Scheyer: Duke’s continued cramping ‘worrying’

• Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff WriterNov 13, 2024, 01:18 AM ET

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  • Basketball recruiting expert.
  • Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.ATLANTA– After another

one of his star freshmen dealt with cramping problems, Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer stated the repeating issue was “worrying.”Blue Devils freshman center Khaman Maluach was limited to 10 second-half minutes in Tuesday’s 77-72 loss to Kentucky, subbing in and out of the game on several celebrations due to cramping.Reserve guard Sion James also left the game in the second half after taking a tough hit on a screen with about 13 minutes remaining. James went down holding his shoulder and headed straight to the locker space. Shortly after going back to the bench, he was dismissed for the game.Scheyer didn’t have an upgrade on James ‘status after the contest, stating the senior would be assessed when the team went back to Durham, North Carolina.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated” Those 2 guys are truly important to us,”Scheyer said.Maluach got his leg captured under Kentucky’s Andrew Carr while going after a loose ball on the very first belongings of the second half

. Afterward, Maluach stood up extremely slowly. He remained in the game however had to go to the

bench with a cramping concern a few minutes later. Two minutes after going back to the court, he was forced to exit once again, this time going to the locker room after being worked on beside the bench for several minutes.”It’s concerning, “Scheyer stated.”Part of it is we have young bodies. I believe that’s part of it. We got to assist these guys. We’re not just trying to dip our toes in the water … We got to take a difficult look at it.” Maluach, a 7-foot-2 forecasted NBA lottery game pick, ended up with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.His issues weren’t the first time Duke has handled cramping problems this season. In Duke’s home win over Army on Friday, star freshman Cooper Flagg missed much of the 2nd half due to cramping. As Scheyer said after that contest, “We can’t

have that happen.””We have actually got to help him, “Scheyer stated of Flagg.”We’ve got to assist him. I’m not happy about it, for him. We have actually got to help him. And we will. Right after [Friday’s game], I can promise you I’m going to be meeting [with the group’s training

personnel] I don’t care if it’s all night. We can’t have that take place. Bottom line.”Flagg didn’t show any ill impacts of the cramping on Tuesday, playing 32 minutes versus the Wildcats and completing with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.