Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

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Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

Duke head basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and his bench react to a call during the Blue Devils' game against Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

By Tim Hall

Mar 23, 2009

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Mike Krzyzewski might not have to look far to find a team similar to Villanova. In his opinion all he would have to do is look at the one right in front of him at practice.

The coach in his 29th season at Duke joined Mike and Mike in the Morning on 99.9 The Fan ESPN Radio on Monday morning and he commented on how his team is very comparable to Villanova's.

"We're actually pretty similar in that we're more perimeter oriented (both of our teams)," Krzyzewski said. "Neither team has a real strong low post presence although Cunningham has had a sensational year."

Dante Cunningham is a 6-8 230 pound senior forward for the Wildcats. He leads the team in scoring (16.3 ppg), rebounding (7.3 rpg), blocked shots (1.3 bpg) and field goal percentage (53 %).

Kyle Singler is the closest match to Cunningham in terms of size at 6-8 235 pounds, but his style of game is focused much more on the outside. Singler has tossed up 174 3-pointers compared to Cunningham's two. Three of Duke's top four scorers are guards.

The next five leading scorers for Villanova are all guards as well, led by junior Scottie Reynolds (15.1 ppg). Coach Krzyzewski told ESPN Radio that Reynolds is the key, a guy who "can put up 30 points on you". His season high was actually 40 points at Seton Hall back in January.

As well as mentioning the similarities in perimeter play with these two teams, Krzyzewski noted that the Wildcats other attribute is that they are hitting their stride at the right time.

"We're playing very good basketball right now also," Krzyzewski said. "Can both teams defend the drive and the kicks? And if one kid or a couple get hot from the outside it could be the difference in the ball game."

Duke fans will hope those kids getting hot are Jon Scheyer and Gerald Henderson instead of Scottie Reynolds and Corey Stokes.

Most Recent Comments

RE: Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

I can't seem to find a baseball story about how Duke swept the baseball games against UNC this past weekend. Weren't the heels ranked number one? I guess not now!

Go devils!

RE: Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

nuff said end of story ...Duke IS the ACC Champs for 2009! No matter who beat who in the reg season, nuff said!!!!! Carowhina played great against Duke then couldn't beat BC, and others they should have. They need to prepare for OTHER teams like they do for Duke and maybe they'll win the NT like they're predicted to do, again. If they don't win the Nat Title THIS year, I think they need to let Coach K coach them next time they have all that talent in the future; 'cause when K had all that talent, he won back to backs! Nuff said!

RE: Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

Duke should win this one. They are playing great team ball at the right time. Those guys are in great physical shape too.

RE: Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

I don't think any of them are worried. They probably are happy to be playing and looking forward to the game. They all believe they are good and know they can win. I'm sure they are confident of their team and their ability to win. For me I'm just happy we are still playing and not sitting home watching, like some of our ACC teams.

RE: Krzyzewski finds Duke and Villanova very similar

spam- thanks for giving dook the kiss of death instead of us.

WRAL Sports Fan

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