Continuing our evaluations, let’s head inside the paint and take a look at the forwards and centers.
#5 Mason Plumlee -
Season Review – 7.2 PPG, 1.6 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 BPL, 0.9 SPG
Mason Plumlee has shown flashes of being great; the issue is his talent level makes flashes of greatness a little disappointing. There were a lot of other times were Mason looked lost and passive. Athletically we all know that Mason has every tool needed to become a great presence inside for Duke, but it is the mental part of the game that Mason needs to find this off season. Add a consistent mid range game, a go to back to the basket move, and some strength and Mason will be a huge contributor for Duke next year.
Expected Role Next Year – Starting at the 5 position
Needs Improvement – Back to the basket move, overall basketball awareness, mid range jumper and FT%.
#12 Kyle Singler–
Season Review – 16.9 PPG, 1.6 APG, .321 3P%, 6.8 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG
Kyle Singler took a step back in all statistical categories other than FG% (43%) and FT% (80%). Some of this could be due to Nolan Smith and for 11 games Kyrie Irving’s emergence as big time scoring options. Yet you cannot blame that for Singler’s big drop in 3P%. There were still a lot of times where Singler would take a game over for Duke and rose up to the #3 spot on the all time Duke scoring list. Singler had one of the greatest careers in Duke History and still had a great season this year even if it wasn’t up to his potential.
Expected Role Next Year – NBA Reserve
Needs Improvement – Consistent outside shooting, foot speed and strength
#15 Josh Hairston –
Season Review – 1.4 PPG, 0.1 APG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 SPG
Josh Hairston didn’t get much playing time this year, and may not again next year. With only Singler leaving the 4 position and possibly 3 new freshmen (Alex Murphy, Marshall Plumlee and possibly DeAndre Daniels) coming in that can play that position. Yet when you see Hairston play, you can see a very Lance Thomas-ish style of player that could develop over a 4 year career. Hairston may not give Duke much next year, but I think we will hear a lot from him before his career with Duke is over.
Expected Role Next Year – 4th forward off the bench.
Needs Improvement – Strength, offensive and defensive game
#21 Miles Plumlee –
Season Review – 4.8 PPG, 0.4 APG, 4.9 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG
Much like his brother Mason, you only see flashes of what Miles could be. With Miles those flashes are less flashy and less frequent. The elder Plumlee would disappear for weeks at a time this year, then have a nice game…then go back to irrelevance. Going into his senior season Miles will have a lot of competition for playing time. Here's hoping that the competition makes Miles better.
Expected Role Next Year – Possible back up at the 5 position
Needs Improvement – Consistency, back to the basket move, FT% and awareness
#34 Ryan Kelly –
Season Review – 6.6 PPG, .8 APG, .319 3P%, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG
Ryan Kelly was one of the most improved players on the Duke team last year. He was probably the most consistent big man on the team. You would never know what you would get from the Plumlees, but when Kelly was out there you knew you’d get open shots falling, solid defense and solid rebounding. Kelly isn’t going to blow anyone’s doors off with moves or athleticism but he will knock down an open shot and give all he has defensively and on the boards. Kelly looks like he will be a great contributor for his last two seasons at Duke.
Expected Role Next Year – With DeAndre- backup Without DeAndre- possible starter at the 4 spot
Needs Improvement –Strength, 3P% and work on low post game.
Next week I’ll take a look at the incoming freshman class that continues to grow. DeAndre Daniels is expected to announce his decision within the next week. I will post after his announcement.
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