In a significant setback for Duke basketball, head coach Jon Scheyer has confirmed that highly-touted five-star freshman Sion James will be sidelined from the starting lineup due to an unfortunate injury. The news comes as a blow to the Blue Devils’ early season hopes, as James was expected to play a major role in the team’s plans for the 2024-25 campaign.
James, a 6-foot-8 forward and one of the most anticipated recruits in Duke’s 2024 class, was projected to make an immediate impact with his versatile skill set, elite athleticism, and defensive prowess. However, this injury will force Scheyer to adjust his lineup and game plan, as the team loses a key piece of their rotation.
The exact details of James’ injury and timeline for his return have not yet been revealed, but the situation is being closely monitored by the Duke medical staff. Scheyer, speaking to reporters, expressed disappointment but maintained confidence in the team’s depth moving forward.
“It’s tough losing a player like Sion this early in the season,” Scheyer said. “He’s worked so hard, and we were excited to see him in action. But we have a resilient group, and we’ll adjust while he works on getting back to full strength.”
Duke still boasts a loaded roster filled with talent, but losing James will test the Blue Devils’ depth and chemistry early in the season. Players like junior forward Mark Mitchell and fellow freshman standouts may now see increased roles in the frontcourt to fill the void left by James.
As Duke fans await further updates on his recovery, the team must regroup and continue preparing for the challenging season ahead.
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