Duke Basketball: 10 biggest storylines heading into 2020-21 season

1. Looking for the “star” of the 2020-21 Blue Devils

Usually, there isn’t any kind of question as to who the go-to scorers are going to be for Duke Basketball. There’s either a returning key starter (Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard or Tre Jone) or a top-5 overall prospect (Jason Tatum, Marvin Bagley, Zion Williamson, and Vernon Carey Jr.)

That’s not the case this time around. In an era where promising players go pro as early as possible, it’ll be rare to see a starter for Duke play for 3-4 years. If this was 10 years ago, Stanley would’ve probably stayed around. But at the same time, bringing in future five-star recruits can help push out those on the fence.

Speaking of recruits, the Blue Devils have four five-star newcomers, according to 247sportsComposite. That certainly is no reason to be concerned unlike previous years, this group doesn’t have anyone ranked in the top-10 overall. Guard/wing Jalen Johnson is the highest ranked at No. 13 overall. The other three (Mark Williams, Jeremy Roach, and DJ Steward) are ranked in the 20’s.

This isn’t to say that Duke will be devoid of talent but at the moment, but there will be plenty of growing pains in the early part of next season. And between these newcomers and returning players such as Matthew Hurt and Wendell Moore, the hierarchy will need to be established. Is there a 20 ppg scorer among the bunch? Johnson may be the most likely answer. But if five starters can average double figures and 3-4 guys off the bench can also produce, then the Blue Devils will be just as competitive.