Cooper Flagg’s cramps lead to pressure on Duke support staff from HC Jon Scheyer: “I’m not happy about it”
Cooper Flagg has impressed in the first two games of his freshman season at Duke. While he has been enjoying lots of game time as a starter in Jon Scheyer's team, he missed a large part of the second half in the Blue Devils' recent game against the Army West Point. The reason for this was his cramping.
This is a major point of concern for Duke coach Jon Scheyer, who addressed the issue ahead of the Blue Devils' showdown against No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats tonight.
Per CBS Sports, Scheyer expected more from his staff. He admitted that their top recruit needs help in any way possible, given that his performances will be key to the Blue Devils' national championship hopes.
"Yeah, we've got to help him," said Scheyer. "We've got to help him. I'm not happy about it, for him. We've got to help him – and we will. Right after this, I can promise you I'm going to be meeting (with Duke's staff). I don't care if it's all night. We can't have that happen, bottom line."
Scheyer also believed a collective approach from him and his staff was critical to reward Flagg for his efforts in maintaining his fitness during his freshman season.
"It's all of us. It's me, our coaches, our medical team, sport performance. It's all of us. We've got to help him. He's doing everything he needs to in preparation. He prepares his butt off: he drinks, eats the right way, does everything he needs to. We've got to help him take care of this. Now."
Cooper Flagg and Duke to face major test against Kentucky
The Blue Devils breezed past the Maine Black Bears and the Army West Point in the first two games of the season.
While Cooper Flagg recorded an outstanding double-double in just 25 minutes against Army West Point last Friday, he could have a much tougher outing later tonight. The Blue Devils take on the Wildcats in the State Farm Champions Classic later today.
Like the Blue Devils, the Wildcats have also started well under new head coach Mark Pope, scoring comfortable wins against the Wright State Raiders and the Lipscomb Bisons.
Although the Wildcats lead their head-to-head 12-11, the Blue Devils have a slight edge over the eight-time national champions given that they have won nine of the previous 11 games between them. The game between the Blue Devils and the Wildcats will take place at the State Farm Arena at 9 PM ET tonight.