Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball One-And-Done Battling Boomers in France

Thus far, RJ Barrett has been the standout among the trio of Duke basketball talents at the Olympics.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball guard RJ Barrett
Former Duke basketball guard RJ Barrett / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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All three Duke basketball representatives are 1-0 at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But despite being the centerpiece of the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum did not come off the bench in Team USA's opener on Sunday. And earlier in the day, the 17-year-old Khaman Maluach, gearing up for his freshman campaign as a Blue Devil, saw only six minutes for South Sudan in their historic Olympic debut.

However, RJ Barrett is fresh off posting a team-high 23 points across his game-high 33 minutes in Canada's 86-79 statement win over Greece on Saturday.

RELATED: Sizzling Start for Former Blue Devil Star in France

He'll look to build on that performance in the "group of death" when the Canadians square off against the Australian "Boomers" in Group A action at 7:30 a.m. ET Tuesday. Australia defeated Spain, 92-80, on Saturday, setting the stage for a battle between the heavyweight group's two unbeaten squads.

Not only is this the first Olympics that RJ Barrett has played, but it's also the first time the Canadians have been on this stage since the year he was born. His dad, Rowan Barrett Sr., was on that 2000 squad, which finished seventh at the Sydney Olympics.

Canada hasn't medaled in men's basketball at the Olympics since taking home silver from Berlin in 1936.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum and Team USA are preparing to face Khaman Maluach and South Sudan at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

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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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