Duke’s Cooper Flagg available for NCAA Tournament

Fear not college basketball fans, Cooper Flagg will be available for March Madness.

Flagg, a freshman star for the Duke Blue Devils and the probable No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has already been ruled out for Saturday’s ACC conference title game due to an ankle sprain.

But speaking with CBS Sports, NCAA Senior VP of Basketball Dan Gavitt said that Duke and the ACC have communicated that the six-foot-nine phenom will be available for the men’s NCAA Tournament.

“What we understand from communication with Duke and the ACC, Cooper Flagg will be available for the NCAA Tournament,” Gavitt told CBS. “So don’t expect that to impact their seeding.”

Duke is in competition with Auburn for the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed. The earliest Duke could play is Thursday, which gives Flagg at least a week to rest his injury.

Flagg sprained his ankle during Thursday’s quarterfinal.

He walked with no boot and no major limp when he arrived before the Friday’s ACC semifinal. He kept his hands in his pockets as he walked with his every step being documented by TV cameras and photographers.

Flagg’s versatility allows him to impact the game from anywhere on the floor as a scorer (18.9), rebounder (7.5), playmaker (4.1 assists) and defender (1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals).

Duke plays Louisville in Saturday’s ACC final. It’s the 36th time the Blue Devils have appeared in the conference championship game, and they are looking for their ACC record 23rd title.