Duke says Cooper Flagg will play in NCAA Tournament after recent injury put him in wheelchair

Fox News - Mar 16th, 2025

Duke men's basketball star Cooper Flagg, despite suffering a severe ankle sprain during the ACC tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, will participate in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The injury occurred when the freshman landed awkwardly after attempting a rebound, resulting in a need for wheelchair assistance. However, Duke and the ACC have confirmed his availability to the NCAA Tournament selection committee, as announced by NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt. Flagg, who was named ACC Player and Newcomer of the Year, missed the semifinal win against North Carolina and was ruled out for the title game against Louisville.

Flagg's injury is significant as it affects Duke's strategy and seeding in the NCAA Tournament, a crucial factor in the Blue Devils' pursuit of a championship run. The announcement of his availability comes amidst broader considerations by the selection committee, which monitors player injuries to determine tournament seedings. Flagg's return is pivotal for Duke, underscoring his importance to the team as a standout freshman. His presence on the bench during the games he missed highlights his leadership role and determination, potentially boosting team morale as they advance in the tournament.

Duke Blue Devils Ncaa Tournament Cooper Flagg Acc Tournament Basketball Injuries Dan Gavitt Jon Scheyer

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate account of Cooper Flagg's injury and its implications for the NCAA Tournament. It effectively uses credible sources and maintains clarity and neutrality throughout. While it is timely and relevant, appealing to a sports-focused audience, it could benefit from broader perspectives and more detailed context to enhance its balance and engagement. The piece avoids controversy, focusing on factual reporting, which supports its reliability but limits its potential impact. Overall, the story is well-crafted for its intended audience, offering valuable insights into a current sports event.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on Cooper Flagg's injury and his availability for the NCAA Tournament. Specific details, such as the nature of his injury, the incident during the game against Georgia Tech, and subsequent actions, are consistent with reports from reliable sources like ESPN and Fox Sports. The article correctly states that Flagg's injury was a left ankle sprain and that he was seen using a wheelchair. Additionally, the information about his potential return and how it might affect Duke's seeding in the tournament is corroborated by statements from NCAA officials. The factual claims are well-supported by sources, with no significant inaccuracies found.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Cooper Flagg's injury and its implications, which is appropriate given the context. However, it lacks a broader perspective on how this might impact the overall team dynamics or the NCAA Tournament. The piece could benefit from including viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as teammates or sports analysts, to provide a more rounded view. While it does mention Flagg's accolades, it doesn't delve into potential biases or favoritism, maintaining a neutral tone throughout.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the main points regarding Cooper Flagg's injury and its implications. The language is straightforward, and the narrative follows a logical sequence, making it easy for readers to follow. However, some sections could benefit from additional context, such as the significance of Flagg's potential absence to Duke's overall performance in the tournament. The article maintains a neutral tone, avoiding sensationalism, which aids clarity.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including statements from NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt and Duke's coach Jon Scheyer. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the subject matter, enhancing the story's reliability. The inclusion of information from recognized sports networks like ESPN and Fox Sports further supports the article's credibility. However, the diversity of sources could be improved by including perspectives from sports analysts or medical professionals.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of events and cites relevant authorities, such as NCAA officials, to support its claims. However, it could improve transparency by detailing how information was obtained, such as through direct interviews or press releases. The reader is left to assume that the quotes and data are directly sourced, which could be explicitly stated to enhance transparency. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, which is a standard practice in journalism.