When Duke returned to practice this fall, Keturah Jackson and Brittany Mitch arrived with a year of college experience and four years of eligibility.
The two redshirt freshmen, who sat out last year due to injuries, are looking to apply last season's experience to this year.
Jackson, a Columbia, S.C. native, returns to the team after devoting her summer to rehabilitating her right ankle, which she injured at the end of last November. With the build-up of scar tissue and a chipped bone that needed to be removed, Jackson was forced to redshirt the season.
"I feel like right now that I'm about 80 to 85 percent," she said. "I feel like with more time, as we continue to practice, I'll get better."
Jackson's main concern about her return rests on defense, where she relies on fast reaction time and quick footwork to perform at her best. But Jackson is convinced that with the constant practice, her ankle will regain its strength.
After suffering a right hip labral tear, Mitch, like Jackson, sat out last season and preserved her eligibility.
"It's my dream to come here and to play for Duke, so getting a little taste of it and having it taken away, it was hard for me," Mitch said.
Head coach Gail Goestenkors is confident that the two will recover in time to contribute this fall.
"Brittany is going to be a major contributor," Goestenkors said. "She can play inside or out."
With a "guard mentality" combined with her 6-foot-2 frame, Mitch will present a unique challenge for tough ACC defenders.
Goestenkors is especially confident in Mitch's ability to play both forward and guard positions, and the coach believes Mitch and Jackson will help the Blue Devils utilize their high-low game.
"She's our best passer and has excellent vision," Goestenkors said of Mitch. "She's going to see some major minutes and push for a starting spot."
While Mitch looks to contribute more on offense, Jackson hopes to find her niche on defense and on the glass. With two of the top three rebounders from last year's team-Monique Currie and Mistie Williams-playing in the WNBA, Duke needs solid play from a good rebounding guard.
Jackson said her ability to pressure the ball and close passing lanes are two of her strongest skills -which is why returning her ankle to full-strength is so crucial.
Both Jackson and Mitch underscored the importance of their redshirt seasons, which not only gave them time to recuperate, but also to get a feel for the team, for what Goestenkors wanted, and what their roles would be.
From the bench, Jackson learned about Goestenkors' desire for her players to be aggressive, while Mitch took time to watch the play of Waner and Currie, noticing what worked for them and what did not.
It is unclear when the two will begin to compete with the starters for minutes, but their presence will give Duke more depth and versatility as the season progresses-particularly in a tough ACC and in preparation for an NCAA Tournament run.
"I can't wait for the games," Mitch said. "I can't wait to play in the games."
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