Duke Loses Brand for Season

Third-ranked Duke’s leading scorer and rebounder, freshman Elton Brand, will be sidelined the rest of the season after breaking his left foot in practice Saturday.

Brand, a 6-foot-8 forward, will have surgery this week and not be able to apply for a medical hardship to retain his freshman season of eligibility.

Brand was averaging 16.0 points and 7.0 rebounds for Duke--ranking in the top 10 in five statistical categories among Atlantic Coast Conference players.

“He was having as good a year as any freshman who ever played for me,” Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “I’ve never had a player have as big an impact as Elton had in such a short time period. It’s frustrating to not be able to see him continue such an outstanding start to the season.”

Krzyzewski has played as many as 12 players this season. But the loss of Brand, one of the few inside players for the Blue Devils, could be difficult to overcome.

Brand is the second prominent big man injured in the last two days. On Friday night, All-America center Raef LaFrentz of Kansas broke his right index finger and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.