Duke Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Blue Devils

Projected Starters

Guard – Jeremy Roach (Junior)

Roach is the one returning piece from last year’s Final Four squad and will continue to run the point this season. He averaged 8.6 points and 3.2 assists a game last season, but the former Top 20 prospect will have an entirely different cast around him this year. He’s an important glue piece for the Blue Devils and is essential in the backcourt.

Guard – Jacob Grandison (Senior)

Grandison became Duke’s key transfer in the offseason, heading to Durham after a pair of seasons at Holy Cross and two years at Illinois. He shot 41% from long range in each of his last two seasons with the Illini, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for the Big Ten regular season champions. At Duke, he’ll play an important role on the wing and provide that shooting touch for a Blue Devils team that will excel mostly in the interior offense.

Forward – Dariq Whitehead (Freshman)

The number two prospect in this freshman class, Whitehead is a quick and athletic wing who will play a major role from the beginning for the Blue Devils. He rates as an above-average ball handler while also having the ability to rebound well and play strong defense all over the court. He’s certainly one of the most versatile and athletic pieces in Scheyer’s new recruiting class, though he’s still recovering from a foot injury last month; hopefully he’ll be available very soon.

Forward – Kyle Filipowski (Freshman)

Another elite freshman recruit, Filipowski was the 4th-ranked prospect in this year’s class and at 6’11 can be dynamic at both interior positions. His physicality allows him to settle in nicely at that power forward position, but he’s also one of those big men who could pop out and hit shots from the outside. We’ll see how he develops as a defensive piece, as he lacks a bit of quickness but makes up for that with his athleticism.

Center – Dereck Lively II (Freshman)

The nation’s top-rated freshman recruit, Lively looks like the real deal for the Blue Devils. He stands tall at 7’1 and rates as a fantastic shot-blocker and rebounder. Additionally, Lively has shown great offensive strides and should be more than just a big man who lurks in the paint for the entire game. He is a standout piece and should put up some numbers this season.