The health of Maliq Brown’s left shoulder is shaping up to be a critical factor in Duke basketball’s ability to reach its defensive ceiling next season.
Brown originally dislocated the shoulder during a mid-February road win at Virginia. Although he returned to the court weeks later, he reinjured it just two games into his comeback. Still, he made another return in the Sweet 16 and remained in the lineup for the rest of Duke’s 2024-25 Final Four run.
Throughout the season, whenever healthy, Brown’s disruptive, high-motor defense made him an invaluable X-factor for Jon Scheyer’s 35-win squad. The 21-year-old transferred to Duke from Syracuse, where he led the ACC with 71 steals as a sophomore. Heading into Scheyer’s fourth season, Brown is expected to take on an even more prominent role.
Naturally, his recovery is a major storyline.
During a recent episode of The Brotherhood Podcast with junior guard Caleb Foster, Brown provided an update on his rehab progress:
“I’m feeling good — both of us have been here all summer just grinding every day, rehabbing, and getting on the court as much as possible. I’m constantly adding something new, whether it’s rehab-related or in my on-court work…
“Man, it feels great to be back in the weight room. I feel like a new man — just being able to put some weight on the bar, hit a few curls, and not just sit around watching. It feels good to really be part of the team again.”
Despite limited stats last season — 2.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game across 26 appearances — the 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward with a 7-foot-plus wingspan led Duke in steals per 40 minutes (3.2), nearly doubling the next closest player, Cooper Flagg (1.8).
“He’s by far the best defender I’ve ever played with,” Foster said during their 30-minute conversation, “or really ever seen with my own eyes.”