Sun Apr 06 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Duke’s Brown Ready for Bigger Role in Final Four After Injury Scare

**SAN ANTONIO** – Duke forward Maliq Brown is poised to play a significant role in the Final Four after overcoming a shoulder injury that hampered his performance last weekend. Brown, a key defensive player for the Blue Devils, missed four games due to a second left shoulder dislocation, significantly impacting his playing time.

The injury, which occurred during the ACC tournament, limited his contributions in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. While he saw limited minutes against Arizona and Alabama, Brown reports feeling significantly better after a week of practice and focused rehabilitation.

“It’s a different perspective [from last week],” Brown told ESPN. “I feel good, compared to last week I feel better.”

While acknowledging he’s not yet at 100%, Brown stated that initial concerns about contact have subsided. “It was definitely a thought… but once I got out there, I was locked in,” he said. His focus shifted to contributing to the team’s success rather than dwelling on his injury.

Despite modest statistics (2.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game), Brown is a valuable asset to Duke. His ability to switch defensively and disrupt passing lanes makes him a crucial part of their strategy. His average of 15.8 minutes per game is lower than his potential due to injury-shortened appearances.

Brown, a transfer from Syracuse, has embraced his role with Duke, viewing this Final Four appearance as a dream come true. He’s confident that he’s ready to contribute significantly, potentially returning to his pre-injury average of over 15 minutes per game. His performance in the Final Four will be key for Duke’s success. A late triple in a previous game showcased his capabilities, bolstering hope for his key contributions in the upcoming games.

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