2 min read • March 12, 2025
Posted in
-Taylor Bicht - @flyeronthewall
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, injuries will play a crucial role in determining how teams perform in the most important games of the season. Several top programs are dealing with key absences or players returning from injury, which could significantly impact their tournament runs. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable injury situations to monitor heading into March Madness.
Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, suffered a likely Grade 2 left inversion ankle sprain during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, limiting him to 15 minutes of play. The injury occurred when he slipped after grabbing a rebound, with his shoe coming off and possibly preventing worse damage. Flagg was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and while he is expected to miss Duke’s semifinal matchup against North Carolina, his status for the NCAA Tournament remains uncertain. As a key player averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, his health is crucial to Duke’s championship hopes. for more info https://sicscore.com/dashboard/news/projected-no-1-pick-cooper-flagg-injures-ankle-dukes-title-hopes-in-question
Broome has been the anchor for Auburn this season, averaging 18.6 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, but lingering ankle and shoulder injuries have made his availability a concern. He has played through these issues all season, but he didn't look quite right in Auburn’s most recent game against Alabama. As Auburn heads into the tournament, his ability to dominate inside will be critical, as he leads the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding. If he isn’t at full strength, Auburn’s chances of making a deep run could take a major hit.
Gilbert has been one of the Cyclones' most reliable offensive weapons, averaging 13.8 points and 4.2 assists per game. He returned for the second round of the Big 12 Tournament but played just 10 minutes and scored only three points, signaling that he is still far from 100% recovered. As the tournament progresses, he should improve, but the potential for re-aggravation remains a concern. The Cyclones need Gilbert at his best, especially as they look to make a strong push in March.
Robinson is already out for the season after undergoing wrist surgery, and his absence is compounded by the loss of Kerr Kriisa, who also suffered a season-ending foot injury. Robinson was one of the Wildcats’ best perimeter threats, averaging 13.0 points per game and helping space the floor. The recent return of guard Lamont Butler is a much-needed boost, but losing two reliable scorers could be a significant challenge. Kentucky has struggled with injuries all year, and these losses could be a deciding factor in how far they advance.
Smith has been one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the country, and his absence could have major implications for the Cardinals' offense. Smith, who averages 13.4 points per game, missed the last two contests with an ankle injury and takes the bulk of Louisville’s three-point attempts. His availability for the ACC Tournament and beyond is something to monitor, especially with the team already without forward Kasean Pryor, who averaged 12.0 points per game before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. Louisville has managed to stay competitive, but as they face stronger competition, missing two key offensive contributors could prove costly.
Wrightsell had been a crucial part of Alabama’s offense before injury, averaging 11.5 points per game before suffering an Achilles tear that ended his season. His absence is particularly impactful considering Alabama has already faced one of the toughest schedules in the country. Adding to their struggles, forward Derrion Reid has missed eight of the last nine games with a lingering hamstring issue, weakening their depth and defensive presence. The Crimson Tide have fought through adversity all season, but with injuries piling up, it remains to be seen whether they can sustain their level of play in the tournament.
Smith is one of the more significant injury concerns for the Red Storm heading into the Big East Tournament. Smith, who averages 9.5 points per game, suffered a shoulder injury and sat out the team’s most recent game. While St. John’s is loaded at the guard position, Smith’s presence is still important, as he provides additional scoring and ball-handling depth. His availability will be something to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.
The Badgers could be getting a key boost heading into the Big Ten Tournament with the potential return of Klesbit. The guard, who has averaged 9.7 points per game this season, has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury. His absence has placed extra pressure on third-team All-American John Tonje, who has struggled without Klesbit helping to space the floor. If he returns at full strength, Wisconsin’s offense will gain another much-needed scoring threat.
Brown is getting healthier at the right time, returning to play in Duke’s ACC season finale against North Carolina after missing four games with a shoulder injury. Brown, who averages 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, will have his minutes managed as he ramps back up, but his presence is an encouraging sign for the Blue Devils. The same goes for guard Tyrese Proctor, who missed just one game due to a knee injury but has shown no lingering effects, scoring in double digits in every game since his return. Duke’s backcourt depth looks strong heading into the tournament, but managing Brown’s workload will be crucial.
Update: Left game on 3/13 with an apparent re-aggravation of shoulder issue, will monitor issue but worry for Brown going forward at sicscore.com
Catchings is another key name to monitor, as the forward has missed the last two games due to a knee injury and remains uncertain for the Big 12 Tournament. Catchings, who averages 7.6 points per game, has been a key contributor for BYU, which has had an impressive season and is positioning itself for a strong tournament run. His absence leaves the Cougars short on frontcourt depth, which could be a problem against bigger lineups. BYU is already looking forward to next season, where they will welcome top 2025 recruit AJ Dybantsa, but for now, their odds of winning the tournament hopes hinge on whether Catchings can return.
With these injuries in mind, teams will have to adjust their rotations and strategies heading into the NCAA Tournament. Some players will look to fight through lingering injuries, while others may struggle with limited minutes or the risk of re-injury. As the tournament unfolds, keeping track of these injury situations will be essential for understanding how teams will perform on the biggest stage.
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