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Duke and Gonzaga: Takeaways From Friday’s Showdown

Brian Paul
Duke and Gonzaga

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 26: Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero (5) guards Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren (34) during the Continental Tire Challenge college basketball game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Gonzaga Bulldogs on November 26, 2021, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

On Friday night, Las Vegas hosted a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown. Not in The Octagon or in a boxing ring; this time on the basketball court, as college powerhouses Duke and Gonzaga faced off. The hype the matchup received culminated in a sellout crowd of 20,389 inside T-Mobile Arena, and deservedly so. With both rosters loaded with future NBA talent, a thrilling competition from start to finish; this game had it all. Here are the biggest takeaways from #5 Duke’s 84-81 win over #1 Gonzaga.

Takeaways From Duke and Gonzaga’s Heavyweight Clash

Paolo Banchero Is That Guy

The biggest storyline surrounding the game was the matchup between projected top two picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren. While it was only one game, with plenty of time between now and draft night, Banchero looked like the better player on Friday. Banchero finished with 21 points (20 in the first half) on 8-17 shooting while adding five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 30 minutes of action.

Cramps hindered Banchero in the second half, but his blazing performance in the first half had fans and scouts alike enamored with how his skill-set would shine at the NBA level.

At 6’10” and 250lbs, Banchero has the size of trendy big forwards in the NBA with the ball-handling, speed, and control of an elite floor general. He uses his physicality well inside, such as on this and-one bucket against Chet Holmgren:

Paolo handles the ball well not just in transition, but in the half-court as well. This, combined with the all-around fluidity of his game, allows him to pull up and create his own shot off the dribble in isolation situations.

With his frame, athleticism, and skill set, Banchero looks ready for the NBA right now despite turning 19 just a few weeks ago. His performance caught all eyes, infatuating rebuilding NBA franchises with the idea of adding Banchero as another piece to their puzzle.

Chet Holmgren Still Played Well

Unicorn big, Chet Holmgren, had a great game that flew under the radar due to Banchero’s explosion. Holmgren racked up 16 points on 8-13 shooting while adding seven rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes of action.

Holmgren displayed nice touch working inside, knocking down one-legged fadeaway jumpers out of the post.

One of the top shot-blockers in the country with 3.4 blocks per game, Holmgren showcased his elite rim protection on the other end as well. Sporting a 7’6” wingspan, Holmgren knows how to use his extraordinary length to challenge opponents without fouling.

It’s impossible to have a discussion about Holmgren without concern about his lack of strength and wiry frame. Holmgren fell to the floor often and it could be an issue for him early at the next level. All in all, while this game was not one of Holmgren’s best, he still showed enough to show why he is considered a top-two talent in next year’s draft.

Plenty of Future NBA Talent on the Floor

Outside of Banchero and Holmgren, Duke and Gonzaga still featured great players with strong performances on Friday that could make it to the NBA.

Mark Williams

Duke center, Mark Williams, was one of those players and was arguably the most impactful player on the floor throughout the entire game. The 19-year old sophomore finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in 28 minutes.

Williams plays with high energy and power on both ends of the floor. He fits the bill of athletic, rim-running, and rim-protecting centers (Clint Capela, Daniel Gafford, etc.) that have become popular in the modern NBA with their vertical superiority on both ends. Currently projected as a late 1st to 2nd round pick, Williams could see his stock rise with more performances like Friday’s.

Wendell Moore Jr.

Duke’s captain and MVP of the game, junior wing, Wendell Moore Jr., put his well-rounded game on display with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 38 minutes.

Moore’s game has taken a big jump, becoming a consistent force for the Blue Devils on both ends of the floor. With averages of 17.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, Moore has the versatile wing skill-set that NBA teams covet and pay premiums for. He has the size (6’5 w/ a 6’10” wingspan) to defend multiple positions on defense, while also being comfortable with the ball on offense, especially when attacking and finishing inside. 

Continuing his strong start to his junior season could lock Moore in as a first-round prospect if he enters the Draft.

Julian Strawther

For Gonzaga, sophomore guard, Julian Strawther, had a team-high 20 points on 8-16 shooting while knocking down 3-7 three-pointers. Strawther is a terrific shooter with NBA range, converting 47.2 percent of his three-point attempts while taking 5.1 per game. He was also active on the glass on Friday, notching 10 rebounds. Big wings who can shoot as well as Strawther (6’7”) will always have a place in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how he continues to shine on a Gonzaga roster loaded with talent.

 

A Rematch Would be Welcomed by All Basketball Fans

Friday’s game was a thrilling affair that featured two teams many expect to compete for a National Championship this season. The Gonzaga Bulldogs are coming off a National Championship loss to Baylor during last year’s tournament, while Duke is looking to bounce back after a disappointing season in which they missed the tournament altogether. The energy inside T-Mobile Arena was palpable throughout the game’s broadcast; a Duke and Gonzaga rematch with high stakes on college basketball’s biggest stage down the line would be a treat for these powerhouses, and basketball fans throughout the country.

Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images

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