One of the players who will play a vital role for the Duke Blue Devils next season is Javin DeLaurier.  Firstly, he will be one of the most experienced players on the team and therefore will be counted on to teach newcomers the Duke way of doing things.

DeLaurier started in five games for the Blue Devils last season and he has played in 45 games in his previous two years at Duke.  As a junior, DeLaurier will take on a key role in the front court where Duke is losing both Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr, to the NBA.

Duke will have just three big men or post players on next seasons roster in DeLaurier, Marques Bolden and Antonio Vrankovic.  That is a stark departure from the riches they enjoyed a season ago.

Incoming freshman Cam Reddish and Zion Williamson will most certainly have their moments down low, but neither of them are considered a center type of player.  While Duke plays what is known as a positionless team by head coach Mike Krzyzewski; DeLaurier will be asked to guard players bigger than him at times.

So far, DeLaurier has career highs in 30 minutes against Clemson, 13 points against South Dakota and 11 rebounds versus Elon during his two-year career.  Just having some experience will lend as a valuable teacher to the younger players as they learn what the college game is about.

As a rising junior and an upperclassman, DeLaurier will establish yet another new role next season.  Duke will be taking a trip to Canada in August and it will be interesting to see how they blend five newcomers in with a handful of experienced players who are expected to play.

One of the players who should play a key role in the rotation on this seasons team will  no doubt be Javin DeLaurier.

The Key Factors for DeLaurier -

• Play under control.
• Cut down on turnovers.
• Continue to work on being a solid rebound guy.
• Work on becoming a better free throw shooter.

In closing, DeLaurier played 13 minutes per game a season ago, but knocked down just 22 of 42 free throw attempts.  On the other hand, he was 54 of 81 from the field which is a solid 67% clip showing he can clean things up around the rim.

With his athleticism, DeLaurier is capable of playing a larger role this season.  Much of that will depend on having chemistry with basically a new roster while demonstrating more consistent basketball habits.