Duke versus Georgia Tech is underway! The Blue Devils have something to prove against the Yellow Jackets and the rest of the ACC, and by extension, the NCAA. Scheyer’s team is currently ranked #1 in the nation, and the Cameron Crazies couldn’t be happier! They are going for a national title, and we all know it. However, it looks like their worst nightmares have come to life!

What is it with Jon Scheyer and injuries? First, Maliq Brown, sidelined earlier by a shoulder injury, then Tyrese Proctor, nursing a bone bruise to his knee, and now? The worst case scenario. We all know that Duke’s postseason hopes rest on Cooper Flagg. However, an injury scare in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech could put a damper on Scheyer’s parade.

Cooper Flagg’s playoff game against Georgia Tech took an unfortunate turn when he injured his ankle. While grabbing a defensive rebound, the six-foot-nine forward leapt and rolled his ankle as he landed late in the first half. He rolled his left ankle awkwardly—possibly on a teammate’s or opponent’s foot—crumpling to the court in visible agony. Flagg had to be assisted off the court by his teammates and was visibly limping. Teammates Khaman Maluach and others rushed to help, with Flagg unable to put weight on the injured leg. Not only that, Duke’s medical team took him to get assessed in a wheelchair. The staff quickly intervened, and in a chilling sight for fans, he was wheeled off to the locker room for further evaluation, including X-rays.

Flagg’s injury does not bode well for the Blue Devils at all. His potential absence is a devastating prospect. He has been leading Duke in nearly every statistical category for the entire season, averaging over 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game—becoming the first freshman in Division-I history to lead his team in every major category while guiding them to the NCAA Tournament. His two-way dominance has fueled Duke’s 19-1 ACC record and their status as national championship front-runners, his absence will definitely be felt.

If it turns out to be something serious, both Duke and Cooper Flagg will suffer. A serious injury could derail not just Duke’s title hopes but also Flagg’s historic freshman campaign, which has drawn comparisons to legends like Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson. While it is unlikely that the Duke star will take the court again in this game, the Cameron Crazies can take a sigh of relief as hopeful news emerges.

Cooper Flagg returns to the bench after massive injury scare!

Duke had an unfortunate beginning to their battle against the Yellow Jackets. The game itself started poorly for Duke. Not only did Cooper Flagg get injured, but Georgia Tech had taken a rather handy lead to end the first half. “Not a great start.” Even the Blue Devils’ official X page agreed, posting a graphic about the 31-26 deficit that they were in.

However, Duke supporters can rest easy tonight. In a recent update by Overtime on X, it was revealed that Cooper Flagg found his way back to the bench again! “COOP BACK ON THE BENCH.” The post read, inspiring hope in fans about the severity of the injury, or a lack thereof.

Even without Flagg, however, Duke managed to reverse their fortunes against Georgia Tech. Despite the absences, Duke rallied impressively. With just under 4 minutes left in the second half, the Blue Devils lead has extended to double digits. Isaiah Evans put on an absolute clinic from three, shooting fifty percent from beyond the arc. Meanwhile Khaman Maluach defended the paint exquisitely, having 4 blocks under his name. Freshman Kon Knueppel emerged as the hero, erupting for a career-high 28 points—20 in the second half—along with 8 assists, steering the Blue Devils to a 78-70 victory

The resilience that Jon Scheyer’s team showed proved why they’re the number one team in the nation. Hopefully, Cooper Flagg makes a full recovery by the time Duke look towards their real goal–the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils will need him fully fit and healthy as they look to prove their worth in March. But the Cameron Crazies and Blue Devils faithful will be holding their breath until he’s back on the court, fully fit, ready to lead their championship charge.