Injuries to Freshman Star Cooper Flagg, Maliq Brown Hit at Inopportune Time for No. 1 Duke
Introduction to the Injuries
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cooper Flagg went airborne to snag a rebound in his first ACC Tournament game when Duke’s freshman star landed awkwardly and crashed to the court, holding his left ankle and writhing in pain.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
It came moments after defensive whiz Maliq Brown had to be helped to the locker room, his left arm hanging limply by his side. And just like that, top-ranked Duke now faces serious injury questions that threaten to linger well beyond however long the Blue Devils play this week in Charlotte.
Coach’s Assessment of the Injuries
Coach Jon Scheyer said it’s a “real longshot" Flagg — long regarded as a favorite to be the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick whenever he jumps to the pros — will be able to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference semifinals due to that sprained ankle suffered during Thursday’s quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech. And it’s too early to say whether Brown will make it back at all.
Impact of Injuries on the Team
The injuries are concerning enough for a team that had to rally from 14 down to win Thursday, matching its biggest deficit of the season. But there’s another complication: any absence, rehab or recovery comes with March Madness starting next week, a fact Scheyer alluded to in discussing Flagg’s injury. "It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow,” Scheyer said. “That’s not the most important thing for us. We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the (NCAA) Tournament.
Details of the Injuries
Scheyer said Flagg was already dealing with swelling. He said X-rays showed no fracture for Flagg, named Tuesday as The Associated Press league player and newcomer of the year. Flagg wasn’t available to speak with reporters afterward because he was receiving treatment for the injury. “Cooper’s one of the toughest guys I know,” graduate guard Sion James said, adding: “I haven’t gotten a chance to see him or talk to him but I really hope he’s feeling a lot better."
The Game and Incident Recap
The Blue Devils were trailing 26-17 late in the first half when Flagg went up for a rebound and appeared to have his left foot clip the right foot of Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo as he came down in the paint, causing his ankle to roll grotesquely and send Flagg down grabbing at the joint with 2:46 left in the half. Flagg hobbled back to the bench in clear distress, then bent over with his hands on the seats and pounded a chair with his right fist.
Brown’s Injury and Its Significance
As for Brown, he had missed roughly three weeks of action with a dislocated left shoulder before returning last weekend at North Carolina and playing a major role in Duke’s decisive run that highlighted his importance to the Blue Devils’ long-term prospects. But moments before Flagg went down, separated by roughly two minutes of game action, the Blue Devils lost Brown as he showed his versatility by guarding Georgia Tech guard Naithan George on the perimeter.
Team’s Response to the Injuries
Combined together, the Flagg and Brown injuries are a major hit at both ends for the only team ranked in the top five nationally in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency metrics for offense (128.7 points per 100 possessions) and defense (89.9). “We worried about it after the game,” Duke guard Tyrese Proctor said. “Obviously it’s tough to see them go down. But it’s basketball, it happens. It’s unfortunate. We’re going to get them right and they’re going to be good and we’ll just continue to play our game.”
Conclusion
The injuries to Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown come at a critical time for Duke, with the NCAA Tournament looming. The team’s ability to adapt and recover from these setbacks will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming games.
FAQs
- What happened to Cooper Flagg during the game?
- Cooper Flagg suffered a sprained ankle during Duke’s quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech.
- Will Flagg be able to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference semifinals?
- According to Coach Jon Scheyer, it’s a “real longshot” that Flagg will be able to play due to his sprained ankle.
- What is the status of Maliq Brown’s injury?
- Brown dislocated his left shoulder again and was taken to a nearby hospital. It’s too early to say whether he will make it back.
- How do these injuries impact Duke’s chances in the NCAA Tournament?
- The injuries to Flagg and Brown are significant concerns for Duke, especially with March Madness starting next week. The team’s ability to recover and adapt will be crucial in determining their success.
