Duke Basketball: 5 questions that will make or break the 2018-19 season
By Dakota Cox
Duke basketball has high expectations this season, but what has to happen in order for them to succeed? Well, here is a look at a few of those things.
The Duke Blue Devils have been a powerhouse for as long as most fans can remember. It seems like every year they have a chance to win a title. However, that isn’t just a given. Duke does not succeed by simply walking onto the court and playing the game. They follow a process that is taught to them by Coach K and his staff. Every single step they take is stepped with a purpose. When the steps are focused and taken correctly, great things can happen (see 2015). If they slip up along the way, the Blue Devils leave their fan base disappointed with an early exit (see 2012 and 2014).
The roster this season is a bit of a perfect storm in terms of unpredictability. With Marvin Bagley III, Grayson Allen, Gary Trent Jr., Wendell Carter Jr., and Trevon Duval all moving on to the NBA, Duke will have to roll out an entirely new starting five. This would be disastrous if not for the fact that Coach K managed to snag the best 2018 recruiting class. So, you have spots that need filling, players that want to fill them, and talent on the roster. Is that enough?
Unfortunately, it is not. Nothing will be guaranteed when you put the program into the hands of a few teenagers. Coach K has succeeded at this before, but this will take another effort by the historic coach. So, what has to happen in order for the Blue Devils to make noise this year? Here’s my top five questions that will make or break their season.