Duke's Smith given 2-game suspension

Nov 4, 2009 - 2:39 AM DURHAM, N.C.(AP) -- Duke guard Nolan Smith will sit out two games because he played in an unsanctioned summer league.

Smith said Tuesday night after the Blue Devils' 84-48 exhibition victory over Findlay that he was suspended because he played a game with overseas players and professionals over the summer near his hometown of Washington, D.C.

The junior will miss the opener against North Carolina-Greensboro on Nov. 13 and a game three nights later against Coastal Carolina. He didn't play in the first half against Findlay so his teammates could adjust to playing without him.

The Blue Devils already have a thin backcourt - Smith and senior Jon Scheyer are the only returning guards with significant experience. Smith averaged 8.4 points last season.