R.J. Barrett’s five missed shots — without even once looking to pass — during the final minute of the No. 1 Duke basketball team’s 89-87 loss to No. 3 Gonzaga on Wednesday won’t define his season.
What could define the season for the Blue Devils, though, is the alpha-male freshman’s reaction to criticism this week from fans, pundits, and, most importantly, his coaches and teammates.
Selfish. Hero ball. Predictable. Concerning.
Those are the most common words — in addition to a few profane ones — that fans on Twitter and in forums used to describe Barrett’s last-minute plays from the championship game in Maui.