In a recent college basketball matchup, Duke University’s star player, Cooper Flagg, faced significant cramping issues during a commanding win against Army, raising concerns from head coach Jon Scheyer. The game, held at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium, concluded with Duke triumphing over Army with a score of 100-58. Despite Flagg’s impressive performance, which included 13 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, his impact was notably diminished in the second half due to cramping.
Flagg, widely regarded as the consensus top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his talent in the first half but was sidelined for a considerable portion of the second half as he struggled with muscle cramps. Coach Scheyer expressed his frustration during the postgame press conference, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the issue.
“We’ve got to help him,” Scheyer stated emphatically. “I’m not happy about it, for him. We’ve got to help him. And we will. Right after [Friday’s game], I can promise you I’m going to be meeting with the team’s training staff. I don’t care if it’s all night. We can’t have that happen. Bottom line.”
This incident marks a concerning trend for the Blue Devils, as it is not the first time a top freshman has encountered similar cramping challenges. During the 2021-22 season, former Duke standout Paolo Banchero also experienced cramping issues that forced him to miss critical moments in games against Kentucky and Gonzaga.
To combat Banchero’s cramping problems, Duke enlisted the help of a scientist who conducted a thorough sweat analysis. This assessment led to the introduction of a specialized fluid known as BOA, which Banchero began consuming during games to mitigate the risk of cramps.
During Friday’s game, Flagg was seen grabbing a bottle of Gatorade in an attempt to alleviate his discomfort after limping to the bench. Scheyer noted that the cramping significantly disrupted Flagg’s rhythm, which could have implications for his performance moving forward. “I thought he had it going, too,” Scheyer remarked, reflecting on Flagg’s strong first-half performance. “He was really controlling the whole game with his rebounding, his passing, his playmaking, his scoring. He was assertive shooting the ball.”
As the season progresses, Duke will need to ensure that their training staff is equipped to handle such issues effectively. The health and performance of key players like Flagg are crucial not only for Duke’s success in the current season but also for their aspirations of producing future NBA talent.
The Blue Devils have a storied history of developing players who transition successfully to the professional level, and maintaining the physical well-being of their athletes is paramount. With the spotlight on Flagg and the expectations surrounding him, addressing cramping issues will be a top priority for the coaching and training staff.
As Duke continues its journey through the college basketball season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team manages its star players’ health and performance. The Blue Devils aim to build on their early success and navigate the challenges that come with competing at the highest level of college basketball.
