ACC Preview: Duke Blue Devils

Preview:   Duke

https://goduke.com/sports/womens-basketball

Last Season:   22-12 and 11-7 in league play

The Coaches:  

Kara Lawson now in her 5^th season at Duke.  Lawson of course was a famous player College and Pro.

Tia Jackson is the Associate Head Coach and in her 5^th season at Duke.

Kyra Elzy is in her first season after 4 years as the Head Coach at Kentucky.

Karen Lange is in her third season at Duke.

Karen Middleton the former Stanford Assistant is in her 2^nd season at Duke.

Pierre Miller is in his 2^nd season at Duke. 

 

Losses: 

Kennedy Brown the former Oregon State player who averaged 8 ppg and 5 rebounds. 

Camilla Emsbo who averaged 4 ppg. 

 

Additions: 

Riley Nelson 6-2 Soph Wing transfer from Maryland. Nelson missed half the season last year, however was a McD All American ranked # 18 out of HS.

Arianna Roberson, 6-4 Frosh Post from Texas ranked # 17.  Sadly Roberson will miss the season with an injury.

Toby Fournier 6-2 Frosh Forward from Canada ranked # 10.

Jenessa Cotton 6-2 Frosh Forward from SoCal ranked # 80.

 

Schedule:

Maryland, Kansas State and South Carolina highlight the Duke Schedule.

 

The Team:  

Reigan Richardson 5-11 SR Guard who averaged 12 ppg.

Ashlon Jackson 6-0 JR Guard started every game and averaged 9 ppg.

Jadyn Donovan 6-0 Soph Wing who started all except one game and averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds.

Oluchi Okananwa 5-10 Soph Guard averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds and was named the ADD 6^th person of the year.

Taina Mair 5-9 JR Guard who averaged 9 ppg a transfer from Boston College

Delaney Thomas 6-3 Soph Forward averaged 5 ppg and 3 rebounds.

Vanessa de Jesus 5-8 PG Grad Student who missed last season with injuries.  

Jordan Wood 6-4 Soph Post who played in about half the games.

Emma Koabel 5-11 JR Guard who averaged 12 minutes per game.

Louann Battiston, 5-5 Soph Guard who played little last season.

 

Prediction:

Four players back who averaged 9 ppg or better plus de Jesus who was injured last season, - and they have more solid depth.   Duke should improve over last season and be one of the top ACC teams. 

 

2025 Recruiting:  None yet.