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Cooper Flagg to be available for NCAA Tournament, per NCAA executive
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Cooper Flagg’s injury during the ACC Tournament has been one of the major stories this week. However, it looks like Duke’s freshman sensation will be all clear for the NCAA Tournament next week.
Ahead of Saturday’s ACC Tournament Championship, the NCAA’s Senior VP of Basketball, Dan Gavitt, made an appearance on CBS to discuss the pending Selection Sunday. Flagg’s injury was of particular interest as he is not expected to play on Saturday with March Madness looming next week.
However, according to Gavitt, Duke has informed the selection committee that Flagg will be available for the NCAA Tournament. With that in mind, Duke is not expected to see a change in its potential seeding.
“What we understand from communication with Duke and the ACC is that Cooper Flagg will be available for the NCAA Tournament, so don’t expect that to expect their seeding,” said Gavitt. “He is not the only significant injury we’re tracking, other injuries from other teams. Play availability is always a concern and a consideration and could potentially impact seeding, especially if a player is unavailable to play in the NCAA Tournament.”
It goes without saying, but Flagg is a major piece to the puzzle for Duke as a potential Player of the Year candidate and the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Blue Devils currently lead the top Final Four odds at FanDuel, checking in at -145 and ahead of Auburn at -130, and the availability of Flagg is probably a big factor in that.
Either way, as a generational prospect, Flagg in the Big Dance will be must-see TV. Hopefully, he’s clear to return and remains healthy throughout Duke’s run.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
