Duke basketball: Another positive sign for Dariq Whitehead status

Dariq Whitehead looks happy while standing comfortably on his own two feet.

Matt Giles | Jan 28, 2023

Duke basketball: Another positive sign for Dariq Whitehead status /

In this story:

Duke Blue Devils

Before Friday, the last picture most Duke basketball fans had of injured freshman Dariq Whitehead was of him standing behind the bench in crutches watching the final minutes of the Blue Devils' 78-75 loss at Virginia Tech on Monday night.

He suffered a strain somewhere in his lower left leg — as specific as the program will be — early in the second half when landing awkwardly after leaping to contest a pass. Because he put no pressure on his left leg while two teammates helped him to the locker room, many feared Whitehead could be out for weeks, if not months.

But on Friday, the Duke basketball social media team posted pictures of the Blue Devils loading the plane for their trip to take on Georgia Tech at 3 p.m. ET Saturday (ACCN). And one of those pictures shows Whitehead accompanying the team to Atlanta, standing on the tarmac without using crutches or wearing a protective boot.

STREAM: fuboTV (start your free trial)

Not only that, but he's carrying his bags with a big smile on his face. Furthermore, looking closely at the photo of him between teammates Mark Mitchell and Ryan Young, it appears the projected one-and-done forward didn't even need the extra support from tying either of his shoes. So there's that:

Travel flicks 📸 pic.twitter.com/jdgwCGNJ4o
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 27, 2023

Still, on Thursday, first-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer noted that Dariq Whitehead wouldn't see any game action against the Yellow Jackets.

He did not provide a timeline for his return. Perhaps there's a slim chance, though, that he will play at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday (ESPN) when the Blue Devils host Wake Forest; that said, Scheyer mentioned in his press conference that they would not rush him back to the court.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Jan 28, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.