This has been my point from the beginning of the season. I’m so tired of the “we’ll get better with time, yada, yada…” With the current state of the ACC, Duke has to schedule big non-conference games at the beginning of the season, and they have to win them. Gotta be ready to play at a high level from the jump, like Kansas has been. They were clearly the better team: stronger, tougher, better shooters, better defense, better coaching. The 1 seed is gone at this point. If we win every game from now until March we have a shot at a 2 or 3. Lose a few games, we’re a 4. My expectations have officially been lowered for this season, and the story is already sounding all too familiar. Young Duke players and young Duke coach outplayed and out coached by more experienced guys in critical moments. Lots of talent that will be awesome in a few years— when they’re in the NBA. Another run to the Sweet 16, Elite 8! Yay.