Even though it’s only [autotag]Jon Scheyer[/autotag]’s third full season as the Duke basketball head coach, he’s been around long enough to take most media questions in stride.
During Wednesday’s press conference at ACC Tipoff, however, an inquiry about Syracuse transfer Maliq Brown got him to light up.
“I’m glad you asked about Maliq,” Scheyer said. “I haven’t been asked about him as much.”
“Great versatility, really does whatever you ask him to do,” Scheyer continued. “Great competitor, but just such a great teammate. Selfless, doesn’t care about his own stats…I’ve loved coaching him.”
Brown averaged 9.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with the Orange last season, including a season-high 26 points against the Blue Devils in Cameron Indoor Stadium. He’s remarkably efficient, shooting 69.8% from the floor in both of his collegiate seasons, and according to KenPom, he led the ACC with an effective field goal percentage of 71.3%. No other player in the conference finished better than 61.8%.
Scheyer praised Brown’s intelligence and passing ability, but he really focused on the other side of the ball. The Blue Devils coach said he and his staff measure deflections during offseason scrimmages, and the junior forward does better in that category than any player he’s ever had.
“Somebody should ask these guys if they like trying to score on him,” Scheyer said, pointing to returning starters Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor.
Foster, somehow, sounded even more complimentary of his new teammate.
“Maliq is one of the best defenders I’ve ever played against,” the sophomore said. “His activity on and off the ball is just unmatched, and I think he has a chance to be the best defender in college basketball this year.”
While Brown won’t make his regular-season debut with the Blue Devils until November 4, he’ll take the court at Cameron again in an exhibition game against Lincoln on October 19.