Duquesne Basketball: Projected starting lineup, depth chart for 2021-22

Duquesne Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2021-22 season

Mar 5, 2021; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Duquesne Dukes head coach Keith Dambrot gestures from the bench against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in the second half of a quarterfinal in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament at Stuart C. Siegel Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Duquesne Basketball Toby Okani Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

Starter: Leon Ayers III (20 mpg)

The small forward position is going to be the most interesting to watch because the Dukes may not have a single rotational player that is a true “3-man” on the roster. 6’6 freshman forward Andy Barba may fit the position most but the veterans brought in will get the first crack to start out the season.

Ayers would be the ideal starter at the wing, thanks to his sharpshooting ability and size at 6’6. Teams love having a “3 and D” option but that only works if the starting guards play well. Ayers may have to play at the two-spot more, leaving a few combo forwards the potential spot at the wing.

Bench: Kevin Easley (10 mpg), Toby Okani (10 mpg)

Easley is a 6’7 forward transfer from TCU, who originally was a starter before being demoted to the bench midway through. He’s a good athlete and capable of playing on the perimeter if needed. There’s also another returning rotational piece in Okani, a 6’8 combo forward that averaged 4.7 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 18 games, nine of them starts.

Okani showed real potential as an athlete and double-digit scorer but consistency was a major issue. He can shoot from the perimeter and score inside as well and has breakout potential. The small forward position could be where he shines, especially since he has the capability to play on the wing.

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