Duke basketball 2013-14 player preview: Rodney Hood

Leading up to Duke basketball’s first game of the season Nov. 8 against Davidson, The Blue Zone will preview all the expected contributors on this 2013-2014 squad, beginning with the freshmen Monday and ending with the seniors and grad students Friday.

Rodney Hood

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• Year: Redshirt sophomore
• Height: 6-foot-8
• Position: Forward
• Last year's key statistics: redshirted after transferring from Mississippi State. 10.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG 2.0 APG as a freshman.

Game breakdown: After a very successful freshman season at Mississippi State, Rodney Hood will suit up for his first season with the Blue Devils dubbed as a complete player. At 6-foot-8, Hood has the ability to isolate players on the wing and take them down in the post. He can pop jumpers over you and create off the dribble to attack the basket. Hood, a lefty, can knife down the lane and finish at the rim with authority.

Spending the last year redshirting due to the NCAA's transfer rules, Hood spent most of his time working to improve as a perimeter defender. With his superior size and length, Hood has the ability to defend almost any position on the floor. He can guard the three, four or five, though will spend most of his time matched up on wing players when paired with Jabari Parker and Amile Jefferson on the floor.

If there's one word to describe Hood's game, it would be smooth. The fluidity with which he plays the game is astounding—even when is going at full speed he looks undeniably comfortable on the floor. Hood's long-awaited debut in Durham should be all it's cracked out to be, and a sight to see for Duke fans.

Role on the team: Along with Parker, Hood is expected to be the focal point on this year's Duke team. His abilities on both ends of the floor should lend itself well to the Blue Devils' new up-tempo playing style. Expect Hood to command the ball on offense and use his versatility to create on the perimeter and open space for his teammates.

Off the court, Hood was also voted a captain of this year's team, despite never having played a regular-season game in a Duke uniform. Hood's silent swagger along with the respect his teammates have for him make him one of the key cogs for the Blue Devils. Although Parker may continue to grow and overtake Hood as the team's top offensive talent, this team will only go as far as Hood does.

NBA comparison: With his size, length and versatility, Hood often resembles the Indiana Pacers' Danny Granger. His explosiveness and ability to get to the rack as well as knock down shots from outside is reminiscent of a number of the NBA's top wings. Hood will continue to add size and strength as he prepares his body for the next level.

Projected statline: 18.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 38% 3PFG

Check back later today for a preview of Quinn Cook.

Players we've already previewed: Jabari Parker, Matt Jones, Semi Ojeleye, Rasheed Sulaimon, Amile Jefferson, Marshall Plumlee, Alex Murphy