Q1: Final thoughts on Duke’s 2020 class? How would you best identify this class?
A1: The class is very well rounded and versatile. This class is one that K should be able to excel with in terms of being able to create mismatches and lines ups for game adjustments. I think from top to bottom, all of them are versatile players that play on both ends, but I think what stands out the most for me, is that each of these kids have that competitive edge and play with a motor. Just passion.
A2: I’ll say it over and over again, this roster has all that K wants, less the experience. I can easily see 11 players getting minutes and making contributions as well as there are players that bring a certain special element to the team. Now this isn’t like the Duke teams of recent where there is a roster full on one-and-done types, but this roster is made of guys that are going to be Pros just some sooner than later.
Q3: What do you anticipate the starting line up to be?
A3: Still so many unknowns without any recent evaluations. It will be interesting what, if any, practice and scrimmage info comes out. But if I had to put a line up on the court to initially start the season, and by no means am I Coach K or the Staff for they have been so successful at this for such a long time, but I might go with:
5: Patrick Tape’- but I could see Williams getting the nod eventually and them splitting time
4: Patrick Hurt- He has to be Duke’s go to scorer, but I like Brakefield off the bench there too for minutes
3: Jalen Johnson- He’s Duke’s sure fire OAD guy. Joey Baker being the sniper off the bench
2: Wendell Moore- and Steward getting his good share of time
1: Jordan Goldwire- although I am not sold on that. Jeremy Roach is too good, if completely healthy
I do think that Henry Colemen will earn minutes at the 5 and the 4.
A1: The class is very well rounded and versatile. This class is one that K should be able to excel with in terms of being able to create mismatches and lines ups for game adjustments. I think from top to bottom, all of them are versatile players that play on both ends, but I think what stands out the most for me, is that each of these kids have that competitive edge and play with a motor. Just passion.
- Jalen Johnson is a Pro now. There’s nothing not to like about his game. I know much is talked about with his shooting, but I see him as more of a streaky shooter than a poor one. His game is exactly what the NBA is seeking. Multidimensional and having all of the skills.
- Jaemyn Brakefield is the kid to keep an eye on. He is going into a tough spot because Duke has depth in the positions he plays, but he is very talented. Just watch any game where he and Johnson played together. They had such chemistry and play off one another very well.
- DJ Steward is the most offensively gifted player in the Duke class. Unless you have seen him in big games verse other top players, you might not truly appreciate his game to the level it deserves. Johnson is the best in this class, but DJ might make the biggest freshmen impact.
- Jeremy Roach has all eyes on him. Can he effectively and efficiently replace (Tre) Jones? Is he completely health from that ACL injury? Has his shooting developed enough to be consistent? Jeremy is very good, just not Jones as a sophomore good, but I can see a Jones like FR year and that would still be good for Duke.
- Mark Williams sure does bring rim protection to Duke. His length alone is worthy and going to cause issues for opponents. It will be interesting to see how he produces on the offensive end, if he can stay out of foul trouble, and if he has added some more weight/strength. There is no doubting what his contribution will be to the team… Being that defensive presence at the 5.
- Henry Coleman is really put together and that has been documented and stated by most recruiting guys, but after recently watching quite a few games on YouTube games on him, he also has a sound skills set and a tremendous work ethic. He should be a Duke Fan favorite.
- Patrick has really caught my eye after watching some games of his. To echo the Duke Staff’s words, his athleticism and his offensive skills are the first things that make an impression on you when you see him play. He is mobile and gets involved on the glass. He is the guy that I think might make the biggest impact in terms of team need.
A2: I’ll say it over and over again, this roster has all that K wants, less the experience. I can easily see 11 players getting minutes and making contributions as well as there are players that bring a certain special element to the team. Now this isn’t like the Duke teams of recent where there is a roster full on one-and-done types, but this roster is made of guys that are going to be Pros just some sooner than later.
Q3: What do you anticipate the starting line up to be?
A3: Still so many unknowns without any recent evaluations. It will be interesting what, if any, practice and scrimmage info comes out. But if I had to put a line up on the court to initially start the season, and by no means am I Coach K or the Staff for they have been so successful at this for such a long time, but I might go with:
5: Patrick Tape’- but I could see Williams getting the nod eventually and them splitting time
4: Patrick Hurt- He has to be Duke’s go to scorer, but I like Brakefield off the bench there too for minutes
3: Jalen Johnson- He’s Duke’s sure fire OAD guy. Joey Baker being the sniper off the bench
2: Wendell Moore- and Steward getting his good share of time
1: Jordan Goldwire- although I am not sold on that. Jeremy Roach is too good, if completely healthy
I do think that Henry Colemen will earn minutes at the 5 and the 4.
