Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, left Duke’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal game against Georgia Tech in a wheelchair after suffering a left ankle injury. The moment sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, with Duke fans and NBA scouts anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.
Cooper Flagg exited the game and was helped to the locker room after appearing to injure his left ankle in the first half against Georgia Tech. pic.twitter.com/EiUslVt0ZM
— ESPN (@espn) March 13, 2025
The injury occurred late in the first half when Flagg landed awkwardly while going up for a rebound. His foot appeared to come down on Georgia Tech’s Darrion Sutton’s foot, causing his ankle to roll. Flagg immediately grabbed his ankle and screamed in frustration, visibly in pain.
Cooper Flagg was helped to the locker room after an apparent ankle injury 🙏 pic.twitter.com/w52AaXFT0f
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 13, 2025
He pounded a chair on the bench before being helped off the court by teammates and medical staff. Unable to put weight on his leg, Flagg was taken to the locker room and later seen in a wheelchair being transported for further examination.
Cooper Flagg seen in a wheelchair after suffering an apparent ankle injury today.
Oh no… pic.twitter.com/BfDMJZw2dJ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 13, 2025
Flagg’s absence loomed large over the game, as the top-seeded Blue Devils struggled offensively, missing their first 13 three-point attempts and trailing Georgia Tech 31-26 at halftime. However, the bigger concern was the status of their freshman phenom, who has been the driving force behind their dominance this season.
Averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.7% from deep, Flagg has been nothing short of sensational. He was recently named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, solidifying himself as the best player in college basketball and the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Despite the initial panic, Flagg later returned to Duke’s bench at the start of the second half, giving fans a glimmer of hope. While he did not re-enter the game, the fact that he was not wearing a walking boot or using crutches suggested that the injury may not be as severe as it initially appeared.
Duke has yet to provide an official diagnosis, but with March Madness right around the corner, all eyes will be on Flagg’s recovery and whether he will be ready for the NCAA Tournament.
From an NBA Draft standpoint, Flagg’s status as the No. 1 pick is unlikely to change. His skill set—a rare combination of elite defensive versatility, shot creation, and high basketball IQ—makes him too valuable to pass up, even if he were to miss time.
Unless medical evaluations reveal a long-term concern, teams will still see him as a generational prospect. Even in a worst-case scenario where he is sidelined for an extended period, Flagg’s upside is so immense that he would likely still be taken first overall.
For Duke, the immediate concern is how they will manage without their star player. The Blue Devils have legitimate championship aspirations, but their success hinges on Flagg’s availability. If he is forced to miss any part of the NCAA Tournament, it would drastically alter the landscape of March Madness.
Flagg’s injury scare serves as a reminder of how fragile a team’s season can be, but for now, Duke and the NBA world will wait anxiously for further updates on the future No. 1 pick.
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