By BRYAN STRICKLAND

bstrickland@heraldsun.com; 419-6671

DURHAM -- Duke's big frontline might get even bigger just in time for Wednesday's sizable challenge at Wisconsin.

Freshman center Mason Plumlee participated fully in practice on Monday for the first time since suffering a fractured left wrist on Nov. 11 and appears likely to make his debut when the No. 6 Blue Devils visit Wisconsin as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge (9:15 p.m., ESPN).

"I haven't actually gotten a chance to talk to him about he felt about today, but he looked great," brother Miles Plumlee said moments after Duke's practice Monday afternoon. "He played with us the whole practice. We'll just see how his wrist feels."

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski had tabbed Mason Plumlee, a 2009 McDonald's All-American, as a starter before he took a hard fall in practice. The 6-10 Plumlee had averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists in a pair of exhibition victories.

"He's an athlete," junior guard Nolan Smith said. "He can run and jump with the best of them in the country. He's so athletic, and he makes so many plays with offensive rebounds and putback dunks.

"When guys penetrate against us, they're going to think twice with both Mason and Miles inside. They can really block shots. I can't wait to have that back."

Mason Plumlee is expected to be in uniform Wednesday. He traveled to New York with the team for the NIT Season Tip-Off a week ago but was not in uniform.

"He's definitely anxious to get back on the court," Smith said. "I'm not in there with the doctors, so I can't really speak on it, but I see him walking around.

"He's getting more lively as if a return might be possible. When it first happened, he was walking around, kind of moping with his head down. ... But his energy is starting to pick up."