Tre Jones’ Stunning Play Against Georgia Tech

As has been widely discussed, Duke came out flat against Georgia Tech Saturday before roaring back to life in the second half. Part of that, as Coach K said, was the team readjusting to Tre Jones after an extended absence and of course he can’t be expected to be in peak condition just yet having sat out two weeks. Those guys are on a razor’s edge of conditioning and it doesn’t take much to fall off of it.

As the game wore on, Jones became more and more effective and late in the game he did something that just amazed us. If you recorded it and want to check it out, it’s just after the clock hits 3:00 in the second half.

Georgia Tech’s Abdoulaye Gueye was on a break and was dribbling with his left hand moving towards the left side of the key. Jones was somewhat behind him to his right.

Somehow he managed to step behind a 6-9 guy, not break pace, and use his left hand to knock the ball loose.

Consider the balance required to do this at full speed, then consider the strength, confidence and daring to do it any point but in your first game after a major injury?

Incredible.

It’ll never get the attention of Jeff Capel’s half court heave against UNC or Zion Williamson’s more recent 360 dunk but for our money, that was one of the greatest plays we’ve ever seen in Cameron.

Earlier this season we marveled over how Jones could run right next to an opponent even while he had to lean left to do it.

What’s becoming clear is that Jones is not just an intense defender with great quickness and instincts, but he also has unusual strength, coordination and body control. He’s going to become one of the top five defenders Mike Krzyzewski has had at Duke.