Duke’s matchup against Lincoln gave fans a lot to be excited about this season. The Blue Devils showcased their depth, versatility, and freshman talent that sets them up for an electrifying year. Here are my key takeaways from the game:
1. Duke's Shooting Is Lethal
The Blue Devils have legitimate shooters, and teams across the country will need to take notice. Duke showcased precision and confidence from beyond the arc, whether in transition or within their half-court sets. Their ability to space the floor and consistently hit threes will pose a significant challenge for opponents all season. With their offensive firepower from deep, defenses won’t be able to pack the paint without paying the price. Shooting 15-for-37 from three-point range (40%) agaisnt Lincoln is a clear indicator of the threat they bring from long range.
2. Did Cooper Flagg Plant his Flagg as the #1 Pick
Cooper Flagg’s performance was nothing short of spectacular: 22 points, 2 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 blocks in just 24 minutes of action. He's only scratching the surface of what we’ll see this season. Already projected as the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, performances like the one against Lincoln are all he needs to solidify that position. The most impressive part of his game was his all-around ability to score, facilitate, and defend at an elite level. Flagg has clearly worked hard on his shooting, hitting 2-of-5 from beyond the arc and showcasing a smooth midrange jumper off the dribble.
One standout play saw him catch the ball in the corner, shot-fake his defender, take one dribble, and throw down a dunk while getting fouled—a glimpse of the kind of highlight-reel moments we can expect from him this season. Defensively, he was everywhere, disrupting passing lanes, blocking shots, and making things difficult for Lincoln’s offense. Flagg’s combination of skill, basketball IQ, and impact on both ends of the floor makes it hard to dispute his place as the future top pick.
3. Khaman Maluach's rebounding and defense will be key!
Duke needed a true rim protector and rebounder, and Khaman Maluach delivered. Against Lincoln, his activity and presence in the painting were undeniable. If he wasn't blocking shots, he served as an effective deterrent, consistently patrolling the paint and cleaning up any mistakes. While he officially recorded two blocks, his impact went far beyond the stat sheet, making it difficult for opponents to challenge him at the rim. He also hauled in 11 rebounds—six offensive and five defensive—while getting his hands on other attempts, keeping plays alive for his teammates.
Maluach's ability to alter shots, dominate the boards, and anchor the defense is exactly what Duke was missing last season. His presence not only forces opponents to think twice before attacking the basket but also boosts the confidence of Duke's perimeter defenders, knowing they have a reliable safety net behind them.
4. Kon Kneuppel ,Even Better Than Advertised
If you thought Kon Kneuppel was impressive before, his performance against Lincoln was just a glimpse of what’s to come as Duke faces tougher competition. He’s not just meeting expectations—he’s exceeding them. Kneuppel displayed poise, shot-making ability, and a basketball IQ that elevates the entire team. His contributions on both ends of the floor make him a vital part of Duke’s success this season, and it’s clear his impact goes far beyond scoring.
He was red-hot in the first half, hitting 5-of-7 from three-point range. His playmaking and court vision make him another elite weapon for the Blue Devils. Kneuppel’s game understanding is exceptional, and he's not only unselfish but also a surprisingly strong positional defender. He's proving to be a complete player, critical to Duke's championship aspirations. He also delivered the play of the night—a backdoor cut where he caught a pass from Khaman Maluach and soared over the defense for a thunderous dunk and foul, sending Cameron Indoor Stadium into a frenzy.
5. Maliq Brown Will Be a Special Defender
Maliq Brown’s defensive prowess is undeniable. His adaptability, versatility, and defensive IQ will be as crucial as anyone’s on the team. He has excelled in defending the pick-and-roll, displaying excellent footwork, active hands, and relentless energy. With his well-rounded defensive toolkit, Brown is set to play a pivotal role in Duke’s overall defensive strategy. Whether he’s switching on the perimeter or protecting the paint, his versatility provides Duke with invaluable flexibility. Brown has the potential to be a game-changer on defense, and his impact will only grow as he continues to develop. Additionally, Brown will provide key depth at the 4/5 position, giving elite center Khaman Maluach time to adjust to the college game.
6. An Aggressive, efficient Tyrese Proctor Is Great News for Duke
A key area of growth for Tyrese Proctor this season has been his mindset shift, addressing the lack of aggressiveness and struggles to finish at the rim that held him back last year. Proctor seems to have taken a step forward this season—not just figuratively, but literally, as he's now listed at 6'6", an inch taller than last year. After struggling with efficiency, his performance against Lincoln suggests that Duke's team captain is primed for a breakout year.
Proctor was in attack mode on Saturday, scoring 19 points with three assists while playing primarily off the ball. He did most of his damage in the mid-post area, knocking down short jumpers from the perimeter and imposing his will on the smaller Lincoln guards. His intent to make an early impact was evident. When Proctor is assertive, Duke's offense flows more smoothly. He attacked the basket, created opportunities for his teammates, and displayed confidence in his shot. His aggressiveness opens up the offense for everyone, and as Duke's floor general, his leadership is crucial to the team's success. When Proctor plays with this level of intensity Duke becomes a much more dangerous team.
I was wrong in my initial assessment of Caleb Foster as the top scorer
Coming into the season, I thought Caleb Foster might need to be Duke's leading scorer. However, after watching him in this game, where he handled the primary ball-handling duties throughout, it became clear that Duke's balanced offense doesn't require Foster to take on that burden. He was still aggressive, pushing the pace and making plays, but what stood out was his ability to navigate screens with patience and poise, consistently setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
Foster frequently got into the paint, and while it didn't lead to many points or assists for him, he made intelligent decisions by kicking the ball out when the defense collapsed. Duke capitalized on his playmaking, moving the ball off his initial passes and finding open shooters for quality three-point looks. Foster showcased flashes of brilliance, but with Duke's depth and balance, he can focus on facilitating and stepping up when necessary rather than carrying the scoring load. This flexibility allows him to impact the game in various ways and helps Duke's offense flow seamlessly.
Heat Check Isaiah Evans'
Evans finished with 9 points in limited minutes (10). As a dynamic offensive weapon, we saw what Evans brings as an explosive scorer touch that can shift the momentum of a game in an instant. His versatility allows him to score from anywhere on the floor, whether it's knocking down perimeter shots, attacking the rim, or creating off the dribble. In key moments, especially when Duke faces tough defenses or needs a spark, Evans' scoring prowess will be essential to breaking down opponents and keeping the offense flowing. His knack for catching fire quickly will also relieve pressure from other scorers, giving Duke the option to rely on multiple threats, which will make them even harder to defend. Evans' offensive firepower will be a game-changer in big matchups and late-season tournament play, helping Duke remain a dominant force throughout the year. Expect Isaiah to lead Duke to victory in at least a game or two this season.
Duke's depth
Will they go 8-10 players deep or stick to the traditional 7-8 rotation? The 2024-25 roster depth is shaping up to be one of Duke’s greatest strengths, positioning them as a formidable force on both ends of the court. With numerous players ready to step up at any moment, Duke has the advantage of keeping fresh legs on the floor without compromising performance. This versatility allows them to maintain a high tempo, apply relentless defensive pressure, and create mismatches throughout the game. Whether featuring elite shooters, star power, lockdown defenders, or rim protectors, every position is brimming with talent, ensuring opponents will face constant challenges to their game plans from start to finish. This depth will be vital as the season unfolds, particularly during the rigorous ACC schedule and tournament play, where fatigue and injuries can derail less-equipped teams. Duke’s ability to seamlessly rotate players while maintaining momentum will be crucial in their pursuit of a national title.
Final Thoughts
Duke’s performance against Lincoln showcased the impressive versatility of this team. With elite shooters and a standout future #1 draft pick in Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils possess all the ingredients necessary to be serious contenders. They are primed for a deep tournament run, and this game marks just the start of what promises to be an exhilarating season. Buckle up, Duke fans—this will be a wild ride!
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