Duke Basketball: 3 keys to beating ACC threat Pittsburgh Panthers

1. Don’t let Jamarius Burton have his way in the paint

On the season, forward Blake Hinson leads the Panthers in both scoring and rebounding (16.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg). But the best player for the team, especially in ACC play, has been the 5th-year senior Burton. He’s second on the team with 16.6 ppg, along with 5.1 rpg and 3.8 apg. Burton has shined in ACC play, averaging 21.4 ppg and 3.6 apg. That includes 28 points last weekend against Clemson and a career-high 31 versus North Carolina.

Burton is a versatile player, capable of playing and guard three different positions. And while he’s shooting 45% from three-point range, the guard only averages around two attempts a game. Burton’s strength is penetrating to the basket and taking pull-up jumpers from mid-range. The efficiency he’s had has been impressive and his ability to break down defenses has been huge for the offense.

Duke needs to keep Burton in check and has the size on the perimeter to do so. Freshman Tyrese Proctor is 6’5, while Illinois transfer Jacob Grandison is 6’6. And if needed, the 6’7 Whitehead can also guard him, since Pittsburgh usually runs three guards that are all 6’3 or smaller.

When Burton goes for 20+, the Panthers are capable of beating anyone. But he has a specific motive of operation that smaller guards in the ACC haven’t been able to stop. But the Blue Devils are uniquely equipped to take the challenge on.