Duke Freshmen Star at Countdown

Four newcomers score close to half of points in scrimmage

Duke unveiled its 2019-20 team at the annual Countdown to Craziness pep rally and scrimmage.

It was the first chance for the public to see the Blue Devils’ freshman class, and the newcomers dominated the scoring in the Blue-White scrimmage. The four freshmen scored 47 of the 85 points scored in the 20-minute game.

Center Vernon Carey Jr. led all scorers with 15 points, showing a nice array of post moves, all of which he learned since arriving at Duke. Coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Carey had literally never played the low post in high school.

He’s a quick study, hitting seven of his 10 shots, including a three pointer, to lead the victorious Blue Team.

Fellow Blue teammate Cassius Stanley was the game’s second high scorer with 12 points, scored on a variety of athletic moves to the hoop.

Freshman forward Wendell Moore scored 11 for the White, leading the team with three steals. Matthew Hurt had nine points.

Among the returning veterans, Justin Robinson earned praise from Coach K. The former walk-on has earned a spot in the rotation for his senior year. He had six points, four rebounds and three blocks, including two of point guard Tre Jones, who finished just 1-of-10 from the field.

Alex O’Connell led the veterans with 11 points.

Several recruits were in attendance, including senior big man Hunter Dickinson and juniors Paolo Banchero and AJ Griffin.

The three spent much of the scrimmage talking to Coach K, while Duke assistants ran the two teams. They then crossed the floor to join the Cameron Crazies after the crowd chanted the request to “sit with us.”