Duke Basketball: Blue Devils' Biggest Reasons for Optimism in 2016-17

While Duke always feels good about its chances of contending, the 2016-17 basketball season should feature even more optimism than usual.

The Blue Devils lost Brandon Ingram, Marshall Plumlee and Derryck Thornton from a team that underachieved and lost in the Sweet 16 a year ago. However, the return of key players and a number of big additions will ensure this is once again one of the best teams in college basketball.

Although it is too early for official polls, it won't be surprising to see Duke begin the year at No. 1.

If this isn't enough to raise the spirits of fans in Durham, here is a look at more reasons to have confidence in the upcoming season.

Best Recruiting Class in the Country

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While teams win and lose games on the court, a lot of the college basketball season comes down to the decisions squads make in the year prior. When top recruits pick their schools, it transforms the landscape of the league for the upcoming season.

These decisions will be felt in a big way with four of the top 15 players in the 2016 class deciding to play for Duke. Overall, the six-man group represents the No. 1 class in the nation, per 247Sports.

In reality, this class could reach historic levels in its talent. According to 247Sports, the Blue Devils will bring in the top player at three different positions—small forward Jayson Tatum, power forward Harry Giles and center Marques Bolden. Frank Jackson is also one of the best point guards in the country.

Add in high-upside players such as Javin DeLaurier and Jack White, and this is a group that could have a successful season on its own.

The incoming freshmen have made this a superteam that won't allow for much parity in the upcoming season.

Coach K's Past Success with Freshmen

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It's one thing to be able to throw a bunch of freshmen together and hope for the best. It's another when you have a coach who has proved the ability to turn young players into champions.

Just two years ago, Mike Krzyzewski led Duke to a national championship behind freshmen Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow. Coach K thrust these players into the action right out of the gate, and they responded with great play, culminating in the program's fifth title.

The list of one-and-done players continues with stars such as Brandon Ingram and Jabari Parker, who had a huge impact before moving on to the NBA.

While top programs such as Kansas, North Carolina and Michigan State have had more success letting players develop over a number of years, Duke is one of the few teams that have consistently helped elite freshmen become stars. This is one of the reasons 5-star recruits keeping coming to Durham.

The ability to get the most out of players right out of the gate provides even more reason for optimism heading into next season.

Grayson Allen's Continued Improvement

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Few teams in college basketball received as big news this offseason as Duke when Grayson Allen announced he would be returning to school.

While we don't know what kind of NBA career the guard could have in store, we do know he is one of the top college basketball players in the nation. He finished last season with an average of 21.6 points per game while shooting 41.7 percent from three-point range. This came after scoring just 4.4 points per game as a freshman.

Allen took advantage of his extra playing time and turned himself into a consistent scorer who can create a shot from anywhere on the floor. If he can keep improving, he could become one of the best offensive players in the sport.

Considering he will be the top returning scorer among power-conference teams next season, the expectations should be high.

Having extra options offensively might take away some shot attempts and reduce his scoring totals, but Allen should be a top contender for National Player of the Year all season long.

Amile Jefferson's Return

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Amile Jefferson played just nine games last season before going down with a foot injury, and the Blue Devils never fully recovered. Most of the biggest issues—including frontcourt depth, defense and rebounding—would have been greatly improved if the forward had been healthy.

Fortunately, Jefferson received a medical redshirt that allowed him to return for an extra season, giving Duke a much-needed boost down low.

While Giles, Bolden, Chase Jeter and others will provide plenty of depth in the frontcourt on their own, Jefferson will provide the experience, leadership and toughness to set an example on the court. He was a big factor early in the season while averaging a double-double (11.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game), and he should remain productive next year.

Whether he remains a starter or comes off the bench behind the talented freshmen, Duke will be happy Jefferson is on the roster, and he should make a positive impact all season.

Offensive Prowess

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Duke averaged 81.1 points per game last season and had one of the most efficient offenses in the country. Incredibly, next year's version should be even better.

In addition to Allen likely leading the way, Duke adds a plethora of scoring options all over the court. Tatum is arguably the best overall scorer in the class with his ability to get a shot off against any defender. Giles is recovering from a torn ACL, but when healthy, he is a dominant inside-out scorer who can help spread the floor without giving up anything down low. Jackson is an athletic guard who can attack the basket as well as knock down shots from the perimeter. Bolden is still a bit raw but can run the floor as well as get buckets on his own in the post.

This is a squad that can shoot the lights out from the perimeter like most other Duke teams, along with having the balance to score inside when the shots aren't falling. This could make the Blue Devils as dangerous as ever.

Add proven three-point shooters such as Matt Jones and Luke Kennard, and this team will be almost impossible to defend.

Depth

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Gone are the days when the coaching staff is forced to keep its best players on the court for 35-40 minutes per game. There won't even be panic when a key player picks up his second foul in the first half or his fourth early in the second.

Duke comes into the 2016-17 season with incredible depth all over the floor.

There will be a lot of versatility in the frontcourt with freshmen Tatum, Giles, Bolden, DeLaurier and even White pairing with Jeter, Sean Obi and Jefferson. Coach K can mix and match different lineups while also having a safety net in case of injuries, foul trouble or fatigue. In the backcourt, Allen, Jones, Kennard and Jackson will create a formidable rotation.

Although Krzyzewski and Co. have yet to decide the starting lineup, there will be plenty of options. Of course, no matter who is on the court for the opening tip, the rest of the players will get a chance to contribute.

All of a sudden, Duke's biggest weakness from this past season will become its biggest strength as it tries to bring home another title.

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