Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
ATLANTA — Duke University basketball coach John Scheier called the recurring problem “alarming” after another star freshman dealt with a seizure issue.
Blue Devils freshman center Carman Maruaha was limited to 10 minutes in the second half of Tuesday’s 77-72 loss to Kentucky, coming in and out of the game multiple times due to cramps.
Reserve guard Theon James also left midway through the second half after being hit on a screen with about 13 minutes remaining. James grabbed his shoulder and went straight to the locker room. Immediately after returning to the bench, he was ruled out of the match.
Scheyer did not have an update on James’ status after the contest, saying the senior would be evaluated when the team returns to Durham, North Carolina.
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“Those two guys are really important to us,” Scheyer said.
Maluach tripped under Kentucky’s Andrew Carr while chasing a loose ball on the first possession of the second half. After that, Maruaha slowly stood up. He remained in the match, but had to return to the bench after a few minutes with cramp problems. Two minutes after returning to the court, he was sent off again, this time training next to the bench for a few minutes before heading to the locker room.
“That’s alarming,” Scheier said. “Part of it is we’re young. I think that’s part of it too. We have to help them. We’re not just trying to dip our toes in the water.” ..We have to take a hard look at that.”
The 7-foot-2 Maluha, projected to be an NBA lottery pick, had 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
This wasn’t the first time Duke has faced spasm issues this season. Star freshman Cooper Flagg missed most of the second half of Duke’s home win over Army on Friday due to cramps. As Mr. Scheyer said after the contest, “That can’t happen.”
“We have to help him,” Scheier said of Flagg. “We have to help him. It’s not good for him. We have to help him. And we will. I can promise to meet you right after (Friday’s game).” I don’t mind staying up all night (with the team’s training staff).
Flagg showed no ill effects from Tuesday’s cramps and played 32 minutes against the Wildcats, recording 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
