Mike Krzyzewski asks for Paolo Banchero to 'take more shots' after Duke's loss to Virginia
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is asking for freshman phenom Paolo Banchero to “take more shots” moving forward.
Banchero scored just 9 points in Duke’s last-second loss to Virginia on Monday night. It was the Blue Devils’ fourth loss of the season and Banchero’s first time to not reach double figures.
Against Virginia, Banchero was faced with multiple double-teams and attempted just 9 field goals and 2 free throws. After the game, Krzyzewski addressed Banchero’s lack of shooting vs. the Cavaliers.
“He needs to take more shots, and he needs to take his jump shot,” Krzyzewski told reporters. “He needs to take his jump shot. With him, when he does get the ball, a lot of double teams. There’s a lot of double teams. So then you’ve gotta pass out of it. And we’ve gotta hit shots. If we hit shots, they don’t double team. I mean, that’s part of making those adjustments.”
Here’s Krzyzewski’s full press conference after the game, via Carolina Blitz:
Duke is now 9-3 in the ACC and is in a tie with Notre Dame for first place. The Blue Devils beat the Fighting Irish 57-43 back on Jan. 31.
Wake Forest (9-4), North Carolina (8-4) and Miami (8-4) are also still in the hunt for the ACC regular season title.
Duke will now turn its attention to Clemson on Thursday.