Duke lookahead: Blue Devils will lose some stars, look to reload
INDIANAPOLIS — Duke fans now likely will get a taste of what it's like to be a fan of that other blue team that hails from Lexington, Ky.
After a sterling season, the Blue Devils could now lose as many as three freshmen to the NBA draft. Kentucky may not be the only school that could be called One-and-Done U.
Big man Jahlil Okafor, who was a strong contender for various national player of the year honors, and fast-emerging Justise Winslow could both be top-five NBA draft picks in June. Fellow freshman Tyus Jones also could be a first-round pick if he decides to enter the draft.
"If we can find kids that fit our profile, we will deal with the consequences of whether they are there for one, two, three or four years," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I think to get the right kid is the most important. We need to respond accordingly if we lose them earlier."
The Jones decision will be intriguing. The point guard exhibits a level of poise and composure on the court well beyond his years. But at 6-1, 190 pounds, Jones is no physical specimen and could benefit from another year under Krzyzewski.
On the other hand, Jones came to Duke as a package deal with Okafor, who is likely to turn pro. And Jones won't have nearly the number of potent offensive weapons around him as he did this season. Duke also will lose senior Quinn Cook, the team's emotional leader.
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com said Monday that Jones' specific draft projection is "still up in the air I think because there are a lot of unknowns regarding who might enter. A bunch of these guys can move him up or down still."
If Duke loses all three freshmen, the Blue Devils should still be looking at a potential NCAA tournament team, but one that would be predicted to finish outside the upper echelon in the top-heavy ACC.
When asked what jumped out about this Duke team on tape during the NCAA tournament, Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd said, "Lottery picks. They literally have three guys who are lottery picks. Maybe all three of them could be this year — 18, 19 years old. Incredible talent.
"Coach K is one of the greatest of all time. He has a simple plan where they know what he wants and they execute it. It isn't real complicated, but it is very effective with really good players."
Next season, perhaps not as many really good players. Duke has two prospects, 6-10 Chase Jeter from Las Vegas and 6-5 Luke Kennard from Franklin, Ohio, arriving next season. And the Blue Devils could sign a point guard in the spring, as well.
Krzyzewski has said Jeter could play the power forward or center position. Kennard can play at least three positions, including point guard. Krzyzewski calls Kennard a natural athlete and an "amazing" passer. Both prospects are rated among the nation's top 25 high school seniors.
After featuring one-and-done talent Jabari Parker last season and three potential one-and-done players this season, Duke will likely need to reload next season. At least for one year, it may be easier said than done for the sport's preeminent program of the last 30 years.
"You'd always like to have them stay for the entire time," Krzyzewski said. "In a lot of respects, I think the kids would like to stay that long too. Financially, it's very difficult to make that decision."