On Sunday, the Duke Blue Devils secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, but their championship hopes may depend on the health of. The star freshman, who won the 2025 ACC Player of the Year award after leading Duke to a regular-season ACC title, topped the team in key statistical categories per game, including points (18.9), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.1), blocks (1.2), and steals (1.5).
However, Flagg suffered a concerning ankle injury in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, leaving the game in a wheelchair and missing the next two matchups. Despite his absence, Duke claimed the ACC Tournament title, solidifying their No. 1 seed with a 31-3 overall record. Their first NCAA Tournament game is set for Friday—just eight days after Flagg’s injury—against either No. 16 American (22-12) or No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s (22-12), who face off in the First Four on Wednesday.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer provided an update on Flagg’s status, telling ESPN’s Rece Davis, “Our goal is for Friday, no question about it.” He emphasized the importance of the coming days in assessing Flagg’s recovery, prioritizing a smart approach and ensuring he practices before making a final decision. As the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s long-term future is also a consideration, with some fans advocating for a cautious return.
Despite Flagg’s uncertain availability, ESPN’s Basketball Power Index still favors Duke as the top contender for the NCAA title. The Blue Devils demonstrated resilience without him, overcoming Georgia Tech in the quarterfinal after his injury, defeating archrival North Carolina in the semifinal, and securing a dominant 73-62 victory over second-seeded Louisville in the ACC Tournament final.