Duke's bench helps title run
Mar 16, 2009
For the past two years, Duke has entered the NCAA Tournament without an ACC Tournament title and facing questions of fatigue.
Their bench play did solve the first part of the dilemma and could benefit the Devils in the dance.
Nolan Smith's return provided on-ball defensive pressure and an offensive threat. Just look at his sick dunk in the first half against Florida State.
The experience of Greg Paulus is a nice option to have in tournament time.
Fellow senior David McClure played three strong games in the ACC Tournamentt, bot on the stat sheet but with intangible plays. A key blocked shot against Maryland ... a couple of tie-ups against FSU. He used his senior savvy to just make plays.
Brian Zoubek is a walking punch line who only played one minute against Maryland. The Duke coaches told him before the meeting with FSU to be ready: "We're going to need you."
Zoubek stayed in front of the Noles' Solomon Alabi and forced him into mistakes. In nine minutes, Big Z had a block and six rebounds in the title tilt.
You don't always have to get point production from the bench. Other contributions can be just as beneficial. Duke has found a solid starting rotation and options from the bench.
The Devils are 8-1 since their massive overhaul after the Boston College loss. That's a big gamble for a coaching staff to make that late in February. But Duke wouldn't be ACC champions without the move and for that Mike Krzyzweski deserves a ton of credit.
Duke hasn't reached the Sweet 16 since 2006, the last time they won the ACC Tournament title. On Sunday, the players talked about momentum, confidence and the title of champions going with them to the NCAA Tournament.
It was aided by guys coming off the bench and contributing in anyway possible.
