Sharing Duke honor with Tyrese Proctor, senior Mason Gillis dissects what was missing from Jon Scheyer’s side

Mason Gillis has a new home in Durham this year as one of the Duke Blue Devils' top transfers. After making a name for himself in four seasons at Purdue, he opted to spend his final year of eligibility in Durham, coming in as a four-star transfer to one of the preseason favorites.

During the Blue Devils' first exhibition game against the Lincoln Lions on October 19, Gillis seemingly shared pregame captaincy duties with fan-favorite Tyrese Proctor.

Following their massive 107-56 victory over the Lions, Gillis revealed what he felt coach Jon Scheyer needs to work on with the Blue Devils ahead of the upcoming season.

"I thought from start to finish it was good, because, we didn't start, maybe, how we wanted, but we finished how we wanted," said Gillis. "Our defensive intensity, just being a little more active, a little bit more pressure on the ball. We got to be better on our weak side coverages, on ball screens.

"Just knowing where we're going immediately instead of being, maybe, half a step slow, and so, that's just what we've got to work on. And then rebounding as well, we got to work on rebounding."

Gillis was also asked about appearing to share pregame captaincy duties with Proctor.

"Coach told me before the game that him and I, we're going up there," Gillis said. "I mean, I'm new here, so I don't really know how that side of business goes. But, at the end of the day, it doesn't really. Yes, it is cool to have that title, but we're here to win games.

"That's not Tyrese's or I's goal to be captain. Our goal is to win the national championship."

Mason Gillis comes off the bench as Cooper Flagg stars

Mason Gillis enjoyed 19 minutes of game time in the Blue Devils' exhibition match against the Lions, during which he scored two free throws, grabbed three rebounds and recorded a steal.

Mason Gillis played 19 minutes in the Blue Devils' exhibition match against the Lincoln Lions. (IMAGN)

Meanwhile, Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils' top recruit this season, finished as the team's top scorer in the exhibition game with 22 points. He also recorded four blocks and six assists to round off a solid display.

The Blue Devils will face the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 27 in what will be their final exhibition game before the start of the season on November 4.