Duke University’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, suffered a left ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. The injury occurred late in the first half, with Duke trailing 26-17.
Flagg was escorted to the locker room in a wheelchair and did not return to the game.
X-rays were negative, indicating no fractures. However, the extent of the sprain remains uncertain, and his availability for the upcoming NCAA Tournament is in question.
Flagg’s potential absence could impact Duke’s seeding and performance in the tournament.
Despite Flagg’s injury, Duke rallied to secure a 78-70 victory over Georgia Tech. Freshman Kon Knueppel stepped up, delivering a career-high 28 points, along with eight assists and five rebounds. Fellow freshmen Isaiah Evans and Khaman Maluach also contributed significantly, each adding 14 points.
Flagg’s injury could have broader implications beyond college basketball. As a projected top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, his condition may influence draft strategies and team decisions.
Additionally, the collectibles market might be affected, with short-term demand potentially increasing if his absence is brief, or decreasing if the injury is more severe.
The coming days will be crucial in determining Flagg’s recovery timeline and the subsequent impact on his collegiate and professional prospects.
