Duke basketball: 3 consistencies key to a final Coach K title
By Matt Johnson
Necessary Duke basketball consistency: 3-point brilliance
The second consistent trope of all Duke basketball title teams is a competent 3-point shooter. I’m not saying it’s got to be a Trajan Langdon or a JJ Redick — both their teams didn’t win it all, coincidentally — but the Blue Devils do need someone they can trust throughout a game.
Whether it was Bobby Hurley, Thomas Hill, Jay Williams, Mike Dunleavy, Shane Battier, Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer, Tyus Jones, or Quinn Cook, Duke champions have always had a consistent outside game. As basketball shifts more and more toward perimeter-oriented offense, this trait becomes all the more vital to success on the biggest stage.
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The 2021-22 version of the Blue Devils has several guys who can shoot the rock. Senior forward Joey Baker, junior guard Jeremy Roach, freshman guard Trevor Keels, and freshman forward Paolo Banchero are all prime candidates to fill the deep-range need for a sixth banner.
Finally, let’s look at the third key to Mike Krzyzewski going out on top…