Duke Basketball Roster Breakdown: The Duke Blue Devils, under coach Jon Scheyer’s direction, are gearing up for the 2023-24 college basketball season. After an impressive debut year at the helm, now even higher expectations are placed upon him to lead them even higher. Boasting experienced veterans and highly touted recruits in its roster and recruiting class, Duke stands to become a force within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and NCAA. Today we analyze Duke’s projected starting lineup, bench rotation, and depth outlook for their 2023-24 college basketball campaign.
Duke Basketball Roster Breakdown: Projected Starting Lineup
1. Jeremy Roach (Sr., 6-2, 180 lbs)
Jeremy Roach will serve as Duke’s starting point guard this year after serving in Mike Krzyzewski’s final rotation as head coach. A senior, Roach will bring leadership and offensive understanding critical for Duke’s success, with solid performances during last season’s ACC and NCAA tournaments to build upon.
2. Tyrese Proctor (So., 6-5, 183 lbs)
Tyrese Proctor was an outstanding freshman last season for Duke, earning first-year scholar status and ranking amongst its best first-year students in the ACC. While having been eligible to enter the NBA Draft process, Proctor decided instead to return for his sophomore campaign, providing experience and talent to Duke’s backcourt.
3. Mark Mitchell (So., 6-9, 232 lbs)
Mark Mitchell, a versatile player who started as a freshman, will likely fill the small forward position. Known for his defensive abilities, Mitchell will have the opportunity to expand his role and play at the power forward position. With the chance to boost his NBA Draft stock, Mitchell’s development will be closely watched this season.
4. TJ Power (Fr., 6-9, 216 lbs)
TJ Power, a highly regarded recruit, is projected to slot in as the power forward alongside Mitchell. With his perimeter-oriented style of play, Power will complement the 7-footer Kyle Filipowski, allowing for a dynamic and balanced frontcourt. While other talented first-year students are vying for a starting role, Power’s skill set makes him a strong candidate.
5. Kyle Filipowski (So., 7-0, 248 lbs)
Kyle Filipowski, the ACC Rookie of the Year, returns to lead the Blue Devils. Filipowski showcased his scoring ability and versatility last season, primarily playing power forward. With Dereck Lively II no longer on the team, Filipowski can shift to the center position, providing Duke with flexibility and creating matchup problems for opponents. Look for Filipowski to contend for All-ACC honors.
Bench Rotation
Jared McCain (Fr., 6-3, 197 lbs): A top-ranked recruit, McCain possesses shooting skills and versatility that will be valuable off the bench.
Sean Stewart (Fr., 6-9, 227 lbs): An undersized big man similar to Norchad Omier, Stewart’s rebounding prowess adds depth to the frontcourt.
Caleb Foster (Fr., 6-5, 197 lbs): Foster’s size and defensive versatility make him a strong contender for minutes in the rotation.
Ryan Young (Sr., 6-10, 238 lbs): Young provides experience and depth in the frontcourt as a transfer from Northwestern.
Depth Outlook
Duke’s depth extends beyond the bench rotation, with additional players who can contribute in various ways:
Jaylen Blakes (Jr., 6-2, 204 lbs): A solid defender who saw decreased playing time last season but can still provide defensive stability.
Jaden Schutt (So., 6-5, 190 lbs): Known for his shooting ability, Schutt will aim to earn more minutes and provide an offensive spark.
Christian Reeves (So., 7-1, 261 lbs): A work-in-progress, Reeves offers rim protection and the potential for growth throughout the season.
This brings forth an exciting prospect for the Duke Blue Devils. Led by Coach Jon Scheyer, the team is poised to capitalize on the previous season’s achievements, combining the experience of returning players with the talent of promising newcomers. Featuring Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, TJ Power, and Kyle Filipowski as their projected starting lineup, Duke showcases a formidable roster capable of competing against any opponent. Furthermore, their bench rotation, including players like Jared McCain, Sean Stewart, Caleb Foster, and Ryan Young, adds depth and versatility to Scheyer’s coaching strategy. With their unique blend of skill, size, and adaptability, Duke basketball anticipates a successful campaign in the ACC and aims for an impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament. Stay tuned for the latest NCAA tournament updates in Canada!
