Busting Brackets
Fansided

Duke Basketball: Analyzing the Blue Devils’ rotation for 2018-19

By Tristan Freeman

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils gives instructions to his team against the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 88-81. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils gives instructions to his team against the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 88-81. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 24: Alex O’Connell #15 of the Duke Blue Devils goes after a loose ball during the second half of the game against the Texas Longhorns during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 24, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Duke won the game 85-78. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 24: Alex O’Connell #15 of the Duke Blue Devils goes after a loose ball during the second half of the game against the Texas Longhorns during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 24, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Duke won the game 85-78. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard

Minutes Allocated (40 total): RJ Barrett (30) and Alex O’Connell (10)

The Blue Devils once again have the top-ranked player in the recruiting class, this time being Barrett from Canada. At 6’7 and 200-pounds, he’s an imposing two-guard thanks to his nearly seven-foot-long wingspan. Barrett can play at a great level on both ends of the court while showing an array of offensive moves.

He’s already a good shooter but based on what Duke lost from deep. Over 250 made three-pointers were done by the departing players and only one true proven shooter returns for the upcoming season.

O’Connell was a highly touted freshman from last season. Unlike Goldwire, he managed to scratch out double-digit minutes a night while playing in every game. He was the top offensive option for the second unit when Duke was blowing out opponents and made 22/45 (49%) from three-point range.

O’Connell has the potential to be more than a shooter in college. At 6’6 he can play and guard multiple positions and can take it to the hole if needed. At the very least, he’ll get his 10+ minutes as a sophomore. The playing time for him will increase if Duke as a team struggles to shoot the ball.

Home/Duke Blue Devils