This week, while hosting Duke basketball treasure Steve Wojciechowski on "The Brotherhood Podcast," Ryan Young learned the history behind the tradition of Blue Devils slapping the floor. Meanwhile, the program's social media team has hinted that the returning graduate center is also learning to space the floor.
Duke has released several highlights of intrasquad scrimmages and workouts these past few weeks. They've included several encouraging signs, such as returning sophomore small forward Mark Mitchell exploding to the rim for a dunk in his return to contact and the rookies' confidence on the court.
But some might say the winner in the "pleasant surprise" category is Young's stroke from three. The Blue Devils publicized that again on Wednesday afternoon via the following tweeted video clip from inside the Duke basketball practice facility:
Yes, that open-look swish, courtesy of a drive-and-kick assist from five-star newcomer point guard Caleb Foster, sure looks like relatively smooth form for a 6-foot-10, 240-pound big man.
Squared shoulders. Ideal arc and spin on the ball. Quick release. Easily repeatable mechanics.
Ryan Young transferred to Duke from Northwestern last summer and played all 36 games, averaging 6.4 points and 5.5 rebounds for a Blue Devil team that finished 27-9 overall and won the ACC Tournament under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer. In his final season of eligibility, chances are he primarily comes off the bench again.
No doubt, though, Young will be an oft-used reserve. After all, he's the roster's only full-fledged center with significant experience (counting the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, Kyle Filipowski, as a power forward).
So on that note, let's assume the 23-year-old proves capable from downtown when the season begins on Nov. 6 at home against Dartmouth. That could leave sophomore center Christian Reeves, who may or may not earn consistent minutes this go-round, as Scheyer's only scholarship player without a game-ready outside shot in his arsenal.
In other words, Duke basketball floor spacing might be off the charts, no matter the lineup.
Although Young has never attempted a three in a game as a Blue Devil, it's worth noting that he experimented with being a catch-and-shoot 3-point contributor at Northwestern, albeit to the tune of only a 5-for-29 career mark.
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