WRAL Sports Fan

Duke

Duke's Smith out indefinitely after suffering mild concussion against Maryland

Feb 26, 2009

Sophomore Nolan Smith is out indefinitely after suffering a mild concussion in the second half of Duke’s 78-67 win over Maryland on Wednesday. The Upper Marlboro, Md., native was examined by the Duke medical staff upon returning to Durham on Wednesday night and again on Thursday.

“Nolan’s condition improved overnight, but we are going to proceed cautiously,” said head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “Our medical staff will continue to monitor his progress and he will return to the rotation when he is fully healthy. Nolan is an important part of this team and we are looking forward to his return.”

Smith is averaging 8.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season with 14 double figure scoring games. He is also shooting 85.0 percent (51-of-60) from the free throw line for the year.

With Smith out for the time being, Duke will have to lean more heavilly on senior Greg Paulus for minutes at the point.

After freshman Elliot Williams earned a spot in the starting five, Paulus seemed to be the odd man out of the Devils' two-man point guard rotation.

However, with Smith only able to play four minutes in Wednesday night's win over Maryland because of the injury, Paulus saw his minute total rise to 13, just one less minute than he'd played in the team's previous two games combined.

The Blue Devils return to action on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Virginia Tech.