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It took a handful of goods before it was confirmed: R.J. Barrett is absolutely the real deal.
The 18-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., The No. 1 pick of the NBA preliminary selection was at the center of his NCAA debut for Duke on Tuesday night against Kentucky, and he kept up with the hype that Followed for nearly two minutes. years.
Barrett scored 20 points at half-time and made his mark on the field while showing his full and advanced game as the Blue Devils made it easier for Kentucky.
Here are some takeaways from Barrett's first college game and Duke's 118-84 win:
sensational
Duke fans are not lacking, and even more university admirers who hate the Blue Devils openly. Frankly, no matter which side you are in, this team may already have achieved player status.
The team started fast from the beginning and never slowed down, staging a show that offered so many quality highlights in one night that some university teams accumulated a whole season.
First impressions looked like this:
Under the direction of Barrett and new five-star rookie Zion Williamson, they jumped on turnovers and pushed the ball with determination. Duke had 59 points at halftime. It was very entertaining to watch, and the activity and athletic maturity of Duke's stars was a clear advantage.
This is a frightening idea since their opponent, Kentucky, boasts of having a list of players also recruited from the best rookies and the best athletes. Long games of the game looked like an intense NBA melee match in 2019. But Barrett & Co. completely overwhelmed his opponent from start to finish, winning by 34 points and leaving John Calipari the biggest loss. unbalanced coaching career in the NCAA.
It was not just on offense that Duke did some damage. They also recorded 10 flights against Kentucky and forced 15 turnovers leading to several Blue Devil transits in transition.
The collegiate basketball often offered by college basketball, which is very heavy in systems, makes the product on the field less fun to watch. Needless to say, this Duke team is a notable exception.
Barrett's breakout
In his first game, Barrett presented countless impressive moments illustrating how good he is already. Make your choice.
For example, there is this flashy dribble behind the back that led to a layup with a left hand.
Or, in the next possession, this strong victory from one end to the other of the country:
The best rookie scored in a number of ways, including reaching the basket and finishing near the hoop. He finished with 33 points, a record for a freshman Duke in his debut, shooting 50% off the ground, while overturning three points.
Barrett has a mature game that helps him to be effective in a number of situations, whether in midfield, during a quick break or while improvising among broken games. He reads the field well and gives six badists, showing good recognition while calmly avoiding double-teams to open the shooters.
What was really remarkable was his strength. He seemed to be ordering several defenders when he had the ball under the basket and, although he missed a few chances, he was active around the hoop and surprisingly efficient, he managed to make his way.
This force is also visible when he places the ball on the ground and tries to attack the rim, helping Barrett to maintain control while creating chaos around him.
RJ Barrett really shouted "ET 1!" as he finished that and barrel rolled pic.twitter.com/wwgV7d6TzH
– ESPN (@espn) November 7, 2018
In the wake of Jamal Murray's 48-point explosion the night before, Tuesday night was another reminder of Canada's growing talent in basketball. Barrett is fortunate to be a special talent and to see him take control of the scene as he felt significant.
If Barrett is already good, where will his game be in six months? What about six years old?
Iron Lion Zion
Barrett's big night did not overshadow Williamson, the Internet sensation that has racked up nearly two million followers on Instagram and has become a mix-tape legend in high school.
Williamson, for the uninitiated, is a dictionary definition Freak and perhaps the most explosive dunker in the history of the NCAA. Not really. He is in conversation.
It is six feet seven inches, 285 pounds and boasts an unthinkable vertical jump of 45 inches. In summary: Williamson is as tall as Kawhi Leonard, weighs 20 pounds more than Jonas Valanciunas and jumps as high as Zach LaVine.
It is a physical anomaly and the most reliable strength generator in the world for 10 years.
Williamson finished with 28 points and seven boards, while showing the long-range jumper who will certainly make it one of the most unstoppable forces that will soon be in front of an NBA court near you.
Sion looks like a star. Barrett too. Yes, it's just a game, but by watching them share the terrain with each of them, you can not help but think you're looking at an iconic college duo in the making.
At one point in the second half, Barrett and Williamson had almost outclbaded the entire Kentucky team – and the Wildcats entered the top national standings – scoring 47 points against 51 in Kentucky.
Zion and R.J. together is pic.twitter.com/st6VUZ75Ax
– Steven Barnhart (@HWHoopsCentral) November 7, 2018
With Barrett and his co-star almost talented, there will not be as many evenings that we saw Tuesday night before parting in the NBA next season.
Enjoy while it lasts.
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