Some surprises: Ranking Duke basketball’s 10 key players thru 20 games
By Matt Giles
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Jordan Goldwire. 5. player. 434. Junior. Guard
- Games played: 20
- Games started: 8
- Minutes per game: 22.7
- Points per game: 4.6
- Rebounds per game: 2.3
- Assists per game: 2.8
- Steals per game: 1.7
- Blocks per game: 0.3
- Field goal percentage: 48.6
- 3-point percentage: 34.4
- Free throw percentage: 62.5
- Grade: B+ (88)
Speaking of perimeter defense, nobody does it much better than Duke basketball junior combo guard Jordan Goldwire. His grit, quickness, and instincts when guarding the other team’s perimeter playmakers are nothing short of spectacular. Plus, his unselfishness and smart decisions on offense are key, as he gives the Blue Devils a reliable secondary ballhandler.
Therefore, it’s no surprise Goldwire is tied with the next guy on this list for fourth on the team in minutes per game. And it’s no surprise he’s earned a starting gig in each of the past five games — a job that may remain his even after Wendell Moore returns.
No, Goldwire is probably not going to have many more 3-for-7 performances from downtown like the one last time out in the game against Pitt, in which he scored a career-high 13 points. Yes, he’s likely to somehow miss wide-open layups from time to time.
However, there’s no doubt the 6-foot-2, 185-pound pest from Norcross, Ga., is an utter delight to watch on defense and a trustworthy piece for the Blue Devils moving forward.