACC Tournament debut but landed awkwardly, immediately grabbing his ankle in pain. He was ruled out for the rest of the game, finishing with just two points, a season-low.
Coach Jon Scheyer admitted Flagg’s availability for Friday’s semifinal is highly unlikely.
"I would have to be really convinced that we should even consider seeing if he can go," Scheyer said. "He probably won’t be able to go anyway. It’s a real long shot."
Brown’s status is even more uncertain, as he was hospitalized after reinjuring his shoulder—less than a week after returning from the same injury. The 6-foot-9 forward is a key piece of Duke’s defense, known for his ability to switch screens, guard multiple positions, and disrupt offenses.
March Madness Looms Large
Duke’s injuries come at a critical time, with March Madness just a week away. Despite trailing by 14 points—matching their largest deficit this season—the Blue Devils rallied to win 78-70, showing their depth and resilience.
"It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow," Scheyer added. "We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the (NCAA) Tournament."
With Flagg and Brown’s availability in doubt, Duke now faces serious challenges as it pushes for both an ACC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
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