Duke basketball fans experienced a thrilling night as Bobby Hurley returned to Cameron Indoor Stadium, a place that has been synonymous with Duke’s storied legacy. As a former point guard for the Blue Devils, Hurley was part of the legendary teams that clinched consecutive national championships in 1991 and 1992, leaving an indelible mark on the program. To this day, he holds the ACC record for career assists, a testament to his playmaking ability and leadership on the court. This past weekend, he had the opportunity to reconnect with former coach Mike Krzyzewski, a fitting backdrop for his return to the iconic arena.

On this particular Sunday night, however, Hurley’s role was transformed. Now the head coach of Arizona State, he could only watch as his Sun Devils faced a resurgent Duke team that showcased their prowess in a commanding 103-47 exhibition victory. As Duke prepares for the regular season, several key takeaways emerged from this final competitive performance.

One standout player was Kon Knueppel, whose shooting ability has garnered much attention. Scoring 19 points against Arizona State, Knueppel demonstrated why he is considered one of the top prospects in the country. While his shooting skills are evident—showing he can knock down shots at a high percentage—what truly elevates his game is his hustle. Knueppel exhibited relentless effort, crashing the boards for rebounds and making defensive plays that showcased his all-around game. For instance, he consistently pursued loose balls and was instrumental in creating turnovers, including a notable steal from ASU’s Joson Sanon. These small, yet impactful plays may seem minor in a blowout game but are crucial in high-pressure situations. Against tougher opponents like Kansas or North Carolina, such efforts could be the difference between winning and losing. His ability to contribute beyond just scoring will be vital as the season progresses.

Duke’s shooting performance elicited mixed reactions, especially in the first half. Despite an impressive showing against Lincoln in their previous exhibition, where they shot over 40% from three-point range, the Blue Devils struggled early on against Arizona State. Fans in the arena might have found themselves questioning whether this was a sign of inconsistency, as Duke managed only two successful three-point attempts out of eleven in the first twenty minutes. However, head coach Jon Scheyer’s strategy to bring in Purdue transfer Mason Gillis aimed to enhance the team’s spacing and three-point capabilities.

As the game progressed, those concerns quickly dissipated. Duke erupted in the second half, hitting 15 of their 23 three-point attempts, ultimately finishing the night with a commendable 50% shooting from beyond the arc. This resurgence supports the idea that the initial struggles were merely a momentary lapse, rather than a trend. Given the talent on the roster, including players like Knueppel and Caleb Foster, the team’s shooting form will likely stabilize over time. As they adapt and find their rhythm, fans should be patient during any cold stretches they may encounter early in the season.

Duke’s roster boasts significant physical advantages, with every main rotation player standing at least 6-foot-5. This height is not just a statistical advantage; it translates into a formidable presence on the court, especially on the defensive end. Coach Scheyer highlighted the versatility of his team during a recent podcast appearance, noting that their lateral movement makes it difficult for opponents to find open shots.

Players like Cooper Flagg, at 6-foot-9, possess the agility to guard smaller, quicker opponents effectively. Freshman Khaman Maluach, a towering 7-footer, is also comfortable defending on the perimeter, showcasing the team’s depth and athleticism. When it comes to defending the paint, the combination of Flagg, Maluach, and Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown poses a significant challenge for any offensive team trying to score inside.

The defensive statistics from the exhibition are telling. Duke combined for eight blocks and an impressive 23 steals over the two games against their exhibition opponents, who averaged a mere 51.5 points per game. These numbers indicate that Duke is poised to be a top defensive team this season, likely finishing as a consensus top-five defense in college basketball.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Blue Devils’ performance is their ability to string together impressive scoring runs. This potential was on full display during the game against Arizona State. Following a lackluster first half, Duke exploded in the second half, scoring 22 of the first 25 points. What started as a manageable lead quickly transformed into a commanding 35-point advantage in front of their home crowd. This capability to rapidly change the game’s momentum is a hallmark of elite teams and will serve Duke well as they navigate the rigors of the season.

Even when looking solely at the final 20 minutes, Duke would have won against Arizona State, 66-47. This emphasizes their offensive capabilities; when they are in rhythm, they can erase deficits or secure wins in a matter of minutes. As they head into the regular season, this explosiveness will be a critical asset.

Another intriguing storyline from the game was the performance of top-ranked freshman Cooper Flagg. Known for his generational talent, Flagg had a standout game against Lincoln, scoring 22 points and providing six assists. However, during the exhibition against Arizona State, he scored only nine points. For fans unfamiliar with his capabilities, this might raise concerns about his effectiveness. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that Duke’s current roster does not require Flagg to be the sole offensive force. The depth of talent allows the team to thrive even if their star player has an off night.

This flexibility is particularly reassuring for the Blue Devils as they aim for a national championship. The ability to win against formidable opponents without relying solely on Flagg to score 30 points signifies a balanced and deep roster. This depth will be critical come tournament time, as every player will need to step up in high-pressure situations. The prospect of Flagg being able to take a back seat in some games suggests that Duke can maintain their competitiveness even when facing elite teams.

However, the exhibition against Arizona State provided numerous insights into the strengths and potential challenges facing the Duke basketball team as they move closer to the regular season. Bobby Hurley’s presence highlighted the rich history of the program, while the current roster showcased its talent and depth. From Kon Knueppel’s hustle and shooting prowess to the team’s defensive capabilities and impressive scoring runs, Duke is poised to make a significant impact this season. With a balanced roster that can perform without placing excessive pressure on any one player, the Blue Devils are well-equipped to contend for a national championship. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding this team is palpable, fueled by their potential to achieve greatness.