Jack White: "We really just want to defend and run-go at people"

Senior captain Jack White has been impressed with Duke’s freshman class and couldn’t come up with a favorite.

White praised the defense of Wendell Moore, who also earned praise from Coach K for his ability to defend four positions, if necessary.

“Wendell is just pure defensively and can get to the bucket using strength,” he said.

White had praise for Vernon Carey Jr. and Cassius Stanley.

“Vernon is just unstoppable some days,” White said of Moore’s fellow freshmen. “Cassius is just jumping out of the gym. He’s really improved as a shooter. His playmaking ability stood out for me from him.”

White is also excited about getting point guard Tre Jones back for a second year.

“That’s big time,” he said. “Everybody loves Tre. He’s one of the best point guards in the country.”

Jones will be sharing the captain’s C with White and Javin DeLaurier. The latter two were captains last year, while Jones was a freshman.

“I’m really confident in his leadership role on this team,” White said of Jones. “I’m really excited to see the steps that he’s made.”

Duke could have a slightly different look this year, without Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett.

“Maybe just because we have more balance,” White said. “Maybe we’ll play more defense, get out in transition more. I feel like we have a lot of great shooters. We can make space and get to the rim.”

“We really just want to defend and run,” White said. “Go at people and be the best defensive team in the nation.”