7. Duke (4-seed)
Kyle Filipowski (Sophomore – Center)
An elite prospect from last season, Filipowski returned to Duke for his sophomore season and has put up great numbers again. He’s been good for 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, getting the Blue Devils into great position. Filipowski was First Team All-ACC and has been impactful for Duke all season, establishing himself as one of the conference’s best scorers and rebounders. He hasn’t been as impactful in the Big Dance, but dropped 28 in an ACC Tournament loss just two weeks ago against NC State.
Jared McCain (Freshman – Guard)
A sensational freshman, McCain has really burst onto the scene for the Blue Devils across this season. He’s averaging 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while making 42% of his 3-pointers and 87% of his free throws. McCain established himself as one of the nation’s most exciting freshman and announced his presence on the sports’ biggest stage this weekend, dropping 30 points with eight 3-pointers in a huge win over James Madison.
Mark Mitchell (Sophomore – Forward)
Mitchell is another highly-ranked recruit who opted to spend more than a single season in Durham. He’s averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in an improved sophomore season, playing a major role in that young Duke frontcourt. The metrics are solid across the board and Mitchell did put up 15 points against Vermont in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and can impact in the game in a myriad of ways.
Tyrese Proctor (Sophomore – Guard)
The rare upperclassman in the Blue Devils’ rotation, Roach has had his best season now in year four at Duke. Roach averages 14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists and has made 44% of his 3-pointers in an outstanding shooting season. He earned Third Team All-ACC honors and was one of the league’s best pure shooters while also putting up very good assist numbers as well. Roach scored 14 points against Vermont and had a 15-point, 6-assist outing in Duke’s blowout over James Madison this weekend.
Jeremy Roach (Senior – Guard)
Yet another impressive young weapon for the Blue Devils, Proctor is averaging 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his second season in Durham. He’s had a presence for Duke this season, scoring in double figures in six straight games, while racking up assists and rebounds and doing a ton of the little things for the Blue Devils. There’s a lot of youth for the Blue Devils, but Proctor looks like a veteran talent out there.