Duke's coach Jon Scheyer expressed frustration over the support staff's handling of Cooper Flagg's cramping during a recent game against Army West Point. Flagg, ranked as the No. 1 recruit, excelled with 13 points and 11 rebounds in the first half but could only play six minutes in the second half due to cramps. Scheyer emphasized the need for collective action from coaches and medical staff to prevent such issues from recurring. The situation is reminiscent of previous hydration struggles faced by Duke, raising concerns about athlete care going forward. The Blue Devils face No. 19 Kentucky soon, pressing the urgency to resolve Flagg's condition.

By the Numbers
  • Cooper Flagg had 13 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes.
  • Duke defeated Army West Point 100-58, leading 43-20 at halftime.
Yes, But

This incident highlights a recurring issue within Duke's support system, as Flagg isn't the first high-profile recruit to struggle with hydration. Previous cases could indicate systemic shortcomings in athlete care and preparation.

State of Play
  • Duke is preparing for a critical matchup against No. 19 Kentucky on Tuesday.
  • Flagg is averaging 15.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the season so far.
What's Next

The coaching staff has a pressing need to implement a more effective hydration protocol for Flagg as they head into a major game against Kentucky. Close monitoring of his condition will be essential in this turnaround.

Bottom Line

Duke must address both the immediate cramping issues and think critically about their long-term athlete management strategies to ensure top recruits can perform at their best.