Duke basketball: Video shows encouraging yet surprising signs

The Duke basketball team could have a new shooter on the court this year. 

Unlike last year, the Duke basketball team should be vastly improved with its 3-point shooting entering this season due to the return of Tyrese Proctor and addition of freshman Jared McCain.

However, there could be another returning player that is looking to improve his jumper and that’s Ryan Young.

Young transferred to Duke from Northwestern last offseason and he served as a reserve center to Dereck Lively II, although the 6-foot-10 forward did make nine starts as he averaged 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

The New Jersey native took 130 shots for the Blue Devils — none of which coming from 3-point range — but that seems to be changing.

ALSO READ: Duke expecting to have multiple selections in 2024 NBA Draft

Mike Schrage, the special assistant to the head coach, posted a video on Twitter of Jon Scheyer, Ryan Young, and Jeremy Roach shooting from 3-point range and the big man proved that he had range.

Young, for his career, is a 17.2-percent (5-for-29) 3-point shooter but has only attempted eight total shots from the perimeter in his last three seasons.

In his freshman year at Northwestern, Young was 3-for-21 from distance and a combined 2-for-8 in the two following seasons before his transfer to Duke.

The Blue Devils should have plenty of scoring on its roster but an occasional 3-pointer from Ryan Young would certainly be welcomed.

Duke basketball captain gets back on the court

Ryan Young attempting 3-pointer was certainly surprising, seeing Jeremy Roach back on the court for Duke is encouraging.

Roach dealt with a toe injury for a majority of the season and was seen in a walking boot at the K Academy in May, shortly after he withdrew his name from the 2023 NBA Draft and returned to the program.

ALSO READ: Duke makes another adjustment to coaching staff

The senior captain was not included in the first offseason workout video that Duke published on social media but it appears his toe is healthy enough, at the minimum, to get shots up after practice.

Duke, with its group of returnees and freshmen, is expected to be in contention for the top preseason ranking in the country and one of the favorites to win the National Championship this season.