Dereck Lively II discusses his game-altering defensive performance in 63-57 victory over UNC

Perhaps no player in the Duke–North Carolina game boosted their NBA Draft stock more on Saturday night than Duke big man Dereck Lively II. In one of the biggest games of the season when the lights were shining the brightest, the 7-foot-1, 220-pounder delivered a marvelous defensive performance–blocking eight shots, the most ever by a Duke player against UNC. Not only that, he did it against one of the best post players in America, the Tar Heels’ Armando Bacot. Following his game-changing performance, Lively spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe on the floor of Cameron Indoor.

The gifted big man spoke about how he was able to step up defensively against Bacot.

“Really just allowing myself to not get hit first. I was always told to hit first so that they don’t get any position and they don’t get the spot that they want, so we can get the win,” Lively said.

He discussed how he’s been able to fill his role of blocking shots, rebounding, and being an elite defensive force for the Blue Devils.

“Each and every one of my teammates know I got their back. That’s what I’m here for. I’m making sure that we can get wins, both on the defensive end and the offensive end. I can do what I can on the offensive end, but I know I can take control of the defensive end,” Lively said.

He then discussed what it meant to stamp his name in the Duke-UNC record books after he blocked the most shots ever by a Duke player in the rivalry. “It’s just a great stepping stone. I’m just really grateful for having my teammates to have my back. And I’ve got their back. So they know, anytime anybody goes to the rim, I’m there. I just love it,” Lively said.

Duke fans won’t forget Saturday night’s performance from Lively anytime soon. Nor should they. The gifted big man stuffed the stat sheet with eight blocks, 14 rebounds, four points, and two assists. Not only that, North Carolina big man Armando Bacot was 0 for 6 from the field on Saturday night when he was defended by Lively.

With the win, the Blue Devils improved to 17-6 overall and 8-4 in the ACC. The victory was the first in the rivalry for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.