In a major blow to the Duke Blue Devils, star forward Cooper Flagg has officially been ruled out of the highly anticipated matchup against the Houston Cougars on April 6, 2025, due to an undisclosed injury concern. The announcement was made early this morning by the Duke athletics department, sending shockwaves through the college basketball community just days before one of the biggest games of the season.
Statement from Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer
Head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the media shortly after the news broke, saying:
“Cooper is an elite competitor and has been a cornerstone of our success this season. While it’s disappointing to have him miss such a critical game, his long-term health comes first. We’re hopeful for a speedy recovery and are doing everything we can to get him back on the court soon.”
Scheyer did not provide specific details on the nature of the injury, citing ongoing evaluations. However, sources close to the team suggest the issue may be related to a lower-body strain Flagg sustained during practice earlier this week.
The Impact on Duke’s Game Plan
Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the top freshmen in the nation and a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has been instrumental in Duke’s dominant run this season. Averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, Flagg has anchored the team on both ends of the floor.
With Flagg out, the Blue Devils will look to veterans like Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell to carry the offensive and defensive load. The coaching staff is also expected to rely more heavily on Sean Stewart and Caleb Foster to step up in Flagg’s absence.
Fan Reaction & What’s Next
Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from heartbreak to encouragement. The hashtag #GetWellCooper quickly trended as supporters across the country voiced their well-wishes for the young star.
Duke’s medical staff is continuing to evaluate Flagg daily, and while his status for future games remains day-to-day, early reports suggest that his absence may be precautionary.
The April 6 clash with Houston remains a pivotal matchup in the NCAA Tournament, and although Flagg’s absence is significant, the Blue Devils are determined to rally and prove their depth.
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