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[Saba Sports News] Projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg, suffered a left ankle injury during Duke’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Georgia Tech, leaving the game in a wheelchair. The moment sent shockwaves through the basketball world, as Duke fans and NBA scouts anxiously awaited updates on his condition.
The injury occurred late in the first half when Flagg landed awkwardly after contesting a rebound, appearing to step on Georgia Tech’s Darrion Sutton’s foot. He immediately grabbed his ankle in pain and slammed a chair in frustration upon reaching the bench.
Unable to put weight on his leg, he was helped off the court and later transported for further evaluation.
Flagg’s absence was felt immediately, with the top-seeded Blue Devils struggling offensively, missing their first 13 three-point attempts and trailing Georgia Tech 31-26 at halftime.
More concerning than Duke’s performance, however, was the status of their freshman phenom, who has been the driving force behind their dominance this season.
Averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.7% from deep, Flagg recently earned both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors. His stellar play has solidified him as the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Despite initial panic, Flagg later returned to Duke’s bench at the start of the second half, giving fans a sigh of relief. While he did not re-enter the game, the absence of a walking boot or crutches suggested the injury may not be as severe as initially feared.
Duke has yet to provide an official diagnosis, but with March Madness approaching, all eyes will be on Flagg’s recovery and whether he’ll be available for the NCAA Tournament. From an NBA Draft perspective, his status as the top pick remains unchanged. His elite defensive versatility, shot creation, and high basketball IQ make him too valuable to pass up, even if he misses time.
For Duke, the immediate concern is their title hopes. If Flagg is forced to sit out any part of the tournament, it could dramatically shift the championship landscape. His injury scare serves as a harsh reminder of how quickly a season can change, but for now, the basketball world waits anxiously for further updates on the future No. 1 pick.
