Duke had two players average more than 17 points per game last year and neither of them is back. Still, the Blue Devils were picked to win the ACC in 2013-14, thanks to a strong supporting class returning and some key newcomers added to the mix.
Duke Blue Devils roster 2013-14: Duke again leads the pack in the ACC
The Blue Devils lost their two leading scorers from last year, but bring in elite freshmen and a key transfer to fill the gaps.
Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE
Freshman Jabari Parker is the most notable of the new faces in Durham. The forward was named the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year and looks to live up to his billing as one of the best freshmen in the country. Matt Jones and Semi Ojeleye join Parker in Duke’s freshman class, while the Blue Devils also bring in Mississippi State transfer Rodney Hood. Hood sat out last year but has already been named a captain on this year’s team.
Projected Starters:
Quinn Cook, Guard, Jr.: The Oak Hill junior has the chance to be one of the top point guards in the ACC this season and is one of the Blue Devils’ most experienced players. Though he looks to pass first -- he averaged nearly four assists per game last year -- Cook can also fill the scoring column quickly. He knocked down 55 shots from beyond the arc last year.
Rasheed Sulaimon, Guard, So.: Sulaimon lived up to they hype last year as a coveted freshman by averaging more than 11 points per game. He’ll be called upon to do even more this year to make up for the departure of Seth Curry, who was one of the best scoring guards in the nation.
Jabari Parker, Forward, Fr.: Parker is Mike Krzyzewski’s latest prize recruit. The Chicago native comes to Duke as the two-time Gatorade state Player of the Year after averaging over 18 points and 10 rebounds as a senior at Simeon. His stay in Durham will likely be short, but that doesn’t mean he can’t leave a winning legacy at one of college basketball’s most prestigious programs.
Rodney Hood, Forward, So.: When we last saw Hood on the basketball court, he was enjoying a rookie season at Mississippi State that earned him a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman team. He’s a lefty with a consistent shooting touch that allowed him to put up double figures in 2011-12. Despite never having played a game for Duke, he was named to the preseason All-ACC first team.
Amile Jefferson, Forward, So.: Jefferson didn’t have the strongest freshman year, but he figures to be a major factor for the Blue Devils this season. He hopes to give Duke plenty of second chances by gobbling up offensive rebounds inside. He started seven games last year and will probably start many more this year.
Off the bench:
Tyler Thornton, Guard, Sr.
Alex Murphy, Forward, So.
Matt Jones, Guard, Fr.
Josh Hairston, Forward, Sr.
Semi Ojeleye, Forward, Fr.
Andre Dawkins, Guard, Gr.
Marshall Plumlee, Center, So.
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