Countdown to Craziness: Duke’s Preparation for the 2023-24 Season

Durham, NC- Excitement filled the air in Durham, North Carolina, on Friday, October 20th, as Duke fans gathered at the Cameron Indoor Stadium for the highly anticipated Countdown to Craziness event. Shown in various shades of blue and their Duke gear, supporters flooded the arena for a sneak peek at the upcoming season, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the Blue Devils to return to their beloved Cameron Indoor Stadium.

In an electrifying evening of lights, music, and captivating basketball action, the players showcased their personalities through their music selections, setting the stage for a memorable night of basketball.

Women’s Team

The Women’s Blue Devils unveiled several fresh faces, hinting at the possibility of a youthful team this season. Taina Mair, a standout Point Guard who transferred from Boston College, dazzled in the scrimmage, demonstrating exceptional ball-handling skills and strong leadership abilities. Her vocal presence and scoring versatility on the court were impressive. Additionally, guard, Okahahwa, known for her aggressive style off the dribble, made a notable impression. Although the team faced challenges with mid-range and three-point shooting during the scrimmage, their progress throughout the season seems promising.

Men’s Team

Head Coach Jon Scheyer expressed his optimism about the men’s team, labeling them a “special group.” The Countdown to Craziness event offered a glimpse of their potential.

In the scrimmage, Jeremy Roach, a key returner, opened the night with a three-point shot, suggesting more significant shooting contributions to come as the season unfolds. Tyrese Proctor and Jeremy Roach exhibited maturity and experience after returning to Duke. Sophomore Christian Reeves made a powerful statement with a thunderous dunk, displaying newfound confidence compared to his Duke debut last season. Standing at 7’1″, Reeves showcased the potential to become a dominant force within Duke’s program. Freshman Jared McCain exhibited adaptability to Duke’s fast-paced style of play, with room for growth as the season progresses.

During the post-conference, Kyle Filipowski highlighted his improvement, especially after an impressive freshman year. He emphasized his commitment to reducing turnovers this season, noting that he had zero turnovers during the scrimmage.

The scrimmage itself featured the white team, consisting of Jaylen Blakes, Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, Christian Reeves, Kyle Filipowski, Tj Power, and Neal Begovich, competing against the blue team, which included Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, Jaden Schutt, Ryan Young, Mark Mitchell, Sean Stewart, and Spencer Hubbard. The white team emerged victorious with a score of 33-18.

Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the need for the team to enhance their performance based on the scrimmage, focusing on real-game situations over skill drills. Defining specific roles for each player will be crucial for the upcoming season.

The Countdown to Craziness event offered fans an exciting glimpse into what to expect from the Duke men’s and women’s basketball teams in the 2023-24 season. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Blue Devils are poised for yet another thrilling season on the court.