Day 2 of breaking down each CBB roster in my Top 25. Next up is the Duke Blue Devils.
Projected Starting 5:
PG Caleb Foster 8.3/3.5/2.8 44.7 FG% Returnee
SG John Blackwell 19.1/5.1/2.3 43 FG% (Wisconsin)
SF Dame Sarr 6.4/3.8/1.1 40.4 FG% Returnee
PF Cameron Williams 5 ⭐️ Freshmen
C Patrick Ngongba 10.1/5.8/2 60.6 FG% Returnee
Bench
G Bryson Howard 5 ⭐️ Freshmen
G Cayden Boozer Returnee
G Deron Rippey Jr. 5 ⭐️ Freshmen
C Maxime Meyer 4 ⭐️ Freshmen
G/F Sebastian Wilkins Returnee
F Drew Scharnowski Belmont Transfer
F/C Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje Overseas
Duke retains 3 of its 5 starters from last year’s team, however they lost both of their leading scorers from last season. They have done a good job to replace them bringing in John Blackwell from Wisconsin to be their leading scorer and another extremely loaded freshmen class headlined by 5 ⭐️ Cam Williams. Retaining Patrick Ngongba was a great surprise for the Blue Devils. Last season ended in what seems to be typical Duke fashion choking due to experience in the tournament despite being arguably the most talented team in the nation. This season’s team has loads of depth, particularly at the guard position and some promising pieces in the front court to go with Patrick Ngongba. Expect Duke to be atop of the ACC again and be a high seed in the tournament. The question looms for Jon Scheyer. Can they get over their woes and finally break through and win a title for the first time in over a decade?
Strengths:
Lots of Guard depth
Very talented freshmen class
Lots of retention
Size
Weaknesses:
Who can score consistently outside of John Blackwell?
More Inexperienced than others
Floor:
S16
Ceiling:
National Champions