Prayers for Duke’s cooper as he injures ankles
Duke University’s men’s basketball team has faced challenges with ankle injuries to key players, notably freshman forward Cooper Flagg and guard Caleb Foster. These injuries have tested the team’s resilience and depth during critical moments of their season.Yahoo Sports+14Duke Basketball Report+14YouTube+14
Cooper Flagg’s Ankle Injury and Recovery
Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman, sustained a left ankle injury during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech on March 13, 2025. Flagg rolled his ankle in the first half, leading to his early exit from the game. Subsequent MRI and X-ray examinations revealed no significant damage, allowing for an optimistic outlook on his recovery. Yahoo SportsESPN.com+1ESPN.com+1ESPN.com
Throughout the week following the injury, Flagg engaged in a structured rehabilitation program. By March 20, he reported being “pain-free” and participated fully in practice sessions. This progress enabled him to start in Duke’s NCAA tournament opener against Mount St. Mary’s on March 21. In that game, Flagg played over 22 minutes, contributing 14 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating his effective recovery and readiness for tournament play. YouTube+13ESPN.com+13New York Post+13Yardbarker+2New York Post+2ESPN.com+2
Caleb Foster’s Ankle Injury
In February 2024, guard Caleb Foster suffered a stress fracture in his ankle, which sidelined him for both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Prior to his injury, Foster had been a key reserve for the Blue Devils, averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 27 games. His absence was felt during the postseason, but he returned for his sophomore season, expressing strong commitment to the team. Wikipedia
Team Resilience Amid Injuries
Despite these setbacks, Duke’s men’s basketball team has demonstrated resilience. Following Flagg’s return, the team secured a decisive 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the NCAA tournament’s first round on March 21, 2025. This win highlighted the team’s depth and ability to adapt, with players stepping up in the absence or limited capacity of their teammates. Duke Basketball Report+1Yahoo Sports+1Duke Basketball Report+4ESPN.com+4New York Post+4People.com
Ankle injuries to key players like Cooper Flagg and Caleb Foster have posed challenges for Duke’s men’s basketball team. However, through effective rehabilitation and the collective effort of the team, they have managed to navigate these obstacles and continue their pursuit of success in the NCAA tournament.