Pittsburgh, PA – The talented Duke Blue Devils utilized the combination of balanced scoring and stifling defense to avenge last weekend’s loss to NC State by steamrolling Pitt 87-52. The Blue Devils had six players score in double-figures, led by freshman phenom Marvin Bagley III, who tallied 16 points to go along with 15 rebounds. All five starters for Duke scored at least 10 points. Pitt’s Jared Wilson-Frames led the Panthers in scoring, notching a game-high 17 points.
Bagley is an uber-talented, long, athletic, inside-out four man who is a great finisher at the rim through contact with either hand. At 6-11, 235 lbs. Bagley plays with a high motor, rebounds very well out of his area, and is a relentless, elite offensive rebounder (9 off. rebounds tonight). He has both back to the basket ability and three point range. While he has decent form and a sound shooting motion, he struggles with consistency both from the outside and at the line (2-of-9 FT’s). Bagley has the ability to start the break in transition, take the ball coast to coast and finish, and is athletic and quick-footed enough to switch onto guards defensively. He displays a nice feel for the game and knows when and how to pass out of a double team.
Marvin Bagley III
Pitt’s Wilson-Frames is a strong, physical player whose greatest strength is his slashing ability. He has a compact frame and uses his strength to get downhill and finish strong-side drives and the rim. Wilson-Frames does have solid passing vision and facilitating ability, but is much more comfortable as a scoring guard. He has good form and shooting motion on his jumper, but struggles with consistent accuracy from three and tends to be a volume shooter. Wilson-Frames is a solid on-ball defender, but has the potential to be a lockdown defender with the proper commitment.
Duke’s freshmen backcourt of Trevon Duval and Gary Trent, scored 14 points each and both were efficient in shooting the ball. Duval is an athletic, slashing point guard with above average passing ability and court vision. Duval on the season has been subpar from beyond the arc, however he displayed solid shooting technique and motion when his feet are set and he was 3-of-5 from distance. Additionally, Duval is an elite strong side driver with a quick first step, explosiveness, and the ability to finish at the rim. Trent is a 6-6 guard with the ability to play either guard spot (or even the 3 in college). He is an above average three-point shooter, and is also well adept at penetrating the lane and finishing with floaters and runners. Because of his penetrating ability, Trent is also able to find open shooters and distribute the ball to his teammates. Trent knocked down a few mid-range shots tonight, including a step-back off the bounce over a defender. Trent also has the physical tools to be a really good on-ball defender as well.
Reserve big man Kene Chukwuka played well off the bench for Pitt. In 23 minutes, the 6-9 sophomore scored eight points on 3-of-3 shooting, grabbed four offensive rebounds, registered a block and an assist, and connected on both of his three-point attempts. Chukwuka has good form when his feet are set, he crashes the offensive glass, and plays with a high energy level.
The Blue Devils will look to win consecutive games when they host Wake Forest on Saturday at noon. The Panthers, who are still seeking their first ACC win, host Georgia Tech the same day.
This article was written by Nate Toth, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout certification program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
