DUKE FACES INJURY WOES AHEAD OF CRUCIAL TOURNAMENT GAMES
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — During the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, Duke Blue Devils were dealt a significant blow as their star freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a painful sprain in his left ankle, adding to their growing injury concerns. In a dramatic moment in his first ACC Tournament game, Flagg attempted to grab a rebound but landed awkwardly, prompting immediate distress. Shortly before, teammate Maliq Brown had also headed to the locker room with a troubling shoulder injury.
Coach Jon Scheyer is now confronted with the challenge of navigating these setbacks. He described the likelihood of Flagg recovering in time for the ACC semifinals as a “longshot,” considering the injury sustained required intensive management. Flagg, touted as an NBA draft prospect, was averaging strong performances before this mishap against Georgia Tech.
Meanwhile, the circumstances are also uncertain for defensive stalwart Maliq Brown, who had to be transported to a hospital following re-injury of his left shoulder. Brown is known for his defensive versatility, crucially aiding Duke’s strategy in games. His re-injury comes a mere week after a previous similar setback, leading to growing apprehension over his availability.
These developments pose a threat to Duke’s momentum, which was evident as they had to overturn a 14-point deficit in their recent victory. March Madness is on the horizon, a critical period for the Blue Devils, who must strategize without key players in all likelihood.
Scheyer emphasized focusing on longer-term rehabilitation over Flagg’s potential return for the immediate matches. “It’s about getting him right for the NCAA Tournament,” he stated, suggesting the Golden State not to risk his participation prematurely.
Following the injury, Cooper Flagg received treatment without fractures identified in the X-rays. Flagg’s competitive spirit was acknowledged by teammate Sion James, describeing him as “one of the toughest guys.” Unfortunately, Flagg wasn’t available for comments post-game.
The injury climate during the game intensified when Flagg tangled with Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo, resulting in his painful spill with his left ankle unnaturally twisted. The scene unfolded with Flagg initially attempting to shake off the pain but eventually requiring assistance back to the locker room. Although he showed resilience by returning to the bench, he refrained from participating again during the game.
Maliq Brown’s absence echoes his previous challenges after an earlier shoulder dislocation, which he had just overcome following a three-week recovery phase. His recent contributions were vital in Duke’s recent run at North Carolina, emphasizing his critical role on defense.
Tyrese Proctor, a fellow Duke guard, shared reflections on the unfortunate scenario, stating, “It’s tough to see them go down, but it happens in basketball.” The resolve within the team remains unshaken as they aim for a promising stretch despite the injury cloud.
Both Flagg and Brown’s dual challenges impede Duke’s prowess on either side of the court. This team, ranked among KenPom’s top efficiency metrics in both offense and defense, faces an uphill journey as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
