Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Jon Scheyer Updates Cooper Flagg's Status for NCAAT

The Duke basketball program hopes to have its centerpiece talent back in action for the Round of 64.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg and head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg and head coach Jon Scheyer / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball won its 23rd ACC Tournament despite rookie phenom Cooper Flagg sitting out the bulk of the top-ranked team's time in Charlotte after spraining his left ankle during the first half of the Blue Devils' quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech on Thursday.

ALSO READ: Top Duke Target Watches Blue Devils Win Another ACC Title

But judging by third-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer's appearance on ESPN following the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal on Sunday evening, the No. 1 seed Blue Devils are optimistic about Flagg being available when they tip off their East Region journey in Raleigh's Lenovo Center at 2:50 p.m. ET Friday (CBS). They'll face the winner of No. 16 seeds Mount St. Mary's and American.

"From my perspective, it's full steam ahead," Scheyer said. "I want to get Coop back as quickly as we can. And he wants to do the same.

"Obviously, tomorrow is important — we had an off day today, we got back late — where hopefully he can start to progress, starting tomorrow with doing some on-court work and then build up to where he can practice later in the week. So, our goal is for Friday, no question about it. I know that's his goal as well.

"We're just gonna progress him the right way and still be smart about not doing too much in the beginning of the week."

ALSO READ: Duke Champions Leave ACC Tourney Locker Room Drenched

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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