Illinois (17-10) has unquestionably had Saturday's date with No. 3 Duke (23-3) at New York City's Madison Square Garden circled on the calendar since the 2024-25 schedule was finalized. And to hear Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer tell it, his program has shared a similar sentiment.

Duke junior forward Maliq Brown is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder he suffered during the Blue Devils’ 80-62 win at Virginia on Monday night.

However, there is some concern with Duke forward Maliq Brown suffering a dislocated shoulder in the win. Nonetheless, it was another positive performance for Duke, who won its third straight since falling to Clemson on Feb. 8. After the game, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer spoke about the victory.

"Maliq, he's a big loss for us," Scheyer noted about the reigning ACC All-Defensive Team selection during his postgame press conference. Scheyer updated Brown's status in his Zoom chat with the media on Thursday afternoon: "Positive news.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer is “optimistic” that versatile forward Maliq Brown will return this season from a shoulder injury.

During a Zoom call on Thursday afternoon, Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer discussed Maliq Brown's injury and the Blue Devils game vs. Illinois.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer is “optimistic” versatile forward Maliq Brown will return this season from a shoulder injury.

Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer spoke on Thursday about how the Blue Devils will approach the upcoming games without Maliq Brown.