“I can’t cramp at 19 minutes”- Cooper Flagg talks about his fitness after Duke’s 2nd game of the season

Top recruit and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg says that they will figure out a way to prevent him from getting cramps in the course of the 2024-2025 NCAA season.

Despite getting the 100-58 win over the Army Black Knights, Flagg only managed to play five minutes in the second half of the game, having played 19 minutes in the first half.

After getting cramps in his left leg for two games in a row, Flagg said:

"I don't really know what goes into it. Regardless, rest one minute and I can't cramp at the 19 minutes. We got a plan in place. We're going to figure it out, get to the bottom of it, and find out what I need to do to be ready for the next game." (via TheDevilsDen YouTube channel)

The freshman was still able to produce stats across the board despite limited minutes, finishing his second college game with 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and three blocks.

Flagg was also productive in his Duke debut, notching 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the 96-62 win over Maine.

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Cooper Flagg is seeking to capture Duke's sixth NCAA chip

Now that Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski is out from Duke University, Cooper Flagg and company are seeking to capture the Blue Devils' sixth championship under third-year coach Jon Scheyer.

Flagg was considered the number one recruit in the 2024 class, earning multiple National Player of the Year honors in his final year of high school at Montverde Academy. The 6-foot-9 power forward averaged 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.7 blocks, showcasing versatility and intensity as a two-way player.

The Blue Devils reached the Elite Eight last season. Duke is hopeful to get another deep run into March Madness as they deal with the departures of Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski, as well as the transfers of Jeremy Roach, Sean Stewart, and Mark Mitchell.

Now joining the seventh-best team in the nation, Flagg is expected to lead the Blue Devils on both sides of the hardwood. Fellow freshmen and 2024 top recruits Kon Knueppel, Darren Harris, Isaiah Evans, and Khaman Maluach also share the dream of bringing another chip and banner to the Cameron Indoor Stadium.

After Saturday's (Nov. 16) game against Wofford, Duke clashes with Kentucky at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta in Tuesday night’s Champions Classic doubleheader.

The Blue Devils will also have games at No. 10 Arizona (Nov. 22) and two matches for the Vegas Showdown against Kansas (Nov. 26) and Seattle (Nov. 29).