Cooper Flagg’s Ankle Injury Likely Sidelines Him for ACC Tournament

Duke Blue Devils star forward Cooper Flagg sustained a left ankle injury during the first half of their ACC Tournament quarterfinal victory over No. 8 seed Georgia Tech. The injury occurred when Flagg landed awkwardly on an opponent’s foot while attempting a rebound, causing his ankle to twist.

With Duke entering the postseason at 29-3 and poised to be a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, speculation quickly arose that Flagg would be held out for the remainder of the ACC Tournament to prevent further injury.

College basketball insider Adam Zagoria later confirmed that Flagg will miss Duke’s semifinal showdown against long-time rival North Carolina, the No. 5 seed. Even if the Blue Devils move on, the projected No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick is unlikely to return during the conference tournament.

Head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized caution, telling The Athletic’s Brendan Marks, “Honestly, the whole locker room would have to convince me it’s worth putting him out there. It’s just not.”

Flagg, who leads Duke in all five major statistical categories, leaves a significant void. With him unavailable, others on the roster will need to elevate their play. Despite the setback, Duke remains on track for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projecting them as the top team in the East (Newark) region. Even without Flagg, Duke is still favored by 6.5 points against UNC, according to ESPN BET.

Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball crisis: Caleb’s future is in doubt following shocking allegations about

Caleb Foster’s Uncertain Future Casts a Shadow Over Duke’s Tournament Run

The Duke Blue Devils were riding high in the NCAA Tournament, blending veteran experience with young talent to power through the competition. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, they had faced their share of challenges—injuries, lineup changes, and inconsistent performances—but nothing could have prepared them for the controversy that would soon shake the team to its core.

At the center of it all was Caleb Foster, a promising sophomore guard who had battled adversity throughout his Duke career. After an ankle injury ended his freshman season prematurely, Foster worked tirelessly to return, eager to make an impact in the 2024-25 season. His ball-handling under pressure, clutch shooting, and defensive tenacity made him an integral part of the Blue Devils’ success.

However, just as Duke was gearing up for a crucial stretch in the tournament, an unexpected scandal erupted. Rumors began circulating—quiet murmurs in the locker room, concerned whispers among the coaching staff, and growing speculation in the media. Something serious had surfaced, and it threatened to derail Foster’s future with the team.

Initially, no official statement was given. Scheyer attempted to keep the team focused, brushing off questions with a vague response. “Caleb is a key part of our team,” he said. “Right now, our focus is on basketball.” But his words did little to quiet the swirling speculation.

Inside the locker room, tension was palpable. Some teammates believed the situation was overblown, a distraction designed to throw the team off course. Others were unsure. The uncertainty was evident, and Foster’s noticeable absence from practice only intensified the growing unease. Reporters gathered outside the training facility, eager for any updates. Was he suspended? Leaving the team? The lack of clarity fueled further speculation.

For Foster, the scrutiny was suffocating. He had dedicated his life to basketball, with Duke serving as a stepping stone to the NBA. Now, his name was at the center of controversy, and he had no control over the narrative. Though teammates reassured him they had his back, he could sense the doubt in their eyes—controversy has a way of testing even the strongest bonds.

Then came the defining moment. As Duke prepared for its Sweet Sixteen matchup, an announcement shocked fans—Foster would not be starting. His demotion from the lineup was a clear indication that something was wrong.

Yet, when the game began, Foster was on the bench, suited up and ready to go. Cameras frequently cut to his expressionless face, the weight of uncertainty visible. Then, midway through the first half, Scheyer made the call.

“Caleb, you’re in.”

The crowd held its breath as Foster stepped onto the court. Whatever turmoil he faced off the court, this was his opportunity to prove he belonged. He took control of the ball, drove past defenders, and finished at the rim with a smooth layup. The Duke fans erupted, his teammates rallied around him, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like everything was normal again.

But Foster knew better. The controversy wasn’t over. The speculation surrounding his future hadn’t disappeared.

He played with urgency, knocking down a clutch three-pointer, dishing out key assists, and locking in on defense. He was determined to remind everyone of his talent, not the rumors.

Duke secured a victory, advancing to the next round. Yet, despite the celebration, there was an underlying tension. As his teammates reveled in the win, Foster walked off the court, his expression somber. He knew this battle wasn’t just about basketball—it was about his future.

As reporters crowded around him, eager for a statement, he simply shook his head and walked past. The fight on the court was over, but the fight for his career was just beginning.

Breaking: Head coach Jon Scheyer Reacts Surprised to Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg’s Major Announcement, Shaking the Basketball World…

Cooper Flagg Shocks College Basketball with Unexpected Departure

Durham, NC – April 2, 2025 – The college basketball world was left in shock as Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg made a surprise announcement, catching fans, analysts, and even head coach Jon Scheyer off guard. The 6’9” forward, considered one of the nation’s top prospects, held a last-minute press conference at Cameron Indoor Stadium, where he revealed his decision to leave Duke immediately.

With Duke preparing for a Final Four showdown, Flagg stood alongside his family and coaching staff, delivering a statement that few saw coming.

“After careful thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to forgo the rest of my college eligibility and move on to my next chapter,” Flagg announced.

The decision was unexpected, as Flagg had previously signaled his commitment to finishing the season with Duke. While there had been speculation about his NBA future, few anticipated such a sudden exit before the tournament’s conclusion.

Jon Scheyer’s Reaction

Head coach Jon Scheyer, who played a key role in Flagg’s development, admitted he was blindsided by the news.

“I was as shocked as anyone when Cooper told me his decision,” Scheyer said. “This is a big loss for our team, but I support him and respect his choice. He’s meant so much to Duke basketball, and while I wish we could have finished this journey together, I know his future is bright.”

Insiders suggest Flagg had been weighing his options for some time, amid growing NBA interest and endorsement pressure.

What This Means for Duke’s Title Hopes

Flagg’s departure leaves Duke’s championship ambitions in question, as he was a key contributor in scoring, defense, and versatility. His absence forces Scheyer to rethink his strategy, with Jared McCain and Caleb Foster now expected to step up.

However, losing a player of Flagg’s caliber at this stage is an unprecedented challenge that could significantly impact the team’s title run.

What’s Next for Flagg?

Flagg didn’t specify his next move, but speculation is widespread. The most likely scenario is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, where he is projected as a top-three pick. However, there are also rumors of him exploring overseas opportunities or alternative professional routes.

“I’m keeping all options open,” Flagg said. “Right now, I’m focused on what’s best for my long-term development.”

Reactions from the Basketball Community

Flagg’s announcement has sparked intense debate:

• NBA scouts are eager for him to enter the draft, praising his modern skill set.

• ESPN’s Jay Bilas called the move “a seismic shift” in college basketball, comparing Flagg’s impact to Zion Williamson’s Duke tenure.

• Former Duke star JJ Redick defended Flagg’s decision, tweeting: “This kid has done everything for Duke basketball. Wishing him all the success in the world.”

Duke’s Future Without Flagg

Despite the shock, Duke remains a basketball powerhouse, with top recruits and returning talent ready to carry the program forward.

“Duke basketball is bigger than one player,” Scheyer stated. “We’ve faced adversity before, and we’ll face it again.”

Though Flagg’s time at Duke was brief, his impact won’t be forgotten. Now, all eyes turn to his next move—and how the Blue Devils adjust in his absence.

Duke basketball hopes to designate a key reserve as a “emergency” before the Final Four

Duke Aims for Full Health Ahead of Houston Showdown in San Antonio

For the first time in over two weeks, Duke’s basketball team was at full strength during the Sweet 16 and Elite 8—though that wasn’t initially expected.

Maliq Brown returned to the court after re-dislocating his shoulder in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. He remained sidelined until the Sweet 16 matchup against Arizona.

Before tipoff, head coach Jon Scheyer labeled Brown as “day-to-day,” leaving open the possibility of playing. He eventually saw limited action after early foul trouble for Khaman Maluach and Patrick Ngongba. However, Brown was clearly cautious, avoiding physical contact. Despite this, he managed a rebound, an assist, and a steal in just four minutes before sitting out the second half.

Scheyer praised Brown’s willingness to step up, saying, “He’s not 100 percent. He’s not close to it. Ideally, he wouldn’t have played, but it was an emergency situation.”

Brown was expected to be ready for the Elite 8 game against Alabama, but his role remained minimal. He logged just three minutes, grabbing a single rebound before sitting out the second half.

“What Maliq did was incredible—making himself available when he wasn’t expected to play,” Scheyer said after Duke’s win over Alabama. “Now, our focus is getting him stronger and stabilizing his shoulder as much as possible. He won’t be at full strength, but another week should help significantly.”

Duke’s Final Four matchup against Houston on Saturday will mark 23 days since Brown’s injury, but his versatility could be crucial against the physically imposing Cougars.

“We need to get him stronger and healthier, but I feel more confident about what he can contribute next weekend,” Scheyer added.