The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team received a significant morale boost on Tuesday as the program announced a positive injury update regarding freshman forward Maliq Brown. The 6-foot-8 standout has been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury during a practice session in late January.
According to a statement released by the university, Brown has made substantial progress in his rehabilitation and is now expected to return to the court sooner than initially anticipated. While an exact return date has not been confirmed, sources close to the program indicate that Brown could potentially rejoin his teammates within the next 2-3 weeks.
“Maliq has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re thrilled to see him making such significant strides in his recovery,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “His presence on the court will undoubtedly provide a major boost to our lineup, and we’re eager to have him back competing alongside his teammates.”
Brown’s injury was a significant blow to the Blue Devils, who have been navigating a challenging ACC schedule. The freshman forward had established himself as a key contributor off the bench, providing a unique blend of size, athleticism, and scoring punch.
In his 15 appearances prior to the injury, Brown averaged 4.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game, while shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field. His absence has forced Scheyer to rely on a shorter rotation, with several players assuming increased roles and responsibilities.
The news of Brown’s impending return is a welcome development for the Blue Devils, who are currently 8-4 in ACC play and 17-6 overall. With a crucial stretch of games on the horizon, including matchups against rival North Carolina and surging Virginia Tech, Duke will need all hands on deck to maintain its position near the top of the conference standings.
While caution must still be exercised, given the unpredictable nature of injuries and the rehabilitation process, the Blue Devils are understandably enthusiastic about the prospect of Brown’s return. His reintegration into the lineup will undoubtedly require some adjustments, but the team’s overall depth and versatility are expected to benefit significantly from his presence.
As Duke continues to navigate the challenges of the ACC schedule, the return of Maliq Brown is a development that could potentially propel the Blue Devils toward a strong finish to the regular season. With their sights set on a deep postseason run, the news of Brown’s positive injury update is a timely and welcome boost for a team eager to make its mark on the national stage.
