Duke University’s freshman sensation, Cooper Flagg, made a triumphant return to the court on Friday, leading the Blue Devils to a commanding 93-49 victory over Mount St. Mary’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Flagg, who had been sidelined due to a sprained left ankle sustained during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, showcased his resilience and skill in his much-anticipated March Madness debut.
The 6-foot-9 forward delivered an impressive performance, recording 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in just 22 minutes of play. His return not only bolstered Duke’s lineup but also underscored his readiness for high-stakes competition. Flagg’s dynamic presence was felt early in the game; within the first two minutes, he executed a drive to the basket, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play. Shortly thereafter, he electrified the crowd with a backdoor cut leading to a powerful dunk, exemplifying his athleticism and court awareness.
Reflecting on his return, Flagg expressed his long-held aspiration to participate in the NCAA Tournament, stating, “I mean, this is something that I’ve dreamed about since I was 6, 7 years old, watching every single year with my family, my friends.” He emphasized the meticulous rehabilitation plan that facilitated his swift comeback, mentioning a phased strategy developed in collaboration with Duke’s medical team to ensure his preparedness for the tournament.
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, closely monitored Flagg’s movements throughout the game, ensuring there were no signs of lingering effects from the injury. Scheyer expressed satisfaction with Flagg’s performance, noting that the team’s strategy had been to prepare him for increased minutes, but the game’s outcome allowed for a more measured approach.
Flagg’s return is particularly significant for Duke’s championship aspirations. As a unanimous Associated Press first-team All-American and a potential No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, his all-around game is pivotal to the Blue Devils’ success. His ability to influence both ends of the court enhances Duke’s competitiveness as they advance in the tournament.
With this decisive win, Duke advances to the second round, where they are set to face Baylor. Flagg’s seamless reintegration into the lineup not only boosts team morale but also reinforces Duke’s status as a formidable contender in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
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