Fantastic news this morning for Duke fans as the ACC approved Amile Jefferson’s medical hardship waiver, granting him fifth-year eligibility, The News & Observer reported.
Jefferson appeared in just nine games last year before fracturing his foot in December. He was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ success and averaged 11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds before the injury. As a senior least season, Jefferson had a ton of experience and was one of the leaders on the team. His absence forced an already thin Duke rotation to stretch even thinner, as Jefferson was expected to bear a majority of the frontcourt’s minutes.
Duke will most likely be the number one team in the preseason poll thanks to Jefferson’s return. Along with him coming back, Duke has put together a marvelous recruiting class that includes Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum, the nation’s top two prospects, and Frank Jackson. If that wasn’t enough, Coach K has his sights set on five-star center Marques Bolden. With the team they’ve constructed, it’s not a stretch to think that they’ll be the favorites as 2017’s national champions.
Eligible
