Duquesne Basketball: 5 takeaways from first 10 games of 2021-22 season

Tre Williams has been the MVP of the Dukes

Coming into the season, TCU transfer Kevin Easley was viewed as the best offseason pickup due to his power conference status. And he’s been very good, leading the team with 13.0 ppg and 6.5 rpg on the season. However, I would say that the best player overall on a nightly basis has been Tre William, a 6’7 transfer from Indiana State and former All-MVC defender.

Since coming over to Duquesne, Williams has become the focal point of the frontcourt on both ends. In 10 games, the big man is averaging 12.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, all either first or second on the team. And his 27 total blocks are good for 4th in the conference and in the top-20 of the entire country. He’s had between 11-17 in all but two games and has been on the country 90% of the time, averaging over 35 mpg.

Williams has been the unquestioned two-way leader and it’s been impressive how much he’s been able to stay on the floor and avoid foul trouble outside of fouling out against Colorado in extra time. He’s struggled from the line (59%) and is just 4/25 from three-point range but the post-game has been effective and required a double-team from almost all opponents.

Williams is on his way to being an all-conference defender and overall player in the Atlantic 10 and if he can start consistently making deep balls, will see his offense take another step. It may not be sustainable for him to be out there for 35-37 minutes each game but there’s no question as to how much of an impact he has on the court.