Injury Woes for Duke and Alabama as NCAA Tournament Approaches
The NCAA Tournament nears, and Duke now faces injury issues. Duke’s key player, Cooper Flagg, endures an ankle problem. Alabama also wrestles with injury. Their star, Grant Nelson, suffered a knee injury in the SEC Tournament. Both teams now ask if their top players can join soon. Early signs lean toward Flagg playing in round one.
ESPN analyst Ron Slay spoke about the injuries on a recent broadcast. He worries less about each team reaching the second round. Yet, he stresses that Alabama needs a healthy Nelson in the long run. “For me, in that East Region, Nelson impacts Alabama as much as Flagg does Duke,” Slay said. “Duke can snap back with its talent and play style. Alabama may manage without him for now, but missing Nelson is a major setback for the Crimson Tide.”
Nelson had shown promise before his injury. He had found his rhythm coming into the event. Last season, he helped drive Alabama on a strong Final Four run. In the Sweet 16 game against North Carolina, he scored 24 points. In the Elite Eight game against Clemson, he added seven rebounds and two blocks.
Slay detailed Nelson’s wide impact on the game. He scores when needed, lets teammates play in their natural spots, and defends multiple positions well. His steady 30 to 32 minutes per game give others the chance to relax and focus. Losing him would hit Alabama hard.
Looking ahead, if seeding holds steady, fans might soon see an Elite Eight clash between Duke and Alabama at Newark’s Prudential Center. There, Flagg and Nelson could face off, each known for similar strength and scoring talent.
Both teams face tough early matchups, especially in the Sweet Sixteen games. With March Madness nearing, it is urgent that both stars regain full health.
