Duquesne Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Dukes

Mar 4, 2021; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Duquesne Dukes players celebrate after the final buzzer of their game against the Richmond Spiders in the second round of the 2021 Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at Stuart C. Siegel Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Duquesne Basketball guard Tyson Acuff Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Key reserves for Duquense Basketball

SO – Tyson Acuff

2020-21 stats: 3.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.9 apg

The 6’4 guard was a key piece off the bench for the Dukes as a combo guard that played point once Sincere Carry left. Acuff shot under 38% from the field and under 30% from three-point range so there needs to be some offensive improvement to have a clear spot in the rotation. But Acuff is a solid defender and has more experience than most of the other perimeter players on the roster, which could give him an early advantage to start.

FR – Amir “Primo” Spears

Along with Jackie Johnson, Spears is a promising three-star guard prospect that has more size at 6’3 and is capable of playing off the ball. He’s a former football star with a defensive reputation in both sports and should be an impact freshman off the bench at multiple positions. If Spears can shoot the ball well, don’t be surprised if he starts as well at some point.

SR Rodney Gunn Jr.

2020-21 stats (at Lenoir-Rhyne): 15.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.9 apg

Gunn is a 6’7 combo forward transfer from the D-II ranks. He can play on the perimeter and can shoot the ball very well from three-point range. His versatility makes him a great bench option and can be the focal point of the second unit. Gunn is reportedly hurt so his status to start the season is in question. But when healthy he provides much-needed scoring production in the frontcourt.

SR Austin Rotroff

2020-21 stats: 1.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg

Rotroff not only is the longest-tenured player on the roster, but also the tallest at 6’11. And considering that the frontcourt for Duquesne features a trio of 6’7 forwards, his size, even in situational spots during the season will be needed. However, a current leg injury has the senior out until January at the earlier, so the team will have to make do with a fairly undersized roster overall. There’s also redshirt freshman big man Mounir Hima on the roster but how effective he can be remains a question during the preseason.

FR Andy Barba

The 6’6 freshman wing could very well be the team’s best perimeter shooter. Barba has the size and offensive potential to warrant potential minutes at the wing if Okani struggles but there’s a question as to how good he’ll be on the defensive end.

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