Amile Jefferson Injury Update

Duke senior forward Amile Jefferson has missed 15 straight since fracturing his right foot back in December and there is still no projected time as to when he will be able to return to the court. One option for Jefferson is to redshirt for the rest of this season which will make him eligible to return play for the Blue Devils next year.

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The NCAA allows student-athletes to apply for a medical hardship and redshirt if a player has missed more than 30% of their games. Jefferson has only competed in 9 games, and will be able to apply for a medical redshirt if he continues participating in rehab and is not able to return before the ACC Tournament. The senior captain has been in and out of a walking boot and crutches at games, but the main issue is that the pain is still there in his foot.

It’s widely known that Duke is much better with Amile Jefferson, who was averaging a double-double with 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds before injuring his foot. If he is able to rejoin the team this year, Jefferson could really add a boost to the Blue Devils heading into the postseason with Marshall Plumlee currently the only reliable post option. However, you do risk the chance that he returns too soon and is not able to be effective or even re-injures his foot. Coach K also seems to have figured out a gameplan without Jefferson by using Brandon Ingram at the 4 where he has excelled, so a decision will need to be made on how to use Amile if he’s put back into the starting lineup or coming off the bench.

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If Jefferson does decide to redshirt for this season and his application is approved, he will be able to play with the top incoming freshman class and will immediately be a leader on what will most likely be another talented but young Duke team. The only issue with this is a very crowded frontcourt rotation, with Jefferson joining returning players Chase Jeter, Sean Obi, and Antonio Vrankovic, assuming Ingram goes pro, Justin Robinson becoming eligible, as well as new recruits Javin DeLaurier, Jayson Tatum, and Harry Giles coming in. Duke is also trying to add a center to their incoming class, with Marques Bolden and Bruno Fernando both interested in joining the Blue Devils but would most likely not be needed if Jefferson redshirts and ends up returning next season.

Duke Men’s Basketball will be without Jefferson for the near future, and will take a three game winning streak into a huge match-up with #7 Virginia in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Hopefully Amile Jefferson has a speedy recovery and we will keep you posted with any news and updates on his foot injury.

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Should Amile Jefferson Redshirt for The Rest of This Season?

By Chris Brown | Feb 12, 2016

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