With Cooper Flagg ‘100% and All Good,’ No. 1 Duke Basketball Looks to Keep Rolling

As the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament approaches, the No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils are once again one of the most formidable teams in the nation, and a major reason for their early-season dominance has been the exceptional play of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. Known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and explosive athleticism, Flagg has quickly become the centerpiece of Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad. After suffering an injury scare earlier in the season, Flagg is now “100% and all good,” according to Duke’s medical staff, and the Blue Devils are poised to make a serious run at the national title.

With Flagg back at full strength, Duke has been firing on all cylinders. They’ve already steamrolled through most of their competition, with their impressive blend of offense and defense making them the team to beat in the 2025 tournament. As they head into the next phase of March Madness, the Blue Devils look like a well-oiled machine. But can Flagg and his teammates keep the momentum going and fulfill the high expectations that have surrounded this team all year?

The Cooper Flagg Phenomenon

Cooper Flagg’s journey to becoming one of the most talked-about players in college basketball has been nothing short of meteoric. A 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, Flagg has drawn comparisons to some of the greats to have played the game, thanks to his unique combination of size, skill, and versatility. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is what sets him apart from most players his age.

Before the season began, Flagg was already being touted as one of the best players in the country, and for good reason. His basketball IQ is through the roof, and his defensive prowess is arguably unmatched. He has a natural feel for the game, making him a standout both in the paint and on the perimeter. Offensively, Flagg can score from all levels — whether it’s finishing above the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers. His ability to do it all has made him an invaluable asset to the Blue Devils.

However, despite all the hype surrounding Flagg, his road to full health wasn’t entirely smooth. Early in the season, he suffered a minor injury that had many fans and analysts concerned. But now, after a period of rest and rehab, Flagg is “100% and all good,” as reported by Duke’s medical staff, and the Blue Devils are poised to get back to full strength for the rest of the tournament.

The Injury Scare: What Happened and What’s Next

It was an unfortunate moment in the 2025 season when Flagg went down with a minor ankle sprain during a non-conference game. The injury occurred late in a blowout victory against a lesser opponent, and while it wasn’t severe, it was enough to raise eyebrows. For a team as loaded as Duke, the prospect of losing a player like Flagg — particularly in a season where they had such high aspirations — was a cause for concern.

Flagg’s absence during his recovery period was noticeable, but Duke’s depth allowed them to weather the storm. Coach Jon Scheyer leaned heavily on upperclassmen like Amir Robinson, Caleb Thompson, and Elijah Grant to step up in Flagg’s absence. These players picked up the slack, but it was clear that Duke’s title hopes were always tied to Flagg’s health. As Flagg gradually returned to the court, there was a sense of relief around the team — he was once again operating at full capacity, and the Blue Devils’ aspirations for the NCAA tournament were once again full steam ahead.

“I’m feeling great now,” Flagg remarked after his first full practice back. “It was a small setback, but we have a long journey ahead, and I’m ready to contribute in whatever way I can. We’re all locked in and ready to make a run.”

With Flagg now back to 100%, his return adds another layer of depth to an already talented Duke roster. His unique ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most impactful players in college basketball, and with him fully healthy, Duke has a legitimate chance to cut down the nets at the Final Four.

Duke’s Road to the Tournament: A Dominant Start to the Season

Duke’s early-season dominance is no secret. With the return of Flagg to the lineup and an ensemble cast of talent, the Blue Devils quickly showed that they were a force to be reckoned with. Before entering March Madness, Duke ran through the ACC like a freight train, collecting win after win against top-tier competition.

Flagg’s presence on both ends of the floor has been crucial to Duke’s success. On offense, he has averaged 17.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, with shooting splits that reflect his offensive efficiency: 52.3% from the field, 39.8% from beyond the arc, and 82.1% from the free-throw line. These numbers, especially for a freshman, are staggering, and they’ve contributed to Duke’s ability to blow out opponents with regularity.

Defensively, Flagg’s impact has been just as impressive. His shot-blocking ability, coupled with his awareness and anticipation, allows Duke to stifle opposing offenses. He has averaged 2.1 blocks per game and is also a key component in Duke’s perimeter defense, often switching seamlessly between positions and providing the Blue Devils with an elite level of versatility on that end of the floor. This defensive presence, combined with Duke’s offensive firepower, has made them a balanced, well-rounded team capable of dominating on both ends.

It hasn’t just been Flagg, however. Amir Robinson, the senior point guard, has taken on the leadership role for Duke. Robinson is an elite playmaker who facilitates the offense with great efficiency. His basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to break down defenses with his passing and scoring ability make him a valuable asset, particularly in big moments. Along with Caleb Thompson, who has been a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter, Robinson’s steady hand has kept Duke from experiencing any real dips in performance.

Elijah Grant and the Supporting Cast

In addition to Flagg, Duke’s frontcourt has been a dominant force throughout the season. Elijah Grant, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, has been the perfect complement to Flagg. Grant’s rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring inside make him a physical presence in the paint. He has averaged 14.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends. His strong post play has provided Duke with another scoring option alongside Flagg, allowing the Blue Devils to be unpredictable on offense.

Duke’s depth is another reason for their success. Jalen Brown, a sophomore forward, has been excellent off the bench, providing scoring and energy when needed. The Blue Devils also rely on their role players to contribute in key moments, whether it’s Caleb Thompson knocking down a timely three or Tyler Davis making a hustle play on the defensive end.

Looking Ahead to March Madness: A Team Ready for a Run

As March Madness looms, the Duke Blue Devils are poised to continue their dominance. Their first-round matchups in the tournament will likely provide challenges, but with Flagg now fully healthy and Duke’s depth fully intact, the Blue Devils are positioned to handle any test that comes their way.

In particular, Duke’s offensive execution will likely be the key to their success. While their defense has been exceptional all year, their offense has been the most dangerous aspect of their game, especially with Flagg leading the charge. The combination of Flagg’s all-around scoring ability, Grant’s physicality, and the playmaking from Robinson will make Duke a tough matchup for any team in the tournament.

However, the key will be how Duke’s defense fares in high-stakes games. While their offense is explosive, their ability to lock down and defend elite players in the tournament will be crucial. Against teams with potent scorers, Duke’s defense — led by Flagg and Grant — must be elite. Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim will be a major factor in the Blue Devils’ success.

The Pressure of Being No. 1

As the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Duke has the target on their back. There is an inherent pressure that comes with being the top-ranked team in the country, but it’s a pressure that Coach Jon Scheyer and his players are used to handling. Scheyer, who is in his third year as head coach of the Blue Devils, has done a remarkable job leading this team. His ability to manage the talent, keep the players focused, and maintain discipline throughout the season will be critical in guiding Duke through the tournament.

Scheyer has expressed confidence in his team, particularly with Flagg back at full strength. “We have all the pieces we need,” said Scheyer after Duke’s final regular-season game. “Our team is clicking right now, and we have the talent to make a deep run. Cooper is playing at an elite level, and with the other guys stepping up, we’re excited for what’s to come.”

Can Duke Go All the Way?

With Cooper Flagg “100% and all good,” the Duke Blue Devils are poised to make a serious push for the 2025 NCAA Tournament championship. The combination of Flagg’s versatile play, Duke’s deep roster, and Coach Jon Scheyer’s leadership makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the field. The question now is whether Duke can maintain their form and execute when it matters most. With the tournament set to heat up, all eyes will be on the Blue Devils as they attempt to keep their historic season rolling and bring another national title to Durham.