Duke's Mike Krzyzewski optimistic about Harry Giles returning soon

NEW YORK -- Dukefreshman Harry Giles continues to improve after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure, and his coach is hopeful that the top player in his class will be able to play for the Blue Devils before the year is out.

Mike Krzyzewski said Giles still has not participated in a full-contact practice, so he's hesitant to put a timetable on Giles' return, but the coach is optimistic that day is nearing.

"I'm hoping before Christmas, those two games we have [againstTennessee Stateon Dec. 19 andElonon Dec. 21],'' Krzyzewski said. "I don't want to put a gun to his head, like you have to do it. We'll see how he does during the exam period.''

Krzyzewski said Giles has been practicing, but because the Blue Devils have so many injured players, there hasn't been much opportunity for him to even find time to participate in a full-contact practice.

Giles has been participating in pregame warm-ups. He drew a crowd as he threw down a few big dunks before Duke's 84-74 win overFloridaon Tuesday night.

Giles, who tore both of his ACLs in high school, had an arthroscopic procedure in October, before the Duke season began.

"I don't want to make a mistake and bring him back too quickly,'' Krzyzewski said.