Duke Basketball: Early observations of the Blue Devils heading into Maui
R.J. Barrett shines as the Blue Devils leader
There’s a reason why R.J. Barrett is considered to be a lottery pick when the NBA Draft approaches in June. He’s one of three that Duke has loaded up on and it’s his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands that sets him apart from the rest of the group.
He is pouring in 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game for the Blue Devils in the early going. He’s shooting 45.5 percent from the floor and 30 percent from 3-point land as the volume shooter for Duke in 2018-19.
RJ Barrett coming THROUGH! 😤pic.twitter.com/FJD3F3mNpY
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 7, 2018
Barrett has scored at least 20 points against his opponents so far while averaging 22.0 shot attempts per game. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the opening round against the San Diego Aztecs in Maui. They’re a young team in their own right but Matt Mitchell and Jalen McDaniels are sophomores that can play.
The Wildcats were the Blue Devils first test and they passed with flying colors. The Aztecs could be their next victim and then some with Barrett leading the way.