Quinn Cook vs. Tyus Jones: Which PG Gives Duke Blue Devils a Better Chance at Winning?

Jul 18, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Team USA Midwest player Tyus Jones (5) dribbles the ball against Team Brasil during the Nike Global Challenge at Trinity University in Washington, DC. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Tyus Jones:

Like countless other McDonald’s All-Americans, Tyus Jones has been highly praised by the basketball world prior to even suiting up for his first collegiate game. But if you watch any of his highlights, it’s undeniable that Jones has a high basketball IQ and a mature feel for the game. One of his strongest attributes is that he is a traditional point guard meaning he’s a pass first guard.

Jones has already drawn comparisons to all-time Duke great Bobby Hurley. Jones has a great opportunity to display his talents and help alleviate one of Duke’s weaknesses.  Last year, Duke was never able to establish consistent play by its offensive threats. Besides Parker and Hood, there was no guaranteed third scoring option.

Having so many offensive weapons can be a hindrance. Teams may result to hero ball rather than offensive efficiency. The past NBA Finals is a prime example. The San Antonio Spurs dismantled the Miami Heat due to their ball movement and willingness to always make the extra pass. This year, Duke will have just as many if not more offensive weapons than the previous season. Having a guard who can manage the clock and create good shots for the team will be imperative if Duke wants to make a title run.

Jones is known for his basketball I.Q. and his ability to make the right play at crunch-time. His style of play is ideal for a team that is loaded with elite talent. He’s a floor general with impressive court vision, great change in tempo, and can score when necessary.

Furthermore, Duke’s offense will most likely center around top prospect Jahlil Okafor. Unlike last season when the offense was heavily guard/wing influenced, this season’s offense will be fed down low into Okafor. Okafor and Jones are good friends and old AAU teammates. One of the reasons they both committed to Duke is for the opportunity to play with one another.

Some might believe that it’s a no brainer to start Jones over Cook. But let’s forget, Jones is not Superman; he’s only a freshman. Even Parker who is projected to be a top two pick in this upcoming draft experienced a slump during the ACC season. Jones will more likely be no different.

There’s no way to predict if Jones is fully ready to compete and perform at the necessary level for Duke to win. He’ll be playing against top skilled opposing guards such as Marcus Paige, Terry Rozier Jerian Grant and countless others. That’s a lot of pressure to place on a freshman.

Countless times freshmen hit a mental wall and their production begin to slip. Regardless if Jones starts, he will have a significant role on the team. Coach K may not want to risk throwing Jones into the fire before he’s truly ready to take the realms of the offense.

Verdict:

When it’s all said and done, Jones will eventually take over as the starting guard for Duke. Cook will most likely start the season but he is most suited to be the best player on Duke’s second unit. It’s the best case scenario for both players. Jones main responsibility will be distributing the ball to the already experienced starters. Cook will then have the advantage to play more aggressive with the second unit because the team will need his offense.

The last thing Duke needs is another season with offensive inefficiency. Both guards will bring an interesting dynamic to the team. Duke will need both players to accept whatever role Coach K assigns to them. Otherwise, Duke may have their third first round loss in NCAA tournament in the past four years. And at the end of the day, it’s not about who starts the game, it’s about who finishes and helps their team win.