Duke basketball must offer 5-star freshman more game time to blend heavy rotation

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The Blue Devils need to let its offensive rookie weapon on the court more

This season has been relatively trouble-free for the Duke basketball squad. Aside from the loss to Kentucky, the major concern has been cramping, and opponents have been unable to match the Blue Devils’ quickness and toughness, resulting in three lopsided victories.

However, that will change this week, when No. 12 Duke faces No. 17 Arizona and No. 1 Kansas on Friday and Tuesday, respectively, and its rotation should expand in both games as well.

Prized freshman Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris have yet to break into Jon Scheyer’s main rotation, playing minimal minutes against Maine, Army, and Wofford and failing to come off the bench against the Wildcats.

The absence of the two rookies was particularly obvious in the second half of Duke’s lone loss, when numerous players appeared fatigued due to the long minutes and fast pace. It seemed like the ideal opportunity for Scheyer to see if either guy could hold his own in a big early season game, but neither player received any minutes, leaving a large question mark going into the game against Arizona.

Jon Scheyer should start any of his freshman on the court early in the first half against the Wildcats, particularly Evans, who might bring a boost of energy to the rest of the team. While his body is tiny and narrow, there is little doubt that Isaiah Evans is a talented offensive player who may really benefit the Blue Devils.

He is averaging 6.7 points in his short playing time, shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 45.3 percent from three, and is up against a Wildcat team that just allowed 103 points on the road against Wisconsin. The Badgers shot 48.1% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range, and attempted 47 foul shots.

It’s a mismatch Duke should try to capitalize on to offset the disadvantage of playing on the road.

The Blue Devils’ main players will decide whether the team wins or loses its next two games, but it’s also time to see if players like Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, and Patrick Ngongba II can contribute this season.

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