The Blue Devils played their last two tournament games without the ACC player of the year, Cooper Flagg. Duke would beat their fierce rival North Carolina, 74-71, in a semifinal thriller. For the final, they knocked off 13th-ranked Louisville 73-62 on Saturday night. It was the second ACC championship in three seasons under Jon Scheyer. Despite the victory, the Duke nation wants to know if and when their star player will return.

Bryan Fischer, on X, stated: “Jon Scheyer on Duke giving the NCAA an update on Cooper Flagg: ‘Yeah, I don’t know who said that. I did not say that directly, but I can tell you that that’s exactly my intention.’” The tweet from Sports Illustrated’s writer gave more insight about the 18-year-old’s return. “It’s the same thing. I think it’s trending in a great way where Cooper will be ready to go right away in the NCAA Tournament.”

As per Jon Scheyer, the Duke nation can breathe easy now, as Cooper Flagg will return for March Madness. It was during their win over Georgia Tech late in the first half when the 18-year-old suffered an ankle injury. the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — soared for a rebound and came crashing down, clutching his left ankle in agony.

The Maine native did eventually return to the bench  — but in a wheelchair. He didn’t play another minute. At the time, Coach Scheyer said, “He suffered a sprained ankle, but the X-rays came back negative.” That’s why he missed the important ACC title game, but his return looks imminent now for the March Madness.

Cooper Flagg’s impact on the potential number one seed team

When the 6-foot-9 freshman was out, there were concerns about Blue Devils’ ACC performance and it affecting their seeding. Joe Lunardi was optimistic that if Cooper Flagg is not out for a longer period, then Duke would be the number one team. “If he does not return in the ACC tournament, but with a prognosis of playing early in the NCAA tournament, my guess is the Blue Devils will retain their likely No. 1 seed.” By the Head Coach’s word, the star player will return soon.

It’s not just Scheyer’s words but also the freshman forward’s previous appearance. Todd Gibson, sports reporter for WNCN, gave an update about the 18-year-old who was walking freely, without “even a hint of a limp.” Flagg had been Duke’s engine all season, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Even the team boasts an ORTG of 128.1 (2nd in the NCAA) and a DRTG of 90.0 (4th in the NCAA), per KenPom. He leads Duke in nearly every major statistical category: 604 points (18.9 PPG), 48% from the field, 4.7 made free throws per game, 240 rebounds, 131 assists, 40 blocks, and 49 steals — all while appearing in 32 of Duke’s 33 games. That’s why there is extra precautionary rest for the forward during the crucial ACC games. Now, the Duke nation will eagerly wait for March Madness and Cooper Flagg’s return.