Barrett shines in Zion’s shadow for No. 1 Duke

DURHAM, N.C. R.J. Barrett leads the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring. He just recorded Duke’s first triple-double in 13 years.

But as long as his roommate Zion Williamson is still around, he won’t have top billing for the top-ranked Blue Devils.

That’s just fine with the Canadian.

“Him getting attention draws more attention to us, too,” Barrett said.

While Williamson has been good for a highlight-reel play in virtually every game, the less flashy Barrett has been consistently productive for first-place Duke (23-2, 11-1).

Barrett, who recorded 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against North Carolina State, and Williamson are clearly the biggest stars on the highest profile team in the NCAA. Most mock drafts have both being selected early in the NBA draft.

So it’s not that Barrett is being overlooked. It’s more about how dominant Williamson’s presence is across college basketball.

The low-key Barrett played for the Canadian national team and came to Duke a year early after reclassifying. Coach Mike Krzyzewski believes his experiences have helped him handle the attention.

“There’s a maturity and a comfort level with not taking it seriously, but understanding that if you’re going to be good, that’s a good part of what you’re doing, and not to let it become pressure,” Krzyzewski said.

Barrett’s average of 22.7 points is 0.3 of a point better than Williamson’s. He’s reached double figures in all 25 games of his college career.

Barrett is a slasher who’s at his best attacking the rim or hitting mid-range jumpers — roughly twothirds of his shots come from inside the arc — but he puts up enough 3-pointers to keep defences honest.

A 33 per cent shooter from long range, Barrett hit a season-best six of 10 from 3-point range two weeks ago in a road victory over No. 3 Virginia.