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About David Duke
• David Duke is a big guard with a strong frame whose improved consistency as a shot-maker helped him lift Providence for stretches as a junior. Widely regarded as one of the top-50 prospects in the high school class of 2018 following his senior year at Cushing Academy (MA), Duke scored 7.1 points per game starting every game as a true freshman, but steadily grew into one of the better guards in the Big East over his three seasons under head coach Ed Cooley. Averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists as a junior, Duke earned All-Big East 2nd Team honors.
• Listed at 6-foot-5 with a strong 205-pound frame to go along with very good length, Duke has an impressive frame for a player who played primarily on the ball last season. Able to play above the rim and even catch an occasional lob in space, he is more strong than he is especially explosive athletically.
• Serving as Providence’s first-option, Duke created extensively for himself and others out of ball screens, was aggressive looking to score one-on-one, and got shots up in a variety of ways out of the Friars’ motion. Making shots at a strong rate off the dribble, Duke’s ability to stop and pop stood out for stretches last season. Finding mixed results finishing around the rim and dealing with pressure, Duke nonetheless carried the Friars for stretches with his ability to make shots and the simple play as a passer.
• Possessing the length and physicality to guard multiple positions and be a factor on the glass, Duke had some strong moments defensively when he was aggressive last season.
Advanced Stats
• After showing significant growth as a floor spacer as a sophomore, Duke did much of his damage as a junior with his pull-up jumper. Playing on the ball far more often than he did as an underclassman, Duke shouldered a significant shot creating burden, but also regularly saw touches running off screens, receiving hand offs, and even posting up within the Friars’ half court sets.
• Scoring 0.93 points per jump shot in the half court [54th percentile], Duke was prolific off the dribble but was effective in spot up situations when sliding off the ball as well. Proving far more effective from beyond the arc than in the midrange and with his feet set than running off screens, Duke is an aggressive shooter with somewhat unorthodox mechanics, but a reliable release. More decisive than shifty with his dribble, his size helped him get his shot off after creating space with pull-backs and side-steps.
• Taking the ball strong to the rim in spots and showing some ability to change speeds to get downhill, Duke averaged 0.74 points per perimeter shot in the half court [7th percentile]. Looking somewhat rushed when trying to finish in traffic while still looking for a comfort level against pressure on the perimeter, he still has room to grow as a slasher.
• Proving opportunistic in the open floor and doing a very nice job making the simple play as a passer, Duke had some positive moments as a finisher and a decision-maker.
• Ranked 1st in the Big East in isolation scoring (1.9 points per game)
• Ranked 3rd in the Big East in transition scoring (3.8 points per game)
• Ranked 4th in the Big East in pick and roll scoring (4.2 points per game)
Defensive Analysis
• Possessing quick hands and a strong frame, Duke was a factor pursuing deflections and ranked among the top rebounding guards in the country last season.
• Proving more disciplined on the ball and consistent off it sometimes than others, he held his own for the most part as a junior, but still has room to take better angles and show more urgency fighting through screens.
— Profile by Synergy Sports
