Vernon Carey Jr.
Vernon Carey Jr. once again asserted himself as not only one of the best players in the ACC, but one of the best in the country and the freshman should be considered as the Player of the Year.
Against Miami, he posted 24 points and nine rebounds in just 25 minutes of action in addition to two assists, one steal, and one block.
Carey Jr. was also 11-of-14 from the field and made 2-of-4 from the free throw line in the blowout victory.
It is only early January and Vernon Carey Jr. has come such a long way in terms of his development on the court, and expect that to continue as the season progresses and as Carey Jr. continues to be in the conversation for ACC and National Player of the Year.
Cassius Stanley
Cassius Stanley played one of his best games as a Duke Blue Devil on Saturday night, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Stanley finally looked explosive once again after he suffered a hamstring injury back on November 29 but only missed one game due to the injury.
With the freshman seemingly back at full strength, Cassius Stanley is one of most athletic players in the country and with his spark-plug ability both offensively and defensively, Duke is able to get to another gear when its Los Angeles star is clicking.
Matthew Hurt
Matthew Hurt followed up his career-high 25 point night against Boston College with another stellar performance on Saturday night.
Hurt ended his evening with 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in 27 minutes.
The Minnesota native made 6-of-8 from the field and split a pair of shots from the 3-point line.
It’s been said before, and it’ll be said again; Duke is at another level when Matthew Hurt is playing well and playing with confidence, and it appears the freshman is ready to take that step to the next level.