So after a longer than usual stretch without Duke bball, the wait is almost over! Countdown to Craziness kicks off the 2021-22 season this Friday night. I am so ready for it.
Now, obviously most of C2C is fluff, but there is at least a bit of a scrimmage at the end of the event. Here's what I'm most looking forward to seeing:
1. Paolo Banchero. He's the headline recruit from a solid class that includes three 5-star recruits. I'm anxious to see him in action in a Duke uniform.
2. Mark Williams. We all remember how well he finished the season last year. Big men typically take time to find their form in college; does he show even more this year? Ready to see what a real offseason at Duke has done for him.
3. The two returning guards. Much has been made of our guard struggles last year, and rightly so. We simply didn't have the guard play we'd hoped for. I think a lot of that was due to the pandemic, which robbed us of a few months of prep time in the summer and early fall. But Moore and Roach returned, and reports are that Moore has been a revelation this year. I'm anxious to see what Moore's game looks like as he will be asked to take on a leadership role as well as a more prominent role in the offense. Similarly, I'm looking forward to seeing what a real offseason program will have done for Roach.
4. Trevor Keels. Reports have been that Keels has looked terrific in practice, and had already taken over with the first team even before Griffin's knee injury. I'm excited to see the hype in action with with Keels.
Beyond that, I'll be happy to see the team in action. Senior year Joey Baker and the additions of John, Blakes, and Jones. Come on Duke basketball!