Drawing too many conclusions from Duke's performance during Countdown to Craziness (CTC) takes a lot of work. Some things were clear, while others remain speculative. One big question is whether Duke will go deeper than a 7-8 player rotation this season. Given the depth of talent Jon Scheyer has assembled, it's entirely possible.
1. Caleb Foster
Sophomore Caleb Foster looks poised for a breakout season. I've previously said he could lead the team in scoring, and he backed that up last night with 14 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance. He appeared much more poised and confident, stepping comfortably into a leadership role—a clear benefit of a year of college experience. I still predict he'll be the team's leading scorer this season. His aggressiveness and improved ability to navigate ball screens—a key component of Duke's offense—were notable. Foster also showed impressive vision, passing well out of double teams and consistently making the right reads. His jump shot looked pure, and his mindset clearly shifted toward a more aggressive approach.
2. Cooper Flagg
When you think about Cooper Flagg, the word "special" immediately comes to mind—and that's not a revelation to anyone who follows basketball. At Countdown to Craziness (CTC), his activity on both ends of the court was extraordinary. While casual fans might expect him to score 30 points per game, let's temper those expectations slightly. A more realistic range for him would be around 13-16 points per game.
It's important to note that Cooper won't be operating as the primary ball-handler; instead, he'll take on a secondary playmaker and scorer role. His relentless energy allows him to rack up points by capitalizing on passing lanes, generating steals, and scoring in transition rather than solely relying on breaking down his defender. He will undoubtedly have his share of catch-and-shoot opportunities and can be effectively utilized by running him off screens, a strategy I noticed a few times during CTC. Flagg is poised to have a significant impact this season with his versatility and hustle.
3. Kon Kneuppel
Kon Kneuppel plays like a college junior already. His mature and seasoned game allows him to put up points and hunt for his shot effectively. It's evident that he has abilities, particularly his shooting, and it's clear the coaching him to take shots whenever he's open. His navigation of ball screens and ability to leverage his more oversized frame to fend off defenders were impressive.
His skills, basketball IQ, and playmaking will be crucial for Duke. Being such a substantial shooting threat works to his advantage, as defenders close out hard on him, allowing him to utilize his superior IQ for driving and passing opportunities. However, he needs to improve his defense, as he was caught off guard a few times on closeouts due to poor angles and improper footwork, enabling his man to drive past him. Nevertheless, Kon has the potential to become a legendary figure at Duke and should provide Coach Scheyer with a valuable option as a playmaker, scorer, and shooter. Scheyer trusts this kid.
4. Tyrese Proctor
Tyrese Proctor looked noticeably comfortable and vocal as a leader on the court, demonstrating his growth in size and strength. He showcased flashes of brilliance with impressive passes and the ability to break down defenders off the dribble, all while displaying a heightened level of aggression compared to last season.
The key questions surrounding Tyrese are whether he can absorb contact and finish at the rim and whether he can emerge as a consistent offensive threat. I believe this year, he will not only meet but exceed those expectations.
We already recognize him as a special playmaker; the challenge will be bringing that skill to the forefront of his game while blending it with offensive efficiency. He could position himself well for a spot in the NBA draft if he can accomplish this.
5. Isaiah Evans
Isaiah Evans is slim yet exceptionally dynamic, positioning himself as one of college basketball's most intriguing wild cards this season. His ability to heat up quickly and score in bunches sets him apart. Last night, he delivered several standout moments, draining jump shots and executing a baseline cut for a two-handed slam that electrified the crowd.
With his remarkable talent and scoring prowess, Evans can effortlessly adapt to any role a team requires. Jon Scheyer is fortunate to have such a player on his roster; this kid can score in a phone booth—he's simply wired to put the ball in the basket.
Despite early speculation suggesting he might be the odd man out in the rotation, I firmly believe that's far from the truth. A player of Evans' caliber will significantly impact any team. Not many college programs possess this level of depth or have the luxury of a potential lottery pick who may not be the offense's focal point yet can deliver explosive scoring ability off the bench. I fully expect him to be a game-winner for Duke this season.
Concerns about his defense have also been addressed, as he demonstrated impressive promise on that end of the floor. He moved his feet well, effectively maintained his man, challenged shots, and kept his opponent in front of him for the most part. With his talent and determination, Evans will become a fan favorite at Cameron!
6. Khaman Maluach
Khaman Maluach radiates infectious joy on the court, consistently smiling and embodying a fierce competitive spirit. His enthusiasm for being a Blue Devil is unmistakable, and he truly cherishes every moment he spends in a Duke uniform. During Countdown to Craziness (CTC), he showcased why he is poised to be a dominant force this season. His shot-blocking prowess, rim-running ability, and impressive bank shot from beyond the arc underscore his unique skill set.
Although he didn't receive many post touches, Maluach excelled as a screener and roller, effectively creating advantages for the ball handler as they navigated through screens. His solid screen setting opened up the offense and forced defenders to respect his presence; neglecting him could lead to easy dunks every time he rolled to the basket.
With his blend of skill, positivity, and unwavering determination to win, Maluach is destined to make a significant impact this season. Moreover, his rim protection will serve as a crucial deterrent when Duke's perimeter players get beaten, providing an essential safety net for the defense.
7. Sion James, Mason Gillis, Maliq Brown, and Darren Harris
Sion James was impressive, demonstrating his ability to hit deep shots while playing tenacious defense and effectively sharing ball-handling duties. His experience and poise were evident, and these qualities are sure to play a significant role throughout Duke's season.
Mason Gillis is equally solid, showcasing his capacity to stretch the floor with his deep shooting, making him another valuable offensive threat. His defensive versatility and ability to switch seamlessly are noteworthy attributes that will establish him as a key glue guy for the team.
Maliq Brown's defensive intensity and relentless motor were on full display; he scrapped for loose balls and communicated effectively on defense, disrupting numerous passes and showcasing solid positional awareness.
Darren Harris proved why he might be the best shooter on the team, exhibiting excellent balance, form, and mechanics on his jump shot. Although he missed a few attempts, each shot felt like it had a chance to go in. Harris can carve out a significant role on this team, adding another layer to Duke's offensive arsenal.
8. Depth
It's crucial to understand that basketball is a fluid and ever-evolving game. We set ourselves up for disappointment when we pigeonhole a team with rigid expectations. Repeating the same talking points in chat rooms, group chats, and Twitter discussions adds little to the conversation. To assert that Duke can only rely on a 7-8 player rotation is simply misguided.
Jon Scheyer has a unique opportunity to create something special this season. He has the talent to build a rotation of 9-10 players, each contributing significantly to the team's success. The depth and versatility within the roster will allow for different lineups and strategies, giving Scheyer the ability to adapt to various opponents and game situations.
Instead of limiting our perspective, we should embrace the possibilities of a deeper rotation. This flexibility can lead to unexpected contributions from role players and keep the team fresh throughout the grueling season. With a robust roster at his disposal, Scheyer has the potential to cultivate a winning culture and maximize the capabilities of every player, ultimately positioning Duke as a formidable force in college basketball.
Conclusion
As fans, we can take these games as gospel and what we expect to see, but I would caution against doing so. These players are familiar with each other and, most importantly, friends; this team will look very different when playing against other college teams. Yes, they will be elite, but let's temper the expectations a bit.
This Duke team is a remarkable blend of star power, elite players, standout transfers, and impressive depth. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are poised for an exciting season ahead. Scheyer's leadership will be crucial as he prepares his team to navigate the challenges that lie ahead, including intense rivalries, fierce competition, and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with wearing the Duke jersey.
The Blue Devils can expect to face their opponents' best efforts each game, as they'll undoubtedly be viewed as a target in the college basketball landscape. This season, Duke will have to contend with the physical challenges on the court and manage the external pressures and expectations of being a top-tier program. The bulletin board material will pile up as teams seek to prove themselves against a Duke squad loaded with talent and potential.
With the combination of returning talent and new faces, Scheyer has the opportunity to mold this group into a cohesive unit capable of achieving greatness. The roster boasts players with varied skill sets, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. This versatility will enable Duke to adapt to different game situations, giving them an edge over their opponents.
As the season unfolds, the Blue Devils will have a legitimate chance to reach the pinnacle of college basketball and vie for the national championship. With the right mix of determination, teamwork, and execution, this Duke team could be the one to cut down the nets at the end of the season, solidifying its legacy in college basketball history. Jon Scheyer's ability to harness the immense talent at his disposal will be pivotal in navigating the ups and downs of a demanding schedule and ultimately realizing the goal of championship glory.
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