Tonight, a struggling Miami team led by star guard Isaiah Wong look to end a 4-game losing streak against the rolling Blue Devils. Duke, captained by highly touted forward tandem of Matthew Hurt and Jalen Johnson look to keep pace with the selection committee as their eyes are set on March.
In a historically Duke dominated ACC clash, the undermanned Miami Hurricanes look to play spoiler tonight in an attempt to derail the Blue Devil’s quest for March. This conference battle is sure to be enjoyable for all Duke fans and the exact opposite for the Hurricanes fanbase, who have witnessed a multitude of different starting lineups due to injury and player departure. Duke is on a 2-game win streak in which they bludgeoned a 10-4 Clemson team by 26 points. The Hurricanes are likely to suffer a similar fate Monday evening, the silver lining for all college basketball fans, is that three legitimate NBA prospects faceoff on ESPN. These three prospects are, Miami’s G Isaiah Wong and Duke’s Matthew Hurt and Jalen Johnson. A betting man can sleep soundly knowing at very least 1 of these 3 young men will move onto having a successful NBA career. Don’t be surprised if all of these young men, in some capacity, featured in the NBA next year even if they do not all walk the stage on November 18th.
Duke Blue Devils: As stated above, the Blue Devils have found their groove and have solidified a very dangerous rotation. At the front of everyone’s mind is Duke’s dangerous forward duo, Hurt and Johnson, whom are averaging a combined 30.7 ppg while also dominating the glass on both ends. Though many believe that these two young men are the teams keys to victory (with good reason) it is clear that Duke’s guard play can also be given a share of the credit for the teams quality performances over the past few games. Steward, Goldwire, and Roach are combining for just under 30 ppg and are a 3 headed nightmare for opposing guards. A nightmare on both ends of the floor, the trio is also averaging a stifling 4 steals a game. Keep an eye out for this Duke team if they sneak into the field of 68 on Selection Sunday. Originally ranked 5th in the country, they can certainly be a disruption come tournament time as an under-seeded powerhouse with unstoppable momentum.
Matthew Hurt: Hurt has all the potential to be a deadeye stretch 4 at the next level. For his size his impressive mobility makes him a tough cover for the average 4. He is extremely crafty around the basket and has a floater that I am sure drives the 7-footers crazy. He shoots the long ball very well averaging above 44%. Hurt can create space to get his jump shot off when needed making him a swiss army knife on the offensive end of the floor. Currently scoring 18.7ppg while shooting 53% from the field and hauling in just under 8rebs, he continues to make his case as one of the best big men in the country. The only cause for concern with Hurt’s game is that he lacks lateral quickness to stay in front of the smaller defenders when he needs to make the switch. Also for his height he does not have the greatest length or strength that is often needed at the 4 position at the next level. Due to his elite shooting ability, Hurt has a great chance to have a long successful career in the league if he works on his strength and defensive skills moving forward. At his current pace, expect to hear Hurt’s name called somewhere in the middle of the second round (pick 33-52).
Jalen Johnson: 5-star athlete Jalen Johnson is having a impressive freshman campaign as expected for the Duke Blue Devils. Averaging 12pts, 7.4 reb, 2.4 ast per game, Johnson has an elite ability to get to the basket at will and with his size and strength can and will finish with authority above the rim in the half court. When out on the break his good ball handling, court vision and basketball IQ allow for him to be both the break starter or finisher. His athleticism, lateral quickness and ability to score from all over the court draws many comparisons to a fellow Blue Devil, Jabari Parker. With all the positives there is room for improvement. In order to succeed in the pros he will need to work on his outside touch and and more importantly as a slasher. Additionally, he will need to improve his percentages at the free throw line. Keep a look out for him tonight and for the rest of the season, Johnson will certainly walk the stage in November and should be a middle of the lottery selection.
Miami Hurricanes: The Miami Hurricanes, this season, have dealt with losing players to injuries and transfer. In their most recent game against Florida State, Jim Larrañaga and staff were only be able to play six scholarship players. This season there has been very little to cheer for as the Hurricanes have been at the bottom of the ACC standings for most of the year. Only having a better conference record than a 3 win Boston College team, Miami has no hope to be apart of the field of 68 or the NIT come March. One bright spot for this team is the one and only Isaiah Wong, their “one man show” at point guard.
Isaiah Wong: Sophomore guard Isaiah Wong is a tenacious basket attacker. Wong’s ability to finish at the basket and just flat out score makes him a deadly prospect coming out of Miami. He is a tireless raw talent who can go out there and get you a bucket in crunch time. He no issue taking a bump at rim which can help him at the next level where every trip through the lane may end up with you on the floor. In order for Wong to excel on the big stage he will need to develop a more consistent long ball and field goal percentage. He is currently shooting just above 31% from deep which draws concern but with more time in the gym the potential is there. Definitely keep your eyes peeled for him to go off the board in the late second round or get scooped up as an undrafted free agent in 2021. However, if he returns to Miami for another year Wong has the upside and skillset to move up the board to a mid to late 1st round pick (2022).
Prediction: Duke 78 – Miami 69