Overview

• Cooper Flagg, Duke's freshman standout and projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick, will play in the NCAA Tournament opener after recovering from a sprained ankle.
• Flagg sustained the injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals and missed the semifinals and title game, where Duke still secured the championship.
• Medical evaluations, including an MRI and X-ray, confirmed the injury was not severe, allowing Flagg to resume full practice on Wednesday.
• Head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Flagg is not compensating for his injury, though minor residual effects may still need to be managed.
• Flagg leads Duke in all major statistical categories this season and is seen as pivotal to the team's championship aspirations as the No. 1 seed in the East Region.