The Duke Blue Devils‘ debut in the NCAA Tournament was not only rewarding, as Jon Scheyer’s squad secured a victory over Mount St. Mary’s, but it also marked the return of their star, Cooper Flagg, to the court after just over a week.
Much has been said in recent days about the potential presence of Flagg in Duke’s debut in this prestigious tournament, and fortunately for them, not only did the star return, but he did so in the best possible way—showing no signs of discomfort in the ankle that had been troubling him.
“I think what I would say is I’ve done a great job with the medical staff preparing and just being ready,” Flagg stated to the press once the game concluded. “So I already felt completely 100% and confident going into tonight’s game.”
The Maine native finished his game with stats worthy of one of the league’s best players: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a pair of blocked shots, after playing 22 minutes.
Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Scheyer’s reflection after Flagg’s return
After the game, where the Blue Devils ultimately defeated their opponent with a final score of 93-49, Jon Scheyer took the time to speak with the press and share his thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s return to the court.
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“I’ve been on many sides of this in my playing days, coaching days—you don’t take any game for granted. I think it’s very easy to say, yeah, [Flagg] should just rest. Well, you want to have your best team, and you’re not promised the next game,” Scheyer said.
“I didn’t think he looked like it, but you have some natural rust. Just the game experience, I think, is really important to understand what the tournament is like,” he also added.
Additionally, he praised the team effort that led to a solid victory in their debut: “It was a workmanlike performance by our team. Really good to get our feet wet and understand what the tournament was all about.”
Head Coach John Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What’s next for the Blue Devils?
After a commanding victory over Mount St. Mary’s in their March Madness debut, Jon Scheyer’s squad will now face none other than Baylor. The game will be held once again at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
