Duke Basketball: 5 Things to Watch Approaching the ACC Tournament
By Stuart Gill
Amile Jefferson’s Foot Has Been an Issue for Duke
Last year, Amile Jefferson broke his right foot just a few weeks into the season and had to sit out the rest of the year. This year he bruised a bone in the same foot, and, while the injury is nowhere near as severe, it has impacted Duke in a major way.
The fifth year co-captain senior is essential to this team; when he is on the floor they have a chance at defending the paint and grabbing rebounds, two things they have struggled with all year.
He missed time earlier this year when the Blue Devils traveled to Tallahassee to take on Florida State. Duke wound up getting blown out by 16 points and were -8 in rebounding margin.
He also missed the next game against Louisville, which Duke also lost. Since then, Jefferson helped spark a 7 game winning streak, including major wins over Notre Dame, UNC, and UVA. He is the only player on Duke’s roster who is capable of guarding the elite scoring big men, who are plentiful in the ACC.
If he stays healthy, Duke will have a chance to take down some notable opponents in the ACC and make a run for the Championship. But keep an eye on Jefferson in Duke’s first game of the tournament, when they take on the winner of Tuesday’s NC State/Clemson matchup.