Busting Brackets
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Duke at Florida State: 2020-21 key storylines for ACC matchup

By Trevor Sinodhinos

Dec 16, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Jordan Goldwire (14) shoots against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Jordan Goldwire (14) shoots against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Basketball
Scottie Barnes (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Scottie Barnes vs Jeremy Roach

Saturday versus Duke is an opportunity for Florida State’s 6’9 point guard Scottie Barnes to feel more comfortable than he has in a while. While Coach Krzyzewski has several options to put in front of Barnes, each one of them has a glaring downfall. Unfortunately, that leaves Coach Krzyzewski with no ideal option to be able to take advantage of an area of concern that Florida State has.

Regardless of how good Barnes has been for Florida State, as he averages eleven points, four rebounds, and over four assists per game, Barnes is not a legitimate Division I point guard, a concern that has been apparent since August. It is also a concern that Coach Hamilton is well aware of, as senior Ray’Quan Evans spends time at point guard, even at times when on the court with Barnes.

The biggest obstacle confronting Barnes is the fact that it is difficult to run an offense as a freshman, a problem that the Seminoles’ opponent knows all too well. Duke’s 3-2 start to the season can not be pinpointed on freshman guard Jeremy Roach (8.6 ppg, 3 apg), as he has only started twice and averages 27 minutes per game.

If Coach Krzyzewski sticks with the last starting lineup he featured in the conference game versus Notre Dame, there will be some matchup issues versus Barnes. Duke consists of guards; Roach at 6’1, 6’2 senior Jordan Goldwire, and 6’2 freshman DJ Stewart.

The frontcourt that will be best equipped to match up with Barnes in size will have trouble guarding him off the dribble as Coach Krzyzewski’s options are Matthew Hurt and Patrick Tape.

Forward Jaemyn Brakefield might be the best option as he played 24 minutes last game, but as a freshman will not have any experience over Barnes. The injury to Jalen Johnson will be felt this game as he would be the best option to guard Barnes, despite being a freshman himself.

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