DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 19: Wayne Martin #33 of the Tennessee State Tigers tries to strip the ball from Amile Jefferson #21 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 19, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Duke could lose its most important player to serious injury

This could be a back-breaker.

Duke might be finally hitting a stride with all three big-time freshmen —- Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Marques Bolden —-  finally able to play. However, their most senior leader and rebounding leader might be out for a few games in Amile Jefferson.

RELATED: Amile Jefferson granted hardship waiver

The senior was granted a hardship waiver this year because he missed most of last season with a serious foot injury. It seems that he could end up missing a part of this season for the same reason.

Duke coach Jeff Capel, who is filling in for Mike Krzyzewski as he recovers from back surgery, spoke about the injury after the game. From The Chronicle:

"He hurt his foot. We don't know the extent of it yet," associate head coach Jeff Capel said after the game, adding that Jefferson will undergo tests in the coming days. "We'll hopefully find out a little bit later."

RELATED: One of college basketball's greatest coaches will take indefinite leave of absence

The three five-star big men combined for 27 missed games while Grayson Allen had his one-game "indefinite suspension." Only Luke Kennard, Matt Jones, and Jefferson have appeared in all 15 games for the Blue Devils. Jefferson is averaging 13.8 points and a team-high 10.6 rebounds per game for Duke.

[h/t The Spun]