Our previews continue today with the Duke Blue Devils. Duke has had significant turnover from last year, but 3 key recruits and a transfer will keep the Blue Devils in the running for an ACC title once again.
Duke is coming off a largely successful season that saw them lose to the eventual National Champion, Louisville Cardinals, in the Final 8. The Blue Devils see quite a bit of turnover from last year’s squad with Mason Plumlee, Seth Curry, and Ryan Kelly all departing. The good news is Duke has a strong freshman class as well as transfer Rodney Hood eligible and ready to play in Durham.
Backcourt
Quinn Cook and Rasheed Sulaimon return in the Duke backcourt and both players are in need of consistency this season. Cook won the tourney MVP in Duke’s tournament run in Atlantis last November, but saw his play drop in conference and postseason tournament play. So much of Cook’s success is based off of his defensive play and his jumpshot. Likewise, Sulaimon had an up and down year. The defensive pressure was Sulaimon’s strength, but his perimeter jumpshot was very streaky and often carried over to the rest of his game. Andre Dawkins returns to the Blue Devil roster after sitting out a year for personal reasons. Reports are that Dawkins jumper is still silky smooth but it’s a bit of mystery what the Blue Devils will get out of him. It wouldn’t shock me if Dawkins made his way into the Duke starting lineup, nor would it surprise me if he were only rarely used. Duke will rely on backup guard Tyler Thornton to provide leadership, defensive pressure, and an occasional spot up 3 off the bench. Incoming freshman, Matt Jones comes in known as a deep threat and could be a dangerous weapon for the Blue Devils off the bench as well.
Frontcourt
The strength of this Blue Devil team will transition from the post last season to the wings in the 2013-14 season. Rodney Hood is ready to take the court for Duke after sitting out a season after transferring from Mississippi State. Hood has the ability to hit the 3 or put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. Joining Hood on the wing is highly rated freshman, Jabari Parker. Parker has the size and strength to play in the paint but the ball skills and shooting ability to start at any position for the Blue Devils. Parker’s versatility on both ends is the type of weapon that Mike Krzyzewski has had a lot of success with in the past. One big question for Duke is, who will play the 5? *Insert Coach K doesn't have positions narrative* It seems that Amile Jefferson is the early frontrunner to take over in the middle. While Jefferson will be taking over the position from Mason Plumlee, his role on offense will much different. Jefferson will largely be a screener and an offensive rebounder, which is an area Jefferson did well in his freshman season. Another option in the middle is Marshall Plumlee, whose greatest asset is his size. Plumlee will likely see action against some of the Duke’s bigger opponents. Josh Hairston, Alex Murphy, and Semi Ojeleye should also see some time in the frontcourt.
Schedule
Duke’s schedule is as tough as you’ll see with matchups against Kansas (11/12/13 - Champions Classic), Michigan (12/3/13 - ACC/Big 10 Challenge), and UCLA (12/19/13 - CarQuest Auto Parts Classic). There is also a potential matchup in the Preseason NIT final with Arizona. Don’t forget about two matchups with Syracuse, UNC, not to mention the rest of a really strong conference schedule.
Prediction
Duke fans will have a lot of fun watching this team play. Krzyzewski has said that he plans to use some of his Olympic style with this Duke team. That means pressing more, playing with a faster tempo, and even using a deeper bench (Duke message boards won’t forget that pledge). While the style will be fun to watch, the roster should provide plenty of athleticism and offensive fire power to keep the fans happy. The key will be on the defensive side of the ball, but can’t stop with defending shots. Duke will have to collectively rebound this year as they will be undersized in a lot of matchups.
Despite being a freshman, Jabari Parker should be the top Blue Devil fantasy player. Parker can do it all and his ability to hit the boards, get to the line, and knock down free throws should make him a consistent fantasy player. His ability to score in a number of ways and create for others makes him a fantasy stud.
