What we learned about Duke basketball during toughest stretch until likely March Madness

[ad_1]

DURHAM — Duke basketball got through the gauntlet.

With their win against previously-unbeaten Auburn (7-1), the ninth-ranked Blue Devils (6-2) stuck the landing after a taxing two-week stretch that included four games against ranked opponents.

The victory at Arizona (3-4) has lost some of its luster, but the learning experiences from losses to No. 4 Kentucky (7-1) No. 1 Kansas (7-1) on neutral courts provided Duke with lessons that seemed to help the team get over the hump against the Tigers on Wednesday.

Preseason practices, two traits for Duke to remember

Here’s what we learned about Duke following its 2-2 record in those games, a nonconference slate that could prove to be the Blue Devils’ toughest stretch until March Madness.

Cooper Flagg is delivering for Duke basketball

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has handled the hype as well, if not better, than anyone could have expected. The 17-year-old Flagg has played his best against the best, averaging 21.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in Duke’s four games against ranked opponents. After combining for 11 turnovers against Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona — including critical miscues late vs. Kentucky and the Jayhawks — Flagg didn’t have a turnover against Auburn. The scary part? He’s only eight games into what is setting up to be a special season for him and, possibly, the Blue Devils.

Maliq Brown, Sion James provide exactly what Jon Scheyer needed

With his shakeup of the roster in the offseason, Duke coach Jon Scheyer made it a priority to find tough competitors capable of filling in the gaps around another loaded recruiting class. It’s safe to say Scheyer found that in Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown and Tulane transfer Sion James, both of whom have proved their mettle in Duke’s biggest games.

Duke basketball’s ‘cheat code’ this season

In games against Auburn and Kansas, James averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds to aid his defensive prowess….

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-duke-basketball-during-toughest-090240554.html

Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2024-12-06 09:02:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.