This team is very good

[DukeHoopsGuru]

I am a very infrequent poster. Very. However, I feel the need to post this morning. Simply put, this team is freaking good. Coming into the season I felt this was going to be a journey, and the team would be a tough out come March, but I felt they had Elite 8 potential at best. I feel comfortable in saying just a few games in I am sadly mistaken. This team has exceeded my expectations already. This is not the best Duke team in terms of talent. However, it's been a long time since Duke had 5 to 6 guys that could go double figures every night. This team can have several guys not play well, and they can still beat good teams. The mark of a good team is the ability to beat quality teams when you don't play your best. The Plumlees and Dawkins were pretty absent last night so Kelly, Rivers, and Curry picked up the slack. Rivers was off the other night so Dawkins picked up the slack. Overall, Curry is much better than I think we all thought. He's not lightning quick but he's effective with his movements. There's no wasted motion with him, and he has quick hands. Rivers is only going to get better, and the same with Mason. I think Miles is what he is to an extent though. Great athlete, but just terrible hands, and questionable judgment. Kelly is showing the country what Duke fans saw in China, and Tyler (fouls too much) and Josh are no slouches when needed either. I hope they redshirt Murphy this year, which it appears they are doing.

It doesn't even matter if Duke loses tonight, this team is going to be a tough out come March, and if they're hitting the 3 ball forget it. I said to myself a few times late first half/mid 2nd, "this team is good." They are. The 1 concern we saw last night, which was a carbon copy of the Arizona game was perimeter defense and lapses in team defense for stretches. Both teams shot lights out in the 2nd half, but there were a lot of uncontested good shots. That is the one concern I have. However, Coach K never ceases to amaze me, and the China trip did wonders. I got a text from my buddy the UK graduate last night. He said, "I'd put Duke in the UNC/UK upper echelon. I am not sure if they are in the UNC, OSU, UK (They won't win it all.) category, but they're damn good. This is not a team I'd want to play come March.

[OldPhiKap]

Excellent post. And, like our offense, our defense will improve as the season progresses.

[uh_no]

The 1 concern we saw last night, which was a carbon copy of the Arizona game was perimeter defense and lapses in team defense for stretches. Both teams shot lights out in the 2nd half, but there were a lot of uncontested good shots. That is the one concern I have.

I think you need to put more weight here. You do a great job discussing how good our offense is, and its as balanced and strong an offense we've seen from duke in a number of years. We also gave up 53 points in the second half last night. You can't do that and expect to win on a regular basis. It only takes one bad defensive game to get knocked out and we'll have to figure that out.

When we lose, it will be because we can't contain the opponent, not because we can't score.

[davekay1971]

Agree with the OP.

This team is already a good team. We've played a tough opening schedule and done quite well. Our next two games present big challenges, and we'll know even more about our strengths and weaknesses after Kansas and Ohio State.

One of the OP's great points was the balance of the team. On the interior Miles has turned into a guy who will contribute consistently, while Mason and Ryan both have the ability to dominate games. On our perimeter, ýou can see the star in Rivers developing...rapidly. Curry is probably our most consistent player so far this season (if not him, then he's a close second to RK). Dawkins can score in a hurry when he's on and can be a game changer, although he's probably not going to be that guy every night. Thornton is that intangibles guy that every team needs and K loves.

We've got all the pieces in place with those 7 guys, and they seem to be gelling together nicely. Our other guys, particularly Cook and Hairston, may very well grow into important contributors this year, and that depth is always nice. But our first 7 is a good, good team, and shows every sign that they will improve markedly as the year goes on.

Addendum: just read Uh_No's post and have to agree with the defensive concern. I haven't focused on that because of my faith that K will be able to dramatically improve our defense over the year, especially our tendency to lose intensity and focus for stretches of the game. We've already seen significant improvement in our perimeter defense compared. Hopefully the defensive improvements will continue.

[Chicken Little]

Our next two games present big challenges, and we'll know even more about our strengths and weaknesses after Kansas and Ohio State.


Im absolutely dreading the Ohio State game...not sure if I'm more worried about the opponent or it being our first true away game. Im afraid the combination is going to be devastating. I think this is a very good team, but I need to see how they react when the wheels come off completely. This team's upside is so tremendous that the other side of the coin could be equally scary.

That said, with a week to prepare, I like our coaches better than anyone's coaches, and there's so much talent that we could come out of there with a W. This team is a lot better at this point in the season than I expected them to be, and when Rivers gets under control and defenses have to respect him, there are a lot of weapons waiting on the wings. This will be a fun year regardless of the outcome.

[roywhite]

Nice piece from ESPN, focusing on Duke's backcourt and early success

Duke's Curry, Rivers developing chemistry
(http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/39792/curry-rivers-developing-chemistry-for-duke)


This is most evident in the team’s bloodline backcourt of Austin Rivers and Seth Curry, who look like brothers and are starting to take on the look of old friends. There’s no questioning the talent there, but it wasn’t a lock that it was going to fit together. Neither would be defined as a true point guard, and both really need to control the ball to be effective. They also are probably Mike Krzyzewski’s two most talented players, and he was determined to play them together and figure out a way to make it work.

[DukeHoopsGuru]

I'm a visionary. I'm not the only one noticing these things, I'm just the 1st to notice. As far as the defense, I wasn't understating it. It is a concern.

[slower]

I'm a visionary. I'm not the only one noticing these things, I'm just the 1st to notice.

More likely, just the first to post. Regardless, a nice original post in the thread.

[Billy Dat]

Im absolutely dreading the Ohio State game...not sure if I'm more worried about the opponent or it being our first true away game. Im afraid the combination is going to be devastating. I think this is a very good team, but I need to see how they react when the wheels come off completely. This team's upside is so tremendous that the other side of the coin could be equally scary.

Tonight's game is no walk in the park either, but dread not either game. I am excited about going into Buckeye country as the underdog. As for tonight, we'll see what kind of character our squad has considering they should be pretty gassed after the starters have played so many minutes in Maui. It will be a great test.

[gwlaw99]

Nice piece from ESPN, focusing on Duke's backcourt and early success

Duke's Curry, Rivers developing chemistry
(http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/39792/curry-rivers-developing-chemistry-for-duke)

In the second half when Rivers drove and found Curry for a three, I could only smile as see the future.

[Josephd0]

I think that December is going to be a crucial month for this team. Particularly the break they get between the Washington and Eastern Michigan games. Christmas is in there, and what boils down to an exhibition type game with UNCG. K has used this time in the past to work out any kinks that he sees in November and I think for this team that period of time is crucial. Defense will be what derails this team this year. They have more offensive weapons than they've had in recent years. Maybe dating back to the J-Will years. My main concerns all revolve around defense. One is the inability for anyone to stop the dribble drive and the other is that we can't seem to hold a lead on anyone. Part of that has to do with some bad decisions on offense once we are up double figures on someone, but part of it is not being able to stop teams. We've been able to hang on because players have stepped up on the offensive side and just outscored teams, but it would be nice if we could shut someone down at the end of a game.

It's tough to decide who to pull of the court because all of our starters can score the ball, but I'd like to see Gbinijie get some "Elliot Williams" time on the floor as maybe a stopper on defense. Thornton sort of plays this role, but against a bigger guard like Hardaway Jr., he can't match up. Plus he's a walking foul. Rivers may develop into this guy for us, but I still think we need to get another athlete on the floor some.

[SMO]

A few things have me optimistic on the season regardless of what happens vs. Kansas:

-The team's rate of improvement over a 5-6 game span is impressive
-There's still a ton of upside if Rivers learns to play smarter and MP1 starts playing like a senior
-Duke's schedule is tough. They will see losses along the way but they re playing multiple final four favorites, which should provide ample opportunity to grow.
-The main areas of concern (defense, end of game situations) are mental. This team has loads of skill and talent and mostly needs to work on decision-making, which is relatively easy to fix.

Should be a fun ride.

[BlueDevilCorvette!]

I truly believe that as Miles settles down and find an offensive rhythm that Duke will be a force to be reckoned with. We need Miles bulk and strength (with an occasional bucket) in order to fine-tune our inside out game and to keep teams honest on both ends of the floor. Duke has so much room for growth and once we start cutting our teeth, this team should have the capability of making this a special season.

[Kedsy]

The Plumlees and Dawkins were pretty absent last night so Kelly, Rivers, and Curry picked up the slack.

Agree with most of your post, but I disagree that Mason and Andre were "absent" last night. Mason ran into foul trouble, due to offensive fouls, but before that he was active on defense, strong on the boards, and drew multiple defenders down low. Andre made several big threes and along with Seth was the main reason Michigan's zone didn't work so well. Other than our second half defensive lapse, I thought we were running on all cylinders last night.


...optimistic on the season regardless of what happens vs. Kansas...

Just wanted to emphasize your "regardless of what happens vs. Kansas" statement. Win or lose tonight I'm enthusiastic about this team's prospects.

[gw67]

I've only watched a couple of games this year but this year's team has a lot of skills and is fun to watch. It appears that their defense and passing have a ways to go but it is very early in the season. I've followed Duke basketball for nearly 50 years and this team has the potential to be the best shooting Duke team I've seen.

I apologize for being late to the party but are the youngest Plumlee and Murphy being red shirted?

gw67

[nocilla]

I apologize for being late to the party but are the youngest Plumlee and Murphy being red shirted?

gw67

Good chance on MP3 and no on Murphy.

[jamesfrommaiden]

Lets be honest. At Duke or any other program with such a basketball pedigree the expectations are to compete for a national championship. Duke nation does not sit around and hope we have a good year with all the new faces. Coach K will tell you the same. We play to win championships. Some seasons we know when the team has a legit chance and some years we hope and cheer that somehow we can do it even when we know realistically Duke doesn't have much of a shot. 2001 we knew it. 1998 we thought we knew it. 2010 was why we never give up hope. 1986 still hurts. 1991 and 1992 are so special that a few words can't begin to tell the story. We knew though. This year I truley believe. We have all the parts. Yes there might be stumbles along the way, but if you think about how good we are now, think about how great we will become by March. I did not know if Duke truley deserved a number 6 ranking to begin the season. They do. More so they have earned it. This team passes the eyeball test when it comes to seeing if they have what it takes to be a championship team on every level. I just wish we could kick Roy's I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this. tonight like so many times before when he was at Kansas. I like doing it more though since he is down the road. We have something for you UNC. Go to hell carolina. LETS GO DUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MChambers]

Agree with most of your post, but I disagree that Mason and Andre were "absent" last night. Mason ran into foul trouble, due to offensive fouls, but before that he was active on defense, strong on the boards, and drew multiple defenders down low. Andre made several big threes and along with Seth was the main reason Michigan's zone didn't work so well. Other than our second half defensive lapse, I thought we were running on all cylinders last night.
Just wanted to add that I thought Andre's defense was quite solid last night, and I saw him go up strong for a rebound and make a nice running shot through contact (that wasn't called a foul). I was impressed.

[arnie]

I truly believe that as Miles settles down and find an offensive rhythm that Duke will be a force to be reckoned with. We need Miles bulk and strength (with an occasional bucket) in order to fine-tune our inside out game and to keep teams honest on both ends of the floor. Duke has so much room for growth and once we start cutting our teeth, this team should have the capability of making this a special season.

I don't see Miles suddenly figuring it out and becoming Zoubek. I'm hoping G and Murphy start seeing more time and becoming mid range offensive players with solid defensive skills. Miles is a solid sub for Mason, but can't see anymore than that.

[MCFinARL]

Just wanted to add that I thought Andre's defense was quite solid last night, and I saw him go up strong for a rebound and make a nice running shot through contact (that wasn't called a foul). I was impressed.

Agreed. He was solid all around and scored 14 points. If that's absent, I'll take it. If he missed a couple of shots late in the game it might have something to do with playing almost 70 minutes of basketball in 2 days, after a major time zone change. I'm cautiously optimistic he is going to have a great season.

[loldevilz]

This team definitely has some nice pieces. We clearly can really shoot the ball. What will determine how far we will go is defense. We really haven't shown that we can stop people yet. We've basically just outscored every team. Against MSU and Davidson we had period where we really locked down the other team. One this is certain: they are fun as heck to watch!

[-jk]

I don't see Miles suddenly figuring it out and becoming Zoubek. I'm hoping G and Murphy start seeing more time and becoming mid range offensive players with solid defensive skills. Miles is a solid sub for Mason, but can't see anymore than that.

I think I've heard something like this before (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?18052-MBB-Duke-64-Arizona-State-53-Post-Game-Thread&p=335561#post335561). :D

They develop as they develop. Alaa had an absolutely amazing senior Eureka! moment ("Catch! Face! Shoot!"), which became the ACC's all time consecutive FG streak. I'm not expecting Miles to become Zoubs or Alaa; he's his own person. But I'm not going to put him out to pasture, either.

-jk

[SMO]

I think I've heard something like this before (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?18052-MBB-Duke-64-Arizona-State-53-Post-Game-Thread&p=335561#post335561). :D

They develop as they develop. Alaa had an absolutely amazing senior Eureka! moment ("Catch! Face! Shoot!"), which became the ACC's all time consecutive FG streak. I'm not expecting Miles to become Zoubs or Alaa; he's his own person. But I'm not going to put him out to pasture, either.

-jk

The thing that makes it hard for me to even watch Miles is that he has all the physical tools to be really good, but never quite gets there. His problems are 100% between his ears. If it clicks for him Duke can be scary good.

[MChambers]

The thing that makes it hard for me to even watch Miles is that he has all the physical tools to be really good, but never quite gets there. His problems are 100% between his ears. If it clicks for him Duke can be scary good.

I really don't like to say the problems are between his ears. (Hope I'm not nitpicking or nit-picking.) Miles is by all accounts a smart kid with a great attitude. I don't think you meant otherwise, but what you wrote can be interpreted in several ways.

Just because somebody is a great athlete, but plays basketball (or any sport, for that matter) less well than you might expect doesn't mean the problem is in his or her head. It can be the mix of specific skills. For example, eye-hand coordination can be an issue. Maybe that's in one's head -- I'm not really sure.

Some players have a sense of how to maneuver to score down low and others don't. It's not clear to me, however, how easy it is to learn that sense. Some players never get it. By the way, I think both MP1 and MP2 (the twins, right?) are doing a much better job of drawing contact down low.

[SMO]

I really don't like to say the problems are between his ears. (Hope I'm not nitpicking or nit-picking.) Miles is by all accounts a smart kid with a great attitude. I don't think you meant otherwise, but what you wrote can be interpreted in several ways.

Just because somebody is a great athlete, but plays basketball (or any sport, for that matter) less well than you might expect doesn't mean the problem is in his or her head. It can be the mix of specific skills. For example, eye-hand coordination can be an issue. Maybe that's in one's head -- I'm not really sure.

Some players have a sense of how to maneuver to score down low and others don't. It's not clear to me, however, how easy it is to learn that sense. Some players never get it. By the way, I think both MP1 and MP2 (the twins, right?) are doing a much better job of drawing contact down low.

In order to avoid misinterpretation and further nit-picking, what would be an appropriate way to re-phrase what I said?

[chrishoke]

Miles needs to simplify the game. He is still trying to do much. We need him to rebound, play solid D without fouling, relocate and rebound some more.

[rocketeli]

Seems like a lot of posters have concerns about our defense. Well, it might not be as good this year as some, but I'm betting Coach K could not care less. If you have a team that is really, really good at something useful--like scoring a bunch of points (and there is no starter you can leave alone, if you are the other team) then a smart coach rides that. Case in point -the 1992 team, which basically didn't bother with defense and just outscored everyone.

[CDu]

Seems like a lot of posters have concerns about our defense. Well, it might not be as good this year as some, but I'm betting Coach K could not care less. If you have a team that is really, really good at something useful--like scoring a bunch of points (and there is no starter you can leave alone, if you are the other team) then a smart coach rides that. Case in point -the 1992 team, which basically didn't bother with defense and just outscored everyone.

I'm pretty sure that every team Coach K has ever coached has put defense as priority #1. I'm quite sure that this year is no different. As such, I'm pretty sure Coach K would disagree with the bolded statement above.

[feldspar]

I don't see Miles suddenly figuring it out and becoming Zoubek. I'm hoping G and Murphy start seeing more time and becoming mid range offensive players with solid defensive skills. Miles is a solid sub for Mason, but can't see anymore than that.

I dunno. I see flashes of Miles "getting it" on the offensive boards, especially. He knows where the ball is going to go. He just doesn't always do a good job putting himself in legal position to either grab the rebound or tip it out. I could see him turning into an offensive rebounding weapon. Let's not forget that one of the 2010 championship team's strengths down low was offensive rebounding, but Zoubs wasn't necessarily out of this world in terms of grabbing them. Down the stretch (February and March) he averaged about 3.7 offensive rebounds a game. I really don't think, if he can start playing smarter and get more minutes, doing something comparable is completely out of reach.

Also don't forget that Zoubek didn't "figure it out" until mid- to late-February when we played Maryland at home and took over the starting position. Even after that, he had some rough games, like when he pulled down only 5 rebounds in 29 minutes against Miami in mid-Feburary. But he was consistent on the glass on both ends of the floor and created a few second-chance opportunities per game for us. That's what this team needs to, and I think Miles, along with Mason and Ryan, can still contribute that. In fact, I like our prospects even more this year for pounding the offensive glass than in 2010, because we have Kelly as our third rebounder, and he is probably the smartest rebounder we have.

[MChambers]

In order to avoid misinterpretation and further nit-picking, what would be an appropriate way to re-phrase what I said?

I'm not sure, and maybe others have better ideas, but how about suggesting specific basketball skills he needs to improve, such as catching the ball, or being ready to catch the ball moving to score, as Greybeard has suggested? Or avoiding cheap fouls? (That was a biggie for Zoubs two years ago.)

[OldPhiKap]

I'm pretty sure that every team Coach K has ever coached has put defense as priority #1. I'm quite sure that this year is no different. As such, I'm pretty sure Coach K would disagree with the bolded statement above.

You beat me to it, CDu. With K it always starts with defense. Which is why we've had some wonderfully talented scorers sit the bench over the years.

You are always in the game if the other team can't score, no matter whether your shots are falling or not.

[NSDukeFan]

I dunno. I see flashes of Miles "getting it" on the offensive boards, especially. He knows where the ball is going to go. He just doesn't always do a good job putting himself in legal position to either grab the rebound or tip it out. I could see him turning into an offensive rebounding weapon. Let's not forget that one of the 2010 championship team's strengths down low was offensive rebounding, but Zoubs wasn't necessarily out of this world in terms of grabbing them. Down the stretch (February and March) he averaged about 3.7 offensive rebounds a game. I really don't think, if he can start playing smarter and get more minutes, doing something comparable is completely out of reach.

Also don't forget that Zoubek didn't "figure it out" until mid- to late-February when we played Maryland at home and took over the starting position. Even after that, he had some rough games, like when he pulled down only 5 rebounds in 29 minutes against Miami in mid-Feburary. But he was consistent on the glass on both ends of the floor and created a few second-chance opportunities per game for us. That's what this team needs to, and I think Miles, along with Mason and Ryan, can still contribute that. In fact, I like our prospects even more this year for pounding the offensive glass than in 2010, because we have Kelly as our third rebounder, and he is probably the smartest rebounder we have.

One correction here: Zoubek WAS out of this world in terms of grabbing offensive rebounds. This was one of the greatest advantages that team had. Zoubek had the best Offensive Rebounding % in the country and one of the better %s of the past few years. That team didn't have a great turnover margin (though it didn't turn the ball over much, thanks Jon), or a great effective FG%, but it did have a ton of second chance opportunities. As has been posted elsewhere, Zoubek was playing well before February, but just wasn't able to stay on the floor consistently due mostly to foul trouble. I hope Miles continues to rebound well, especially offensively, but I don't expect the team to do that particular skill as well as the team did in 2010.

[arnie]

I think I've heard something like this before (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?18052-MBB-Duke-64-Arizona-State-53-Post-Game-Thread&p=335561#post335561). :D

They develop as they develop. Alaa had an absolutely amazing senior Eureka! moment ("Catch! Face! Shoot!"), which became the ACC's all time consecutive FG streak. I'm not expecting Miles to become Zoubs or Alaa; he's his own person. But I'm not going to put him out to pasture, either.

-jk

Thanks for the link! That poster must be a "glass half empty" guy. Hopefully, he's wrong two times in two years.

[feldspar]

One correction here: Zoubek WAS out of this world in terms of grabbing offensive rebounds. This was one of the greatest advantages that team had. Zoubek had the best Offensive Rebounding % in the country and one of the better %s of the past few years. That team didn't have a great turnover margin (though it didn't turn the ball over much, thanks Jon), or a great effective FG%, but it did have a ton of second chance opportunities. As has been posted elsewhere, Zoubek was playing well before February, but just wasn't able to stay on the floor consistently due mostly to foul trouble. I hope Miles continues to rebound well, especially offensively, but I don't expect the team to do that particular skill as well as the team did in 2010.

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the efficiency numbers you reference. Seemed to me at first glance that 3-4 offensive rebounds a game is pretty good, but nothing to call "out of this world."

[feldspar]

I think I've heard something like this before (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?18052-MBB-Duke-64-Arizona-State-53-Post-Game-Thread&p=335561#post335561). :D


Well, that's what I call having a mind like a steel trap!

[NSDukeFan]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the efficiency numbers you reference. Seemed to me at first glance that 3-4 offensive rebounds a game is pretty good, but nothing to call "out of this world."

You're right in that his total offensive rebounding numbers weren't out of this world like his % as his offensive rebounds per game were 20th in the country. Very good, but not out of this world.

[Kedsy]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the efficiency numbers you reference. Seemed to me at first glance that 3-4 offensive rebounds a game is pretty good, but nothing to call "out of this world."

NSDukeFan is correct. I believe Zoubek's offensive rebounding percentage was one of the top five such performances by any college player this decade. Not only that, he was putting up those numbers all year, just in fewer minutes. The only thing he "figured out" starting mid-February was how to stay on the floor without getting into foul trouble. The rest of the things we saw down the stretch he'd been doing all season.

But your overall point is sound. There's no reason to give up on Miles at this stage. I expect him to be a solid contributor all season, and if he does have his epiphany moment, look out.

[feldspar]

NSDukeFan is correct. I believe Zoubek's offensive rebounding percentage was one of the top five such performances by any college player this decade. Not only that, he was putting up those numbers all year, just in fewer minutes. The only thing he "figured out" starting mid-February was how to stay on the floor without getting into foul trouble. The rest of the things we saw down the stretch he'd been doing all season.

But your overall point is sound. There's no reason to give up on Miles at this stage. I expect him to be a solid contributor all season, and if he does have his epiphany moment, look out.

Help me out with the whole % concept and how that compares to just overall offensive rebounding numbers...is it just in terms of total possessions where there is an offensive rebounding opportunity?

[NSDukeFan]

Help me out with the whole % concept and how that compares to just overall offensive rebounding numbers...is it just in terms of total possessions where there is an offensive rebounding opportunity?

I believe it is the percentage of all available rebounds on that end of a court that a player grabs, so this controls for tempo, shooting percentages as they would for total rebounds. I hope that makes sense.

[CDu]

Help me out with the whole % concept and how that compares to just overall offensive rebounding numbers...is it just in terms of total possessions where there is an offensive rebounding opportunity?

It's simply the percentage of actual missed shots rebounded by that player. It normalizes and takes variables like mpg, tempo and FG% out of the equation.

Edit: looks like I said basically the same thing as NSDukeFan.

[doctorhook]

I do not think Murphy can redshirt since he played in the exhibition games.

[Indoor66]

I'm not sure, and maybe others have better ideas, but how about suggesting specific basketball skills he needs to improve, such as catching the ball, or being ready to catch the ball moving to score, as Greybeard has suggested? Or avoiding cheap fouls? (That was a biggie for Zoubs two years ago.)

It is, quite possible, an issue of geometric perception.

[ArkieDukie]

In the second half when Rivers drove and found Curry for a three, I could only smile as see the future.

This was one of my plays of the game, simply because it was a beautiful assist (alley oop from Cook to Plumlee was the best assist). It also appeared to be a bit of a turning point for Austin Rivers. Don't get me wrong, I love his game, but IMHO he could pass a bit more. I wonder if this was mentioned to him during halftime, because it appeared to me that he made more of an effort to dish. He made a similar pass to Dawkins which, unfortunately, ended in a missed 3. However, I still like the spirit of the play. Hopefully we'll see it a lot. Austin is difficult to stop on the drive. If 2 or 3 guys collapse on him, someone else is going to be open. And, chances are, that someone else is a good 3-pt shooter.

I agree that this team is fun to watch. There have been several times when I have not voted for MOTM because I couldn't decide between 2 or 3 guys. This team has so many weapons on offense, and defense is improving all the time. I like this team a lot.

[SMO]

I'm not sure, and maybe others have better ideas, but how about suggesting specific basketball skills he needs to improve, such as catching the ball, or being ready to catch the ball moving to score, as Greybeard has suggested? Or avoiding cheap fouls? (That was a biggie for Zoubs two years ago.)

Not to nit-pick, but I'll only respond to non-run-on, complete sentences.

The propensity of some on this board to take innocuous statements and find fault with them is remarkable.

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

Im absolutely dreading the Ohio State game...not sure if I'm more worried about the opponent or it being our first true away game. Im afraid the combination is going to be devastating. I think this is a very good team, but I need to see how they react when the wheels come off completely.

Practice. It's all just practice until March.
Love, Ima

[feldspar]

Im absolutely dreading the Ohio State game...not sure if I'm more worried about the opponent or it being our first true away game. Im afraid the combination is going to be devastating. I think this is a very good team, but I need to see how they react when the wheels come off completely.

Don't forget Georgetown 2010.

[OldPhiKap]

I do not think Murphy can redshirt since he played in the exhibition games.

Check the Alex Murphy thread -- per posters there, this is incorrect and there is no intent to redshirt him. FWIW.

[duke96]

Seems like a lot of posters have concerns about our defense. Well, it might not be as good this year as some, but I'm betting Coach K could not care less. If you have a team that is really, really good at something useful--like scoring a bunch of points (and there is no starter you can leave alone, if you are the other team) then a smart coach rides that. Case in point -the 1992 team, which basically didn't bother with defense and just outscored everyone.

I'm trying to imagine Coach K's reaction if he read this post. Suffice it to say I believe think he would disagree with your views on the importance of defense.

[hq2]

The '92 team simply had more talent than anyone else that year; there were six NBA players on that team, four
of them good. And yes, they did play, D especially both Hills. (Hurley wasn't bad either.). This team clearly has
good talent, but is a little unbalanced with a lot of big guys and guards, and not many typical forwards. Consequently,
this team will have trouble stopping good driving small forwards and the like.

Can this team make the final four? Not out of the question, when you have shooters like Seth and Andre. More
consistent low post offense will help; hard to say how much better our bigs will get, although it's likely at this
point that MP1 has topped out. Who knows. A long ways and a lot of games, matchups, injuries, streaks and
slumps from here to April.

[jv001]

The '92 team simply had more talent than anyone else that year; there were six NBA players on that team, four
of them good. And yes, they did play, D especially both Hills. (Hurley wasn't bad either.). This team clearly has
good talent, but is a little unbalanced with a lot of big guys and guards, and not many typical forwards. Consequently,
this team will have trouble stopping good driving small forwards and the like.

Can this team make the final four? Not out of the question, when you have shooters like Seth and Andre. More
consistent low post offense will help; hard to say how much better our bigs will get, although it's likely at this
point that MP1 has topped out. Who knows. A long ways and a lot of games, matchups, injuries, streaks and
slumps from here to April.

The 1991-1992 Duke team had a very good defensive team. As you mentioned the above players were good to great defensive players. Thomas Hill and Grant Hill were great defenders. Bobby Hurley was one of the best defensive Duke point guards of all time. Then you throw in Antonio Lang, Brian Davis, Christian(74 steals..led team) and Cherokee Parks. Parks avgd 12.8 mins per game but led the team with 35 blocks. This was the best Duke team ever imho. GoDuke!

[Indoor66]

The 1991-1992 Duke team had a very good defensive team. As you mentioned the above players were good to great defensive players. Thomas Hill and Grant Hill were great defenders. Bobby Hurley was one of the best defensive Duke point guards of all time. Then you throw in Antonio Lang, Brian Davis, Christian(74 steals..led team) and Cherokee Parks. Parks avgd 12.8 mins per game but led the team with 35 blocks. This was the best Duke team ever imho. GoDuke!

Grant Hill played some D. He was National Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NABC_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year). He wasn't a slacker the two years before.

If you check that link, you will find that a Duke player has won that award in 8 years (of the 24 years the award has been given).

[jv001]

Grant Hill played some D. He was National Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NABC_Defensive_Player_of_the_Year). He wasn't a slacker the two years before.

If you check that link, you will find that a Duke player has won that award in 8 years (of the 24 years the award has been given).

Thanks for the link. Billy King was another shut down defender on that list. He could guard the point guard, SG and both forward positions. Not much of a shooter but what a defender. GoDuke!

[Steven43]

I don't see Miles suddenly figuring it out and becoming Zoubek. I'm hoping G and Murphy start seeing more time and becoming mid range offensive players with solid defensive skills. Miles is a solid sub for Mason, but can't see anymore than that.
Though he did not do much of note during his first three seasons at Duke, Brian Zoubek was a very important contributor as a senior. Though he only averaged five points per game, his rebounding--particularly on the offensive end--was very good. Without his contributions Duke would not have even made it to the Final Four, much less win the national championship. That being said, Miles Plumlee has the potential to be a better player than Zoubs, though time is clearly running out. When compared to Brian, Miles is a much better leaper, runs the floor better, is more agile, and is quicker off his feet. If he could figure out a way to use his athleticism to get more offensive boards and to score more consistently on the inside--two things that are not out of the question--he will be better than Zoubek. The first time I saw Miles play as a freshman I felt he would become a very good player at Duke. I still think it could happen.

[lotusland]

I don't see Miles suddenly figuring it out and becoming Zoubek. I'm hoping G and Murphy start seeing more time and becoming mid range offensive players with solid defensive skills. Miles is a solid sub for Mason, but can't see anymore than that.

Two months ago in china miles was starting and mason looked lost. It's a long season sona lot can change.

[dukelilsis]

Right now, I'd describe the team as "better than advertised". I know that no two teams are alike but I can't help but see comparisons to the 2010 team. Let me clarify: I see major comparisons between how the two teams were and are perceived by the media and "gurus". Both teams were what they consider "second tiers" and expected to be "good but not great". I prefer it that way myself. It gives us a little bit of an ability to fly under the radar.

I have noticed that this is a team that tends to play to the level of their opponent. If you had asked me during the Belmont game if I thought we'd come out of Maui unscathed, I would've said no. But, the team seems to be improving with each game and kicking it into a higher gear when challenged by a team who plays at said gear.

As for Miles, if he had the confidence of Mason it would make a huge difference in his consistency on the court. As the sister of an over achieving brother, whom I adore by the way, I have run into the same situation. I liken Miles's basketball playing to my backgammon skills. I'm pretty good but when the person you grew up playing against is stellar it is difficult to believe that you can have that same level of expertise. OK--lame comparison but it is true that it is hard to believe in yourself when you and everyone else has so much invested in believing in your sibling who happens to possess a stronger skill set. If he can get that confidence going, watch out. We saw a bit of it in China so here's hoping for more to appear.

[stixof96]

You could tell in the interview tonight that Coach K is very excited about this ball team. This is a team that is very, very good and also very young.....a team that will improve tremendously by March........ Coach K already knows this is a serious, serious contender that he has.......man, he's got alot to work with........

[stixof96]

Right now, I'd describe the team as "better than advertised". I know that no two teams are alike but I can't help but see comparisons to the 2010 team. Let me clarify: I see major comparisons between how the two teams were and are perceived by the media and "gurus". Both teams were what they consider "second tiers" and expected to be "good but not great". I prefer it that way myself. It gives us a little bit of an ability to fly under the radar.

I have noticed that this is a team that tends to play to the level of their opponent. If you had asked me during the Belmont game if I thought we'd come out of Maui unscathed, I would've said no. But, the team seems to be improving with each game and kicking it into a higher gear when challenged by a team who plays at said gear.

As for Miles, if he had the confidence of Mason it would make a huge difference in his consistency on the court. As the sister of an over achieving brother, whom I adore by the way, I have run into the same situation. I liken Miles's basketball playing to my backgammon skills. I'm pretty good but when the person you grew up playing against is stellar it is difficult to believe that you can have that same level of expertise. OK--lame comparison but it is true that it is hard to believe in yourself when you and everyone else has so much invested in believing in your sibling who happens to possess a stronger skill set. If he can get that confidence going, watch out. We saw a bit of it in China so here's hoping for more to appear.

oh, i agree..........if miles would turn it on duke would be almost impossible to beat..........miles is a man.......stronger than mason........

[Kedsy]

Practice. It's all just practice until March.
Love, Ima

No offense intended, but I strongly disagree with this sentiment. The journey matters. Sometimes even more than the destination.

[NYBri]

Maybe we should change the title of this post to:

This team is very fun.

For a fan, that makes for a great ride.

[basket1544]

I agree with Kedsy. The journey to March is even more important than the last 4 weeks of the season. I can't wait to see how good they are then, but right now this team is having fun! Awesome win. I can't get over how tough these games have been. While some other top teams are playing cupcakes to start the season, Coach K is getting this team ready for the toughest teams throughout. Never taking a moment off.

[DukeHoopsGuru]

Maybe we should change the title of this post to:

This team is very fun.

For a fan, that makes for a great ride.

I'll agree with that. However, the title..........it stands. This team is very good. So many guys can hurt you, and they play with confidence. That is the mark of a good team. They will continue to struggle with athletic teams somewhat, but 2010 wasn't full of athletes, but they found a way. The title stands!

[NYBri]

I'll agree with that. However, the title..........it stands. This team is very good. So many guys can hurt you, and they play with confidence. That is the mark of a good team. They will continue to struggle with athletic teams somewhat, but 2010 wasn't full of athletes, but they found a way. The title stands!

Of course. :)

[NSDukeFan]

No offense intended, but I strongly disagree with this sentiment. The journey matters. Sometimes even more than the destination.
I couldn't agree more. One game shouldn't be the be-all end-all when looking at the success of a team. No matter what happens this year, they have won at least one championship against a great field.

Maybe we should change the title of this post to:

This team is very fun.

For a fan, that makes for a great ride.

This team is indeed very fun, but part of the reason, is this team is also very good, with lots of room for improvement. I have been enjoying the journey so far and hope this team improves the way many of us fans feel they can.

[JMarley50]

I said several times during the off-season that this team had the potential to be very good. It actually amazed me that so many people (on this board even) were saying things like we should lower our expectations for this season, and we might end up a sweet 16 team but that was about it. I think everybody agreed that there was going to be a learning process with this team, we just had different opinions on how good they would be at the end of that process. But I can honestly say that I don't think any of us believed this team would be this good so soon.

I remember telling my wife about half way through the 2010 season that I thought the team was going to become a very special team. You could just see them coming together and believing in each other. It was amazing to watch! I think we are already seeing that with this group of guys. Watching Austin cheer for Tyler against Kansas was great to see. You could see the genuine happiness for his teammate on his face. He could have easily been upset and pouting because he wasn't in the game during crunch time but he wasn't. Little things like that turn very good teams into special teams.

This team has it all... Great talent, versatility, size, high IQ, and of course the best coaching staff in all of basketball. But most importantly this team still has a lot of room to grow and improve. I'm sure there will be a few bumps in the road, there always is, but if they continue to improve at the rate they are currently going this will be a very special team. Here's to hoping we are witnesses to a very good team growing into a very special team!! (raising a pretend ice cold adult beverage)