Duke Basketball: Stock up, stock down after Blue Devils Canadian Tour

STOCK UP: 

Javin DeLaurier – Javin DeLaurier was in the starting lineup two out of the three games in Canada, the lone exception being the win over McGill University on Sunday afternoon where Coach K wanted to mix and match lineups.

DeLaurier showed great growth on the offensive end from what he put forth last season while keeping his motor at the highest level and using his length and size to his advantage on the defensive end.

It is very possible that the Blue Devils start all four freshman on November 6 against Kentucky along with DeLaurier at the center to go with a ‘small ball’ type of lineup.

The junior big man needs to play an Amile Jefferson-like role with this young Duke teams as he is one of the only players on the roster who has been around long enough and has actually played in the games where the lights are the brightest.

Jack White – Jack White looks like he lived in the gym this summer.

He looks strong, confident, and athletic on the court, something he lacked over the past two years when his playing time was very sparse.

White improved his offensive game in his three point shooting, something the Blue Devils desperately need this season as the three point ball could be a weakness for them this season.

The junior wing also improved his mobility and awareness on the defensive end, looking much more active and determined on the other side of the court.

However, the one area of White’s games that truly was impressive was the work on the backboards that he put forth in each of the three games in Canada.

While Duke may not need that much help rebounding this season with players like Zion Williamson and Javin DeLaurier soaring in for rebounds, it’s a great sight to see that a player like White, who can play as a guard, throwing around his body down in the paint to secure a rebound.

Jack White can help the Blue Devils on both offense and defense this season and although he does not have the experience of playing in the big time games, his leadership as an upperclassman will shine through throughout the season.

Antonio Vrankovic – Antonio Vrankovic flew under the radar going into the Duke Basketball Canada Tour.

The senior big man was expected to come off the bench and be buried in the depth chart behind Zion Williamson, Javin DeLaurier, and Marques Bolden.

However, Vrankovic was given ample playing time in the three games north of the border and he took advantage of the opportunity that was given to him.

While still being limited on the offensive side of the basketball, Vrankovic was very aggressive rebounding and his defense was very solid, despite the smaller size of the Canadian teams.

As the Blue Devils practice more in to the fall semester in anticipation for the regular season, it would not be a shock to see Vrankovic on the floor more often, especially if he continues this upward trajectory of his excellent play.