Wake Forest can only hope that Ish Smith is as quick at healing as he is dribbling a basketball.
Smith, a junior point guard who started all 30 games last season, broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot on Friday and will have surgery on Monday. Coach Dino Gaudio said that Smith is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, but should be back in practice about 10 days before the Deacons' opener against N.C. Central on Nov. 14.
Practice is scheduled to begin on Friday, Oct. 17.
"It's not good news," Gaudio said. "But if you're going to have it happen, I guess now's the time to have it."
Smith broke his foot while playing against his Deacons teammates in open gym on campus. Gaudio said that surgery is scheduled for 7 a.m.
Smith averaged 32 minutes a game last year, and led the Deacons with 141 assists. He averaged 8.6 points.
Gaudio expressed confidence that sophomore Jeff Teague will be able to handle the point-guard duties until Smith returns. Teague played both wing guard and point guard for the Deacons last season.
"I think he'll do a terrific job for us at the point," Gaudio said.
Gaudio said that senior Harvey Hale will provide depth. Hale played point guard some as a freshman.
"I believe Ish will back before we tip it off," Gaudio said.
"But whether he's ready to go full-bore, we'll see."
The Deacons' second game is against UNC Wilmington on Nov. 19.
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