Haley Gorecki
Year: Redshirt-Senior
Height: 6-foot
Position: Guard
Last year’s statline: 17.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.6 SPG
Game Breakdown: Haley Gorecki can do it all. The combo-guard emerged as one of the best players in the ACC last season, leading the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Her impressive run made her just the third player in Duke history to register 500 points, 200 rebounds, 100 assists and 75 steals in a single season.
Gorecki is the go-to player for the Blue Devil offense, and she poses a lethal threat for opponents from the perimeter to the paint. The graduate student can create separation for herself and knock down three-pointers off dribble, and at times she can play off the ball and execute in catch-and-shoot situations as well. In addition to her deep range, Gorecki is a fierce driver who has the unique touch to finish heavily-contested shots around the rim.
The team captain is just as tenacious on the defensive end. Gorecki was the team's leading rebounder last season despite being the second-shortest player in the starting lineup. She is also a nightmare for opposing ball-handlers as her quick reactions and accurate instincts enable her to rack up steals and create fast break opportunities for the Blue Devils.
Role on the Team: The Palatine, Ill. native is the unequivocal leader on this team, and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award candidate will be heavily relied upon in her final year as a Blue Devil.
Gorecki has to establish a more organic connection with Miela Goodchild and Leaonna Odom, which is essential for Duke’s ball movement and floor spacing this season. If the Blue Devils want to go deep into the postseason, the veteran also needs to be more cautious with the ball and shoot at a more efficient rate. As Duke’s primary scorer, she shot a subpar 36.5 percent from the field last year and turned over the ball 3.6 times per contest.
Nevertheless, with the amount of progress Gorecki showcased over her past three seasons, there are plenty of reasons to be positive about her last collegiate campaign.
Projected Stats: 18.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
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