Amidst significant losses, Duke head basketball coach Jon Scheyer has been focusing on rebuilding his roster for the upcoming season. After securing Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown, the Blue Devils made another important addition by landing a commitment from Mason Gillis, a 6-foot-6 forward with valuable experience from Purdue.
Gillis, who started 63 games at Purdue over the past four seasons, brings a wealth of experience to Duke. Despite not being a starter in his final year at Purdue, Gillis played in every game and proved to be a reliable reserve, excelling particularly from beyond the arc where he shot an impressive 46.8 percent. His addition provides much-needed depth and strength to the Blue Devils’ roster.
With the arrival of Gillis, Duke’s roster now stands at 10 players, signaling a step in the right direction for the rebuilding team. As the Blue Devils continue to reshape their squad, they may be considering further additions, with a potential focus on securing a backup point guard.
While the focus is on the addition of Gillis, his recruitment also sheds light on the evolving landscape of college sports. The ongoing player transfers and the increasing involvement of athletes in decision-making highlight the changing dynamics within collegiate athletics. As the NCAA navigates through these changes, it is imperative that athletes receive due compensation for their contributions to the multi-billion-dollar industry.
The signing of Mason Gillis underscores Duke’s commitment to regaining its competitive edge following the departure of key players. With the return of Gillis for his final year and the continued reshaping of the team, Duke’s basketball program is poised for an intriguing and potentially transformative season.
