Three most important Duke basketball players for 2020-2021 success

Three key 2020-21 Duke basketball players: DJ Steward

If you’re a poor soul who hasn’t watched DJ Steward absolutely torch defenses at Chicago’s Whitney Young High School over the past few years, you’re doing it wrong.

Seriously, treat yourself and watch the jumper and reckless attack this kid has. Coach K saw it, and he sent associate head coach Jon Scheyer up to Chi-Town to acquire the services of the mercenary.

Steward is a 6-foot-3 combo guard who averaged 22.5 points per game in his senior campaign. He seems to be able to score from anywhere on the floor, and Duke needs that in the worst way possible.

The Dukies haven’t had a pure shooter in what feels like eons. Gary Trent Jr. is the last one who comes to mind, but he never seemed to get the ball enough on the super-talented 2018 squad.

The 2015 NCAA Championship squad needed the automatic threes Quinn Cook provided. And in recent years — looking at you, 2019 — it seems our guys were a pure jump shooter away from sending Mike Krzyzewski into Wooden territory with title wins.

This year’s version of the Blue Devils looks to be chock-full of talent inside the 3-point arc, and someone needs to be the guy to keep opposing defenses honest and spread. Joey Baker would also help in this regard, but my gut tells me Steward will get the minutes.

Plus, as a fun bonus, Steward’s build and body type remind me of Daniel Ewing, who was one of my favorite Duke basketball players to watch growing up. The 2004 team was robbed, and I will die on that hill.