A Season of Highs and Lows
Transferring from Syracuse ahead of Duke’s Final Four campaign, Brown was a key rotation piece off the bench for a Blue Devils squad led by National Player of the Year Cooper Flagg and NBA-bound stars Kon Kneuppel and Khaman Maluach. In 26 appearances, Brown averaged 2.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game, providing energy, rebounding, and interior defense for a team that won 35 games and made its 18th Final Four appearance in program history.
But Brown’s season was disrupted by a pair of shoulder dislocations—first against Virginia on February 17, then again in the ACC Tournament just one game after returning. Those injuries caused him to miss 13 games, including Duke’s first two NCAA Tournament matchups.
Fighting Through the Setbacks
On the podcast, Brown reflected on the mental and physical toll of suffering two significant injuries in such a short span.
“The first time it happened was when we played at Virginia,” Brown said. “When the [injury] happened, it was just crazy. Especially how it happened. The recovery process for that for the first time was just something different. I mean, I had never been hurt for real.”
His comeback attempt during March Madness was cut short when the same shoulder gave out again in Duke’s ACC Tournament matchup against Georgia Tech. After sitting out the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Brown returned to play limited minutes in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight before logging 15 minutes in Duke’s season-ending Final Four loss to Houston.
Despite his limited production—1.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in the tournament—his toughness and willingness to play through pain were praised by teammates and coaches alike.
A Promising Summer of Recovery
Now, with the offseason in full swing, Brown says he’s feeling optimistic about his progress and overall health. He’s remained in Durham throughout the summer alongside Foster, focusing on daily rehab and gradually increasing his workload.
“I’m feeling good,” Brown said. “Both of us have been here the whole summer… just attacking every day. Rehabbing and getting on the court as much as I can. Just adding stuff every day and every week.”
Brown also credited Foster’s work ethic for inspiring his own comeback mindset, saying the camaraderie and shared grind have kept him motivated.
Looking Ahead
As Duke prepares for life after Flagg, Kneuppel, and Maluach, returning veterans like Brown will play a pivotal role in maintaining continuity and leadership. He is one of just four players returning from last year’s squad who averaged at least 10 minutes per game, alongside Foster, Isaiah Evans, and center Patrick Ngongba II.
If fully healthy, Brown’s physicality, experience, and defensive versatility could make him a valuable asset in what will likely be a younger, retooled Duke team.
For now, the biggest win for Brown and the Blue Devils is that he’s on the court, feeling strong, and making steady progress. With the season just months away, Duke fans can take heart in knowing one of their toughest returners is well on his way back.
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