Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Newcomer Sits Among Top Glue Guys in Country

The Duke basketball team has a proven winner in reigning Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Mason Gillis.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball forwards Mason Gillis and Cooper Flagg
Duke basketball forwards Mason Gillis and Cooper Flagg / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
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In Mason Gillis' formal Cameron Indoor Stadium introduction via Countdown to Craziness on Friday night, the Duke basketball graduate forward totaled five points, six rebounds, one steal, zero turnovers, and only one foul in Blue-White Scrimmage action. He shot 1-for-4 from the field, 1-for-2 from three, and 2-for-2 at the foul line across his 20 minutes on the floor.

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Those numbers may well mirror a typical Mason Gillis box score for Jon Scheyer's 2024-25 Blue Devils.

Stats aside, though, as CBS Sports college hoops insider Jon Rothstein noted about the 23-year-old after recently attending a Duke basketball practice in the Coach K Center, the blend of experience and undeniable team-first mentality make Gillis well-deserving of a place among his "16 Glue Guys" to monitor on the national stage this season:

"Gillis was a key utility player for Purdue last season when the Boilers advanced all the way to the national title game, and he’ll hope to have a similar role this season in Durham. Capable of stretching the defense on offense or guarding the low post on defense, [Gillis] is as comfortable in his own skin as any player in college basketball."

Gillis, who suited up for 132 games across his four years at Purdue, averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds as a senior while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, 46.8 percent beyond the arc, and 86.0 percent at the charity stripe. In doing so, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Indiana native, a lifelong Duke basketball fan, became the the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.

Following two exhibition outings this month, Mason Gillis and the Blue Devils tip off Jon Scheyer's third campaign when they welcome Maine to Durham on Nov. 4.

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Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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