What will Duke basketball’s leadership look like next season?

New Duke basketball talent is exciting, but experienced guys are essential.

Duke basketball and young/inexperienced teams have become synonymous. So the Blue Devils will be in familiar territory as the 2021-22 season approaches. The program will be welcoming in at least four freshmen and will have just one senior who has ever played in a Duke uniform.

Granted, Marquette transfer Theo John will add much-needed experience. But experience does not always translate into leadership.

I do not know what type of leadership John will bring to the team. He certainly has a lot of valuable playing experience under his belt. None of that experience, however, came while playing for the Blue Devils. Understandably, it will take him some time to get adjusted to Duke basketball and everything that comes along with it.

As John makes his presence known and spends time with younger teammates, his voice could become a valuable asset. He has been a part of big games, playing on teams with losing records and enjoying winning seasons. And he understands the college game. I believe the younger Blue Devils, particularly in the frontcourt, will lean on and benefit from his presence.

Importance of Duke basketball veterans Wendell Moore and Joey Baker

The two guys I see fulfilling Duke’s leadership roles are North Carolina natives Wendell Moore and Joey Baker.

Baker will be the oldest returning Blue Devil on the team. While he can hopefully have a productive season on the court, he seems primed to take on a leadership role next season as one can see here in “Mind Over Matter: The Joey Baker Story”:

Ever since arriving in Durham with Zion Williamson & Co., Baker has always seemed like a player who is well-liked and well-respected amongst his coaches and teammates. The 6-foot-6 forward out of Fayetteville has always brought infectious energy, heart, and all-out effort whenever he steps on the floor.

It is easy to tell that Baker is proud to be a Blue Devil and embraces the responsibility of continuing to uphold the Duke basketball standard. Given his attitude and work ethic, the senior should have no problem establishing himself as a team leader.

Like Joey Baker, Wendell Moore has always been a player teammates rave about. He is another team-first, win-at-all-costs caliber player.

ALSO READ: Predicting Duke’s starting lineup next season

Moore struggled with inconsistency throughout his 2020-21 sophomore campaign, but he did make noticeable improvements to his game. He seems to be a much more confident and dynamic offensive player. After primarily being a defender and ball-handler as a freshman, the 6-foot-5 forward from Charlotte had to step into a bigger role in Year Two.

Versatility is Moore’s greatest strength. He has the ability to defend positions one through four, rebound, and be a distributor.

Although he has yet to really find his shooting touch, he did make 22 threes as a sophomore, compared to just four as a freshman. Moore was also much more aggressive looking for his shot and showed some flashes of being able to create off the dribble.

The instances where the Blue Devils started to turn the corner last year coincided with strong play from Moore. He really struggled to play well out of the gate last season, and it hurt Duke basketball’s chance at success.

He provides great energy and toughness. So when Moore starts scoring, it really has a positive effect on the entire team.

Wendell Moore will likely be the leader by example. He is the most experienced, minutes-wise, of the program’s returnees. He will also likely play a big role on the court. As he goes, likely so will Duke.