Duke basketball: Dariq Whitehead vows to return 'better than ever'

Duke basketball freshman Dariq Whitehead has sights on bouncing back, and then some, from his unfortunate setback.

Matt Giles | Aug 31, 2022

Duke basketball freshman Dariq Whitehead (Landon Bost-USA TODAY Sports)

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Duke Blue Devils

On Tuesday, the Duke basketball program announced that freshman small forward Dariq Whitehead, an anticipated centerpiece, suffered a fracture in his right foot during a team workout on Monday, underwent surgery the next day, and is already rehabbing, intending to play in the fall.

But the fall technically lasts three months, not ending until Dec. 20.

So based on this understandably vague timeline, it's conceivable that Whitehead, the reigning McDonald's All-American Game MVP and Naismith High School Player of the Year, could miss most or all of the team's non-conference slate.

On the other hand, the 6-foot-6, 190-pound projected 2023 lottery pick could return to practice in October, perhaps even weeks ahead of Duke's season opener on Nov. 7 at home against Jacksonville.

A perseverant outlook from the Duke basketball newbie

Shortly after the program broke the news, Whitehead tweeted a promise to his followers. He didn't specify when he'd be 100 percent healthy and back on the court, only that he "will be back soon stronger and better than ever":

Dariq Whitehead, a New Jersey native and long-time Duke basketball fan who spent his entire prep career at powerhouse Montverde Academy (Fla.), finished No. 2 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite.

He is part of first-year head coach Jon Scheyer's inaugural recruiting class, a seven-deep bunch that wound up as the nation's No. 1 haul. It features two more top-five prospects in 7-footer Dereck Lively II (No. 1) and big man Kyle Filipowski (No. 4).

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

Published Aug 31, 2022

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.