Duke Basketball: Amile Jefferson out for Blue Devils versus FSU

Duke basketball won’t have the services of one of their veteran leaders against Florida State on Tuesday night.

On Tuesday evening in Tallahassee, the Duke Blue Devils have an opportunity to knock Florida State off the top of the ACC perch.

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However, the Blue Devils will try to defeat one of the two undefeated teams in the ACC without an All-American caliber big man in Amile Jefferson, who is out with a bruised foot.

Jefferson is one of the most experienced players on the Blue Devils’ roster, serving as one of the main locker room voices. Duke could use his leadership on the court on Tuesday, however, they will also miss his excellent production. Jefferson is averaging 13.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 63 percent from the field.

While Luke Kennard has been the best player Duke’s roster so far this season and Grayson Allen was projected to be that player coming into the season, Jefferson has been the most important player. Forwards Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Marques Bolden are all still adjusting to college basketball, while Chase Jeter has mostly been a non-factor this year.

In that case, Jefferson has been Duke’s most consistent front court player. He doesn’t provide rim protection (one of Duke’s main issues), but he can score around the bucket, is a high IQ player and rebounds with the best of them.

This is bad timing for a Blue Devils team that has suffered injuries and major adversity issues all season long. Giles, Tatum, Bolden and Allen have all been banged up, Allen was suspended for one-game for tripping an opposing player and Coach K is currently out due to back surgery. Now, Jefferson is going to miss a huge game between the Blue Devils and Noles.

If there are any silver linings, Jefferson’s injury is not serious and this also gives other players opportunities to prove themselves.

Jefferson injured the same foot he had surgery on last season (he missed the majority of the season), so this could’ve been a whole lot worse. Instead, it’s only a bruise and the senior forward is projected to, at most, miss a couple of outings.

Meanwhile, this is a chance for Giles and Bolden to play valuable minutes. It will give the two forwards experience in a big time college environment and against a tough Florida State front line.

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The Noles have versatility, size and toughness. Jonathan Isaac is a match-up nightmare and there aren’t many centers bigger than Michael Ojo. Duke can still win without Jefferson, but it won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination.