Duke's late-season slump may have dropped it to fourth in the ACC standings, but the Blue Devils managed a near sweep in conference awards.
Sophomore point guard Tre Jones took home ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, while freshman center Vernon Carey Jr. was named Rookie of the Year, as announced by the conference office Monday morning. Both Carey and Jones also earned a spot on the All-ACC first-team, while guard Cassius Stanley joins Carey on the All-Freshman team. Jones headlines the All-Defensive team as well.
Jones' 16.2 points, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game all ranked among the top six in the conference, but his impact outside of the box score in clutch shotmaking and lockdown perimeter defense is the true driver behind his awards.
Carey's 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game were both the highest mark from any freshman in the conference, resulting in a nearly unanimous Rookie of the Year vote.
The trio of honored Blue Devils will have a chance at an ACC tournament title later this week in the conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C.
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