During the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on March 13, 2025, standout freshman forward Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle sprain in the first half against Georgia Tech. X-rays confirmed no fractures, but the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the ACC Tournament. Despite his absence, Duke secured the ACC Championship title. Flagg made a notable return in the NCAA Tournament, delivering a stellar performance with 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in the Sweet 16 victory over Arizona, propelling Duke into the Elite Eight.
In the same ACC quarterfinal game, junior forward Maliq Brown re-dislocated his left shoulder, an injury that had previously caused him to miss games earlier in the season. Coach Jon Scheyer reported that Brown was in considerable pain and required hospitalization. As of now, Brown’s status remains uncertain, and his availability for upcoming games is in question.
Additionally, junior guard Tyrese Proctor sustained a bone bruise on his left knee during a game against Miami on February 25, 2025. Although imaging revealed no structural damage, Proctor’s return has been contingent on his recovery progress and pain tolerance.
These injuries have tested Duke’s depth and resilience. The team has relied on contributions from other players stepping up in the absence of key starters. As the Blue Devils prepare for their Final Four matchup against the Houston Cougars on April 5, 2025, the statuses of Brown and Proctor remain pivotal factors in their quest for a national championship.
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