NCAA Basketball: Big Ten record bids, Baylor as #1, and more weekly takeaways
By Brian Rauf
8) Cassius Stanley belongs in the dunk contest
Knowing that Cassius Stanley can jump really high is nothing new. After all, he gained notoriety this summer when he broke Zion Williamson’s Duke record for highest max vertical leap, his 46-inch leap (or above, depending on who you ask) topping Williamson’s 45-inch mark.
However, he only had a couple of highlight-reel dunks throughout the first half of the season – enough to remind you that he can jump really high, but not the kind where you think of him as one of the nation’s best dunkers (the fact that most of those dunks were uncontested and on the break may have played a role).
Then Stanley decided to put on an other-worldly dunking display against Georgia Tech on Wednesday, throwing down three of the best dunks you’ll see all season.
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Even Stanley’s teammates are in awe of what he can do, as point guard Tre Jones said after the win over Georgia Tech.
"“I’m just trying to put it in a place no one else can get it, because he’s the only person in the country that can get up like that. When he’s running like that, he’s by himself. You got to give it to him. There’s no better athlete in the country to be able to do that, to be in that position.”"
Stanley’s emergence as a consistent two-way wing has helped stabilize Duke following their loss to Stephen F. Austin, especially following the loss of Wendell Moore due to a hand injury. His continued improvement has earned him more time on the court – which is must-see TV.