The projected Duke basketball starting five for next season

• BEST FEATURES: Length, strength, defensive instincts, point-forward abilities, poised demeanor, proven clutch performer, lifelong Duke fan
• QUESTION MARKS: 3-point shooting, decision-making when driving, turnovers

North Carolina native Wendell Moore had his ups and downs as a Duke basketball freshman this past season, finishing with averages of 7.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 41.6 percent from the field (dinged by his 21.1 percent from beyond the arc).

The former four-star prep prospect — well, some recruiting sites gave him the fifth star — displayed his ultimate “up” inside the Dean E. Smith Center, where he permanently carved his name, face, and last-second putback into Tar Heels’ swelling memory bank of heartaches.

ALSO READ: Duke’s all-time five most heartwarming Dean Dome wins

However, Moore’s “down” moments came in the form of his frequent falling down, which occurred because he so often keeps his head down as he charges full-steam ahead into traffic. His average of 2.4 turnovers in only 24.0 minutes per game is a reflection of this blemish to his game.

On the other hand, when the season abruptly came to an end, Moore had just been getting his feet wet as a stellar pass-anticipator on defense, and his consistent minutes down the stretch suggested he’s a guy Mike Krzyzewski likes to have in the lineup (he started six of the last nine games). In short, he should serve as a mentor to all the fresh faces in the starting five next season.

Moore’s primary backup: JAEMYN BRAKEFIELD

Now, speaking of Duke basketball newbies, let’s look at the starting lineup’s interior pieces…