Wendell Carter Jr.
- Year: Freshman
- Height: 6-foot-11
- Position: Forward
- This year’s stat line: 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG
- The Blue Zone’s projected stat line: 9.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.3 APG
Season breakdown:
Entering the season as a top-five recruit, Wendell Carter Jr. established himself as one of the nation’s most dominant big men despite often being overshadowed by fellow freshman Marvin Bagley III in the early going.
Carter broke out of the gate with a dominant November. The Atlanta native tallied seven double-digit scoring games and five double-doubles over his first nine games. Carter especially showed up when his team needed him most. In four non-conference games against power-five opponents, Carter recorded three double-doubles including a 12-point, 12-rebound outburst against then-No. 2 Michigan State in the Champions Classic.
The six-foot-10 forward carried his dominance into conference play. Carter began a stretch of 19-consecutive double-digit scoring games on Dec. 9th against Boston College. Over that stretch, the freshman found his zone alongside Bagley. Carter accumulated 10 double-doubles on the season, including three 15-rebound performances.
Carter also stepped up during Bagley’s four-game absence due to a mild knee sprain. Carter averaged 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest in his absence, showing the capability to match up against the best big men in the nation.
Results relative to expectations:
Despite being a top-recruit, Carter managed to avert the spotlight for much of the season with Bagley’s decision to reclassify and join the Blue Devils prior to this season taking the attention of much of the media.
Carter instantly emerged as one of the nation’s best and humblest big men, bucking the trend of recent Duke freshman centers Marques Bolden and Chase Jeter struggling to find their rhythm.
The Atlanta native impressed with his ability to control the glass on the interior on both ends of the floor. Carter used his 260-pound frame to convert down low with high efficiency. The freshman also excelled defensively, quickly becoming the Blue Devils’ best shot blocker, averaging 2.1 blocks per game on the season.
Carter also fits the mold of a modern NBA player with his ability to convert from distance. The big man drained 41.3 percent of his 46 attempts from beyond the arc on the season, using his range to stretch the floor and exert his dominance on both ends of the floor.
Check back tomorrow for a review of Javin DeLaurier's season. The Blue Zone has already reviewed Grayson Allen, Marvin Bagley III and Marques Bolden's campaigns.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.