Two reasons why Duke basketball is committed to small-ball

The first reason for Duke basketball small-ball: Big men aren’t yet ready

If Duke basketball big men Mark Williams, Henry Coleman, or Patrick Tapé were ready to be contributors, they would have seen the court by now.

Williams certainly has the size and length to be a strong defensive presence, but offensively, it doesn’t seem like he will add much more than dunks and putbacks. The 7-footer is not a threat to stretch the floor, so I would assume that the coaching staff thinks that his potential shot-blocking prowess is not worth the limited floor-shrinking offense he provides.

From the videos of Duke’s preseason scrimmages, it is obvious to see the energy and enthusiasm that Coleman plays with. Plus, he is a wider body that can bring some physicality and toughness, which the Blue Devils desperately need right now.

On the other hand, there are certainly some questions about which positions Coleman can defend and what he brings to the table on offense. Nevertheless, I would like to see him get at least a few minutes to show what he can do…