Maliq Brown Injury Update: Jon Scheyer Confirms Duke Forward Nearing Return for Texas Game

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has offered a promising update on senior forward Maliq Brown’s recovery. After missing the Blue Devils’ exhibition win over Tennessee due to a knee injury, Scheyer said the team is hopeful Brown will return in time for the season opener against Texas on November 4.

Brown, who underwent a minor knee procedure in late September, has been sidelined throughout the preseason. He also missed Duke’s Countdown to Craziness scrimmage earlier this month, staying on the bench while teammates went through warmups and drills.

Jon Scheyer’s Injury Update on Maliq Brown

Speaking after Duke’s 83–76 exhibition win over No. 18 Tennessee, Scheyer acknowledged Brown’s absence but emphasized his importance to the roster. “Missing Maliq, of course; we have to get him back,” he said, highlighting how vital Brown’s defensive versatility is to the team’s overall strategy.

When pressed for a timeline, Scheyer remained cautiously optimistic. “Yeah, you know, this week is important, and our goal is to be ready for Texas in that first game,” he stated. “But we’re also just keeping the big picture in mind; he’s so important to us—his ability to change our defense, his ability to play multiple positions.”

According to Scheyer, the team won’t rush Brown’s return, focusing instead on ensuring long-term health. “We’re going to do everything in our power to get him ready for the first game without setting him back,” he said.

Brown, a 6-foot-9 senior known for his defensive prowess, is expected to be cleared soon for full practices. While his offseason shoulder rehab went smoothly, recent knee soreness has delayed his return to full activity. He continues to participate in individual drills and conditioning sessions but has not been cleared for scrimmages yet.

Duke’s Injury Concerns Extend Beyond Brown

Brown isn’t the only Blue Devil dealing with injury issues. Freshman guard Dame Sarr also missed Duke’s recent exhibitions against UCF and Tennessee due to an oblique injury. Both players are considered key defensive assets, capable of guarding multiple positions—a trait Scheyer highlighted when discussing the team’s depth.

“They’re two of our best defenders,” Scheyer said. “Maliq can defend one through five, and Dame can switch one through four. That versatility is what we’ve missed the most.”

Despite their absence, Duke managed strong performances, defeating UCF 96–71 and Tennessee 83–76. The Blue Devils struggled defensively in the first halves of both games but showed improvement after halftime, underscoring the importance of having their top defenders back soon.

Duke’s Focus Shifts to Season Opener vs. Texas

With exhibition play now complete, Duke’s attention turns to its first official game of the 2025–26 season at the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte. Scheyer confirmed that the team’s top priority is getting Brown fully ready for that matchup while maintaining long-term health management.

The Blue Devils enter the regular season ranked No. 6 in the nation, and expectations remain high. Brown’s return could be a major boost, particularly given his leadership, rebounding, and defensive command inside the paint. His presence will be crucial as Duke aims to build early momentum against a tough Texas squad.

Maliq Brown’s injury recovery remains a focus for Duke, but all signs suggest he’ll be ready to suit up when the Blue Devils face Texas on November 4.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest on Maliq Brown’s injury?

Jon Scheyer said Maliq Brown is recovering from minor knee soreness and is expected to return by Duke’s season opener against Texas.

Q2: Why did Maliq Brown miss Duke’s exhibition games?

He sat out due to knee soreness following a minor procedure in September. The team chose to rest him as a precaution.

Q3: When is Duke’s next game?

Duke will open its 2025–26 regular season against Texas on November 4 at the Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte.

Q4: Which other Duke player is currently injured?

Freshman guard Dame Sarr is out with an oblique injury but is expected to recover soon.

Q5: What did Jon Scheyer say about Duke’s depth?

Scheyer praised his team’s growth and depth, emphasizing how players stepped up during the exhibitions despite missing key defenders.