The Enforcer: Theo John
Duke reserve big Theo John brings a physicality and edge to the Duke roster that it lacked last season.
Statistics are not always a good indicator of value. In fact, they’re probably only good for that about the half time.
Sure the high double digit scoring totals or rebounding numbers illustrate success and purpose. There’s a place for statistics and what they represent.
But there’s also a time when one must look beyond to see the impact a player is having on a team, whether it’s leadership or how his presence influences a game.
Theo John would fall into this category.
Ask his teammates about him, and you often get the same term: Enforcer.
“We always call him the enforcer,” freshman guard Trevor Keels said.
If you have watched Duke play at all this season, you know exactly what Keels is talking about. John plays the game with an edge and a demeanor that no one else on the team displays.
At 6-foot-9, 242-pounds, he is a physical specimen and he’s not afraid to bully his opponents in the paint. At times it’s almost comical watching slender opponents attempt to move John off the block or push him for position.
Oftentimes, throughout the 10 games in which he has played, opponents have attempted to reverse the narrative and be physical with him. We saw it with Kentucky’s Lance Ware in the season opener. Elon’s Chuck Hannah and Michael Graham tried their hands at it. Others from the games in between have attempted to draw the line and make a statement.
None of them succeeded.
“He’s for sure intimidating.” — Trevor Keels on Theo John
John’s response has either been to be even more physical in the post, offer up a smirk or verbally remind them they’re probably barking up the wrong tree. No matter the method, the point has typically been made.
“He’s for sure intimidating,” Keels said with a nod and smile.
Jeremy Roach’s response was similar, “I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Opponents are probably wishing he was on theirs, too, particularly when their failed alpha-dog attempts fall flat.
John’s teammates see it in their opponents’ eyes — that fear and intimidation.
“I definitely think that coming into games opponents know he’s an enforcer,” Paolo Banchero said. “He’s going to be physical, he’s going to put a body on someone, rebound, do all the dirty work. I think when teams see him coming in the game they know he’s going to do it. They’re definitely aware.”
It’s that intensity and toughness that drew the Duke coaching staff to John in the first place. When looking back at the 2020-21 season, Duke lacked the mentality in which John brings to the table.
Duke’s most successful teams over the years featured at least one player with that mindset. Think back over the years: Justise Winslow, Christian Laettner, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Shelden Williams, Vernon Carey — the list could really go on and on.
And while each those mentioned produced at a high level on the stat sheet, there was a common personality trait within their toughness and approach of asserting their will.
John has that same trait.
“Just the physical presence,” associate head coach Jon Scheyer said of what John brings to the team. “Last year we really felt like we got hurt by that - getting beat up on the boards and not having that physical presence down low. The defense, the rebounding and just the game experience.
“When we found out there was a chance we could get Theo, Coach (Mike Krzyzewski) almost literally got out of his seat and jumped at it. I think we all felt that way.”
John is currently averaging 14.7 minutes, 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Again nothing that spectacular when just gauging on-court worth by numbers.
His teammates are not looking at those numbers, though. No, they are judging his value by his mental approach and how he impacts their focus and drive on the court.
“I think it does for us, because we know as a team that nobody is going to out-physical Theo,” Banchero said when asked if his on-floor presence impacts the team’s mindset. “When he comes into the game we know we’re going to have that physical presence.
“At the same time, when he’s out of the game he’s on us to bring it as well. He’s in mine and Mark’s (Williams) ear — he’s in everybody’s ear — letting us know that we’ve got to be strong and box out or put a body on whoever. So he’s always that constant remainder for us.”
“I think when teams see him coming in the game they know he’s going to do it. They’re definitely aware.” — Paolo Banchero on Theo John
The term “enforcer” is not the only thing that seems to be echoed throughout the team when discussing John.
As a graduate transfer from Marquette, John has played in some big games over the last four years. He’s seen big minutes and played in NCAA Tournament games.
He has a level of experience that not many on this Duke roster can claim. This is particularly true when speaking of the team’s post players.
Consequently, John has taken on a leadership role, and the likes of Williams and Banchero are listening.
“He’s great,” Williams said of John. “I think for Theo, especially when I’m in the game, he’s always talking to me about rebounding, about defending. He’s just always keeping me in check almost. Just trying to see where my head’s at. Just sort of being that leader in a sense. He’s been great for us. Always pushing me to be the best player I can be.”
As Duke prepares for its first ACC game of the 2021-22 season, John’s leadership and physicality will be needed now more than ever.
Theo plays with an edge that has been missing from many previous teams. Talent and finesse can't always get the job done against teams that play a more physical style. Theo has the physicality to level the playing field.