NBA Draft: Duke's Dariq Whitehead Hitting Stride in Conference Play

When discussing Montverde’s high school basketball dynasty, which consists of six national championships in the last decade, Dariq Whitehead has to be one of the first names to come up.

In a list consisting of NBA stars such as Ben Simmons, Cade Cunningham, D’Angelo Russell and many more, this may seem like a reach. But the 6-foot-6 wing was on the team for four years, and led them to the promise land in his senior season.

After winning multiple awards for being the nation’s best high school player last year, Whitehead entered the 2023 draft cycle as a top-five prospect for many. The combination of bullet-like slashing and diverse shot-making he displayed at his size was undoubtedly enticing. However, he was forced to miss the beginning of Duke’s season while recovering from foot surgery.

When the freshman did finally debut though, he initially played very poorly. In his first eight games he averaged under six points per game on putrid shooting splits.

But recently, he’s been able to really integrate himself into the squad. Over his last three games, now with an increased role, he’s averaged an efficient 14.3 points while shooting nearly 40% in six attempts from deep per contest. These makes aren’t just spot-ups, either. The New Jersey native has mixed in some difficult shots off-the-dribble and off of movement as well. With his legs under him, Whitehead is finally exhibiting the versatile shot-making ability that has helped define him as a player.

Additionally, he’s been far better at using his athletic tools to get shots up at the rim. In his last three outings, he’s made six total field goals at the rim, just one less than he made during his first eight games.

His flagrant scoring potential is on full display in the clips below. From his thunderous drives to his smooth pull-up J's, it’s easy to envision him as a star scorer at the next level.

Dariq Whitehead appears to be moving better and getting more comfortable as he's returning from injury. Had some exciting moments as a finisher and shot maker vs FSU. A skill and strength rim finish + a couple of rhythm 3 pointers (one OTD step back and a c/s). pic.twitter.com/BMLTuPu3lq
— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) January 2, 2023

While his legs have been under him more on jumpers and he’s been more explosive when attacking, he’s still not all the way back physically. It’s clear to see in his current sub-optimal lateral movement on defense, and he still isn’t getting quite his normal lift when pulling up.

After their underwhelming start, Duke will need Whitehead to continue his upwards trend until he’s fully healthy. The idealized version of the dynamic wing at the college level is a two-way 20 point per game scorer, which is what many hoped he would be coming into the season. If he continues his steady rise, the Blue Devil could live up to these preseason expectations, and reclaim his draft position near the top.

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