The depth of the men's basketball team was on display in Saturday's annual Blue-White scrimmage, during which the Blue Devils gave fans a taste of the upcoming season, as the Blue team defeated the White squad, 80-73.
Leading scorers for the Blue team were Shavlik Randolph and Lee Melchionni, with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Other members of the team included Michael Thompson, J.J. Redick, Chris Duhon, Andy Borman and Andy Means.
The White team was led by highly touted freshman Luol Deng, who poured in 18 points. Nick Horvath, Shelden Williams, Daniel Ewing and Sean Dockery also started for the White. Patrick Davidson and Patrick Johnson received limited action off the bench.
"Every single guy that was in the game did something well," assistant coach Johnny Dawkins said. "Especially the Blue team in the first half rebounded well. They got a lot of second shots."
Although the Blue team dominated the first half, amassing a nine-point lead, Deng was impressive for the White squad. He scored 11 points and was 4-for-5 from the field, nailing both of his 3-point attempts.
"Luol is one of the most talented basketball players I've ever been around as far as his athletic ability," Randolph said. "He's always making a play on the ball just because he's so long and he's got a great touch around the basket and great footwork."
With 90 seconds left on the clock, Deng limped off the court with a cramp in his leg.
"He cramps up after workouts sometimes," Duhon said. "But he's fine. It's nothing serious."
Duhon looked at ease on the court, using the talent around him to collect 10 assists on the night. He also dropped in 12 points, shooting an efficient five for seven.
"I'm more comfortable with [my teammates]," Duhon said. "I have a better feel for how each guy is going to play. I can find these guys and they do a great job of putting it in the basket."
Among Duhon's impressive dishes was a spectacular over-the-shoulder, no-look pass to a cutting Melchionni, who finished off the play with a jam. Melchionni, who had limited playing time last year, came back this season much improved.
"Lee worked so hard over the summer," Randolph said. "He's always been really good, and he didn't have that much of a chance to show it last year, but I'm glad he's finally showing [his talent] to the public. His work is paying off."
Randolph, who put on some weight this off-season, proved Saturday night that he can still shoot, but has the added advantage of presence in the paint.
"[Randolph's weight gaining] has made him a much stronger player, much more versatile player," Dawkins said. "He plays inside now and defensive teams can't get comfortable outside."
Coming out of the second half, the White team went on a 13-0 run, led by Horvath and Ewing. Ewing's defensive presence resulted in a steal and breakaway lay-up, and Horvath added a couple of three pointers to even the score.
Though the score remained close for most of the second half, Redick sealed a win for the Blue team with a three over the outstretched arms of Deng.
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