Duke’s Cooper Flagg Faces Ankle Injury Scare in ACC Tournament
Well, Blue Devils fans, it seems the rollercoaster of emotions continues as Duke star Cooper Flagg left the court in a wheelchair after rolling his ankle during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. The 18-year-old phenom, standing tall at 6-foot-9 and widely regarded as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, has become a linchpin for Duke’s championship aspirations. So, when he crumpled to the ground in pain after attempting to snag a rebound, hearts collectively sank across the nation.
For those tuning in, Flagg’s injury occurred in the first half of the match, prompting immediate concern among fans and analysts alike. The sight of him being wheeled away certainly raised alarms, with social media catching fire about his condition. As it stands, Duke has ruled him out for the remainder of the game, though a glimmer of hope emerged when he was seen walking gingerly back to the bench, albeit with a noticeable limp.
While the team’s official stance is that he is “doubtful” to return, the implications of Flagg’s absence could reverberate far beyond just this game. Duke is poised to continue its quest through the ACC Tournament, which will culminate in the NCAA Tournament shortly thereafter. Without Flagg, the Blue Devils’ chances of securing a title could plummet, mirroring historical precedents where star players’ injuries have derailed championship hopes—think of North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough in 2008 or Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel in 2013.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Duke, as they gear up for the NCAA “Big Dance,” which begins just days after the ACC finals. With a season full of promise, fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Flagg’s condition, hoping for a speedy recovery. As it stands, prayers and well wishes are flying in from every corner of the college basketball universe—because let’s face it, no one wants to see a star like Flagg sidelined just as the stakes reach their peak. So, here’s hoping for a swift return to action—after all, the dance floor isn’t the same without the main star!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and ESPN, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated
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