Duke basketball: Dream lineup for 2021-22 season

Ideal center for 2021-22 Duke basketball team: Mark Williams

True, incoming freshman center Mark Williams may need some time in the weight room — with a heavy load of leg days — before becoming an elite paint prowler for the Duke basketball program. But seeing that this projected dream lineup is for the season after next, we’re going with the assumption that the 7-foot, 230-pound newly minted five-star will indeed smell his fair share of barbells across the next year.

Besides, one glance at the Norfolk, Va., product’s rise from No. 98 to No. 28 on the 247Sports 2020 Composite during the past two years is a sign that the mobile big man doesn’t shy away from a challenge to improve upon his weaknesses. By the time Williams presumably enters his second year under the guidance of the Duke basketball coaches, it’s reasonable to think he will have put on 10 or so pounds of muscle and fully adjusted to the speed of the college game.

As it is, Williams is already in line to be a solid finisher and shot-blocker in a few months if he and Duke somehow see a nearly full slate of games. Also, judging from his highlights and past interviews, the 18-year-old comes across as a team-first teammate who would embrace the opportunity to play a secondary role should the previous fellas on this list indeed choose to be 2021-22 Blue Devils.

Yes, as each new day provides a gloomier outlook on the possibility of a 2020-21 season, the prospect of all the above talents playing alongside one another under a Hall of Fame head coach in the 2021-22 season offers a nice consolation dream for now.

Of course, it’s also understandable right about now if some pessimistic Dukies decide to pinch themselves and the rest of us by pointing out that none of these five guys have yet to play a single minute of college ball.

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