The Duke Blue Devils and Arizona Wildcats will square off in a highly anticipated matchup at the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 stage. The health of standout freshman Cooper Flagg has received a lot of attention, but whether forward Maliq Brown will help Duke is another important plot point. When the Blue Devils play Arizona, a club renowned for its attacking prowess, his possible comeback might have a big impact on their defensive strategy.
Rown has now suffered a dislocated shoulder twice this season, the first time during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech. He has now been described as “day-to-day,” and it is still unclear if he will play versus Arizona. Although Brown has only attended a few practice sessions, head coach Jon Scheyer has shown confidence over his availability.
Just before kickoff, though, a definitive decision about his playing status is probably in the works. Duke’s defensive approach, especially in the paint, might be significantly impacted by his presence or absence
Brown’s defensive effect is where he really shines this season, even though his stats—2.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game—may not be very noteworthy. He offers Duke a powerful and adaptable defensive option at 6′ 9″, able to challenge shots near the basket and guard several spots. Against Arizona’s formidable frontcourt tandem of Oumar Ballo and Azuolas Tubelis, his ability to box out opponents and grab rebounds would be especially helpful. Duke would probably rely more on Mason Gillis and Patrick Ngongba, who have both stepped up in Brown’s absence, if he is unable to participate. Both, though, lack Brown’s defensive adaptability, which may make the Blue Devils exposed in the paint.
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