The Duke Blue Devils just received a massive boost ahead of their NCAA Tournament opener, as freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has officially been cleared to play. Flagg, who recently suffered a left ankle sprain, is now set to take the court against Mount St. Mary’s in what could be the first step of a deep tournament run for the Blue Devils.
A Season Defined by Stardom
Coming into the season as the most highly touted recruit in the country, Flagg has lived up to the hype. Averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, he has been the driving force behind Duke’s success. His versatility, elite defensive instincts, and ability to take over games have drawn comparisons to NBA greats, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball.
The Injury Scare
Duke fans held their breath when Flagg went down with an ankle injury just a week before the tournament. Although early reports suggested it wasn’t serious, his status remained uncertain leading up to game day. However, after participating fully in Wednesday’s practice, Flagg has been deemed fit to play, giving the Blue Devils a crucial edge as they begin their tournament journey.
What This Means for Duke’s Title Hopes
With Flagg back in the lineup, Duke’s championship aspirations remain intact. The Blue Devils have already secured the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, and now they have their star player ready to lead them in the most important stretch of the season. If Flagg can stay healthy and perform at his usual elite level, Duke could very well be on the path to another national championship.
Can Flagg Handle the Pressure?
The NCAA Tournament is where legends are made, and all eyes will be on Flagg to see if he can rise to the occasion. While he has proven himself in big games throughout the season, the intensity of March Madness is a different challenge. Opponents will key in on him defensively, but his ability to adapt and dominate will determine how far Duke can go.
A Must-Watch Tournament Run
Duke’s opening game against Mount St. Mary’s will set the tone for their tournament campaign, and with Flagg back on the court, expectations are sky-high. Can he lead the Blue Devils to glory? If history is any indication, Duke’s freshman phenoms have a way of making headlines in March, and Flagg might just be the next to etch his name in the history books.
