It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
Duquesne Dukes
2020-21 Season:
Record: 9-9 (7-7)
Points per game: 66.9
Rebounds per game: 36.3
Assists per game: 13.4
Points allowed: 67.1
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Marcus Weathers (15.3)
Assists per game: Tavian Dunn-Martin (3.6)
Field goal percentage: Michael Hughes (51.0
Very young program this year
Duquesne lost a lot of production from last season, including several of their top scorers that were seniors. Three seniors that averaged double-figures are now gone, along with a few other key players that are not with the team anymore that played important minutes. Duquesne will have a few players like guard Toby Okani and company returning but this will still be a team made up of several freshmen and sophomores. Who will step up and lead the charge' That will be the tough situation but there are a few players that saw limited action last season and should step up more this season.
Impactful transfers
The Dukes will have a few new names transferring in that will look to help. Former TCU Kevin Easley Jr. will look to help, as he saw action in all 26 games last year for the Horned Frogs, starting 13 of those games. He also played at Chattanooga before then, where he led the team in scoring at 14.2ppg and rebounding at 6.7, ultimately helping him earn Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. Tre Williams played at Indiana State, where he started in 55 games and averaged 8.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in his first two seasons. He also led the Sycamores in blocks as a freshman and sophomore, helping the Dukes on the defensive end. Leon Ayers III is another, coming from Mercer where he shot 52 percent from the floor and 12.2 points per game, seeing action in all 29 games in 2020-21.
Watch out for the incoming freshmen
Two players coming in Phenom Hoops knows quite well in point guard Jackie Johnson and forward Andy Barba. Johnson was an absolute scoring machine at Hargrave, dissecting defenses and was a bucket on the court. We had this to say about his game just a few months ago when we watched him: 'Johnson is so incredibly quick on the court, using that speed to get by defenders with ease at times and running the show. His ability to score, penetrate, operate on multiple levels but also find teammates is impressive. This point guard is an absolute killer on the court.' Barba is another prospect we have seen quite a few times before, as the 6'6 prospect brings a great frame, high IQ feel, and can be a terrific knockdown shooter on the floor. These are two that fans will want to watch and get to know more about.
