Blue Devils infuse roster with veterans who ought to slot in
with No. 1-ranked recruiting class
The switch portal hasn’t closed however for all intents and functions, the window of Duke including gamers who will influence the upcoming season is shut.
Studying between the strains of Jon Scheyer’s quotes concerning the three incoming gamers—and listening to his podcast look on The Brotherhood Podcast — it’s clear Duke sought toughness, versatility and expertise, all bundled into ultra-competitive gamers, in including gamers via the portal.
Most of what’s under is self-explanatory. The “doubtless function” designations are robust to pin down 4½ months earlier than a sport is performed, but it surely’s the most effective guess we have now till the Blue Devils get deeper into the summer season and ultimately, preseason practices.
Right here is every incoming switch in a snapshot:
Maliq Brown (Syracuse)
Dimension: 6-8, 222.
Hometown: Culpepper, Va.
Years of eligibility remaining: Two.
Probably function: Possible frontcourt starter in between freshmen Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach.
Final season stats: 32 video games, 18 begins, 29.6 minutes/sport | 9.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.2 spg | 69.8% FG, 38.9 3-pointers (7-18), 72.1% FT (44-61) | 131.2 ORTG, 71.3% eFG, 3.2% Block Price, 4.1% Steal Price (KenPom).
Duke connection: Brown performed 60 video games for Syracuse and his profession excessive of 26 factors got here within the one sport he performed at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Brown scored 26 in Syracuse’s early January 20-point loss at Duke final season; he was 11-for-16 from the sphere and added seven rebounds.
Scheyer quote: “We’re thrilled so as to add Maliq Brown to our program. Maliq is a talented, robust and versatile ahead who brings a aggressive mentality to each sport and observe. He was some of the environment friendly offensive gamers within the nation final yr at Syracuse, and likewise top-of-the-line defenders within the ACC whereas main the league in steals. Maliq takes satisfaction in doing all of the little issues that influence profitable. A rising junior and All-ACC defender, Maliq brings a team-first mentality and profitable instincts that may elevate our group.”
Mason Gillis (Purdue)
Hometown: New Fort, Ind.
Years of eligibility remaining: One.
Probably function: Enforcer off the bench, a wing model of Theo John, in a position to spot up on the 3-point line and serving to with defensive versatility.
Final season stats: 39 video games, 21.2 minutes/sport | 6.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.7 apg | 47.9% FG, 46.8% 3-pointers (58-124), 86% FT (37-43) | 134.8 ORTG, 65.5% eFG, 13.2 Help Price, 2.7 fouls dedicated per 40 minutes (KenPom).
Duke connection: Nothing instantly stands out, although he did play Duke as soon as — within the Phil Knight Legacy in 2022, Gillis had eight factors (going 2-for-2 on 3s) in Purdue’s 19-point win.
Scheyer quote: “We will not look ahead to Mason Gillis to reach on campus. Mason might be among the many most skilled gamers within the nation subsequent yr, having spent 5 years at Purdue and profitable over 100 video games. He’s additionally top-of-the-line shooters within the nation, taking pictures 47% from three-point vary final season. Mason is all about profitable and doing no matter his crew wants. He brings an unbelievable competitiveness and toughness to our program, and his management could have a huge impact on our crew.”
Sion James (Tulane)
Dimension: 6-6, 220.
Hometown: Sugar Hill, Ga.
Years of eligibility remaining: One.
Probably function: Attainable starter on the wing or key contributor off the bench.
Final season stats: 31 video games, 31 begins, 36.9 minutes/sport | 14.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.7 apg | 51.4% FG, 38.1% 3-pointers (43-113), 68.3% FT (95-139) | 120.4 ORTG, 13.3 Help Price, 10.3 Turnover Price, 59.2% eFG, 12.6 Defensive Rebound Price (KenPom).
Duke connection: Nothing stands out in James’ background linking him to Duke, although that doesn’t imply a connection doesn’t exist.
Scheyer quote: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sion James to The Brotherhood. He’s a confirmed chief with a excessive IQ and nice really feel for the sport. Bringing Sion to Duke isn’t just about including expertise, it is about including to a tradition of competitiveness and profitable perspective that he has. His versatility as a defender is a giant power, and his skill to make others higher on offense will elevate our crew. Sion could have an incredible influence on and off the courtroom, and I’m anxious to get began with him and the remainder of our crew.”
Cameron Sheffield (Rice)
Dimension: 6-6, 195.
Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga.
Years of eligibility remaining: Two.
Probably function: Scout-team participant.
2022-23 season stats: 35 video games, 34 begins, 30.8 minutes/sport | 7.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg | 43% FG, 37.3% 3-pointers (44-118), 76.8% FT (63-82) | 107.8 ORTG, 54.1% eFG, 17.6% Defensive Rebound Price (KenPom).
(Sheffield didn’t play final season due to a foot damage.)
30 video games, 8 begins, 23.1 minutes/sport | 8.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.8 rpg | 37.4% FG, 19.4% 3-pointers (12-62), 82.4% FT (89-108) | 95.2 ORTG, 31.0 Help Price, 22.7 Turnover Price (KenPom).
Duke connection: Sheffield’s older brother, Marcus Sheffield II, performed his closing season at Elon after transferring from Stanford. That was within the 2019-20 season, which was Mike Schrage’s first season on the helm of the Phoenix. Schrage is now Duke’s particular assistant to the top coach.
Scheyer quote: N/A, Sheffield hasn’t been formally introduced by Duke but.
