Jon Rothstein assesses how Illinois transfer Jacob Grandison will impact Duke next season

Duke basketball is putting the finishing touches on its roster ahead of Jon Scheyer’s first season as headman in Durham. Over the weekend, the Blue Devils added Illinois wing Jacob Grandison out of the transfer portal. He got his start at Holy Cross, where he played as a freshman and sophomore. Then,he spent three years at Illinois — one of which he sat out due to transfer rules. But in 2021 and 2022 Grandison was a reliable shooter and defender that started frequently and averaged 9.6 points per game this past season.

So he’s opted to use that additional year of eligibility and is on his way to Duke. A very nice pickup according to College Basketball Analyst Jon Rothstein, who discussed the addition on his podcast. Rothstein opened his show the other day recapping the Grandison sweepstakes, noting that Duke definitely raised their ceiling by nabbing him from the portal.

“This is somebody I believe can start for Duke,” Rothstein declared. Grandison also “gives Duke much needed experience,” he added. Grandison’s college basketball journey will how have spanned three different schools and six total seasons once he suits up for Duke. He’s started in nearly 90 games throughout his career and has logged north of 3,000 total minutes. Yeah, this dude is a veteran. Should be one of the oldest players in the country next season.

Rothstein also noted that Grandison will “provide spacing” for the Blue Devils. He converted 41% of his threes during two seasons with the Illini and is a 37% shooter from three for his career. Though he stepped up once he got to Champaign. And on the defensive end, Grandison is no slouch either as an above average athlete with a great frame for a wing. Can guard three or four positions and hit threes at a high rate on the other end. What team couldn’t use that type of guy?

Rothstein believes Duke could be “elite” on defense with Grandison entering the fold. In fact, he liked the addition so much for Duke that he bumped them from No. 9 to No. 7 on his preseason rankings.

Lastly, Rothstein envisioned a “Matt Jones type role” for Grandison. Jones was a reliable and defensive-minded wing who served four years at Duke diving for loose balls and hitting open threes. The ultimate role player, I’d say. Grandison could provide the same skills in 2022-23.