How Duke Basketball Forward Sebastian Wilkins Is Finding an Important Role
A steady role off the bench
Wilkins, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound Boston native, played a bench-high 21 minutes in Duke's exhibition victory over Kansas. He had seven points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in the 90-84 road win.
He made all three of his field-goal attempts, went 1-for-2 at the foul line and committed no turnovers. His contributions also included emphatic finishes and versatile defense.
Production across three exhibitions
Wilkins scored more in Duke's two earlier preseason games, recording 19 points, 11 rebounds and three steals across 42 combined minutes. Those outings came in home wins over Belmont, 102-62 on Oct. 8, and Tennessee, 103-64 on Oct. 20.
Across Duke's three exhibitions, Wilkins averaged 21 minutes per game, the highest figure among the team's reserves. Freshman guard Deron Rippey Jr. averaged 18.7 minutes.
Scheyer values defense and consistency
After the Tennessee game, Scheyer called Wilkins “a reliable guy” and said he expects him to play a role. He cited Wilkins' ability to make open three-pointers, rebound, defend multiple positions and play tough.
Wilkins said his confidence has grown with help from his teammates. He also pointed to defense as a priority, saying, “That's what Coach Scheyer preaches on.” The preseason No. 2-ranked Blue Devils, with 10 or more players seemingly in contention for playing time, are set to open at home against unranked Army on Monday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Key points
- Wilkins averaged 21 minutes per game, the most among Duke reserves during preseason.
- He recorded seven points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal against Kansas.
- Scheyer praised Wilkins' reliability, defense and ability to contribute without doing too much.
- Duke opens its regular season at home against Army on Monday at 6:30 p.m. ET.