Duke basketball: Updated starting lineup predictions for Blue Devils

The projected Duke basketball starting lineup for 2020-2021.

The offseason is long in the world of college basketball, but this year is especially long thanks to the coronavirus-related cancellation of the NCAA Tournament. That cancellation also marked the end of Duke’s season and along with it the college careers of Tre Jones, Vernon Carey and Cassius Stanley.

There were quite a few options for the starting lineup that Mike Krzyzewski had to work with, but let’s look at the latest projection of his starting five. We’ll begin with the point guard spot.

Duke’s point guard: Jeremy Roach

Losing Jones hurts the Blue Devils, who saw him become a true leader in his sophomore season. There is no proven point guard on the roster right now but the guy with the clearest path to the lineup is Roach, an incoming freshman.

A five-star recruit out of Leesburg, VA, Roach should fit right in thanks to his incredible ability to make plays. In a lineup filled with talented players who demand touches Roach should be an excellent facilitator.

Roach also has a very good jump shot and is capable of scoring off the catch as well as when he puts the ball on the deck. Expect to see the Blue Devils incorporate ball screens to give Roach open looks at the basket and make use of his ridiculous athleticism.