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

Key Reserves

Guard – Jaylen Blakes (Sophomore)

Blakes barely got a chance to play last season but hopes he can take a sophomore jump, both in production and in opportunity. A former 4-star recruit, Blakes is a talented guard who can play both backcourt positions and might be needed to step up with a somewhat thinner backcourt this season.

Guard – Tyrese Proctor (Freshman)

Another piece of the impressive freshman class, Proctor is a 4-star point guard who reclassified from 2023 and joins the Blue Devils this year. While he’s a bit undersized, he can still score both at the rim and from outside the arc. He’s one of the hidden gems of this very deep class and we’ll see what his role becomes in this offense.

Forward – Kale Catchings (Senior)

Catchings spent the last four years and three seasons playing at Harvard, working his way into the starting frontcourt this past season. The 6’6 forward from Missouri likely doesn’t get great minutes this season, but provides depth and experience that a freshman-laden team certainly needs.

Guard – Jaden Schutt (Freshman)

There are many schools where Schutt would be a starter and impact player from day one, but the young talented guard will get his shot prove himself off the bench with the Blue Devils. He’s one of the best young shooters in the nation and has shown the ability to play all over the court, especially in the fast-break offense.

Center – Ryan Young (Senior)

Another solid transfer add for the Blue Devils, Young spent the last three seasons at Northwestern. He grades as an impressive rebounder and has averaged just under 9 points a game throughout his career. He’ll provide a veteran presence behind all these young frontcourt pieces, while hoping to bounce back after struggling last year with the Wildcats.

Center – Christian Reeves (Freshman)

The lowest-rated freshman recruit for the Blue Devils, Reeves is still a fantastic young piece for the program. This 7’0 young center is long and lean, rating as a decent shot blocker and interior defender who needs to build his strength a bit in the coming years. He’s got a bright future, but we may not see him become that impact player right away.

Forward – Mark Mitchell (Freshman)

A physical and athletic forward, Mitchell is another highly-talented 5-star piece and could potentially work into starting minutes depending on how the lineup turns out. He’s a solid defender and rebounder, he has the ability to hit outside shots, though his offense is more successful in the short game.

Guard – Max Johns (Senior)

Johns is another former Ivy League piece who provides senior leadership for the Blue Devils. He spent the last four years at Princeton in a very limited role, averaging just 2.8 points a game last season. Don’t expect extended minutes from Johns, who at least gives the program another potential body in the backcourt.