Key NCAA Tournament Injuries: A Comprehensive Overview

The NCAA Tournament, often called March Madness, is a thrilling time for college basketball fans. However, injuries can significantly impact a team's performance and chances of success. 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.

Impactful Player Injuries

Cooper Flagg (Duke)

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. Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer told ESPN's Bracketology show that Flagg is "full steam ahead" for a return in Friday's first-round matchup. Although the Blue Devils won the ACC tournament without him, Flagg's availability will be vital to the pursuit of their first national championship since 2015, when Mike Krzyzewski won his final title with a group of freshmen: Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones, who, like Flagg and Kon Knueppel are projected to be, were first-round NBA picks. Flagg played in both of Duke's NCAA Tournament games on Friday and Sunday and looked like his normal self. The Blue Devils beat Mount Saint Mary's, 93-49, in the first round and were able to limit Flagg to just 22 minutes. He played 29 minutes and had 18 points and nine rebounds against Baylor on Sunday.

Maliq Brown (Duke)

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. Brown did not appear in either of Duke's NCAA Tournament wins this past weekend and his future is unclear. He sustained a shoulder injury during Duke's quarterfinal-round game of the ACC Tournament. He didn't return to the game after going through some tests and going to the hospital. Brown, the anchor of the Blue Devils' defense, was stellar in the 23 games he appeared in this year prior to his injury.

Johni Broome (Auburn)

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. Flagg's closest national player of the year challenger, Johni Broome, and his Auburn Tigers own the No. 1 overall seed with the Florida Gators -- who have lost only one game since Feb. 1 -- also dancing as a 1-seed, while Alabama and Tennessee secured 2-seeds. Overall, the SEC has six of the top 16 seeds in the field (38%).

Chad Baker-Mazara (Auburn)

Baker-Mazara took a hard fall around the 12-minute mark of Auburn's 82-70 second-round win over Creighton on Saturday. He left the game and tried to return twice in the final minutes but looked to be in pain both times. He appeared fine and in good spirits in the locker room following the game, and he has four days to heal before Auburn's Sweet 16 tilt against Michigan. He should be good to go, but if he isn't, it's a tough blow for Auburn, who fell apart in last year's NCAA Tournament after Baker-Mazara was ejected in a first-round loss to Yale. Baker-Mazara, AuburnInjury: Hip contusionLatest update: Questionable, but "should be good"2024-25 stats: 12.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assistsWhat it means: Baker-Mazara took a hard fall around the 12-minute mark of Auburn's 82-70 second-round win over Creighton on Saturday. He left the game and tried to return twice in the final minutes but looked to be in pain both times. He appeared fine and in good spirits in the locker room following the game, and he has four days to heal before Auburn's Sweet 16 tilt against Michigan. He should be good to go, but if he isn't, it's a tough blow for Auburn, who fell apart in last year's NCAA Tournament after Baker-Mazara was ejected in a first-round loss to Yale.

Dylan Cardwell (Auburn)

Cardwell went down with seven-and-half minutes remaining in Saturday's tilt with what appeared to be a cramp. Auburn's big rim-protector should be good to go for the Tigers' Sweet 16 matchup with Michigan. Injury: LegLatest update: Questionable2024-25 stats: 5.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocksWhat it means: Cardwell went down with seven-and-half minutes remaining in Saturday's tilt with what appeared to be a cramp. Auburn's big rim-protector should be good to go for the Tigers' Sweet 16 matchup with Michigan.

Keshon Gilbert (Iowa State)

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.Update: Gilbert will miss NCAA Tournament, huge blow to the Cyclones title chances. Iowa State understands Alabama's pain. After the brackets were revealed Sunday, Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger announced that All-Big 12 third-team selection Keshon Gilbert will miss the NCAA tournament with a muscle strain. But there is good news: Otzelberger said Tamin Lipsey could be available after missing multiple games in the Big 12 tournament with a groin injury.

Tyrese Hunter (Memphis)

Key Memphis Tigers player Tyrese Hunter sustained a foot injury during the AAC Tournament semifinals. He missed the tournament finale and was seen on the bench with crutches and a walking boot, according to head coach Penny Hardaway. Hunter is questionable for the team's first tournament game against Colorado State, with the doctors at SICscore.com leaning toward him missing the contest. If he does return, he will be operating at less than 100% in the opener. This would be a significant loss for Memphis, as Hunter has averaged 13.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 3.6 APG this season. About 600 miles away, another team with Sweet 16 aspirations is worried, too. Memphis' All-American Athletic Conference first-team selection Tyrese Hunter was in a walking boot during Sunday's conference tournament title win over UAB after he had stepped on a teammate's foot and suffered an injury days earlier. Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway called Hunter's injury a "difficult situation" during his radio show this week, but didn't say Hunter is officially out. Still, it doesn't look good.

Jaxson Robinson (Kentucky)

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.

Lamont Butler (Kentucky)

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. And Kentucky recently received good news about Lamont Butler, who will be available after dealing with a shoulder injury, though the Wildcats still won't have standout Jaxson Robinson after his season-ending wrist injury. Butler played in both of Kentucky's NCAA Tournament games. He seemingly took it easy on Friday in the Wildcats' 76-57 win over Troy, going scoreless in 25 minutes. His prints were all over their 84-75 win against Illinois on Sunday, as he scored 14 points and grabbed three steals. The Wildcats are now 20-6 in the games he has played in, and his health will continue to determine their ceiling moving forward.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Reyne Smith (Louisville)

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.

Latrell Wrightsell (Alabama)

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.

Grant Nelson (Alabama)

Adding to their struggles, forward Grant Nelson, who scored 19 points in last year's Final Four loss to UConn, sustained a leg injury in the Tide's SEC tournament semifinal loss to Florida -- which went on a run to win by 22 points after Grant was hurt -- that has him listed as questionable for Friday's first-round matchup against Robert Morris. Nelson did not start Alabama's first NCAA Tournament game against Robert Morris on Friday but was called into action as the Colonials stuck around. He played just seven minutes but helped the Tide stave off an upset. He played 28 minutes in Alabama's 80-66 win over St. Mary's on Sunday, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds. It was clear in the minutes Nelson missed Friday that Alabama is a level worse without him on the court. His 28 minutes on Sunday are seemingly a good sign that he should be good for a normal rotation in the Sweet 16 and on.

Devion Smith (St. Johns)

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.Update: Has played through issue in recent games but not at a high level, expected to get better if St. Johns advances further. Pitino's personality, wardrobe and coaching prowess have helped restore St. John's basketball in New York City, where the locals have embraced the team that won the Big East regular-season and conference tournament championships.

Max Klesbit (Wisconsin)

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.

Kanon Catchings (BYU)

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.

J'Wan Roberts (Houston)

In the last two games, fellow one-seed Houston was without Roberts, an integral low-post presence and its leading rebounder (6.3 RPG). Roberts played in both of Houston's NCAA Tournament games. The Cougars dominated SIU Edwardsville on Thursday, and thus, only needed 20 minutes out of Roberts. On Saturday, though, he played 32 minutes, out-dueling Gonzaga's formidable frontline with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in their 81-76 win. The Gonzaga matchup would have looked a lot different had Roberts been out or limited. The Cougars are loaded with guards but don't have a ton of offensive options in their frontcourt, so that falls on Roberts' shoulders moving forward.

Chance McMillian (Texas Tech)

The Red Raiders' starting guard has been out since sustaining an injury in their Big 12 Tournament game against Baylor. Texas Tech made up for his absence, as Elijah Hawkins and Kerwin Walton stepped up in their fellow backcourt mate's wake. Walton scored a team-high 27 points, leading the Red Raiders to an 82-72 win over UNC Wilmington on Thursday. Hawkins added 14 points in that game, and scored 16 on Saturday in their 77-64 win over Drake. Winning without McMillan, and his injury allowing others to gain confidence, are both significant positives for Texas Tech moving forward. If he can return, it'll add yet another scoring threat to a team that's loaded on offense.

Boogie Fland (Arkansas)

Fland returned from a two-month absence due to a hand injury which he suffered on Jan. 18. He came off the bench in both of Arkansas' NCAA Tournament games and contributed six points in both. Even if Fland - an elite on-ball scorer - is at full strength, Arkansas may not increase his minutes, as the team is clicking on all cylinders and that may mess with the flow.

Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)

Williams played both of Texas Tech's NCAA Tournament games, scoring 13 on Thursday against UNC Wilmington before dropping a season-high 28 points on Saturday against Drake. If the 6-foot-6 point forward was ailing in any way, it didn't show in his play, as he led the Red Raiders into the Sweet 16. Williams, however, did go down briefly in the second-half of Saturday's game holding his ankle, but it wasn't serious and he finished the game. If at full strength, the Red Raiders seem primed to continue a deep March Madness run.

Additional Injury Information

Below is the latest injury news, whether a player is in the starting lineup or a key reverse. If his status is "out," he's presumably done for the entire NCAA tournament.

Team/Player, Stats, Injury, Status

Alabama: Grant Nelson (F), 33 GP, 11.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, Knee, GTD
Alabama: Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (G), 8 GP, 11.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG 2.0 APG, Achilles, Out
Alabama State: Jalen Keago (G), 19 GP, 11.7 MP, 4.2 PPG, Unknown, Out
Arizona: Motiejus Krivas (C), 8 GP, 15.9 MPG, 7.9 PPG, Leg, Out
Arkansas: Adou Thiero (F), 26 GP, 15.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, Knee, Out
Arkansas: Boogie Fland (G), 18 GP, 15.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.7 APG, Hand, Probable
Baylor: Josh Ojianwuna (F), 23 GP, 24.6 MPG, 7.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, Knee, Out
Baylor: Langston Love (G), 18 GP, 8.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, Ankle, Probable
BYU: Kanon Catchings (F), 29 GP, 18.4 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, Knee, GTD
Clemson: Dillon Hunter (G), 30 GP, 22.5 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, Hand, Out
Creighton: Fedor Zugic (G), 20 GP, 11.5 MPG, 4.3 PPG, Ankle, Probable
Creighton: Pop Isaacs (G), 8 GP, 31.8 MPG, 16.3 PPG, Hip, Out
Duke: Cooper Flagg (F), 18.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, Ankle, GTD
Duke: Maliq Brown (F), 23 GP, 16.9 MPG, 2.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, Shoulder, GTD
Florida: Sam Alexis (F), 23 GP, 12.3 MPG, 4.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, Ankle, Out
Houston: J’Wan Roberts (F), 31 GP, 10.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, Ankle, Probable
Houston: Ramon Walker (G), 8 GP 11.3 MPG, 2.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, Hand, Out
Iowa State: Keshon Gilbert (G), 29 GP, 13.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, Groin, Out
Iowa State: Tamin Lipsey (G), 32 GP, 10.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, Groin, GTD
Kansas: Shakeel Moore (G), 19 GP, 14.4 MPG, 3.8 PPG, Foot, Probable
Kentucky: Jaxson Robinson (G), 24 GP, 13.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, Wrist, Out
Kentucky: Kerr Kriisa (G), 9 GP, 17.3 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, Foot, Out
Liberty: Isaiah Ihnen (F), 11 GP, 10.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, Knee, Out
Lipscomb: Dylan Faulkner (F), 15 GP, 10.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, Foot, Out
Louisville: Kasean Pryor (F), 7 GP, 12.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, Knee, Out
Louisville: Reyne Smith (G), 30 GP, 13.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, Ankle, Probable
Maryland: Braden Pierce (C), 5 GP, 7.2 MPG, 2.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, Eye, Out
Memphis: Dante Harris (G), 16 GP, 11.7 MPG, 2.4 PPG, Ankle, Out
Memphis: Tyrese Hunter (G), 32 GP, 13.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3/6 APG, Foot, GTD
Michigan: Sam Walters (F), 23 GP, 12.7 MPG, 5.0 PPG, Back, GTD
Mississippi State: Kanye Clary (G), 7 GP, 18.7 MPG, 6.3 PPG, Leg, Out
Missouri: Mark Mitchell (F), 32 GP, 14.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, Knee, Probable
Mount St Mary’s: Carmelo Pacheco (G), 30 GP, 28.2 MPG, 9.5 PPG, Finger, Out
Mount St Mary’s: Terrell Ard Jr. (F), 21 GP, 10.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, Achilles, Out
Oklahoma: Sam Godwin (F), 30 GP, 19.1 MPG, 6.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, Knee, GTD
Robert Morris: Dilen Miller (G), 25 GP 11.9 MPG, 2.5 PPG, Unknown, GTD
SIUE: Darrion Baker (F), 10 GP, 15.1 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, Unknown, Out
Saint Francis (PA): Ace Talbert (G), 5 GP, 10.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, Unknown, Out
St John’s: Brady Dunlap (F), 10 GP, 16.5 MPG, 5.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, Abdomen, Out
St John’s: Jaiden Glover (G), 22 GP, 6.4 MPG, 2.2 PPG, Wrist, Out
Texas Tech: Chance McMillian (G), 30 GP, 14.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, Upper Body, GTD
Texas Tech: Darrion Williams (F), 30 GP, 14.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, Unknown, Probable
Texas Tech: Eemeli Yalaho (F), 8 GP, 11.3 MPG, 3.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, Upper Body, GTD
Xavier: Trey Green (G), 9 GP, 11.0 MPG, 5.0 PPG, Unknown, Out

SIC Scores from the Top 16 teams by Seeding (Ordered from Lowest to Highest)

#1 Seeds

Duke - 90.5
Houston - 91.7
Auburn - 91.9
Florida - 92.8

#2 Seeds

Alabama - 87.0
St. John's - 91.2
Tennessee - 92.7
Michigan State - 93.0

#3 Seeds

Iowa State - 86.1
Kentucky - 86.6
Texas Tech - 88.1
Wisconsin - 94.7

#4 Seeds

Arizona - 91.3
Purdue - 91.8
Maryland - 92.6
Texas A&M - 92.9

March Madness Injury-Based Free Bets

Kansas -4.5 -110 DraftKings: Kansas faces the lowest-rated SIC Score team in the tournament, Arkansas, according to our metrics. The Razorbacks are dealing with key injuries, missing two of their top scorers who each contribute over 10 points per game. Both teams have had inconsistent seasons, but head coach Bill Self is expected to take advantage of Arkansas’ depleted lineup and guide Kansas to a strong performance. Given these factors, Kansas -4.5 is a strong play, and the line is still bettable up to -5.0. Expect Kansas to control the game against an injury-riddled Arkansas squad.
Houston -28.5 -110 FanDuel: Although the Cougars are dealing with one of the biggest injuries in the tournament with J'Wan Roberts sidelined, the team has pushed through his absence, winning both games he has missed, including victories over ranked opponents BYU and Arizona on their way to a Big 12 championship. Houston’s scoring depth remains a major strength, as they have four players averaging over 10 points per game, including Roberts. SIU Edwardsville is also dealing with injuries, missing two of their top scorers, which further tilts the matchup in Houston’s favor. Given these factors, expect the Cougars to play through Roberts' injury and cover the big spread.

tags: #key #ncaa #tournament #injuries