Dariq Whitehead after logging best game of his career against Maryland Eastern Shore: “When I first got out there, everything was so fast”
Duke Blue Devils freshman Dariq Whitehead came into the 2022-23 season with high expectations. That's normal when you're the No. 2 basketball recruit out of high school.
But Whitehead didn't hit the ground running like most expected. During the preseason, Whitehead had to undergo surgery to repair a fractured right foot. It resulted in Whitehead not making his debut until the fourth game of the season.
Whitehead struggled early, but that's been expected due to his injury. In his first seven games, Whitehead was averaging 5.3 points per game in just 14.1 minutes. During that stretch, he was also shooting just 34.1%.
In his last two games, Whitehead has started to look more like the player that was expected. During that span, the talented freshman wing is averaging 11.5 ppg, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 42.9%. He had 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting in 25 minutes in 12th-ranked Duke's 82-55 win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday.
Whitehead's conditioning has started to look more improved as his explosiveness has stood out. Speaking recently to the media, Whitehead talked about finding his comfort zone again.
“Every game, I feel like I'm getting more and more comfortable," Whitehead said. "The game’s slowing down. When I first got out there, everything was so fast, and now I'm starting to see things how I used to before I got injured.”
Dariq Whitehead starting to find his groove for the Duke Blue Devils
After a disappointing start to the season, Duke freshman Dariq Whitehead is heating up. Whitehead has the tools and talent to be a top five selection in the 2023 NBA draft.
At 6-foot-6, Whitehead has the skills of a guard but can guard bigger opponents on the wing. Lower body injuries are always tough, especially for basketball players. Because of the injury that Whitehead experienced, he's had limited time to get his conditioning back.
@dariq_whiteheadRiq dropped the hammer yesterday‼️‼️⚠️🔨 @dariq_whitehead https://t.co/emdpwOw6aG
With each passing week, Whitehead's speed and quickness are improving. Because of that, his confidence on the court also looks to be climbing rapidly.
Time will tell if Whitehead, the Naismith High School Player of the Year last season, can deliver on the expectations of the second-ranked high school basketball player in the country. If he can, he's going to get the attention of plenty of NBA scouts and personnel as well.
Duke (10-2) next plays Dec. 20, when the Blue Devils open Atlantic Coast Conference play at Wake Forest.