Freshman Nelson to miss 2-4 weeks after thumb surgery

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke freshman guard DeMarcus Nelson will miss 2-4 weeks of practice after having surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured ligament in his right thumb, the school announced.<br> <br> Nelson injured his thumb Saturday during Duke&#39;s annual Blue-White Scrimmage.<br> <br> ``Injuries are part of the game and if there is a bright side, it is that it happened early in the season and the expected recovery time is relatively short,&#39;&#39; said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. ``We have the best medical personnel working with DeMarcus and we&#39;re very optimistic about a quick return.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Nelson holds the California state high-school record with 3,462 career points and ranks in the state&#39;s top 10 in career rebounds and assists. He averaged 30.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game as a high-school senior.