The Duke basketball team has had a relatively smooth season thus far. Barring their loss to Kentucky, the main concern has been cramping, and their opponents have struggled to match the athleticism and physicality of the Blue Devils, resulting in three decisive victories. However, this week presents a different scenario as the No. 12 Duke takes on the No. 17 Arizona and No. 1 Kansas on Friday and Tuesday respectively. Additionally, their rotation is expected to expand in these games.

Duke Basketball's Road to Success and Challenges

The Impact of Cramping

The Duke basketball team's experience with cramping this season has been a notable aspect. It has affected their performance in certain games, but they have managed to overcome it and secure victories. The ability of their opponents to deal with the team's physicality has been a key factor. For example, in their recent games against Maine, Army, and Wofford, the players showed resilience despite the cramping issues. This has demonstrated the team's mental toughness and ability to adapt on the court.

The Role of Freshmen

Prized freshmen Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris have yet to be fully integrated into the main rotation. In their limited minutes against Maine, Army, and Wofford, they have shown glimpses of their potential. However, in the lone loss, their absence was clearly felt in the second half. Multiple players looked tired due to the heavy minutes and frantic pace. This has left a big question mark as the team prepares to face Arizona. Jon Scheyer needs to find a way to give these freshmen more playing time and see if they can make an impact. Isaiah Evans, in particular, with his slim build but gifted offensive skills, averaging 6.7 points in limited playing time and shooting at impressive percentages, could be a game-changer.

Key Matchups and Strategies

The upcoming matchups against Arizona and Kansas are crucial for the Duke team. Against Arizona, they need to exploit the weaknesses of the Wildcat defense. The Badgers' performance against Arizona, surrendering 103 points on the road with high shooting percentages, gives Duke an idea of the potential. The key players of the Blue Devils will play a vital role in determining the outcome of these games. It's time to see if players like Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, or Patrick Ngongba II can make a significant impact this season. Scheyer needs to make strategic decisions about when to bring these players into the game and how they can contribute. Whether it's providing a jolt of energy or adding a different dimension to the team's offense, these freshmen have the potential to make a difference.