Jon Scheyer is doing an incredible job with the Blue Devils. The young coach has only been in his new post for a couple of seasons, but he hasn’t disappointed. He led Duke to the Elite Eight in only his second year as head coach. However, it isn’t an easy job. Injuries in particular leave coaches feeling helpless. Such is the case with Maliq Brown. But what is it?

The defensive star barely recovered from a knee sprain that he sustained in January, only to get injured again on Monday after 38 days. He dislocated his shoulder late in the first half last night. Luckily, Duke managed to retain the momentum through both halves and won the game definitively. However, his injury was still a major point of concern.

On The Field of 68: After Dark, show hosts Goodman and Hummel sit down for an interview with the Duke’s head coach. When asked about Brown’s injury, Scheyer seemed quite down. “I’m b—— for him, man. He was playing such a great game too.” He said. The six-foot-nine forward was amazing defensively and made the only field goal he attempted on Monday. “We gotta get him the rest of his imaging, X-rays, MRIs today. We’ll know more moving forward.”

While talking about his timeline, Jon Scheyer couldn’t say anything definitive. “I probably won’t even know anything here this week. I think it’s gonna take some time to see how he recovers.” Duke is going to have to adapt to the loss of such a great defensive presence and prepare for the worst-case scenario. If Brown can return, well and good, but Scheyer cannot afford to be caught off-guard.

The defensive forward is not a conventional star, but there’s no doubt as to how important he is for Duke’s success. His limited minutes on the court affect the game in a way that cannot be quantified through statistics. As we come closer to March, his loss will be felt more and more.

Tyrese Proctor ‘going to be an NBA player’ says head coach Jon Scheyer

Tyrese Proctor has been phenomenal these days, especially in the last few games. The six-foot-six junior has been lighting it up from three, shooting nearly fifty percent over the last five games. His efficiency and his scoring ability have helped Duke bounce back from the upset loss to Clemson.

When asked about Proctor’s growth as a player, Jon Scheyer had a lot of pride to express. “I’m just proud of the fact that he has stuck with me, and he obviously knows I’ve stuck with him.” The two have spent a couple of years together, seeing both highs and lows.

There is an insane amount of trust between them and an incredible amount of belief. “For him to not make any excuses, to double down on the things he has to do. And I think really who he’s been in the last month or so is true to himself.” Scheyer said about him, before dropping an amazing prediction for the sharpshooter. “But I also think he’s a big time player which is why he’s going to be an NBA player.

There might be multiple NBA players from this year’s class. Cooper Flagg is making his case for being the first overall pick, while players like Proctor and Kneuppel might just pull through. Duke, however, is focused on March. Fans and analysts alike are praying for Maliq Brown’s swift return so that the Blue Devils can march toward a championship.