Javin DeLaurier
Year: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-10
Position: Forward
This year’s statline: 3.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.6 BPG
The Blue Zone’s projected statline: 7.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
Season breakdown:
Despite limited playing time his freshman year, DeLaurier proved the asset he could be to the team this season, when the Blue Devils struggled defensively. Averaging 12 minutes a game—five more than he did in the 2016-2017 season—DeLaurier brought energy off the bench for Duke.
While DeLaurier didn’t contribute much offensively with Duke’s offensive game this season was centered around freshman forward Marvin Bagley III, the 231-pound Shipman, Va. native was quick to contribute on defense, whether that be in the form of hustle, rebounds, or athleticism.
He had top performances against opponents such as then-No. 11 Clemson, when he played a career high 30 minutes and came down with 10 rebounds to help lead the Blue Devils to a 66-57 victory. He and Marques Bolden were ready to assist the team when big men Bagley and Wendell Carter Jr. got into foul trouble, proving his worth as a talented defender in the paint.
Results relative to expectations:
DeLaurier fulfilled the role that was expected of him this season, with head coach Mike Krzyzewski praising his ability to bring liveliness to Blue Devil play and a hustle that was sometimes lacking. The sophomore was never expected to make big baskets or be a threat from beyond the arc. The team relied on DeLaurier to do his job as a competitive defender on the court, which he did. He also proved a viable option for when the starting big men needed a break, allowing for Duke to utilize a deeper bench than in past years.
While there was an expectation that DeLaurier was going to play a bigger role offensively, as well as collect more boards, Bagley III and Carter Jr.’s ability to play while in foul trouble didn’t allow DeLaurier to see the flour as much as he could have. Expect DeLaurier to potentially play big minutes and be a vital player off the bench his junior year.
Check back tomorrow for a review of Alex O'Connell's season. The Blue Zone has already reviewed Grayson Allen, Marvin Bagley III, Marques Bolden and Wendell Carter Jr.'s campaigns.
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