YouTube Gold: Why Duke Is Going To Be Tough To Beat This Season
But this video is only half the story
As we have talked about for some time now, Duke’s offense is going to be a real bear this season. You have size, starting with Khaman Maluach, but all down the roster. No one is under 6-5 and they’re all athletic.
Then you have a lot of really good three point shooters - Caleb Foster, Kon Knueppel, Mason Gillis, Sion James, Darren Harris and Isaiah Evans - and Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor aren't exactly liabilities from behind the line.
Maluach and Maliq Brown are both highly effective inside, as is Flagg.
That, as this video points out, makes it very difficult to guard the Blue Devils because you really have to pick your poison.
Against Arizona State, Duke started Maluach, Flagg, Kneuppel, Foster and Proctor. Gillis, James and Harris were ready to rotate in. Not everyone will be hot on every night, but as long as someone is, you’re in trouble.
What this video doesn’t touch on however, is Duke’s immense defensive potential. Either could be excellent but having an elite offense and defense at this level?
We’re not sure who else has that.
It doesn’t guarantee you anything, particularly in the post-season in a single elimination tournament, and a lot of teams have probably been better over the years and still not been able to win the national championship.
It does, however, give you advantages few teams are going to have.