Duke Star Cooper Flagg Has Smooth March Madness Debut in His Return From Ankle Injury

Duke forward Cooper Flagg celebrates after scoring against Mount St. Mary's during the second half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Raleigh, N.C., on March 21, 2025. Chris Carlson/AP Photo

RALEIGH, N.C.—Cooper Flagg had long watched March Madness and imagined being a part of it.

A sprained ankle suffered last week wasn’t about to delay that dream for Duke’s freshman star.