On Sunday, former Syracuse forward/center/big guy Malik Brown committed to Duke University. What does he bring to the program?
Well, first and foremost it's experience. A rising junior, Brown has a lot to offer to a very young team. He was an All-ACC defender. Cooper Flagg is expected to be a good defender, but he's also a freshman and has some things to learn. Brown has already learned most of them.
Additionally, Brown could play center and back up Carman Maluach, or if Maluach isn't ready or has issues for some reason (primarily injury, but probably other reasons). If he is available, he could probably start in his place.
This would be even better if it turns out that Patrick Gomba will be delayed again this fall due to a foot injury he suffered last season.
Brown isn't an exceptional offensive talent, but he's efficient, making nearly 70 percent of his shots last season. We'll have to see how this goes, but since he's going to score mostly near the basket, it could free up Flagg to roam on offense. On the defense side, the flag may just “do something.”
This is also important and should not be underestimated.
Both Flagg and Maruach are expected to be good defenders, but neither is very strong at this point. Maruaha is catching up in many ways. After 12 to 24 months in the weight room, he will be a completely different player, but that won't happen overnight and certainly won't happen before November. And as promising as Flagg is, he has the body of a 17-year-old.
If all Brown can do is defend and rebound and fight the basketball bullies, and we think he can do more, he'll be a great addition.
If you want to find a (very) rough analogue, think of Theo John from Marquette. He was a great guy to bring in off the bench to start Mark Williams. Brown will be much more than that for Duke's team next year.