Duke basketball announces its starting lineup for their matchup with Baylor in the Round of 32.

As the NCAA Tournament progresses, each game becomes increasingly important, with the stakes growing higher as teams vie for a place in the Sweet 16 and beyond. For Duke University, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, every matchup in the tournament is a potential stepping stone toward another national championship. When the Blue Devils squared off against Baylor in the Round of 32 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, fans were bracing for a thrilling clash between two high-profile programs with championship aspirations.

As the tournament progressed, expectations for Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad continued to grow, and the matchup against Baylor—one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament—was no exception. Known for their strong defense, offensive depth, and elite guard play, Baylor presented a formidable challenge for the Blue Devils. In this crucial Round of 32 game, Duke had to be at their best, and the starting lineup announced by Coach Scheyer was a key factor in determining whether the Blue Devils could keep their tournament hopes alive.

This article will delve into Duke’s starting lineup for the Round of 32 matchup with Baylor, breaking down each player’s role and contributions to the team’s overall strategy. From the leadership of the veteran players to the potential of their highly-touted freshmen, the starting five had a significant impact on Duke’s performance in the game. We will also explore the tactical decisions Coach Scheyer made in putting together his starting unit and how the team’s chemistry and individual skill sets played into the team’s quest for victory.

The Importance of the Round of 32

Before we dive into the lineup itself, it’s important to consider the significance of the Round of 32 in the context of the tournament. For Duke, making it past this round was a critical part of their march toward the Sweet 16 and deeper into the tournament. The Blue Devils had shown flashes of brilliance during the regular season, but the NCAA Tournament is a different animal. A loss here could end the season prematurely, and the pressure to perform on a national stage can make or break a team’s championship aspirations.

Baylor, on the other hand, entered the game as a top contender with a championship pedigree, having won the national title just two years prior. With their dynamic offense and disciplined defense, they were no slouch. This created a sense of urgency for Duke’s players to be at their best, making Coach Scheyer’s selection of the starting lineup all the more important.

The Starting Lineup Announcement

When Coach Jon Scheyer announced his starting five for the highly anticipated Round of 32 matchup with Baylor, it was met with excitement and intrigue. The lineup featured a blend of talented freshmen and seasoned upperclassmen, each of whom brought their unique strengths to the court. Here’s a breakdown of each player and their expected role in the game:

1. Tyrese Proctor (Guard, Freshman)
   • Why He Started: Tyrese Proctor, the 6-foot-5 freshman guard, had quickly become one of the most important players for Duke throughout the season. His ability to handle the ball, play solid defense, and facilitate the offense made him a key figure for Coach Scheyer. Proctor had been instrumental in Duke’s success in the opening round of the tournament, showing his capability as a primary ball handler and distributor. His defense on opposing guards, as well as his vision and passing ability, made him an essential piece in Duke’s game plan against Baylor.
   • What to Expect: In this game, Proctor was expected to provide steady leadership, especially on offense. His size and ability to drive to the basket or create for others allowed him to keep the opposing defense guessing. Duke would need Proctor to control the tempo of the game and prevent Baylor from getting easy fast-break points.
2. Jeremy Roach (Guard, Junior)
   • Why He Started: As a seasoned veteran and the leader of the team, Jeremy Roach’s experience was invaluable for Duke, especially in the high-pressure environment of March Madness. Roach had been a steadying force for the Blue Devils all season, known for his clutch performances and ability to hit big shots in critical moments. His experience in the NCAA Tournament, having played in several big games, was a major reason why Coach Scheyer tapped him as the starting point guard for the Round of 32.
   • What to Expect: Roach was tasked with taking on a leadership role in the backcourt, directing traffic, and making sure the offense ran smoothly. As a strong scorer and playmaker, Roach’s ability to attack the rim, distribute the ball, and hit timely shots from the perimeter was going to be essential for Duke’s success against a tough Baylor defense. His composure in late-game situations was also a key factor to look for.
3. Kyle Filipowski (Forward, Freshman)
   • Why He Started: Kyle Filipowski, a highly-touted freshman forward, had been one of Duke’s most consistent and impactful players all season. Standing at 7 feet tall, Filipowski brought versatility to the forward position, able to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting while also being a formidable presence in the post. His ability to defend multiple positions and rebound effectively made him a matchup nightmare for most teams, including Baylor.
   • What to Expect: Filipowski’s role in this game was critical, as he would be tasked with both scoring and rebounding against Baylor’s formidable frontline. His ability to space the floor and stretch the defense would be key in allowing Duke to create open looks for other players. On defense, Filipowski was expected to use his length and athleticism to disrupt Baylor’s offensive flow, particularly in guarding their big men and wings.
4. Mark Mitchell (Forward, Freshman)
   • Why He Started: Another freshman with immense potential, Mark Mitchell had been a standout for Duke, providing a mix of athleticism, defense, and scoring. Mitchell’s energy and tenacity on both ends of the court made him an ideal choice to start for Duke in this game. His defense, particularly in guarding athletic wings and forwards, would be pivotal in trying to neutralize Baylor’s explosive offensive weapons.
   • What to Expect: In this matchup, Mitchell was expected to be a key contributor on the defensive end, likely tasked with guarding Baylor’s top scorers. His ability to get to the rim and finish in transition also added an extra dimension to Duke’s offense. Mitchell’s combination of athleticism and versatility made him a player capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.
5. Dariq Whitehead (Forward, Freshman)
   • Why He Started: Dariq Whitehead, one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in the country, had a mixed season in terms of performance, but his talent was undeniable. Known for his explosive scoring ability and impressive athleticism, Whitehead brought scoring punch to the Blue Devils’ starting lineup. While he had struggled with consistency at times, his potential to take over games was something that Duke needed in this critical Round of 32 matchup.
   • What to Expect: Whitehead was expected to contribute offensively, particularly as a shooter and scorer. His ability to stretch the floor and hit three-pointers made him a threat from beyond the arc, while his ability to drive and finish at the rim kept defenders on edge. Whitehead’s performance would be crucial in helping Duke create offensive balance and prevent Baylor from locking down the Blue Devils’ offense.

Duke’s Game Plan Against Baylor

With this starting lineup, Coach Jon Scheyer had assembled a group of players capable of both defending at a high level and creating offensive opportunities. Against Baylor, Duke’s strategy would involve several key elements:

1. Controlling the Pace: Baylor’s ability to score quickly and efficiently meant that Duke needed to dictate the pace of the game. With Proctor and Roach at the helm, Duke’s plan was to slow down the tempo when needed, working the clock and forcing Baylor into half-court sets. This would help limit Baylor’s transition opportunities and force them to execute in a more controlled environment.
2. Defensive Focus: With Mitchell, Filipowski, and Whitehead in the lineup, Duke had the ability to match up physically with Baylor’s forwards and guards. The focus would be on limiting Baylor’s perimeter shooting and containing their offensive playmakers. Filipowski’s ability to guard multiple positions would be a key factor in disrupting Baylor’s offensive flow, while Mitchell’s defensive prowess on the wings would be crucial in slowing down Baylor’s explosive guards.
3. Exploiting Mismatches: On offense, Duke would look to exploit mismatches in the post and beyond the arc. Filipowski and Mitchell were expected to draw defenders away from the basket with their shooting, while Whitehead and Roach could exploit driving lanes and create space for open shots. By mixing inside and outside play, Duke would aim to keep Baylor’s defense off balance.

The Impact of the Starting Lineup

In this Round of 32 matchup with Baylor, Duke’s starting lineup was filled with talented freshmen and experienced players who all had important roles to play. While Baylor was a formidable opponent with a wealth of experience and championship pedigree, Duke’s combination of defensive prowess, leadership, and offensive versatility made them a tough opponent. The decisions made by Coach Scheyer in setting his lineup were pivotal in giving the Blue Devils the best chance to advance to the next round.

As the game unfolded, Duke’s starting five proved to be up to the task, blending individual talent with collective team play. Ultimately, the performance of these players—particularly the leadership of Roach, the scoring of Whitehead, and the defensive efforts of Mitchell and Filipowski—would determine whether Duke could overcome Baylor’s challenge and continue their tournament journey.

In the high-stakes world of March Madness, every lineup decision matters, and for Duke, this starting five represented their best chance to keep their national championship hopes alive.