Duke Faces Uncertainty After Injuries to Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown

Key players for the top-ranked Blue Devils sustained injuries during the ACC tournament, raising questions about their readiness for March Madness.

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle sprain during Duke's ACC quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech and is unlikely to play in the semifinal game.
Defensive specialist Maliq Brown dislocated his left shoulder in the same game, less than a week after returning from a similar injury, and his status remains uncertain.
Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized prioritizing Flagg's recovery for the NCAA tournament, with his return for the ACC tournament considered a 'longshot.'
The injuries could impact Duke's seeding on Selection Sunday, though experts suggest the team is likely to retain its No. 1 seed unless Flagg's absence is confirmed to be long-term.
Duke's depth will be tested, with players like Mason Gillis and Patrick Ngongba expected to take on larger roles in Flagg's and Brown's absence.