College Basketball
Who Will Be Used In Coach Krzyzewski’s Rotation?
The Candidates
We already know who will be in the starting lineup, for the most part, when Duke takes on Kentucky in the Champions Classic, but who will Coach Mike Krzyzewski use off of his bench? On Duke’s bench, you’ll likely see the following players: Marques Bolden, Jack White, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker, Alex O’Connell, Justin Robinson, and Antonio Vrankovic. Coach K will not use every one of these players as part of his nightly rotation, so who will he use?
Alex O’Connell
You’ll see shooting guard Alex O’Connell as the likely 6th man during his sophomore year. O’Connell is a lock to make the rotation for a few reasons. Coach K used him very often in short bursts during his freshman year and began to trust him as the year advanced. Another reason he’ll be the first player off the bench, is his shooting ability. O’Connell is Duke’s only proven shooter heading into the 2018-2019 season. Last year, O’Connell shot the ball at an efficient 48.9% from three. Finally, he is the only proven free throw shooter.
While on the Canada tour, Duke shot 33/50 from the charity stripe. That translates to 66%, which is well below average. As a freshman, O’Connell shot 73.7% from the line. That is not a fantastic percentage, but its the highest percentage between O’Connell and DeLaurier, the only two players who were on last years team that played consistent minutes.
Marques Bolden
Ten days ago, Marques Bolden was the solidified starter at the center position. After three games in Canada, its likely that he starts the season riding the pine. Most teams in college basketball would definitely enjoy having Bolden in their rotation. Bolden will play a good amount of minutes in the upcoming season. Last year, he played coming off of the bench as well and when he was finally healthy, he was one of Duke’s best defensive players and post scorers. Bolden, a junior, will be an important piece of Duke’s reserves and will likely produce solid numbers in short 2-4 minute bursts, a role that will suit him well.
Jack White
Last season as a Sophomore, the Australian small forward played sparingly, usually against inferior teams and when Duke was up big. This season will be far different for the Aussie, as he is vastly improved from last season. White has improved his three point shot, which in my opinion, was his biggest weakness. On Duke’s Canada tour, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas noted on several occasions, Jack White hit almost every three pointer he attempted in Duke’s intra-squad scrimmages. Aside from White’s improved perimeter shooting, many have said that he was the most impressive Duke player on the Canadian Tour, minus RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson.
Jordan Goldwire
Another sophomore, point guard Goldwire will likely play less minutes than other rotational players in the upcoming season. On the Canadian Tour, Goldwire proved that he is an all around point guard. On multiple occasions, he passed up a tough drive into the lane and made the easy kick out pass to a teammate with an open look. Along with his passing ability, Goldwire showed that he could take threes and make them. When the defender sagged off, he made his Canadian opponents pay. He won’t play much, but when an injury emerges or foul trouble hits, Goldwire is the man for the job.
