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Duke Basketball: Top 5 reasons why the Blue Devils will be better than North Carolina in 2018-19

By Jerran Anderson

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: RJ Barrett #6 of Montverde Academy dunks during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: RJ Barrett #6 of Montverde Academy dunks during the 2018 McDonald's All American Game at Philips Arena on March 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

2. Duke’s versatility is scary

The versatility of the Blue Devils’ rotation will be their biggest asset in 2018-19. R.J. Barrett has shown the ability to handle the ball as well as play in the post. Cam Reddish can play off the ball on the perimeter or on the inside. He has a 7-foot-1 wingspan to go along with his 6-foot-7 height, something that should carry him as a two-way threat for the Blue Devils.

Zion Williamson has the ability to attack the rim with reckless abandon. He measured at 6-foot-7 and 285-pounds when Duke opened practice to go along with his 40+ inch vertical. It’s safe to say the trio has loads of NBA potential and if all goes well, they should see the rewards of their contributions in June. Barrett, Reddish and Williamson aren’t the only ones with versatile skillsets, either. Forward Joey Baker is probably the wild card of the group.

Baker will be a threat off the bench or in the starting rotation, depending on matchups. At 6-foot-7, he’ll be a mismatch in some instances against the slower wings in the ACC. He also has the ability to defend up to Duke Blue Devils’ standards, something that should earn him some extra playing time down the road.

The Tar Heels will have Luke Maye at their disposal but Nassir Little, Koby White and Rechon Black will have big shoes to fill if they hope to keep up.

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