Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer is optimistic about Cooper Flagg's availability for the NCAA Tournament, stating that "it's trending in a great way." This positive update comes after Flagg, a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, missed the final two games of the ACC Tournament. Despite his absence, Duke secured a 73-62 victory against Louisville in the championship game, solidifying their position as a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Flagg, who leads Duke in multiple statistical categories, participated in the net-cutting celebration following the win.

In other conference tournament news, the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers are set to clash in the SEC men's tournament final. Florida's dominant 22-point victory over Alabama in the semifinals showcased their offensive prowess, while Tennessee upset Auburn in a thrilling contest. This sets up a highly anticipated rivalry match with potential NCAA Tournament implications, as both teams are vying for a possible one-seed. The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 16, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Florida enters the game with a five-game winning streak, boasting a high-scoring offense, while Tennessee has won seven of their last eight games.

Meanwhile, in the Big Ten, Maryland basketball head coach Kevin Willard remains optimistic despite his team's narrow loss to Michigan in the tournament semifinals. The No. 11 Terrapins fell short in an 81-80 heartbreaker, but Willard emphasized the game as a "learning lesson." Freshman sensation Derik Queen's impressive performance, scoring 31 points, highlights the team's potential heading into the NCAA Tournament. Maryland, projected as a No. 4 seed, boasts a strong record and a mix of youth and experience, fueling hopes for a deep tournament run and potentially their first Final Four appearance since 2002.