Duke’s NCAA Tournament Hopes and the Question of Health
Duke University’s men’s basketball team is in a strong position to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 1 seed in the East Region. However, the Blue Devils face a significant challenge as they navigate the bracket without two of their key players, who were sidelined due to injuries during the ACC Tournament. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, a National Player of the Year contender, suffered an ankle sprain in Duke’s win over Georgia Tech, forcing him to miss the final two games of the ACC Tournament. Additionally, forward Maliq Brown sustained a shoulder injury in the same game, keeping him out of action as well. While Duke went on to win the ACC Tournament with a victory over Louisville, the health of these players remains a critical factor heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Cooper Flagg’s Injury and Its Implications
Cooper Flagg’s injury has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as the freshman phenom is not only a leading candidate for National Player of the Year but also the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg has lived up to the immense hype surrounding his freshman season, leading Duke in nearly every major statistical category, including points (18.9 per game), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.1), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.2). His absence from the last two games of the ACC Tournament raised concerns about his availability for the NCAA Tournament, where Duke is expected to make a deep run. However, head coach Jon Scheyer has expressed optimism about Flagg’s recovery, stating that the team is "full steam ahead" in its efforts to get him back on the court for their first-round game on Friday.
Coach Scheyer and Others Weigh In on Flagg’s Status
Coach Scheyer has been cautiously optimistic about Flagg’s return, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the freshman is fully healthy before returning to action. "Our goal is for Friday," Scheyer said, though he stopped short of guaranteeing Flagg’s availability for the Round of 64 matchup against the winner of the First Four game between Mount St. Mary’s and American. Flagg’s mother, Kelly, has also offered a positive update, telling People Magazine that her son is "feeling great" and that the time off could ultimately benefit the team by giving other players a chance to step up. Even Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski, who retired in 2022, has chimed in, expressing confidence that Flagg will be ready for the tournament and praising Scheyer’s handling of the situation.
Duke’s Seeding and Title Odds Remain Unchanged
Despite Flagg’s injury, Duke’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament was not affected, as the selection committee was assured that the star freshman would be available for the Big Dance. Duke finished the regular season with a 31-3 record and secured the No. 1 seed in the East Region, though they were narrowly edged out for the No. 1 overall seed by Auburn. The Blue Devils’ title odds have also remained unchanged, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing them as the favorite to win the national championship at +320 odds. Flagg’s injury has not dampened expectations, as many analysts believe Duke’s depth and talent will carry them through, especially if their star player is able to return to full strength.
Expert Predictions for Duke’s Tournament Run
FOX Sports college basketball analysts have weighed in on Flagg’s injury and Duke’s chances, with most agreeing that the Blue Devils are still a formidable contender. John Fanta predicts that Duke will win the East Region but fall to Houston in the Final Four, while Michael Cohen believes the Blue Devils will ultimately cut down the nets in San Antonio. Flagg’s return to the court is expected to be one of the biggest storylines of the tournament, with analysts marveling at his ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor. If healthy, Flagg will undoubtedly be the focal point of Duke’s title push, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and NBA scouts alike.
Duke’s Path to the National Championship
As the No. 1 seed in the East Region, Duke’s journey to the national championship begins on Friday against the winner of the First Four game between Mount St. Mary’s and American. Should they advance, the Blue Devils will face either eighth-seeded Mississippi State or ninth-seeded Baylor in the Round of 32. Potential Sweet 16 matchups include fourth-seeded Arizona, fifth-seeded Oregon, 12th-seeded Liberty, or 13th-seeded Akron. The Elite Eight could pit Duke against second-seeded Alabama, third-seeded Wisconsin, or other formidable opponents like sixth-seeded BYU or seventh-seeded Saint Mary’s. With Flagg back in the lineup, Duke is well-positioned to make a deep run, but they will need to navigate a challenging bracket that includes teams like Houston, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Purdue. Clemson, the last team to defeat Duke, is also on the same side of the bracket, adding another layer of intrigue to the Blue Devils’ title quest.
