Report Card: The current state of the Duke men’s basketball season

As the 2023-2024 college basketball season progresses, the Duke Blue Devils have continued to capture the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, who is in his second season at the helm of the prestigious program, Duke has remained a powerhouse in the ACC and a perennial contender on the national stage. However, despite their strong overall performance, there have been both bright spots and areas of concern that have shaped the trajectory of their season so far.

This “report card” will take a deep dive into the various aspects of Duke’s season, examining their offense, defense, individual players, coaching, and team dynamics. Each category will be graded based on performance so far, providing a comprehensive look at where the Blue Devils stand as they gear up for the latter half of the season and, eventually, the postseason.

Offensive Performance: B-

Duke’s offense has been somewhat inconsistent this season, which has led to mixed results in several games. The Blue Devils have had some standout performances offensively, but they have struggled to maintain consistent scoring efficiency in others. Here’s a breakdown of their offensive strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

1. Transition Play: Duke excels in transition, thanks to their athleticism and speed. With players like Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, and Kyle Filipowski, the Blue Devils are dangerous in open-floor situations, pushing the pace and generating easy baskets. Their ability to capitalize on fast breaks has been one of the bright spots of their offensive game.
2. Playmaking from Filipowski: Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s standout sophomore forward, has shown impressive playmaking ability this season. Not only is he a dominant presence in the paint, but he’s also shown an ability to step out and hit mid-range shots or even facilitate offense. His vision as a passer allows Duke to run offense through him, and he can often be the key to breaking down opposing defenses.
3. Scoring Depth: Duke’s offensive attack is not reliant on a single player. While Filipowski is the focal point of their offense, there are other players who can step up on any given night, whether it’s Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, or even freshmen like Jared McCain or Caleb Foster. This depth makes Duke a tough team to scout and defend against.

Weaknesses:

1. Inconsistent Shooting: One of the most glaring issues for Duke offensively is their inconsistency with shooting, particularly from three-point range. As of this writing, Duke is shooting well below 30% from beyond the arc, which has allowed opposing defenses to clog the paint and limit driving lanes. In a college basketball landscape where shooting is more important than ever, this deficiency is something Duke will need to address in order to thrive against top-tier competition.
2. Spacing Issues: While the Blue Devils have several playmakers on offense, they have sometimes struggled to maintain proper spacing, especially in half-court sets. Without the threat of a consistent three-point shot, defenses can collapse into the paint, making it more difficult for Duke to execute in the half court. This lack of spacing has led to stagnant offensive possessions and a reliance on isolation plays that haven’t always yielded the best results.
3. Turnovers and Execution: Duke has been prone to turnovers, which has limited their offensive efficiency. Whether due to poor decision-making or errant passes, the Blue Devils have given away too many possessions in tight games. Additionally, they have had trouble executing in crucial moments, which can be problematic in close games down the stretch. Coach Jon Scheyer has undoubtedly been focusing on improving these areas, but turnovers remain an issue that could hurt Duke in the postseason.

Grade: B-

Duke’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency, particularly in their shooting and execution. As they approach the latter half of the season, improving their shooting and reducing turnovers will be essential for taking their offensive game to the next level.

Defensive Performance: A

While Duke’s offense has been somewhat erratic, their defense has been a strong suit this season. The Blue Devils have consistently been one of the best defensive teams in the nation, and this trend has continued under Jon Scheyer’s leadership.

Strengths:

1. Elite Rim Protection: Duke boasts some of the best shot blockers in college basketball. Kyle Filipowski, Dereck Lively II, and others have been a constant presence in the paint, protecting the rim and making life difficult for opposing offenses. Their ability to alter and block shots has been a key factor in Duke’s defensive success.
2. Defensive Versatility: One of Duke’s standout traits defensively is their ability to guard multiple positions. Whether it’s defending the perimeter or locking down in the paint, Duke’s players have the size and athleticism to guard a wide variety of matchups. This defensive versatility is especially important in a modern college basketball environment, where teams often have a mix of big men and smaller, quicker players. Duke has excelled in both areas, often switching seamlessly between defensive schemes.
3. Defensive Rebounding: Duke’s ability to control the glass has been another hallmark of their defense. With players like Filipowski and Lively gobbling up rebounds, Duke is able to limit second-chance opportunities for opponents and generate additional possessions for their offense. Their ability to secure defensive rebounds has also allowed them to push the pace and create fast-break opportunities.

Weaknesses:

1. Occasional Lapses in Perimeter Defense: While Duke has been great at defending the paint, there have been occasional lapses in their perimeter defense. They have sometimes allowed opposing teams to get hot from three-point range, which can be a dangerous weakness. Against teams that excel from beyond the arc, Duke will need to tighten up their perimeter defense to avoid giving up easy points.
2. Fouling: Duke has at times been prone to fouling, which puts opposing teams at the free-throw line and disrupts the flow of the game. While they do an excellent job of contesting shots and being aggressive defensively, they must remain disciplined to avoid sending teams to the line unnecessarily.

Grade: A

Duke’s defense has been stellar this season, and they’ve consistently been able to lock down opponents. Their ability to protect the rim, defend multiple positions, and secure rebounds has been integral to their success.

Individual Players: A-

The individual performances of Duke’s players have been a driving force behind their success this season. Here’s a closer look at some of the key players:

1. Kyle Filipowski (Sophomore Forward): Filipowski has been Duke’s most consistent player, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. He has been a force on both ends of the floor and has developed into one of the best players in the ACC. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting while also being a dominant presence in the paint makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
2. Jeremy Roach (Senior Guard): Roach has been Duke’s leader on the floor, providing steady playmaking and leadership. He’s been the team’s primary point guard and has done a solid job of running the offense. While his shooting has been a bit inconsistent, his leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game have been crucial.
3. Tyrese Proctor (Freshman Guard): Proctor has shown flashes of brilliance and is already one of the most promising players on the team. His scoring and playmaking ability are impressive for a freshman, and he’s been a key contributor on both ends of the floor. As he continues to develop, Proctor will be crucial to Duke’s success.
4. Dereck Lively II (Sophomore Center): Lively’s impact has been felt on defense, particularly in terms of rim protection. While his offensive game is still developing, Lively’s presence as a shot blocker and rebounder has been invaluable for Duke.

Grade: A-

Duke has gotten strong performances from key players, particularly Filipowski, Roach, and Proctor. Their individual performances have helped the team stay competitive and maintain a high level of play.

Coaching: B+

Jon Scheyer has done a commendable job in his second season as head coach of Duke. After inheriting a program with big shoes to fill following Coach K’s retirement, Scheyer has managed to maintain the Blue Devils’ reputation as a national title contender. However, there have been areas where his coaching could improve, particularly in terms of offensive execution and in-game adjustments.

Strengths:

1. Player Development: Scheyer has done a fantastic job of developing Duke’s young talent, particularly the freshmen like Tyrese Proctor and Jared McCain. He has also helped Kyle Filipowski take his game to the next level, and the development of players like Dereck Lively and Mark Mitchell bodes well for the future of the program.
2. Defensive Schemes: Scheyer has maintained Duke’s defensive identity, emphasizing strong defense and versatility. His ability to get the best out of his defensive players has been one of the highlights of his coaching tenure.

Weaknesses:

1. Offensive Strategy: While Duke has the talent to succeed offensively, they’ve struggled with execution at times. Scheyer will need to find ways to improve their shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc, and develop a more fluid offensive system that doesn’t rely as much on isolation plays.
2. In-Game Adjustments: There have been moments this season where Duke has struggled to adjust when faced with adversity, particularly in tight games. Scheyer will need to improve his ability to make in-game adjustments, especially against teams with high-powered offenses or defenses that challenge Duke’s offensive flow.

Grade: B+

Scheyer has done a good job overall, but there is room for improvement, especially when it comes to offensive execution and making adjustments during games.

Overall Grade: B+

Duke’s 2023-2024 season has been a solid one so far, with the Blue Devils continuing to compete at a high level in the ACC and nationally. Their defense has been elite, and their individual players have stepped up in key moments. However, their offensive inconsistencies and occasional lapses in execution have held them back from being a truly dominant team.

As the season progresses, Duke will need to address these offensive shortcomings to become a more complete team. If they can improve their shooting, spacing, and offensive execution, they will be a formidable force heading into the postseason. With the talent they have and the leadership of Coach Scheyer, Duke remains one of the top teams to watch in the college basketball landscape.