Forecasting Duke Women’s 2023/24 Basketball Season: ChronChat Analysis

As we approach the Monday season tipoff for the Blue Devils, The Chronicle’s beat writers provide their predictions regarding Duke’s record, MVP, top wins, and other aspects of the season:

Duke’s Expected Season Record?

The Prediction of Caleb Dudley (18-11, 10-8, Sixth in ACC):

Following the significant departures after the impressive 2022 season, this Duke team will have a few familiar faces but will largely be a different squad. Despite the challenges of the ACC, one of the toughest conferences in the country, the team is expected to perform decently under head coach Kara Lawson. The chances of knocking off the league’s top teams seem slim, based on the current team depth and star power. However, they are expected to put up a good fight against the majority of ACC teams, assuming they maintain their last season’s defensive prowess.

The Prediction of Lilah Gorfain (20-9, 12-6, Fourth in ACC):

Gorfain optimistically disagrees with Dudley’s middle-of-the-road consensus, predicting Duke’s record to be similar to last year’s. Despite the significant loss of valuable players, the fresh faces in the team, combined with Lawson’s experienced defensive management, are expected to put up a good fight. Gorfain predicts that the team will lose to teams like Florida State and South Carolina but will impress overall and finish relatively high in the ACC table.

Who Will Be Duke’s MVP?

Jadyn Donovan: Donovan, a Washington, D.C., native and Duke’s most celebrated player, is expected to make a significant impact on the team’s performance. She has shown promising performance in early practices and is expected to contribute significantly defensively, aligning perfectly with Lawson’s style of play. Predicting an MVP amidst so many new faces may be challenging, but Donovan seems to have a good chance.

Who is Duke’s Most Underrated Player?

Kennedy Brown: Brown’s contribution to the team, despite being overshadowed by the backcourt’s flair, is invaluable. As the team’s starting center, Brown has proven to be a reliable big that complements the backcourt’s firepower, playing significant roles in last season’s success.

What Will Be Duke’s Top Win?

Against North Carolina (Feb. 11): Duke’s two regular-season losses against North Carolina marred what could have been a nearly flawless 2022-23 season. It might be time for the Blue Devils to balance the score against the Tar Heels this time around. Although the Tar Heels might be more experienced on paper, Lawson’s team could pull off a win with a complete performance in front of the Cameron Crazies.

Duke’s Go-To Lineup?

Richardson, Donovan, Thomas, Mair, and Brown: As the key players from last season, Brown and Richardson are expected to play significant roles this year as well. Mair, who led the ACC in assists per game last season, is predicted to play a large portion of minutes at the point guard position. Meanwhile, two freshmen, Donovan and Thomas, are expected to fill the remaining spots.