Duke basketball: 3 remaining needs for 2021-22 Blue Devils
By Matt Giles
Duke basketball’s remaining 2021-22 needs: More depth in the paint
Sure, there exist several possible small-ball lineups, all featuring Paolo Banchero at the five-spot, that have the potential to be lethal for the Blue Devils next season. On the other hand, the overuse of such combinations, in part due to a lack of depth at the center position, would leave the 6-foot-9, 235-pound versatile bruiser in danger of facing frequent foul trouble.
And seeing that the probable one-and-done lottery pick looks to be the next No. 1 weapon in Durham, the 2021-22 Duke basketball squad simply can’t afford to have Banchero riding the pine in the final 10 minutes of heavyweight bouts after having to contain some 7-foot foe for most of the game.
Furthermore, unless both Mark Williams and Matthew Hurt return — don’t get your hopes up there — Mike Krzyzewski and his crew would have to rely on the 6-foot-7, 230-pound Henry Coleman to be a considerable force if the former little-used freshman was to serve as the lone legit post presence off the bench as a sophomore.
Therefore, it appears no less than one more solid power forward or center remains a necessity…