Stock Up, Down: Duke basketball has room for improvement after Pitt win
Vernon Carey Jr.
For a moment in this season, Vernon Carey Jr. was leading the way in the National Player of the Year conversation and while that talk has tapered off the Blue Devil freshman reasserted his dominance on Tuesday night.
After the week-long break, Carey Jr. went for 26 points and 13 rebounds on Tuesday night in addition to his four assists and one block.
With Duke on the ropes, the Blue Devils fed Carey in the paint to calm the waters and navigate a once 18-point lead vanishing.
The Florida native was 11-of-17 from the field, 1-of-2 from 3-point range, and 3-of-6 from the free throw line.
Duke needs to continue to rely on its dominant big man for success as the year progresses and games become more physical and more important.
Jordan Goldwire
I present to you, the next sharpshooter of the Duke basketball team, Jordan Goldwire.
The once seldom playing, nevermind offensive threat Jordan Goldwire might be in the midst of one of the most remarkable in-season developments ever under Mike Krzyzewski.
In 35 minutes played, Goldwire scored 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, 3-of-7 from 3-point range, and making both of his free throw attempts.
Known for his tenacious attitude on the defensive side of the ball, Goldwire is still getting in done throughout the stat-sheet with five rebounds, three assists, and a steal while only committing one turnover and one foul.
Jordan Goldwire is posting career-best across the board this season, but none stick out more than his 48.6 field goal percentage and his 34.4 3-point field goal percentage.
Not only is the junior guard a rock defensively, but Jordan Goldwire is now an offensive threat for Duke, which makes the ceiling that much higher for this Blue Devil team.
Jack White
Jack White didn’t do anything spectacular against Pittsburgh, but then again, White rarely does anything spectacular on the basketball court.
The senior captain puts on his hard-hat, grabs his lunch box, and checks in prepared for a 40-minute dogfight.
White played 23 minutes off the bench and he was the only player Mike Krzyzewski could turn to on his once very reliable reserve players.
In the win, White posted just six points three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block on 2-of-3 shooting, all from 3-point range, but it’s just the consistency that he gives off the bench that improves his stock after this game.
Even if Jack White is not scoring, you will notice his hustle, energy, and effort every time he steps on the floor and at some points this season, it’s all Duke truly needs.