Duke Basketball: Early observations of the Blue Devils heading into Maui

Looking ahead to the Maui Invitational

Barrett, Williamson and Reddish average a combined 67.3 points per game, which is the same amount of points they’re allowing their opponents to score per game as a team. Teams will have to match their intensity in Maui on the fastbreak or do their best to slow them down.

They face Jaden McDaniels and the Aztecs in the opening round of the Maui Invitational. McDaniels is producing 14.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals per contest for San Diego State, who is 2-0 on the season. Senior guard Devin Watson is the team’s leading scorer, though, with 17.0 points per game.

The Auburn Tigers are another potential opponent for the Blue Devils. They rank ninth in the Week 2 AP Poll. After demolishing one SEC foe, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Duke do away with Auburn on neutral ground.

The Blue Devils are on a collision course to face the third-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in the championship game. The Bulldogs are another team that’s shown off a high-powered offense in 2018-19. They’re putting up 106.0 points per game as a team this season, sixth in the nation.

Killian Tillie went down early with an injury, but Gonzaga hasn’t missed a beat. Junior forward Rui Hachimura has shown off his versatility this season, averaging 22.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the 3-0 Bulldogs. Behind him is sophomore guard Zach Norvell Jr., who’s putting up 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.

The stage has been set for the Blue Devils to perform, now they just need to deliver as they did on opening night. After that performance, this team is already drawing comparisons to the Michigan Wolverines and the Fab Five.