Duke Basketball: Potential impact if Dariq Whitehead’s injury is serious
3. Tyrese Proctor will now have an impact
Along with landing Illinois transfer Grandison, Duke also got Proctor to join for the upcoming season. The Australian combo guard was a commit in the 2023 recruiting class but he elected to reclassify to join the 2022 group. The 6’5 guard instantly becomes not only the backup point guard to Roach but he also can play off-ball and potentially start at the two-spot.
If my earlier scenario of Grandison playing mainly at the small forward position occurs, that opens things up for someone like Proctor to get a bigger-than-expected role as a freshman. His ability to pass and playmaker would also be a help to Roach so that he doesn’t have to be the only passer on the court for Duke. Plus, a lineup that has both Proctor and Grandison would be the best for the Blue Devils in terms of spacing.
There’s also the added effect that throwing Proctor into the fire early on will help him in the long run as a freshman and give him confidence. So even by the time Whitehead returns to whatever role he’s supposed to have, this freshman will be in a position to be part of the rotation for the rest of the season.
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The good news is that Duke can withstand not having Whitehead for November and the late additions of both Proctor and Grandison are now looking very important for the team. It’s an opportunity for the other perimeter players to stand out and solidify themselves as key pieces for the 2022-23 squad.