Duke women's basketball 2017-18 player preview: Kyra Lambert

Kyra Lambert

• Year: Junior
• Height: 5-foot-9
• Position: Guard
• Last year's statline: 7.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG

Game breakdown: In her first two years in Durham, Lambert has proven herself to be a steady floor general, but may not see much of the court this season. In Duke’s first round matchup in the NCAA tournament last season, Lambert tore her ACL and spent the summer rehabbing—now her status heading into the season is uncertain. A team spokesman said Lambert isn't necessarily expected to play this season. 

Last year, Lambert started in the backcourt alongside All-American Lexie Brown and primarily played off the ball after starting at point guard her freshman year. Lambert has proven that her reputation as a defender is well deserved. She has often guarded the opposing team’s best perimeter player, and with her quick feet and strong stance, has often frustrated them. Lambert also has the ability to go coast-to-coast with the ball off a rebound and emerged as a 3-point threat last season. 

Role on the team: Lambert’s largest role may come as a captain, with her injury likely forcing her to the bench for the majority of the season. Off the floor, Lambert can bring the team together, especially when fellow captains Brown and Rebecca Greenwell are frustrated. She'll also likely be leaned on to coach up freshmen guards Mikayla Boykin and Jayda Adams, who could be asked to step up into big roles quickly. 

If she can come back late in the regular season, though, she might be able to make an impact as a shutdown defender and secondary ball-handler, but will have to supplant Boykin, Adams and redshirt sophomore Haley Gorecki.

Projected Stats: 3.1 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG

Stay tuned with the Blue Zone for our continuing player previews with Erin Mathias tomorrow. Previous players previewed include Jade Williams, Jayda Adams, Madison Treece, Mikayla Boykin, Emily Schubert, Leaonna Odom, Sofia Roma, Haley Gorecki and Faith Suggs.