Duke's already thin lineup just suffered a major blow.
Freshman Mike Dunleavy was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is out indefinitely, the team announced yesterday. Dunleavy is sixth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.5 points, and plays 25.3 minutes per contest.
"I feel badly for Mike," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "He was having a great year for us and has been an integral part of our team. We know he'll get better with the proper treatment. We look forward to having him back before the end of our season."
Although the recovery time for mono varies with each patient, Dunleavy expressed optimism that he would play again in two or three weeks. Although doctors have told him his return to the court will be dependent on how his body reacts to the disease, Dunleavy hopes to return to action by the start of the ACC tournament March 9.
"Obviously I'm disappointed, but at the same time, I'll get my rest and hopefully I'll come back stronger and fresher," Dunleavy said. "I'm going to do all I can to stay in shape and stay fresh, but at the same time, I know I can't push it."
Mononucleosis is an infection that's most common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and a sore throat. When people contract mono, their spleen will enlarge and, in serious cases, even rupture.
Last season, North Carolina's Jason Capel was diagnosed with mono and missed six games before returning to the Tar Heel lineup. Capel did not experience the fatigue usually associated with the illness but needed to take time off for his enlarged spleen to recover.
Dunleavy admitted that he has felt tired, but indicated that the spleen is the most important thing to consider when contemplating a return.
"This week, I'll just do some light stuff, but hopefully by the next week or so I'll be able to keep up with running," Dunleavy said. "It's not like an ankle where you can just play through it. It's something that if I get hit in my spleen and it ruptures, that's not good-it's not a matter of ending my season, it's the end of my career. So you can't mess with that."
Dunleavy first suffered a sore throat over a week ago, which he believed to be strep throat. He took medication, none of which worked. By last Tuesday he suspected it might be mono and was tested Saturday after the N.C. State game.
In the meantime, his teammates can only hope for a speedy recovery.
"Hopefully he's not out for too long," Chris Carrawell said. "It's one of those things you've got to pray on. His health is the most important thing, but we need him back."
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