Duke women's basketball 2016-17 player preview: Kyra Lambert

Kyra Lambert

• Year: Sophomore
• Height: 5-foot-9
• Position: Guard
• Last year’s statline: 6.2 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG

Game Breakdown: Lambert is a quick point guard with a sharp eye for passing lanes and the ability to create off the dribble. She is a pass-first guard, looking to share the ball with her teammates and connect with other guards down the floor for transition baskets. The Cibolo, Texas, native can attack the paint well and finish strong at the rim for a player of her size.

Lambert started 23 of the Blue Devils' 32 games last season and scored in double figures six times, with four of these performances coming in losing efforts. Even against skilled opponents, Lambert can be counted on to step up with big games.

Although she rarely takes 3-pointers, Lambert can hit shots from long range when she is open and made 18 triples last season. She is an excellent ball handler and was one of only three Duke players that had more assists than turnovers last season. Lambert played the second most minutes on the team behind Rebecca Greenwell and averaged fewer than two giveaways per game.

Role on the Team: Lambert will be a key player this season on a guard-oriented, up-tempo Blue Devil team. She has the ability to affect any game with her speed and agility, and can be a facilitator with a lot of scorers surrounding her when she is running the fast break. Lambert will be able to protect the ball, get it down to the posts whenever they are open, and utilize the two threats Duke has on the wing with Greenwell and Lexie Brown.

She will also make a major impact on defense, as her court vision helps her get steals, which will help create more transition opportunities. After a strong freshman season, Lambert will be one of the leaders on a team with the potential to make some noise in the ACC.

Projected stats: 9.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.4 SPG