As basketball season approaches, the Blue Zone provides a detailed preview of each player on Duke men's basketball's 2024-25 roster. First up is Rice transfer Cameron Sheffield:
Cameron Sheffield
Year: Graduate student
Height: 6-foot-6
Position: Guard/forward
2022-23 stat line: 7.6 PPG, 1.3 APG , 6.1 RBG (redshirted 2023-24 due to injury)
Game breakdown: Cameron Sheffield joins Duke after three solid seasons at Rice, where he evolved into a key contributor known for his hustle, rebounding and shooting efficiency. After sitting out the 2023-24 season due to a foot injury, Sheffield now brings valuable experience to a young Duke roster that includes six freshmen. At 6-foot-6, his versatility allows him to defend multiple positions and contribute as both a guard and forward, offering head coach Jon Scheyer a variety of ways to use him in team rotations.
Sheffield’s strengths are his rebounding and 3-point shooting, for which he averaged 37.3% percent in his last active season. His physicality gives him a reliable presence on defense, and his catch-and-shoot ability makes him a legitimate floor spacer for the Blue Devils. While not an on-ball creator, Sheffield is adept at moving without the ball, creating open shots on the perimeter and playing off of Duke’s primary playmakers such as junior guard Tyrese Proctor.
As he adjusts to ACC competition, Sheffield’s defensive versatility and hustle will complement his shooting. His presence will also give Duke an edge in transition, with his ability to rebound and run the floor. While his offensive game may not center around playmaking or slashing, Sheffield’s role as a reliable shooter and rebounder will certainly make him a strong option for the Blue Devils.
Role on the team: One word to describe Duke’s roster this year is “crowded.” It's unlikely that Sheffield will see significant court time right away given the Blue Devils’ depth of talent, including key returners like Caleb Foster and standout freshmen like Cooper Flagg. Though Sheffield brings valuable experience and versatility, he’s joining a stacked lineup, and his role may initially be more limited as he adjusts to playing at the ACC level. If he demonstrates strong rebounding and hustle, he could earn minutes, but Sheffield will likely serve as a rotational player unless injuries or matchups shift the lineup.
NBA comparison: Sheffield is not a player who will light up the scoreboard like some flashy offensive wings. His play style is akin to that of current Milwaukee Buck Jae Crowder, who excels in spacing the floor, offers solid perimeter defense and contributes across various facets of the game without demanding the ball. While Crowder is known for his toughness and defensive prowess, Sheffield has shown promise in those areas and possesses the work ethic needed to make key plays when it matters most.
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