Went to Duke's open practice Saturday morning.
Rodney Hood is clearly the best player on the team. He looks a legitimate 6'8. He can handle and he's a really good 3-point shooter. (Better than Ryan Kelly, I think.)
Jabari Parker is really good, but he's not an elite athlete. He had a couple chances to explode to the rim to finish a play, and he just can't. He's a good shooter but he's not Carmelo Anthony. He'll make plays though, perhaps in the middle of the 2-3 zone? Plus, he was sucking wind - more than any of his teammates. (He's been recovering from that broken foot forever...)
Amile Jefferson didn't look much bulkier than last year. He's a good finisher though and he'll benefit from playing with Hood and Parker.
I was disappointed in Sulaimon. I was expecting him to step up to an All American level. He still may, but he's battling Andre Dawkins for the 2G spot.
Do you all remember Dawkins? He sat out last year but he is an x-factor in any game. He can come in and hit 7 3's in 10 minutes. He looked good Saturday. He squares and releases quicker on his jumper than anyone I've seen here.
Quin Cook looks about the same. The offense will go through Hood and Parker this year, so his PG role will be different. But still, he's got a year of starting experience, you've got to respect his 3-point , and Coach K says his on the ball defense has improved.
Alex Murphy looked great Saturday ... but he always does in practice. He hasn't been able to do it in a game.
MP3 (the 3rd Plumlee) looked healthy (from foot injury) but he's not ready to contribute.
