March Madness 2025 First Round Injury Report: Cooper Flagg's Status, Key Players Updates
March Madness is upon us, and several teams face crucial injury concerns heading into the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Here are the most significant injuries impacting tournament teams:
Cooper Flagg (Duke)
- Suffered ankle injury in ACC Tournament quarterfinals
- Missed semifinal and final games
- "Goal" is to play in first round on Friday
- Duke secured #1 overall seed despite his absence
Two San Francisco 49ers players huddle
Key Team Injuries:
Memphis
- Tyrese Hunter (questionable) - Left leg injury
- Team's best 3-point shooter (40.1%)
- Third in scoring, second in assists
Houston
- Jwan Roberts (questionable) - Ankle injury
- Averages 10.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG
- Missed final two Big 12 Tournament games
- Team still dominant without him
Iowa State
- Keshon Gilbert (out) - Groin injury
- Officially shut down for season
- Tamin Lipsey (questionable) - Groin injury
- Team plays Friday, giving extra recovery time
Alabama
- Latrell Wrightsell Jr (out) - Achilles injury
- Grant Nelson (questionable) - Knee injury
- Team went 25-8 despite injuries
Kentucky
- Jaxson Robinson (out) - Wrist injury
- Second-leading scorer (13.0 PPG)
- Lamont Butler (probable) - Shoulder injury
- Expected back for Friday's game
- Kerr Kriisa (questionable) - Foot injury
Impact Analysis:
- Duke remains favorite despite Flagg's uncertainty
- Memphis now underdog against #12 Colorado State
- Houston maintaining dominance despite Roberts' absence
- Iowa State most significantly impacted with Gilbert out
- Kentucky getting healthier at the right time
Note: Injury statuses updated as of March 20, 2025, 9:17 am ET. Game times and matchups subject to change.