Duke basketball assistant speaks on potential struggles facing Blue Devils

Two Duke basketball alums recently dissected the current outlook in Durham.

Duke basketball assistant coach Chris Carrawell joined another former Blue Devil, Andre Dawkins, for a conversation this week on the new Dawkins on Duke podcast.

The two discussed a wide range of topics from old Duke memories, to Carrawell’s playing days, to this year’s Blue Devils. Carrawell provided some insight on what we should expect from the 2020-21 team and some potential struggles the current players could face.

Carrawell pointed out that this year’s Duke team is still very much a work in progress. This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise given the lack of a normal offseason, seven new players in the program, and the loss of last season’s top three leading scorers.

Dawkins asked Carrawell about the style of play that fans should be expecting to see. While this was also not much of a surprise, the third-year Duke assistant coach noted the Blue Devils would be playing a fast pace and uptempo style. They want to attack in transition, take shots earlier in the shot clock, and keep defenses on their heels.

Carrawell added that perimeter players Jordan Goldwire, Jeremy Roach, DJ Steward, and Wendell Moore would be key to Duke’s fast-paced offense this year.

Chris Carrawell on Duke basketball’s potential issues

Carrawell said there were two main areas that Duke has struggled in so far during practices and scrimmages: turnovers and rebounding. With a fast-paced offense, turnovers are inevitable, but Carrawell commented that when you are playing fast, it is easy to forget to think. That can lead to turnover problems.

The Blue Devils have also had little time to gel, and having seven new players makes it tough since only a few of these guys have ever played with each other before.

This is also a young team. The most experienced player, senior Jordan Goldwire, has never been a lead guard before. He will share the backcourt with two freshmen and a sophomore. It is going to take some time for them to get their chemistry right and for everyone to feel comfortable in their roles and running the offense.

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Duke does have a lot of ballhandlers on this team, so if the four primary backcourt weapons can improve their decision-making, then turnovers shouldn’t be a glaring weakness.

The other area Carrawell noted that could cause problems for the Blue Devils is on the backboards. When you look at the roster, there is not an obvious player you can count on for 10-plus rebounds a night. Rebounding has been one of Duke’s greatest strengths over the past few seasons, but it could be a weakness this year.

It is going to require a team effort. Every player on the floor may have to commit to rebounding the ball.

In fact, rebounding could be a key factor in determining who gets minutes. Forwards Matthew Hurt and Jalen Johnson will have to be reliable rebounders. Johnson and Hurt in the frontcourt together give the Blue Devils their best offensive lineup, but it could leave them vulnerable on the glass.

Between Patrick Tape, Mark Williams, and Henry Coleman, whoever shows that they can rebound most effectively may play the most minutes. Right now, it is unclear as to which big man out of those three will play the biggest role for this year’s team.

Rightfully so, Carrawell is also worried about how this team can find energy. Both Carrawell and Dawkins talked about the significance of the Cameron Crazies. Carrawell noted that the Crazies are responsible for 20 points a game with the energy they provide.

The Blue Devils will have to dig deep and find their own energy this year. They will have to feed off each other instead of a raucous crowd.

Overall, Carrawell was optimistic about this year’s team. He likes the depth and talent. He talked about how if the players continue to work and want to learn, then they can become a team that could beat anyone.

Right now, the potential turnover and rebounding issues are not too worrisome. The 2020-21 Blue Devils just want to get on the court. Hopefully, the highly anticipated return of Duke basketball will be Saturday at 2 p.m. (ACCNX) against Coppin State.

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball news and views.