It’s Star Freshman Turned in a Dud. So Duke Turned to Plan B: Its Other Star Freshmen
Duke basketball is known for its high-caliber recruiting classes, and the 2024 season was no different. With expectations sky-high for the Blue Devils, much of the spotlight was on their star freshman, who was supposed to lead the team through their challenging early-season games. However, when that freshman’s performance fell short of expectations, Duke quickly adapted, turning to its other star freshmen to step up and deliver.
While the season’s early games featured some standout performances, one of the highly touted freshmen was expected to dominate the court but failed to make the desired impact. Whether it was struggles with the pace of college basketball, adjusting to the intense spotlight, or simply a matter of bad shooting and turnovers, this particular player found himself in a rough patch that threatened to derail Duke’s strong start.
But as one freshman stumbled, Coach Jon Scheyer, who has built his own identity on adapting and making tough decisions, turned to Plan B—his other star freshmen. Duke, with its deep talent pool, was never going to be a one-man team. The Blue Devils boasted a roster filled with elite young players, and it didn’t take long for others to fill the void.
Plan B: The Other Freshman Stars
Duke’s depth, especially among its first-year players, provided a quick remedy to the situation. While one freshman might have faltered, others quickly embraced the challenge. These other star freshmen, who had been quietly waiting for their moment, took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their skills.
The first player to emerge as a key contributor was Guard A, a sharpshooter with explosive scoring ability and a knack for clutch performances. In just a few games, he proved that Duke didn’t need to rely solely on the initial standout. His ability to stretch the floor and score from anywhere on the court helped the Blue Devils regain their offensive rhythm, and his fast rise to prominence has been one of the key stories of the season.
Another freshman, Forward B, stepped up in the paint. Known for his physicality and defensive prowess, Forward B added a dimension to Duke’s game that was sometimes missing with the team’s focus on perimeter play. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to finish at the rim gave Duke the inside presence they needed to balance their offensive attack.
Duke’s Depth and Adaptability
Duke’s response to their star freshman struggling is a testament to the depth and adaptability of the program. Rather than panicking or changing the course of the season, Coach Scheyer leaned on the team’s overall talent. This flexibility is crucial in a season where the competition is fierce, and games can swing based on one player’s performance.
Additionally, the ability of the other star freshmen to step up highlights the culture of competition within the Duke basketball program. Every player, regardless of their initial role, understands that they may be called upon to contribute at any given moment. This mindset has helped Duke maintain its high level of play even in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead
While the initial struggles of Duke’s star freshman may have caused some concern early in the season, the team’s resilience and depth have shown through. The Blue Devils are still among the top teams in college basketball, with a balanced attack that features multiple freshmen stepping into leadership roles. As the season progresses, Coach Scheyer will likely continue to rotate his young stars, ensuring that the Blue Devils are prepared for the tough challenges ahead, including high-pressure games against ACC rivals and in the NCAA Tournament.
If Duke can continue to rely on its depth and the ability of multiple freshmen to step up, it may very well be one of the most dangerous teams in the country by the time March rolls around. The early-season lesson—never be too dependent on one player—is a valuable one, and Duke has responded to adversity in the best way possible: by leaning on its wealth of young talent.
