#9 ranked Duke looked phenomenal against Winston Salem State last week during its scrimmage held inside Cameron Indoor – defeating the Rams 106-38. The Blue Devils had six total players in double figures, led by the sensational freshman Paolo Banchero with 21 points and 9 rebounds. The backcourt, which will be led by Jeremy Roach, Wendell Moore, and Trevor Keels, only committed one turnover in the exhibition, to go along with 17 assists. Mark Williams, who was rumored to test the NBA waters after finishing last season with a strong surge, shot 6 of 7 from the field for 14 points, 5 blocks and 5 boards. The contest was never competitive with Duke leading at the half by 50, 63-13.
What we got to see from Duke is one of the lineups that was revealed during Countdown to Craziness, featuring Trevor Keels and Jeremy Roach running the backcourt, Mark Williams in the paint and Wendell Moore playing a versatile point-forward position. Potential number one overall pick, Paolo Banchero, playing the four will be a nightmare for opposing defenses due to his ability to drive past defenders with his swiftness and athletic ability. This is Duke’s best lineup, in my opinion. It features interior presence and athletic wings – with the addition of Trevor Keels, who is a big point guard that can get to the rack at ease and stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. Keels also likes playing in transition – something Duke lacked last season. The point guard sets the tempo on both ends of the floor. It starts and ends with Trevor Keels.
The Squad
# 0 Wendell Moore Jr. SF, 6’5, 213lbs
#1 Trevor Keels Fr. G, 6’4 221 lbs
# 2 Jaylen Blakes Fr. G, 6’1′, 208 lbs
#3 Jeremy Roach So., G, 6’1′, 175 lbs.
#5 Paolo Banchero Fr. PF, 6’10, 250 lbs.
#12 Theo John Gr. PF. 6’9, 242 lbs.
#13 Joey Baker Sr. SF. 6’6, 206lbs.
#15 Mark Williams C So. 7’0 242 lbs.
#21 A.J. Griffin Fr. 6’6, 222 lbs.
#30 Michael Savarino Jr. G, 6’0, 182 lbs.
#34 Bates Jones Gr. F, 6’8 222 lbs.
#45 Kennan Worthington Jr. F, 6’9 224 lbs.
#52 Stanley Borden Fr. C, 7’0 240 lbs.
#55 Spencer Hubbard So. G, 5’8 160 lbs.
Key Games
Nov. 9, vs. Kentucky 9:30 P.M. ESPN (State Farm Champions Classic)
Nov. 26, vs Gonzaga 10:30 P.M. (Continental Tire Challenge) ESPN
Nov. 30, at Ohio State 9:30 P.M. ACC/Big 10 Challenge ESPN
Jan. 1, at Notre Dame 6 P.M. ACCN
Jan. 18, at Florida State 9 P.M. ESPN
Jan. 29, at Louisville 12 P.M. ESPN
Feb. 5, at UNC 6 P.M. ESPN
Feb. 7, vs. Virginia 7 P.M. ESPN
Feb. 19, vs. Florida State 6 P.M. ESPN
Feb. 23, at Virginia 7 P.M. ESPN
Feb. 26, at Syracuse 6 P.M. ESPN
Mar. 5, UNC 6 P.M. ESPN
NBA Big Board
- Paolo Banchero F, Duke /Height 6’9/ Weight 235 lbs. Freshman
- A.J. Griffin F, Duke/ Height 6’6’/ Weight 220 lbs. Freshman
- Mark Williams C, Duke / Height 7’0’/ Weight 245 lbs. Sophomore
- Trevor Keels G, Duke/ Height 6’4’/ Weight 220 lbs. Freshman
Don’t Use the Word Last
This is hard with Coach Mike Krzyzewski announcing this would be his final season at Duke. He along with the coaching staff and players all sing the same song which is “don’t use the word last”. Cherish the moment, live in the moment and play together. No one is worrying about the future. The goal is to get to New Orleans and Duke has unfinished business to handle starting Tuesday night at the Mecca, Madison Square Garden where they take on #10 ranked Kentucky.
Tip-off for the start of Coach K’s last hoorah is Tuesday at 9:30pm on ESPN.
