Mason Plumlee Breaks Out; Leads Duke to Victory
On a team with storied guards, especially so this season, it was Duke's power forward who had a break out game. Mason Plumlee, younger brother of Duke's elder power forward, Miles, exploded for a career-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. All of his skills were on display tonight in the Blue Devils win over Marquette. GMs and scouts were salivating at the mobile 6'10" athlete in Duke's frontcourt. He played with great energy per usual, showing off his ability to put the ball on the floor and create, including a spot-on pass to his brother for a thunderous alley-out in the second half. While nearly all of his points came on lay-ups or put backs on the offensive glass, Mason showed off his perimeter game with a couple of mid-range jumpers. On the defensive end, Plumlee owned the undersized Marquette frontline. He completed the game with five blocks and just two fouls, while competing for 6 defensive boards.
This is just the type of breakout campaign Mason Plumlee needed to boost his stock. He was seen by many scouts as a first-round pick, based mostly on potential and promise. After taking over a starting role this season, he has two double-doubles in the Blue Devils first four games- two more than all of last season. If Plumlee can continue to earn more minutes for Coach K and develop his low-post game, he could see his stock soar as high as a late-lottery pick.
By President Corey Ruff - 11-22-10
