What Duke basketball fans should expect from Jaemyn Brakefield

Folks should not be overlooking Duke basketball freshman Jaemyn Brakefield.

With the incredible amount of talent on the Duke basketball roster for the 2020-2021 season, it’s easy for some fans to forget about Jaemyn Brakefield. The freshman is not only ready to make an impact for the Blue Devils this season, but he is also ready to prove that he is one of the best players in college basketball.

Jaemyn Brakefield is a 6-foot-8 power forward out of Huntington Prep in West Virginia. He was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. Despite not having plenty of attention surrounding him, he was able to create a solid resume during his high school career.

He was named the West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year during his sophomore, junior and senior years in high school. Being the only player to be recognized three times in the 35-year history of the award, Brakefield brings a style of play that is going to make Duke basketball fans fall in love.

So what is the Duke basketball rookie’s style of play?

The 19-year-old brings a natural pace and composure to the game. He rarely ever lets defenses force him into playing a brand of basketball that he isn’t comfortable with. For a player his size, Brakefield has an exceptional handle and is able to orchestrate his way to the rim with ease in the open court. For those that need a comparison to help visualize the type of player he is, his game resembles that of Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. 

Brakefield also gives Duke a much-needed threat when it comes to the offensive end. He is a reliable shooter from beyond the arc, which is going to stretch out the defense. This allows guards like DJ Steward and Jeremy Roach to be able to drive into the paint more easily, as the lane won’t be clogged up. And if there’s help-defense, Brakefield is more than capable of hitting the open shot on a kick-out.

With the Blue Devils being as loaded as they are, it’s safe to assume that Brakefield’s scoring totals won’t be what they were in high school. In his senior year at Huntington Prep, he averaged 19.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

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However, Brakefield will make an instant impact at Duke. He’s already familiar with five-star recruit Jalen Johnson, as the two played together for Team Phenom University in the EYBL. There’s a chemistry between Brakefield and Johnson that should transfer to the court when they play as teammates once again.

Fans should be excited about what Duke can potentially accomplish this upcoming season. One thing is for certain: Jaemyn Brakefield will be a major piece.

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