Jon Scheyer’s Risky Call: Cooper Flagg Out for ACC Tournament—Is Duke’s Title Run at Risk?
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has made a bold and highly controversial decision ahead of the 2025 ACC Tournament: star freshman Cooper Flagg will not suit up after sustaining an ankle injury. The injury, though reportedly not severe, has raised significant concerns over Flagg’s health and potential long-term impact on the Blue Devils’ season. While many anticipated the powerful forward’s presence on the court to fuel Duke’s championship aspirations, Scheyer has opted for caution, sidelining Flagg for the duration of the tournament. The question now reverberates throughout the basketball world—does this decision jeopardize Duke’s chances at an NCAA title?
Cooper Flagg’s injury has been the talk of college basketball ever since it was reported. The 6-foot-8 forward, who many experts consider to be a top NBA prospect, has been a game-changer for Duke since his arrival. With his combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess, Flagg quickly became one of the most coveted players in the NCAA. He’s had a massive impact on both ends of the floor, contributing to Duke’s dominance throughout the regular season. His unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking has helped elevate the Blue Devils to the upper echelons of the ACC standings and solidified their position as a national title contender.
But now, with Flagg out for the ACC Tournament, the future of Duke’s tournament run is shrouded in uncertainty. Jon Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has faced high expectations from the start. The Blue Devils have been solid under his leadership, but it’s clear that the success of this team hinges largely on the performance of their star players. Losing Flagg at such a crucial time could severely impact their chances, especially given the competitive landscape of college basketball this season.
The decision to bench Flagg, while understandable from a health perspective, has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that the cautious approach is the right one, given that an ankle injury, if aggravated, could result in a much more serious setback down the road. The last thing Duke needs is a healthy Flagg sidelined for the NCAA Tournament due to pushing him too hard in a game that doesn’t necessarily carry as much weight as the national championship run.
However, others are questioning whether Scheyer is playing it too safe. The ACC Tournament is an important proving ground for teams looking to solidify their seeding for March Madness. Without Flagg, Duke’s chances at claiming the ACC crown seem slimmer, and their position as a top seed in the NCAA Tournament could be in jeopardy. If Duke underperforms in the ACC Tournament, they might face a tougher path to the Final Four, even with a healthy roster.
Duke has always been a team that thrives in high-stakes environments, but this year’s squad is different. With Flagg’s absence, the Blue Devils will need other players, such as Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, and Kyle Filipowski, to step up and fill the void. Proctor, who has impressed as the primary ball handler, will need to take on even more responsibility, while Mitchell and Filipowski will be expected to provide scoring and defense. These players have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, but they’ll need to be more consistent to lead the team without their star forward.
Scheyer’s decision to keep Flagg out of the ACC Tournament has also raised questions about the pressure to perform in a season with so much at stake. Duke is a program that thrives on championship expectations, and the loss of one of their key players at this stage in the season is a daunting reality. The ACC Tournament, while not the ultimate goal, serves as a critical indicator of a team’s readiness for March Madness, and without Flagg, Duke’s path to a potential national title looks much more treacherous.
As fans across the country debate the merits of Scheyer’s decision, all eyes will be on the Blue Devils during the ACC Tournament. Will Duke prove that they can still compete for a championship without their star player, or will they falter under the pressure? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—Jon Scheyer’s risky call will be scrutinized for the foreseeable future, and it could very well define the Blue Devils’ season.