Scheyer: Objective for Flagg to play in Friday opener

Mar 16, 2025, 08:52 PM ET

Duke is “full steam ahead” going into the NCAA competition, and coach Jon Scheyer informed ESPN on Sunday that the goal is for star freshman Cooper Flagg to play in Friday’s first-round game after his ankle injury.

“From my point of view, it’s complete steam ahead,” Scheyer told ESPN’s Rece Davis. “I wish to get Cage back as quickly as we can, and he wishes to do the exact same. … So our goal is for Friday, no concern about it. I know that’s his objective too.

“We’re just going to advance in properly and still be wise about not doing too much in the start of the week.”

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Flagg, the forecasted No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and the favorite to win the Wooden Award, fell awkwardly on his left ankle and had to be carried off the court during his group’s 78-70 win over Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament quarterfinal Thursday. X-rays were negative, but he was ruled out of wins over competing North Carolina and Louisville as heaven Devils won the conference title en route to a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament.Scheyer said that Monday will be essential for Flagg as he begins on-court work to” develop to where he can practice later in the week.” Duke will play Friday versus the winner

of the First 4 game in between American University and Mount St. Mary’s. Duke and the ACC had actually communicated to the competition choice committee that Flagg, the league’s Player of the Year, would be all set to play, Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of men’s basketball, informed CBS on Saturday.ESPN’s Myron Medcalf contributed to this report.