The Blue Devils wasted no time in taking it to the visiting Braves of UNC Pembroke starting the game on a 30-5 run. The impressive run was fueled by 4 early Tyrese Proctor 3-pointers. The Blue Devils would go on to shoot 54.5% from 3 in the first half on their way to a 59-24 lead at the break. The Blue Devils were crisp on offense from all 3 levels. Freshman Jared McCain showed off his offensive prowess on the way to 13 points in the first stanza. Proctor would lead all scores at the half with 15. Preseason Player of Year Kyle Filipowski started the game slowly missing a few shots at the rim but the 7’0 sophomore would lead all scorers by the end pouring in 17 points and 5 boards.
The Blue Devils would beat down the Braves 109-64 in this exhibition game but there were clear takeaways that were of much more interest than the final score. Jon Scheyer said all off-season that the Blue Devils would play fast and that was on full display. The plethora of guards cycling in and out was dizzying. Duke played 5-out and it was a thing of beauty. With 5 players on the floor who can shoot and handle the ball the Blu Devils were able to rip and run on every miss. Duke spaced the floor beautifully, allowing driving lanes, dishing to open shooters and opportunities for pick and rolls. There was so much versatility in Duke’s backcourt with each guard able to thrive in their natural niche. Proctor behind the arc, Roach and Foster in the mid-range, McCain driving to the hoop of the dribble. Duke is able to come at opponents in waves. It will be interesting to see how this translates to a Division I opponent come Monday.
Filipowski: 17 pts (6-9 FG)
Proctor: 15 pts (5-8 3pt)
McCain: 15 pts (9-9 FT)
Roach: 13 pts (9-10 FT)
Stewart: 12 pts (6-7 FG)
Mitchell: 11 pts (6-8 FT)
Foster: 9 pts (3-6 FG)
What impressed me the most:
- Jared McCain – I’ve been watching him for a long time and he is the real deal, a kid that has always trained like a pro and it shows. I love his offense off the dribble and that’s only half of his game.
- Duke’s 5-Out offense and spacing. Really good flow to the offense in the first half.
- Duke’s 3-point shooting. I knew it would be improved and this was a great start to the season.
The questions that linger for me:
- What will the actual rotation look like? Pretty much everyone played but will that be the case come Monday?
- Will the defense hold up against more talented teams? There were quite a few lapses that worried me.
- Will Jon Scheyer be able to get the second unit ready for Arizona?
