Point Guards

[Bluedawg]

This season hinges on how well Paulus and Smith disrupt opposing point guards, and it begins tonight against N.C. Central. Last year's 22-11 Duke team rarely managed to apply the desired pressure.

Krzyzewski said Paulus and Smith will rarely play together. Whoever plays better, plays more.

"Hopefully they both play well," Krzyzewski said. "If one isn't, the other will play more. Or if there's foul trouble or, I hope not, an injury. It's a good combination."


Krzyzewski hopes the offense will come by letting Nelson, a senior, juniors Paulus and Martynas Pocius, sophomores Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer, and Smith loose to attack passing lanes and run for quick buckets.

If the guards can rebound, forwards Lance Thomas and Kyle Singler can avoid foul trouble, and the break doesn't falter, Krzyzewski will rotate in fresh bodies on the perimeter.

Paulus, Smith point the way for Duke
Guards hope to provide the kind of perimeter defense Krzyzewski craves (http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/duke/story/766130.html)

I predict a very good year!

[Bob Green]

The strength of this year's team is our perimeter players. Smith should help a healthy Paulus play like the 5 Star recruit he was coming out of high school. Nelson, Scheyer, Henderson, and Pocius provide an abundance of depth for the backcourt.

Early indications are that Kyle Singler will be our best player. If he receives some assistance inside, we could develop into a very good team this year. Zoubek and McClure are recovering from injuries so we will need production from Lance Thomas and Taylor King.

My first "wish" for the season is that we have 11 healthy bodies available when ACC games commence.