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Duke could unveil another weapon against Tennessee State (Dec 19, 2016)
DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke reached this segment of the season with the notion that it will be a recharged team.
And perhaps reloading as well.
The fifth-ranked Blue Devils have been idle for more than a week for final exams but return to action Monday night against Tennessee State.
This has been one of the potential targeted dates for the debut of heralded forward Harry Giles, the most coveted recruit in the freshman class. He has been out since a surgical procedure in September, with the Blue Devils willing to bring him along at a conservative pace.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski said mid-December was a logical time to consider that Giles might be ready for game action.
Duke (10-1) has won eight games in a row but hasn't played since demolishing UNLV 94-55 on Dec. 10.
Junior guard Grayson Allen scored a career-high 34 points in the game against UNLV, a rather premature outburst in some respects because he has been dealing with an array of ailments.
"I think over the exam period is a time where, and then maybe Christmas, where we can get him closer to 100 percent and then hopefully work these guys in a little bit," Krzyzewski said.
Freshman Jayson Tatum has averaged 15 points and seven rebounds in the three games he has played for the Blue Devils since a preseason foot injury. Post player Marques Bolden also has played in three games in a more limited capacity.
"Everyone has to be able to contribute and help us, but right now I think we can smile a little bit and be happy that we got some of our guys back," Duke forward Amile Jefferson said.
Sophomore guard Luke Kennard leads Duke in scoring at 20 points per game.
As more players become available, it will be a juggling act of sorts as Krzyzewski has two games remaining before the Atlantic Coast Conference schedule kicks in.
"We've got to keep finding minutes for these guys," Krzyzewski said. "We've got to put this thing together while we're playing games."
This game marks Duke's only home outing during a five-game stretch. This is the last nonconference home as the Blue Devils try to tack one more on their NCAA-best 131 home out-of-conference winning streak.
This is the third of four road games this month for Tennessee State (8-2).
Tigers coach Dana Ford said it's obvious Duke has a special operation.
"I think they are the best team in America," Ford said. " ... Everything is first class. They're champions. You don't even have to know people inside the program to tell what you are dealing with."
Tennessee State is off to an 8-2 start for the second season in a row. However, the Tigers are winless in nine previous meetings against teams in the ACC.
That includes a 67-55 overtime loss on Dec. 10 at North Carolina State. Since then, the Tigers whipped Alabama State 68-46, allowing only 13 first-half points.
This will be the first meeting between Tennessee State and Duke. The Tigers are 1-33 all time against Top 25 opponents in Division I.
"We'll try to put together the best game plan available to give our guys the best chance to go out there and win the next game," Ford said. "We are just very appreciative, our entire university, our program and our alums, that we are going to have the opportunity to play at Cameron Indoor Stadium against a first-class program."
