Injuries to Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown Come at Critical Moment for No. 1 Duke
Major Injury Concerns for Duke Ahead of March Madness
Top-ranked Duke suffered a major setback in the ACC Tournament as two key players—freshman star Cooper Flagg and defensive standout Maliq Brown—went down with injuries during Thursday’s quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech. The injuries come at the worst possible time as Duke prepares for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Cooper Flagg’s Ankle Injury: A Big Blow for Duke
During the first half, Cooper Flagg went up for a rebound but landed awkwardly, twisting his left ankle in the process. The 18-year-old, who is widely projected as a future No. 1 NBA Draft pick, collapsed to the floor in pain, clutching his ankle.
Coach Jon Scheyer later confirmed that Flagg had suffered a sprained ankle and described his chances of playing in the ACC semifinals as a “real long shot.”
“It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow,” Scheyer said. “We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the (NCAA) Tournament.”
Although X-rays revealed no fractures, Flagg was seen in visible discomfort. He was later spotted in a wheelchair but managed to walk out under his own power. He rejoined the bench for the second half but did not return to the game.
Maliq Brown’s Shoulder Injury: A Defensive Setback
Just minutes before Flagg’s injury, Duke also lost defensive ace Maliq Brown, who dislocated his left shoulder—the same injury that had sidelined him for three weeks before his recent return. Brown was forced to leave the game after an aggressive defensive play against Georgia Tech’s Naithan George.
Trainer Jose Fonseca had to help Brown off the court as he clutched his shoulder in pain. He was later taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. His return remains uncertain.
Duke’s Challenge Moving Forward
The loss of both Flagg and Brown presents a major challenge for Duke:
- Flagg: The team’s top scorer and rebounder, his absence would be a significant offensive loss.
- Brown: A key defensive player known for his versatility, losing him weakens Duke’s ability to guard multiple positions.
The injuries come as Duke faces a quick turnaround in the ACC Tournament and the looming March Madness. With both players’ availability uncertain, the Blue Devils will need to adjust their strategy heading into the postseason.
Team Reaction: Rallying Without Their Stars
Despite the setbacks, Duke rallied from a 14-point deficit to secure a come-from-behind victory over Georgia Tech. Guard Tyrese Proctor remained optimistic about the team’s resilience.
“Obviously, it’s tough to see them go down,” Proctor said. “But it’s basketball, it happens. We’re going to get them right, and we’ll just continue to play our game.”
Duke will now have to wait and see if Flagg or Brown can recover in time for the team’s upcoming ACC semifinal—and beyond.
