The Blue Devils take on the Wildcats at 6 p.m. at Madison Square Garden in the finals of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Before every basketball game, we’ll break down a player on each team who could be the difference-maker in the upcoming contest.
Duke: guard Quinn Cook
Cook had his highest scoring game since the season opener in the NIT semifinals against Alabama, pouring in 17 points. The Blue Devils’ offense elevates to a higher level when Cook is playing well, as he distributes to his teammates for open jumpers and easy dunks and layups in the paint. Furthermore, defenses cannot focus just on forwards Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood, whereas when Cook is not being aggressive Duke’s offense stagnates in the half-court. Finally, Cook, a capable defender, will be asked to guard Nick Johnson of the Wildcats, who averages 17.3 points per game on the season and scored 20 against Drexel in the semifinals. As much of a plus as Cook's offense is, his defense is even more vital to put the Blue Devils in a position to win.
Arizona: forward Aaron Gordon
Arizona’s phenom freshman would be an obvious X factor choice in any game, but his impact on the game will be even more pronounced against the Blue Devils. That is because the 6-foot-9 Gordon is a handful on the boards, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, an area where Duke has struggled mightily this year. The Blue Devils average 33 rebounds per game on the season, compared to 43 per game for the Wildcats. Gordon could have a big night taking advantage of an undersized front line that features athletic forwards Parker, Hoo, and Amile Jefferson, but no traditional big man
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.