Duke Basketball: Coach K says Marques Bolden will have a ‘big year’
By Stuart Gill
Duke Basketball is expected to rely upon second-year big man Marques Bolden in the upcoming season.
Speaking to reporters at the K Academy fundraiser, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski expressed excitement over the Blue Devils’ new front court tandem of Marques Bolden and Wendell Carter. He stated that the duo will get “plenty of opportunities” to play with each other and that this year’s team will be “really big,” according to 247sports.
Coach K said that Bolden’s injuries held him back during his freshman season and that he is poised for a breakout season now that he is healthy. “I do believe it’s a big year for Marques. He’s been training, he’s gonna try out for the U-19 team, and I think that experience will help him,” Krzyzewski stated.
The team’s size is not wholly dependent upon Bolden and Carter, however. Sophomore wing Javin DeLaurier and seven-footer Antonio Vrankovic are also expected to assume larger roles than they did a year ago. “We think Javin can be really good,” Coach K said, “he’s 6-9, 235 [pounds].” DeLaurier saw limited playing time last season but performed well on the court. He is expected to provide depth and leadership.
Last year’s Blue Devils definitely suffered from a lack of size, so Duke fans should love hearing these comments from Krzyzewski. Duke’s defensive efficiency was ranked the 104th best in the nation, and they failed to rank among the top 50 rebounding teams in the nation. The two teams that led the country in each of these categories? Gonzaga was the best defensive team while North Carolina boasted the most rebounds and highest rebounding margin.
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Krzyzewski clearly knows that his team’s deficiencies in these areas held them back from competing for a national title a year ago. The recruits they have brought in, as well as the returners they are expected to give playing time, should be able to fix these issues.