Duke basketball: Envisioning next season’s starting lineup
By Matt Giles
Projected Duke basketball starter: Trevor Keels
Early on in the 2021-22 season, Trevor Keels gave off one-and-done vibes via his stellar playmaking on both ends of the floor. He began with a bang, tallying 25 points, three assists, and three steals in Duke’s season-opening win over Kentucky at the Champions Classic.
That said, his production tapered off from there. As the regular season progressed, Keels’ consistency waned. The 6-foot-5 burly shooting guard went from an immediate starter to a sixth-man role after appearing to hit a freshman wall around the time he suffered a calf injury — missing three games — in late January.
Still, he regained his starting job and managed to land on the ACC All-Rookie Team with averages of 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.
And as a result of his early success, Keels had built up some solid stock in the eyes of NBA scouts. He appeared as high as a low lottery pick on a few mock drafts at one point during the season. But after again losing his starting job leading up to March Madness, he rarely pops up in the first round these days.
Add that nugget to potential NIL earnings and his long-time friendship with former Paul VI (Va.) teammate Jeremy Roach. With all of that in mind, Trevor Keels may have a tough time passing up a chance to improve upon his weaknesses while running it back with his buddy.
This time, both Roach and Keels would enjoy at least a year of experience under their belts, which would aid them in showing the ropes to all the new starters in Durham…