Duke's 2009 X-Factor: Lance Thomas

Duke's short comings for the upcoming season are well publicised. John Scheyer a player who has played shooting guard most of his career at Duke except the latter part of last season has been asked to step into the point guard role.

 

Elliot Williams transferred to be near a sick relative leaving a black hole in the back court. However not for long as young Andre Dawkins gallantly came to the rescue. Which brings Duke's rotation in the back court to 3 guards including Nolan Smith. 

 

For the first time in years Duke has 6 or more scholarship players above 6'8". They welcomed the addition of YouTube sensation, Ryan Kelly, a player who can score from any where on the floor and MacDonald's All America, Forward-Center, Mason Plumlee, the younger brother of Miles Plumlee.

 

The one glaring issue Duke has (aside from the guard situation) is on the wing. Kyle Singler has been playing out of position the last two seasons and should take to this role like a fish thrown back into water. Ryan Kelly might be versatile enough to play here at times but defensively they need someone else to step up. That player can only be Lance Thomas.

 

At 6'8" 225 he may not be overly athletic however he can defend the frontcourt and he is wiry enough to chase guards around and stay in front of athletic wings. Duke needs Lance to embrace this role especially since the departure of David McClure. In his first three seasons he was very prone to foul trouble however this year he should have a little more freedom in that regard as they will not rely on him as much as they did last year due to lack of height. The added bonus is that he should be more comfortable on the wing than inside where he was not bulky enough to defend the post.

 

His stats from last year, 5.3 ppg and 3.6 rpg will not blow anyone away. However offensively he need not stir the pot too much as all he needs is just to be able to hit the odd jump shot to keep the defence honest or fill the lanes on the break. 

 

Lance can cover the back court should anyone get in foul trouble or God forbid get injured and he can cover the lone wolf at small forward, Singler.