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Amile Jefferson Injury: Updates on Duke Star's Ankle and Return
Duke senior Amile Jefferson suffered a left ankle injury during an exhibition against Livingstone College, according to ESPN.com's C.L. Brown.
Continue for updates.
Jefferson Avoids Ankle Fracture
Friday, Nov. 6
Stephen Wiseman of the Durham Herald-Sun reported Jefferson's MRI revealed he suffered a sprained ankle, not a fracture, as had been previously feared.
Jefferson has never been a stat-sheet stuffer, but his ability to set the tone for Duke with stout play up front can't be overlooked—particularly on the defensive end. Over his first three years with the Blue Devils, Jefferson has posted a cumulative defensive rating of 98.1, per Sports-Reference.com.
The 6'9" big man is also an imposing force on the glass. During his sophomore season, Jefferson ranked first in the ACC in offensive rebound percentage (14.8) and total rebound percentage (18.1).
Given Jefferson's ability to change the game and provide stability around the basket, head coach Mike Krzyzewski has noted the Blue Devils will need him to play a bigger role this season alongside fellow senior Marshall Plumlee.
"When big guys have a good voice in the game, especially defensively, it helps you," Krzyzewski said, per the News and Observer's Laura Keeley. "The perimeter, if they’re doing a good job, can’t look behind them. So if they have a voice telling them what’s going on behind them, they can do their job better.
Duke's season doesn't start until Nov. 13 against Siena, so the Blue Devils will hold out hope their leader heals in time to help get the defending national champions off to a strong start.
