Duke's Reloaded Roster Shines in Dominant Exhibition Victory

The Duke Blue Devils basketball team showcased its revamped roster in a convincing 107-56 exhibition win over Lincoln (Pa.) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Led by a standout performance from projected 2025 NBA Draft top pick Cooper Flagg, the seventh-ranked Blue Devils displayed their depth and talent as they prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Unleashing a New Era of Blue Devil Dominance

Flagg's Flawless Debut

Cooper Flagg, the highly touted 6-foot-9 freshman, lived up to the hype in his Duke debut. The projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft showcased his all-around skills, scoring a team-high 22 points and adding four blocks. Despite early foul trouble, Flagg still managed to contribute 13 points, six assists, and three blocks in just 13 minutes of action, helping the Blue Devils take a commanding 56-34 lead at halftime. Flagg capped off his impressive performance with a thunderous one-handed dunk on a lob from teammate Maliq Brown.

Knueppel's Perimeter Prowess

Another highly touted freshman, Kon Knueppel, displayed his pure shooting stroke, knocking down five 3-pointers in the first half alone. Known for his exceptional shooting ability, Knueppel finished the game with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists. His highlight-reel moment came when he threw down a vicious one-handed dunk over a Lincoln defender, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

Proctor's Sixth-Man Spark

Despite his extensive experience at Duke, junior guard Tyrese Proctor came off the bench against Lincoln (Pa.). However, Proctor made the most of his reserve role, scoring 19 points, including 15 in the first half. Proctor's performance was highlighted by his ability to get to the free-throw line, where he made 5-of-6 attempts, and his timely 3-point shooting, knocking down two triples in the final two minutes to help the Blue Devils pull away.

Maluach's Rebounding Dominance

Duke's 7-foot-2 center, Khaman Maluach, was a force on the boards, grabbing nine rebounds in the first half, including five on the offensive end. Maluach's relentless effort on the glass allowed the Blue Devils to control the paint and create second-chance opportunities. He finished the game with 11 rebounds in just 20 minutes of action, showcasing his potential to be a dominant presence in the paint for Duke this season.The Blue Devils' exhibition victory against Lincoln (Pa.) provided a glimpse into the team's promising future. With a mix of talented freshmen and experienced transfers, Duke has reloaded its roster and appears poised to make a deep run in the upcoming season. As the team continues to gel and develop chemistry, the Blue Devils' fans can look forward to an exciting and successful campaign.