5 things to know about Duke Basketball 2017-18

What are 5 things to know about Duke Basketball as the season kicks off tonight?

1. Youth

The Blue Devils are extremely young and most likely will be starting 4 freshmen.  The preseason has shown both the good and bad side of that.  While on the court all 4 have excelled, but academics have tripped up Trevon Duval.  Duval was forced to miss Duke's 2nd exhibition game along with fellow freshmen Alex O'Connell and Jordan Goldwire.

2. Grayson's Team

While Grayson Allen is the lone senior on this year's team, Allen isn't the typical leader.  According to reports, Allen is more of a "lead by example guy", as opposed to an Amile Jefferson type who was very vocal.  Allen has moved past his well known history of tripping and antics, but will Allen provide the right example to a young team?  Whose voice will be heard in critical times?  It's not uncommon for a team to take on the personality of its leader which begs the question, what personality will that be?

3. Shooting

The Duke starting 5 is as good as you'll find, but this team is a bit different than in past years.  As the season begins Grayson Allen and Gary Trent, Jr. appear to be the only legitimate threats from behind the arc.  In the exhibition games the two combined, Allen and Trent combined to make 12 of 27 attempts from 3 point range while the rest of the team combined to make just 3 of their 22 attempts.  Will Duke be able to consistently stretch defenses and allow Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter to operate in the paint?

4. Defense

If Duke is going to live up to the hype, their defense will need to be a key focus.  The tools are in place with two mobile bigs that can block shots, 2 perimeter wings with good size, and a quick point guard that can bring pressure.  Throw in a 7 footer and a 6'10 energy guy off the bench and Duke can be really good on the defensive end.

5. Health

Duke is due a good season in terms of health, right?  Last season was a nightmare for both the players but also Coach K who missed time.  If Duke were to lose anytime from their starts, they'll be relying on a fairly inexperienced crew coming off the bench.  Marques Bolden will provide quality depth in the frontcourt, but Duke will likely lean on 3 star recruit Jordan Goldwire as their true first guard off the bench.  Javin DeLaurier can fill in on the wing and down low, but its clear the Duke backcourt will need to stay healthy.