Lyneé Belton
- Year: Redshirt sophomore
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Position: Center
- Last year’s statline: 2.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.6 APG
Game Breakdown: Belton is a true center offensively and can be a skilled finisher when she gets the ball in the low post. The Clinton, Md., native had her best game of the season last year against Massachusetts, when she reached double figures in scoring for the only time of the season with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field. Belton also pulled down three boards per game in just 10.6 minutes per contest. Although she is a talented offensive threat, Belton is sometimes a step slow on defense and picked up four fouls on two occasions last season with just two blocks all year.
Belton has also been injury prone for much of her career, earning a medical redshirt after tearing her ACL two years ago, an injury which kept her out for the start of last season. After appearing in 20 games, a torn meniscus sidelined her for Duke's final six games of the year.
Role on the Team: Belton appears ready to step into a major role in the post this year if she can stay healthy for the first time of her career. In last Sunday's Blue-White scrimmage, she scored 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting and led all players with 10 rebounds. The Blue Devils will need a post presence to fill the void left by the departure of 6-foot-6 Azurá Stevens, and Belton could team up with senior Oderah Chidom to form a veteran tandem in the interior. Frontcourt depth may be where Duke is weakest this year, and Belton will have to handle a higher workload and stay out of foul trouble when she is on the floor.
Projected stats: 5.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.8 APG
Stay tuned to the Blue Zone for our continuing player previews with redshirt sophomore Lyneé Belton tomorrow. Previous players previewed include Leaonna Odom, Haley Gorecki, Faith Suggs, Crystal Primm and Kyra Lambert.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.