Duke Basketball: 3 keys for the Blue Devils to win versus Syracuse

1. Penetrate the middle of the zone defense

Jim Boehiem is known for being the master of the 2-3 zone. The Orange consistently put out a unique and difficult defense for opposing teams to dissect. The Orange zone defense gets better and harder to break with taller players. This year’s Syracuse team is the tallest team in college basketball, averaging a height of 6-foot-7 according to KenPom.

One important way the Blue Devils can attack the 2-3 zone is by penetrating the middle of the zone. Thankfully, the Blue Devils have the perfect player to stick in the middle of the zone. Zion Williamson, is the perfect player to plug into the middle of the zone. Williamson does a great job of moving along the free throw line and finding the open gaps to receive the ball.

Once Williamson gets the ball – he is extremely decisive and doesn’t waste any time making his move. Williamson can get to the rim in one powerful dribble and either finish at the rim or dish it off to his open teammate. He also has great court vision for a forward. Williamson can instinctively find his open teammates on the floor. This could consist of finding open cutters or spot up three-pointers. With Williamson drawing so much attention in the middle of the zone – it could really open up other opportunities for the rest of the Blue Devil team.

The only problem with this key is that Williamson suffered an eye injury versus Florida State on Saturday. Late in the first half, Williamson drove into the lane and was poked in the eye by a defender. He tried to warm up with the team at halftime, but was suffering from “double vision.” Williamson never returned to the game in the second half. He remains “hopeful” for Monday night’s game versus Syracuse.