Many predictions have been made about the Duke Basketball 2018-19 starting lineup, today however Coach K gave us a picture of what that would look like if the season started today.
Mike Krzyzewski held his media day press conference on Monday, October 15. He addressed multiple different topics including the FBI trial, coaching staff, and most importantly the potential starting lineup heading the season.
Coach K also boasted of the teams chemistry between the freshman and upperclassman. The team seem to have a lighthearted approach to the game and truly enjoy playing with each other, which could be beneficial in their play this year.
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This lighthearted and fun approach to the game has been integrated by many NBA teams, including the back to back defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.
This team is very reminiscent of the 2015 National Championship team and their cohesiveness.
Like this seasons team, the 2015 team as well had a good mix of freshman and upperclassman. This years team includes the five freshman, and also consists of upperclassman Marques Bolden, Javin DeLaurier, Jack White, and Alex O’Connell.
If the season started tomorrow, K said the starting lineup would be Tre Jones, Cam Reddish, R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson, and Javin DeLaurier.
These four freshman seemed a lock as starters heading into the season. The real question mark was who would start at center?
As of now, Javin DeLaurier would be the upperclassman to pair with these freshman.
DeLaurier brings experience and leadership to the starting lineup. As seen in the Canada Tour, he was constantly communicating on defense and making the hustle plays. His role resembles that of Amile Jefferson on the 2016-17 team.
Although, DeLaurier has the starting position locked up right now, Coach K commented on Marques Bolden’s improvement in practice.
Don’t be surprised if Marques Bolden is inserted in the starting lineup sometime this season.