Duke Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beat Georgetown in 2K Empire Classic

1. Vernon Carey needs to win matchup vs Omer Yurtseven

For the most part, it’s been a collective effort from the young Duke Basketball players in their winning efforts. Tre Jones has been the catalyst, with different starters each game taking turns leading the team in scoring. But it looks like one player is starting to emerge in the offense, with Carey starting to take over.

Besides the season-high effort versus Cal, the 6’10 big man can become more of the offense, taking double-digit shot attempts and cleaning up on the boards. With forward Matthew Hurt being hot and cold from the field and Javin DeLaurier more of a defensive specialist, Carey being a strong frontcourt option only solidifies the team being a title contender.

But the star freshman will have his hands full against Yurtseven, a 7’0 skilled center for the Hoyas. He came into the game averaging a team-leading 17.0 ppg and 12.5 rpg and despite dealing with foul trouble all night, the junior still put up 10 points on 5/6 shooting. He’s different from Kansas’ Udoka Azubuike in that he can score a variety of ways, making him a difficult matchup for Carey, who has had foul issues of his own.

If Carey can simply matchup Yurtseven in production, the Blue Devils will have the advantage because Georgetown doesn’t have much frontcourt depth after him. Although the same can be said about Duke if Carey struggles. What happens down low will have a lot of impact on the rest of the game.