Duke star freshman Dariq Whitehead undergoes foot surgery ahead of 2022 season

Duke basketball revealed on Tuesday that incoming star freshman Dariq Whitehead recently underwent surgery for a foot fracture. New head coach Jon Scheyer called the procedure “successful” while sharing the announcement, and Whitehead is set to begin his rehab immediately. Duke does not believe this will keep him from making his debut with the Blue Devils by fall.

Dariq Whitehead undergoes foot surgery

“Duke freshman Dariq Whitehead underwent surgery for a foot fracture, per release. Whitehead begins rehab immediately and is expected to play this fall,” explained CBS Sports‘ Jon Rothstein.

Whitehead was ranked as the second-overall prospect of the 2022 recruiting class, according to the On3 Consensus Player Rankings. The only player higher ranked than Whitehead in his recruiting class is fellow Duke signee, center Dereck Lively II.

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Whitehead earned recognition last year as the Naismith High School Player of the Year for 2022, and joins Duke out of Montverde Academy. Whitehead helped lead Montverde to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. As a senior, the 6-foot-6 forward averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

“We are happy to share that Dariq underwent a successful procedure today, and is in the best care with our doctors and rehabilitation staff,” said Scheyer. “We’re confident he’ll be back on the court soon.”

Duke is set to begin their season on Nov. 7 at home against Jacksonville, as fans will turn their eyes to that date as a possible return goal for Whitehead.