Taking Stock of Duke Basketball Before ACC Play Starts
By Matt Mikhail
The Blue Devils kicked of the 2017-2018 season with a bang. After 11 games in less than a month, Duke stands at 11-0 and remains a favorite to win the National Championship. On Saturday, Duke travels to Boston College for an early ACC match-up. Before ACC play begins, let’s hit the reset button and evaluate where Duke stands.
Game Recap: Duke Dominates St. Francis Before First ACC Matchup
Duke Has Started Impressively But Could Easily Have Two Or Three Losses.
Duke managed its biggest win of the early season, maybe its biggest win of the entire season, in only its third game when the Blue Devils defeated then number two Michigan State. Amazingly, Duke managed the win despite losing Marvin Bagley III after only 10 minutes. Grayson Allen was spectacular, scoring 37 points and filling the void for Bagley. Despite the great win, Duke could have easily lost the game. 37-point outings from Allen will not be the norm the rest of the way.
Duke also could have lost to either Texas or Florida in the PK80 Challenge. The Blue Devils mounted two ferocious comebacks against the Longhorns and the Gators. It’s hard not to be impressed by the young team’s resilience but this team still has question marks that need to be addressed before March.
This Is Marvin Bagley’s Team.
When Duke beat Michigan State, it looked like this was Allen’s team and he was a favorite for National Player of the Year. Now, Duke is clearly Bagley’s team and Bagley is the favorite for National Player of the Year.
Bagley is on an absolute tear and has already accumulated 9 double doubles on the season. It’s difficult not to get carried away. Is he Duke’s best freshman ever? Is he Duke’s best player ever? Is he the best freshman in the NCAA?
It’s premature to accurately discuss any of those questions but I am excited to watch and find out.
Impressively, Allen has taken a step back. Coach K clearly wants the team to run through the post and Allen’s shot attempts are fewer and farther between than they have been in the last two years. Allen’s role is reminiscent of Quinn Cook sacrificing his position to Tyus Jones. Hopefully, Allen proves to be as capable of a leader as Cook.
Duke Still Has Flaws.
This team will not go undefeated. Please don’t even consider it. The ACC is too strong and Duke is too young. Duke still needs to learn how to consistently defend. As of now, per kenpom.com, Duke is ranked 54th in the country in adjusted defense efficiency.
Opposing players are attacking the rim too often and too easily. Against Texas, Florida, and IU, Duke conceded way too many easy layups and dunks. For this team to win a title, Duke will have to play better defense rather than consistently relying on their offense to put teams away.
Next: Key Questions for Duke Heading Into ACC Play
Final Thoughts.
This team has a chance to be truly special. Bagley also has an opportunity to have one of the great Duke seasons of all time. It will be fun to watch all year.
Specifically, I am interested to see how Duke’s defense changes over the course of the season. In 2015, Duke’s defense rapidly improved in March. However, in other years such as 2013 and 2016, the defense never improved and ultimately led to Duke’s demise. On Saturday, although I expect a semi-comfortable win, I will be watching closely to see if there is any defensive improvement.