Top-ranked Duke University and the Atlantic Coast Conference have confirmed that freshman Cooper Flagg will be ready to play in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, according to NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt on Saturday.
Gavitt’s remarks come just ahead of Sunday’s announcement of the 68-team tournament bracket. Flagg sprained his left ankle during Duke’s victory over Georgia Tech in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament.
The talented 6-foot-9 forward, who was named both the ACC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, missed the semifinal game against rival North Carolina. After that game, Duke’s coach Jon Scheyer announced that Flagg would not participate in the championship game against No. 13 Louisville on Saturday night.
Despite sitting on the bench in warmups during the UNC game, Flagg appeared to be moving well without a noticeable limp or any protective gear. Gavitt noted that Flagg’s injury status is just one of many that the selection committee is considering, as player availability can significantly influence a team’s seeding in the tournament.
