Mike Krzyzewski discusses impact of Trevor Keels return to lineup

Trevor Keels is an important part of Duke‘s team. Although he doesn’t score a ton of points or make the flashiest plays, Keels – the former On3 Consensus four-star guard – plays a significant role for the Blue Devils. While he’s played off the bench at times this season, Keels has been back in the starting lineup over the past few games and has been big for Mike Krzyzewski’s squad.

Currently averaging 12 points, four rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 40.7% from the field, Keels is coming off a strong performance in Duke’s win over Florida State on Saturday, as he finished with 13 points, four rebounds and eight assists to held lead the Blue Devils to the 88-70 victory.

Following Duke’s win over Florida State on Saturday, Krzyzewski met with the media and shared what Keels brings to the team when’s he on the floor.

“He just doesn’t make a pass from the 3-point line,” Krzyzewski said of Keels. “Because of his physicality and his strength, he gets within 12 feet, 15 feet and even into the lane. He makes passes within that perimeter – not outside the perimeter. He’s done that when we go to a ball screen with him, but tonight he did it just in the normal course of the offense – and he likes doing it. He likes doing it. It’s a big asset for us when he’s doing that.”

Riding a four-game winning streak and ranked No. 7 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, Duke (23-4 overall, 13-3 ACC) returns to action Wednesday on the road at Virginia. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

KenPom predicts outcome of Coach K’s final four regular season games at Duke

In terms of KenPom, Duke’s final four regular season games have been predicted – and the numbers are in favor of the Blue Devils. Here’s a look at how KenPom sees Coach K’s club matching up in their next four outings, beginning Wednesday on the road against the Virginia Cavaliers.

KenPom’s predictions for Duke’s next four games

1.) at Virginia, Wednesday, Feb. 23: The Blue Devils are predicted to win 68-62, with a 69% chance.

2.) at Syracuse, Saturday, Feb. 26: The Blue Devils are predicted to win 80-74, with a 71% chance.

3.) at Pitt, Tuesday, March 1: The Blue Devils are predicted to win 74-61, with a 88% chance.

4.) vs. North Carolina, Saturday, March 5: The Blue Devils are predicted to win 82-71, with a 83% chance.

If KenPom’s predictions are correct, the Duke Blue Devils will have an overall record of 27-4 with a 17-3 mark in ACC play heading into the ACC Tournament in mid-March.