WRAL Sports Fan

Duke's rise and remaining questions

A nice objective article despite the author.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/ncbexperts/id/8809219/how-duke-improved-blue-devils-remaining-concerns-college-basketball

The Duke Blue Devils' loss to Lehigh in last season's NCAA tournament was a stunner, but there were plenty of warning signs for that team heading into the tourney. The 2011-12 Blue Devils didn't have many of the traits that have made Duke college basketball's model program for the past 20 years.

Traditionally one of the best defensive teams in the nation, Duke struggled to defend the ball off the dribble, which put it in rotations and at a defensive disadvantage. Its offense was stagnant at times, with Austin Rivers often dominating the ball as opposed to making the next pass and moving the defense. Mason Plumlee showed flashes of being an elite frontcourt player but didn't bring it every game, Quinn Cook had trouble adjusting to the intensity of the college game, and the loss of Ryan Kelly to injury at the end of the season hurt the Devils more than the average fan realized.

Cook is having an outstanding sophomore season, averaging 5.6 assists per game with a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. His decision-making, a real issue last season, has been outstanding, as has his shot selection. He makes enough 3s to keep the defense honest and has a knack for getting to the basket. But his greatest contribution is on the defensive end at the point of attack, an area Duke struggled with last season. Cook has the ability to defend the ball off the bounce at the point.

Kelly is one of the most underappreciated players in the country, a tough matchup who can shoot with range, put it on the floor and score on the block and a committed defender who can defend multiple positions. He uses his size and length to contain quicker players and still averages 1.8 blocks per game.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

Plumlee has embraced his potential as a senior. A gifted athlete, he runs and jumps as well as any frontcourt player in the country, and he might be the nation's best ball-screen defender. As opposed to last season, he not only carves space out on the low block but also demands the ball. He is most comfortable on the left block working to the middle of the floor, and Coach K does a great job of getting him there. He is active on the offensive glass, averaging over three offensive rebounds per game. Plumlee is having a Wooden Award-level season.

Tyler Thornton's toughness and willingness to embrace his role is what Duke basketball is all about, and he has carved out a niche for himself as a junior. He is a relentless defender who can take his man out on and off the ball, averaging almost two steals a game in just 22 minutes per. The flexibility of Duke's perimeter game allows him to sub in for any perimeter player. Offensively, he is a play starter who stays within himself, with a knack for making big shots.

Josh Hairston plays only 10 minutes a game, but he is the type of valuable contributor that every championship team needs. He is tough, physical and an excellent screener, and he prides himself on bringing energy and commitment on the defensive end.

Freshman Amile Jefferson will be a valuable reserve for the Blue Devils by season's end, as I expect his role to continue to grow. He is long and athletic, and his skill set allows him to play on the block and on the perimeter.

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I can't post the whole thing since it's subscription based.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

Nice post 903, this team is shaping up nicely. Would love to see more out of mp3 and Murphy.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

Offensive rebounding!!!! Don't have it. Duke needs to find it. Mp3 and Murphy might be the answer but we won't know until they get some solid minutes. Guards are starting to rebound better, which is nice. Perhaps it's the spread offense Duke uses that makes it hard to get second shots off rebounds. Other than that, Duke is very solid in every other area of the game and can make it to the final four without fixing this minor problem. Fix the problem and they could go undefeated.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

Really hoping mp3 can become that rebounding presence. This team has a chance to be special, rebounding, energy, and overall team focus can still be improved.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

903...why not post Ratfaces life story on here? Too bad d00k is just heading for another early falmeout. Poor things!

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

So why is 903 bolding Ryan Kelly's injury when according to him, injuries don't count and are just an excuse?

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

So why is 903 bolding Ryan Kelly's injury when according to him, injuries don't count and are just an excuse? 

- Posted by DooksucksV3

They only count for dook, not anyone else.

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

do need to rebound alot better.....i know Duke has the best resume so far this year by a long shot but i thing SU looks tough this year......

RE: Duke's rise and remaining questions

SU and Michigan both look really good, along with Duke. Injuries are a part of every team, no excuse, just part of it. smh