Cooper Flagg’s ‘Long Shot’ for ACC Semis After Ankle Injury
The road to the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Basketball Tournament has been filled with drama, surprises, and intense competition. However, the biggest story leading into the semi-finals is the uncertain but intriguing return of Cooper Flagg, a top-tier freshman forward for the Duke Blue Devils. Flagg, widely considered one of the most promising young players in college basketball, has been a standout for Duke all season. However, a significant ankle injury has left many wondering whether he’ll be ready to make an impact in the ACC Tournament or whether his team will have to go without one of their most vital players in their biggest games of the year.
Flagg’s injury, which occurred in a high-stakes regular-season matchup against Syracuse in mid-February, raised serious questions about his availability for postseason play. Despite the severity of the injury, recent developments have shown a glimmer of hope for his return to the court, but many still consider him a “long shot” to be fully ready for the ACC semifinals. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery has added an intriguing subplot to the tournament, one that could potentially impact Duke’s chances of making a deep run.
This article explores Flagg’s journey to recovery, his potential return, and the impact he could have on Duke’s performance in the ACC semi-finals, providing an inside look at the challenges he faces and the stakes involved.
The Injury: A Devastating Blow to Duke
Cooper Flagg’s injury came as a shock to the basketball world. Duke was cruising through the season, with Flagg playing a starring role on both ends of the floor. The freshman forward, who has drawn comparisons to some of the greats in recent years, has been nothing short of exceptional. His versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute in almost every facet of the game made him one of the most anticipated players in the ACC.
The injury occurred during a mid-February game against Syracuse. With the game nearing its final minutes, Flagg went up for a contested rebound in the paint. As he came down, his ankle twisted awkwardly, and he collapsed to the floor in pain. The arena fell silent as Duke’s medical staff rushed to his side. Flagg was visibly shaken, and the severity of the injury became clear when he was unable to put any weight on his right ankle.
Initial reports indicated that Flagg had suffered a significant ankle sprain, with concerns of potential ligament damage. The Blue Devils’ medical team immediately began assessing the injury, and it was announced that Flagg would likely be out for at least 3-4 weeks. This injury meant that Flagg would miss the remainder of the regular season, including key matchups against rival teams in the ACC, and his status for the ACC Tournament was thrown into question.
Duke fans, as well as basketball analysts, speculated whether the injury would completely derail Flagg’s chances of playing in the tournament. With the stakes of the tournament as high as they are, many wondered whether Duke could contend for the title without their prized freshman. The loss of Flagg was a blow not only to the Blue Devils’ offensive attack but also to their defensive identity, where his shot-blocking ability and perimeter defense had been instrumental throughout the season.
The Recovery: An Uphill Battle
While the severity of the injury left doubts about Flagg’s future in the tournament, the 6-foot-8 forward refused to be deterred. His recovery process was characterized by a fierce determination to get back on the court, and his approach was widely praised by coaches, teammates, and medical staff alike.
For Flagg, the first hurdle was simply regaining full mobility in his ankle. An injury of this magnitude requires a delicate balance between rest and rehabilitation. Flagg’s initial recovery plan focused on reducing swelling and ensuring that the ankle was healing properly before he could begin any strenuous physical activity. But Flagg, known for his work ethic, was determined to speed up the process, pushing himself each day with light rehabilitation exercises designed to restore range of motion and strength to the injured joint.
By the second week of recovery, Flagg was already engaging in non-contact drills, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the ankle and regaining the agility he was known for. His conditioning coach implemented a series of low-impact exercises, including swimming and cycling, to help maintain his cardiovascular fitness while minimizing the strain on his ankle. Slowly but surely, Flagg’s progress began to show, with his range of motion improving significantly and his mobility increasing.
The mental side of recovery is often just as challenging as the physical side, and this was particularly true for Flagg. Athletes at the highest level often experience a fear of reinjury when returning from a significant injury, and Flagg was no exception. “It was definitely tough mentally,” Flagg admitted in an interview during his rehab process. “I didn’t know if I would be ready, and it was hard to stay positive when you’re watching your teammates play without you. But I knew I had to put in the work if I wanted to be back in time for the tournament.”
Flagg’s commitment to his recovery became clear when he was cleared for light, non-contact practices after three weeks of rehabilitation. This marked a turning point in his journey. The Duke coaching staff, led by head coach Jon Scheyer, praised Flagg for his perseverance and the speed with which he was progressing. However, despite his encouraging recovery, there was still skepticism surrounding whether Flagg would be fully ready for the ACC semifinals.
A ‘Long Shot’ Return: What Are the Odds?
Heading into the ACC Tournament, Cooper Flagg’s chances of playing in the semi-finals were considered a long shot by many. Although Flagg had been cleared for individual workouts and was slowly reintroducing himself to full-team drills, he had not yet participated in a full-contact practice. Duke’s medical team, while optimistic about his progress, was cautious in their approach, aware of the risks involved in rushing a player back from a significant injury.
The timeline was tight. The ACC Tournament was just a few days away, and while Flagg was making progress, it was unclear whether he would be in game shape. Flagg’s ability to regain his explosiveness, sharpness, and confidence on the court in such a short period was uncertain. Even if he could suit up, would he be able to play at the level that had made him one of the most highly regarded young players in the country?
Coach Jon Scheyer faced a tough decision. On one hand, Flagg’s return could provide an enormous boost to Duke’s hopes of advancing deep into the tournament. His scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence would give the Blue Devils a significant edge against any team they faced. On the other hand, there was the risk of re-aggravating the injury or, worse, causing further damage to the ankle by rushing him back too soon.
“Cooper’s health is the priority,” Scheyer said in a pre-tournament press conference. “We’re not going to rush him if he’s not ready. But if he’s cleared to play, and he feels good, we’ll definitely consider him for the rotation. We trust his ability to make an impact on both sides of the ball, and we need all hands on deck if we’re going to make a run.”
Cooper Flagg’s Potential Impact on the ACC Semis
Should Flagg make his return in time for the ACC semifinals, his presence would be a game-changer for Duke. His offensive versatility—able to score both inside and from the perimeter—combined with his elite defense, would provide the Blue Devils with a much-needed spark. Flagg’s shot-blocking and ability to guard multiple positions would significantly bolster Duke’s defense, especially against ACC teams with potent scoring threats, such as Virginia, North Carolina, or Miami.
Offensively, Flagg’s passing and court vision have been underrated aspects of his game, and his ability to facilitate Duke’s offense could help elevate his teammates. While freshman players often take time to adjust to the physicality and speed of college basketball, Flagg has already shown that he can play with poise and maturity beyond his years. In the high-pressure environment of the ACC Tournament, his basketball IQ and leadership would be invaluable.
If Flagg can return to full form, Duke will have a legitimate chance of not only making it to the ACC final but possibly winning the tournament. His health and performance in the semifinals and beyond could determine the Blue Devils’ fate in the postseason.
Cooper Flagg’s story of overcoming a potentially devastating injury to return to the court for the ACC Tournament is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and determination. Though his return was initially seen as a long shot, Flagg’s tireless recovery efforts have put him on the cusp of rejoining his team when it matters most.
As Duke heads into the ACC semifinals, the question remains: will Flagg be the difference-maker they need, or will the lingering effects of his injury prevent him from reaching his full potential? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Flagg’s journey will be one of the most compelling narratives in this year’s ACC Tournament, and his impact could determine whether Duke takes home the title.