Before Duke plays Mount St. Mary’s in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Jon Scheyer provides an update on Maliq Brown’s injury status.

Jon Scheyer Provides Update on Maliq Brown’s Injury Status Ahead of Duke’s NCAA Tournament Game Against Mount St. Mary’s

As Duke prepares to take on Mount St. Mary’s in their opening game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, all eyes are on the health of their versatile forward, Maliq Brown. Brown, a key piece of the Blue Devils’ rotation this season, has been dealing with an injury that has left fans, coaches, and analysts wondering whether he will be able to contribute at full strength when the stakes are at their highest. With Duke’s aspirations of advancing deep into the tournament, securing the health of all their players, particularly those who have been instrumental in their success, is of utmost importance.

Ahead of the highly anticipated first-round matchup with Mount St. Mary’s, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the media on Brown’s injury status, providing an update on his recovery and what fans can expect in terms of his availability for the game.

The Injury: What Happened to Maliq Brown?

Maliq Brown’s injury concerns stem from a recent incident during a routine practice session. Scheyer explained that Brown had been dealing with discomfort in his lower body, which was later confirmed to be a muscle strain. The injury, while not believed to be season-ending, has forced Brown to miss several key practice sessions leading up to the tournament. Brown, who had been averaging significant minutes for the Blue Devils during the regular season, was noticeably absent from some of Duke’s critical pre-tournament scrimmages, leaving fans to wonder about his availability for the March Madness opener.

“We’re taking it day-by-day,” Scheyer remarked in his statement. “Maliq’s injury is something that we’ve been cautious with because we know how important he is to this team. He’s a player who does so much for us on both ends of the floor—his versatility is key, and we don’t want to rush him back unless he’s ready to go.”

Maliq Brown’s Importance to Duke’s Success

Before diving into the specifics of Brown’s recovery timeline, it’s essential to understand just how important the sophomore forward is to Duke’s overall game plan. Brown has emerged as one of the most dynamic and well-rounded players for the Blue Devils this season. Standing at 6’9″ with a combination of strength, agility, and basketball IQ, Brown has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

Offensively, he has been an efficient scorer who can play both inside and on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting—coupled with his ability to finish at the rim—makes him an offensive asset that opens up Duke’s playbook. Defensively, Brown’s length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile defender who can switch on screens, contest shots, and protect the rim. This versatility gives Scheyer the flexibility to adjust his lineups based on matchups, knowing that Brown can be trusted to excel in a variety of roles.

Moreover, Brown’s leadership and communication on the court have been praised by both coaches and teammates. He has developed into one of Duke’s primary voices, someone who helps rally the team during moments of adversity. With a team as talented as Duke, having players like Brown who can provide a stabilizing presence on the floor is critical.

Scheyer’s Update: Day-to-Day Progression

When asked for more specifics about Brown’s injury and his recovery, Scheyer provided a cautious yet optimistic update. “We’re seeing positive signs with Maliq’s recovery,” he said. “He’s been progressing well in his rehab, and he’s been able to participate in some non-contact drills. We’re hopeful that by game time, he’ll be close to full strength. But we won’t take any risks. We want him to be 100 percent before we put him back out there.”

Injuries are always a delicate matter this time of year, especially for a team with championship aspirations. Scheyer emphasized that while Brown’s health is a priority, so is ensuring that the team is mentally prepared for the challenge ahead, whether or not Brown is available to play. “We have a deep roster, and we have players who are more than capable of stepping up in Maliq’s absence if it comes to that,” Scheyer noted. “But our hope is that he will be ready to go and contribute at the level he’s capable of.”

Brown’s Role in the Game Against Mount St. Mary’s

Assuming Brown is cleared to play, his role against Mount St. Mary’s will likely be crucial to Duke’s success. The Blue Devils are heavy favorites in the game, but with any NCAA Tournament matchup, there is always the potential for an upset, particularly if key players are not at full strength. Mount St. Mary’s, despite being a lower seed, is a scrappy team that can make games competitive through grit and determination. For Duke to advance smoothly, they’ll need all hands on deck.

Brown’s skill set makes him a valuable asset in this matchup. His ability to guard multiple positions will help Duke lock down Mount St. Mary’s top players, while his offensive versatility will force the smaller defenders to guard him out on the perimeter or risk giving up easy buckets in the paint. Additionally, his ability to rebound and push the ball in transition could help Duke establish an early lead, something that is often critical in the tournament’s high-pressure environment.

The Mental Game: How Duke Is Preparing for the Tournament

While the physical health of players like Brown is essential, the mental aspect of the game is just as important, especially when you’re facing the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. Scheyer, a first-time head coach in the NCAA Tournament, has emphasized mental preparation as a cornerstone of his leadership style. “We’ve been working on our mindset for weeks now,” Scheyer said. “This tournament is about staying focused, sticking to our principles, and not letting the highs or lows of any one game affect our approach. Whether Maliq is out there or not, we know that we have the talent and the depth to make a run.”

Scheyer has built a reputation as a coach who instills confidence in his players while fostering an atmosphere of accountability. His approach will be tested in the coming weeks as Duke navigates the unpredictable nature of the NCAA Tournament. Having a healthy and engaged Maliq Brown would certainly make things easier for Scheyer, but the coach remains confident that his team will be prepared regardless of Brown’s availability.

The Road Ahead: Potential for a Deep Tournament Run

Duke enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high expectations. As one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, the Blue Devils have consistently been among the favorites to win it all. A healthy and engaged Maliq Brown will undoubtedly be a critical factor in Duke’s quest for another national title. His presence on both ends of the floor gives Duke a complete player who can impact the game in numerous ways.

If Brown is unable to play, Duke’s depth will be put to the test. The Blue Devils have a plethora of talented players who can step up, but it’s clear that Brown’s unique skill set would be difficult to replace. However, with the leadership of Jon Scheyer and the collective determination of the team, Duke remains poised to make a deep tournament run, even if they have to do so without Brown at full strength.