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RJ Barrett Wins Jerry West Award

A major accomplishment for anyone much less a freshman

By JD King Updated

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North Dakota State v Duke
 COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils dunks the ball against the North Dakota State Bison in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Congratulations to RJ Barrett, who Friday night won the Jerry West Award as the nation’s best shooting guard. That would be an amazing achievement for anyone but it’s spectacular for a freshman.

This was not a universally popular decision. The truth though is that Barrett had a tremendous season. He was great in every aspect of the game and could play four different positions. When Duke needed rebounding he could do it. When Duke needed a point guard he could do it. When Duke needed someone to fill in for Zion Williamson he could do it. And obviously he could score. He was listed at forward - Duke generally started four forwards this past season - but he had immense versatility.

There are often arguments about who is and isn't deserving. The shame is that you can’t really give awards to as many guys who deserve them. We loved Carsen Edwards too.

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