NCAA Basketball: Top 25 team backcourts for 2021-22 season

An uncharacteristic season for Duke led to the biggest program announcement in 30 years. The expected retirement of legendary coach and future Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski will send shockwaves through the college basketball world when it officially takes place, but the Blue Devils are in good hands with coach-in-waiting Jon Scheyer. However, in his final season Coach K will look to prevent a repeat of 2020 on the court prior to his exit from the game.

Former 5-star wing Wendell Moore Jr. increased his workload last season, as well as his scoring approach, as the “veteran” alongside Matthew Hurt. Moore was still not able to reach double-digits, but his increased ability from the perimeter is a positive sign for what’s to come this season. While he is unlikely to garner another jump in workload this season considering the overall power of the recruiting class, another leap in efficiency is not out of the question.

Point guard Jeremy Roach experienced a very similar season to Moore and shot the ball better overall. With a full offseason under his belt and the presence of potential 2022 #1 overall NBA Draft pick Paolo Banchero in the frontcourt, an overall leap in production may not be unreasonable at all.

Roach is also joined on the team by former high school teammate Trevor Keels at Paul VI Catholic (VA). Keels is a dynamic guard with volume-scoring tendencies that can elevate the performance of this team relative to what was seen last year. Physically his frame will help to bring size and physicality to the Duke program capable of creating mismatches across the board. Combined with Roach, the pair may dial up the defensive pressure and increase the pace the Blue Devils play at.

Guard Jaylen Blakes committed to the program late in the summer and was a pleasant addition for Duke. The move provides needed backcourt depth in Coach K’s final season at both guard spots if needed, especially in terms of scoring. The addition of 5-star wing AJ Griffin likely relegates Blakes to a bench spot, but he will have opportunities to play a key role in the rotation still.

Griffin however has been moving down rankings boards for the last year and a half. The expectations by national analysts seem to be dwindling, but the former Archbishop Stepinac player could be the best addition in the class next to Banchero. His 6’6” frame and length are going to be massive additions in all areas of defense, a big asset on the glass, and a player capable of emerging towards national recognition by season’s end.

The Blue Devils group in 2021 appears to be a bit more prepared to chase the ACC title than they were a year ago. Granted there were multiple issues resulting in 2020’s difficulties, but collectively this year’s backcourt should be a positive aspect of the roster.