NBA Draft: Scouting Duke’s Countdown to Craziness
As evaluators begin to get their first look at prospects in the 2023-2024 collegiate season, what can we takeaway from Duke's Countdown to Craziness?
College basketball’s regular season is right around the corner. Right now, we’re treated to a mix of exhibition games and intersquad scrimmages as teams prepare for opening night on November 6th.
Evaluators must assess these games with a grain of salt. But nonetheless, the games are still data points and a piece of the scouting mosaic of each prospect. Duke’s Countdown to Craziness, featuring a 16-minute half intersquad scrimmage, provides just that. Let’s dive into my top raw notes from Countdown to Craziness.
- Tyrese Proctor’s blend of creativity, craft and vision was on display. Remains my top rated point guard/lead guard in the class heading into the year.
- The ability of Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach to produce off the ball adds to the versatility they could each bring to an NBA team.
- All of Roach’s made threes were off the ball, catch-and-shoots
- Proctor with a backdoor cut into one hand dunk from Powers' bounce pass
- Will Christian Reeves earn playing time this season? Second straight impressive showing at Countdown to Craziness.
- Finishes at the rim working with Proctor on a drop off and pick-and-roll including an off hand layup. Dunk from Flip lob. Brings elements of an athletic true big that Duke doesn't have, particularly as a shot blocker and vertical spacer. Demolished McCain’s layup off the glass in semi transition.
- Remains a long term NBA prospect because of his NBA positional size (7-foot-1, 261 pounds) and projectable role as a rim proctor and finisher.
- Kyle Filipowski’s one hand poster dunk over the bouncy Sean Stewart was arguably the play of the day. Loved his aggression and desire to test Stewart at the rim, who I and probably most people thought would come up with a big time block here. Considering Flip had some struggles at the rim last season, this was a welcomed and encouraging sight.
- Flip’s passing has always been a major sell as a 7-foot big. Two lob assists to Reeves, one on the short roll and the other from the midpost.
- Missed a couple of good looks from beyond the arc, which was the story from last season and will be a critical swing skill this season. Lone make came from a generous roll.
- Grab and go attack from Sean Stewart illustrated his athleticism and movement skills despite missing the euro layup. Interested to see how much freedom he’ll be given to grab and go, which could be a major weapon for Duke and become a translatable NBA skill, especially if he’s playing the 5.
- Caleb Foster was aggressive throughout. Maybe a bit too aggressive on a couple of possessions where he committed offensive fouls. On one possession, extended the off arm to create space on Roach and was whistled for it.
- Buried a couple of floaters in the lane-displaying his touch, pace and strong frame.
- Handoff possession where he played off two feet with a jump stop in the lane to deliver a beautiful drop of assist to Young after drawing Reeves.
- Favorite play came out of the pick-and-roll that saw him handle the blitz, read the tagging Power and deliver a cross court strike to Schutt
- How much lead guard will he play behind/alongside Proctor, Roach and McCain?
- Quiet scrimmage from Jared McCain, but nothing to worry about. Has proven to be a gamer on the grassroots level. His only bucket came with just under a minute left, an and one finish after getting the defender (Blakes) in jail.
- Brings infectious positive vibes on and off the court to a team.
- The combo of size and shooting ALWAYS pops. It’s the immediate value TJ Power can bring to Duke and eventually the NBA as a skilled stretch big at 6-foot-9. Knocked down one of his two 3-point attempts. Smooth stroke.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.