The Citadel coach Duggar Baucom was hospitalized Monday after collapsing on the court shortly after his team’s game vs. No. 5 Duke got underway in Durham, North Carolina. He was kept overnight at Duke University Hospital for further evaluation and released to go back home to Charleston on Tuesday afternoon, the team said in a statement.
Baucom, 61, collapsed between the scorer’s table and his seat on the bench just 63 seconds into action in the first half shortly after The Citadel scored its first basket of the night. Medical personnel helped him off the court after he received attention on the sideline and he was given more medical assistance at Cameron Indoor Stadium before being taken to the hospital.
Baucom’s wife, Amber, told ABC News 4’s Natalie Spala that Baucom did not travel home with the team on Tuesday as anticipated because he is still in the hospital, but they are hoping he will be released soon.
Play was delayed Monday night as Baucom received evaluation after his collapse. He walked off the court unsteady on his feet with his arms draped around paramedics. Associate head coach Jack Castleberry took over in his absence.
Immediately after Duke’s 107-81 victory vs. The Citadel, Castleberry gave an update on Baucom.
“He’s as good as he can be,” Castleberry said in his postgame press conference, adding that he was in pain. “He’s in good spirits.”
The Citadel set a new record with 18 made 3-pointers in the losing effort, the most ever by an opponent inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. Its 81 points were the most Duke has allowed at home against a nonconference opponent since Illinois scored 83 a season ago.
Baucom has been the coach at The Citadel since 2015 where he is 67-119. He’s coming off his first winning season with the school and has guided the team to a 3-1 start to the 2021-22 season.
