Duke forward Maliq Brown could return for Thursday’s East Regional semifinal against Arizona after missing the past two weeks with a shoulder injury. Head coach Jon Scheyer addressed Brown’s potential availability during his Wednesday press conference ahead of the matchup.
Brown, who contributes 2.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 64.1% from the field in 16.9 minutes per contest, would bolster Duke’s depth, particularly in the frontcourt. Arizona, which utilizes four frontcourt players for over 19 minutes per game, would face a deeper Blue Devils rotation if Brown is cleared to play.
In Duke’s 69-55 win over Arizona in November, Brown posted two points, seven rebounds, three assists, three blocks, three turnovers, and three fouls while hitting his only field goal attempt. However, Arizona’s frontcourt has since changed, with Motiejus Krivas—who started at center in that matchup—sidelined for the season due to a foot injury. Krivas had five points, four rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes during that game. Arizona also leaned on Trey Townsend, Carter Bryant, Henri Veesaar, and Tobe Awaka for significant minutes.
Scheyer acknowledged that “there’s a chance” Brown could return for Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown. Brown, a key defensive piece for Duke, last played on March 13.
Before transferring to Duke, Brown averaged 9.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game at Syracuse during the 2023-24 season. This year, he has recorded season highs of eight points (twice), five steals against Kansas, and 11 rebounds against Louisville, demonstrating his ability to impact the game beyond his averages.
If available, Brown will likely see limited minutes but could provide valuable depth and additional fouls against Arizona’s frontcourt. Staying out of foul trouble will be crucial for Arizona as they go up against Duke’s formidable front line, featuring projected NBA No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and 7’2” center Khaman Maluach.
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