Column: For Duke men’s basketball to reach its potential, it should prioritize scoring inside and transition buckets

For Duke Men’s Basketball to Reach Its Potential, It Should Prioritize Scoring Inside and Transition Buckets

As the 2024 college basketball season unfolds, Duke men’s basketball is once again aiming for a national championship. With a talented roster that blends experience and high-caliber freshmen, the Blue Devils have the ingredients to compete at the highest level. However, for Duke to truly reach its potential, there are two areas that must become focal points in their offensive system: scoring inside and generating points in transition.

Dominating Inside

Duke has a rich history of producing dominant big men, and this season should be no different. While the Blue Devils boast perimeter shooting talent and dynamic guards, their frontcourt — anchored by rising stars like Kyle Filipowski and new additions — presents an opportunity to dominate the paint. This is an area where Duke has the potential to separate itself from other elite teams.

A heavy emphasis on scoring inside does not just mean relying on post-ups and low-block plays; it means establishing an efficient offensive game plan that exploits mismatches, dominates the glass, and forces opposing defenses to collapse. Filipowski, with his size and skill set, can serve as a versatile threat — both as a post scorer and a playmaker for others. His ability to stretch the floor with a reliable jumper gives Duke the chance to create space in the paint while still maintaining a physical inside presence.

Additionally, the Blue Devils must exploit offensive rebounds, a crucial aspect of inside scoring. Rebounding should be an extension of their offensive game, turning missed shots into high-percentage opportunities. By securing second-chance points, Duke not only scores more efficiently but also wears down opposing defenses, creating more open looks for their perimeter shooters later in the game.

Establishing an inside presence also opens up opportunities for guards and wings. When the paint is consistently attacked, defenders are forced to collapse, which can lead to open kick-out passes for three-point shooters. This balance between inside and outside play will help Duke become more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

Transition Scoring

The second key area where Duke can unlock its full potential is in transition. Historically, Coach Jon Scheyer’s teams have been effective in getting out on the break, but there is room for more emphasis on this aspect of their game. Fast-break points are often a hallmark of championship teams, and with the athleticism on Duke’s roster, the Blue Devils should look to push the tempo as much as possible.

Duke’s athletic wings and guards, such as Tyrese Proctor and Jaden Schutt, are perfectly suited to excel in transition. Both have the speed and vision to lead the fast break, while Filipowski can run the floor effectively as a big man. By pushing the pace after defensive rebounds or turnovers, Duke can generate easy points before the defense has a chance to set up. This not only helps to build momentum but also wears down opponents, particularly in high-stakes postseason games where every possession becomes more valuable.

Moreover, transition scoring serves as a great equalizer, especially in tight games. When the defense is struggling to keep up with Duke’s speed, the Blue Devils can get easy baskets that don’t require setting up complex half-court offenses. This could be especially beneficial against teams with stifling defenses or those who focus on controlling tempo. A fast, relentless transition game could also help Duke avoid getting bogged down in half-court possessions where they sometimes struggle against more experienced or well-coached teams.

Conclusion

For Duke to reach its potential in 2024, Coach Scheyer must prioritize two key areas: dominating the paint and creating fast-break opportunities. With a strong inside presence and the ability to get easy buckets in transition, the Blue Devils can establish an offense that is both multifaceted and difficult to defend. These elements, combined with their talent on the perimeter and in the backcourt, could propel Duke toward its next national championship. If they can consistently exploit these aspects of their game, Duke will be primed to reach its full potential.