Duke basketball: Studs and duds leave many clamoring for more

Duke basketball players who were studs in its victory over Georgia Tech

Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero was back to his dominant self for 40 minutes against Georgia Tech on Tuesday night.

The potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft led the team with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.

As stated previously this season, Banchero is not Duke’s most important player, but the freshman is the team’s best player. And it will be vital for him to learn the ropes of ACC play quickly and efficiently as the Blue Devils will soon be often on the road.

AJ Griffin

The college basketball world knew it would take some time for AJ Griffin to get acclimated to playing basketball again after his various knee injures kept him on the sidelines before arriving in Durham.

Griffin spraining his knee did not help his development, but it seems that the freshman from New York has now caught up to his counterparts and is an invaluable piece coming off the bench for the five-time National Champions.

AJ Griffin chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes on 3-of-5 shooting in the victory over Georgia Tech.

Griffin has reached double digits in four of his last five games for the Blue Devils.

Mark Williams

The stat line of Mark Williams will not jump off the page, but ten points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks in 21 minutes is a game any coach will take any day of the week.

Williams was aggressive and tenacious on the backboards against a smaller team, something that has been an issue for him and the rest of the team this season.

Mark Williams will be a constant in the starting lineup and rotation this season, and the defense of the sophomore center is one of the biggest keys for Duke to win another National Championship.