BC-Ya!

The Blue Devils took care of the BC Eagles 75-61 earlier tonight in front of a packed house to see Shelden Williams jersey retired. To pay tribute to Shelden, they put on a block party whether it was Josh or DeMarcus. In years past, Duke has struggled with teams that play physical and rebound well but the Blue Devils matched BC's physicality and actually outrebounded them, a trend that has developed over the past few games. When was the last time a Duke team had 40 points at halftime when they didn't hit a 3 and 32 of the 40 points came inside the paint?

This team got big contributions from guys who haven't been heard from in a while. Lance Thomas was huge with 10 points and 9 rebounds and he played great defense. My main man, Marty Pocius, gave Duke some tremendous minutes scoring a couple of baskets but most of all, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the court. Give Marty the PT!!!

Josh was amazing tonight. He ran the floor, he scored inside, he blocked shots, he grabbed a number of key rebounds, he was Mr. Everything again tonight and I'm almost starting to take him for granted out there. Greg and Jon were both solid as well throughout the game and DeMarcus, although undersized, dominated the paint tonight.

On a serious note, David McClure came down holding his knee late in the game and we here at BRB can only hope its a hyperextension at worst. You hate to see this happen to any of these kids, most of all McClure who has been Mr. Intangible all year long and battled so hard last year to get back from a serious knee injury. I will keep you guys updated.

Next up for Duke is Virginia at Virginia. They are coming off a miracle win against Clemson where they scored the remaining 15 points of the game to pull off the upset. With Virginia and Duke even at 5-2 in conference, this game is of extreme importance to both teams. I like Duke to use their defense to pressure the quicker, more athletic guards of Virginia. I think Coach K and the Dukies realize how important these games are considering the murderous schedule they will play starting February 7th against UNC.

Prediction: Duke 74 Virginia 69

Paying Our Dues To "The Landlord"

Congratulations to Shelden Williams for he will have his #23 hoisted into the rafters of Cameron Indoor tonight when Duke plays Boston College. Duke very rarely produces underrated All-Americans but that's what they got in Williams. For four years, he controlled the paint and always represented the University with class and dignity on and off the court. Yeah, there were times when I wanted to strangle him when he would commit a foul 40 feet away from the basket but overall, I miss Shelden. In fact, I believe these Dukies need him even more than they need JJ. They need that consistent inside presence that they don't get with a guard-minded McRoberts and a lost Brian Zoubek. We here at BRB, and when I say we, I mean me, salute you Shelden Williams.

Clem-Stunned!!!!

Christian against UCONN in 1990 and then again, against Kentucky in 1992, Capel from half court against UNC, Duhon against Wake Forest, Nate James' tip-in against Maryland in the ACC Tourney, Sean Dockery from 40 feet against VA Tech and now David McClure joins the club of epic Duke buzzer beaters.

First, I was in class for this game and THANK GOD I was tipped off about what happened because if I would've watched that on TiVo, I quite possibly could've had a heart attack. Now, I've been there for a number of Duke collapses. I was barely cognizant of how to go to the bathroom myself in 1988 let alone the Dukies when they blew an 18 point lead against Seton Hall in the Final 4 but I've seen a number of them like: the 94 title game when Duke and Grant Hill blew a late 10 point lead to Arkansas, I was there for the epic breakdown against Scott Padgett and Kentucky in 1998, I was there for the Indiana game (worst day I've ever experienced as a Duke fan) in 2002 where they blew that 17 point 2nd Half lead, I was there for the UCONN debacle in 2004 but this had all the makings of topping that even if it was a regular season game. At 66-61 with 12 seconds left, it's unfathomable that you can let a team tie up the game but that's exactly what happened. McRoberts, who in the last few minutes, lost his mind makes one of the worst lackadasical passes ever and Vernon Hamilton hits a cold-blooded 3.

Now, however, the drama would really start. I guess like the rest of the world, the clock operator was in shock with the errand pass and didn't start the clock until the ball approaches the net to tie the game. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING, I MEAN ANYTHING, ABOUT HOME COOKING OR CONSPIRACY! HOW WOULD THE CLOCK OPERATOR NOT STARTING CLOCK BENEFIT DUKE?? LET'S SAY FOR EXAMPLE, THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT HAMILTON MISSED THE 3, IF THE CLOCK OPERATOR HAD STARTED THE CLOCK THE GAME FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES IS OVER BUT SINCE HE DIDN'T START THE CLOCK, CLEMSON COULD'VE HAD ENOUGH TIME TO GET THE REBOUND AND KICK IT OUT FOR ANOTHER 3-POINT ATTEMPT. BUT, OF COURSE THE NAYSAYERS SAY OHH WHAT A CONSPIRACY, DUKE GETS ALL THE BREAKS, THEY ALWAYS WIN AT THE BUZZER LIKE THAT. REALLY? WHERE WAS THE FOUL CALL ON CARLOS BOOZER WHEN HE MISSED THAT LAYUP AGAINST INDIANA THAT WOULD'VE WON THE GAME FOR DUKE??HUH?? WHERE WAS THE FOUL CALL ON JJ WHEN HE WAS BLATANTLY MUGGED BY RASHAD ANDERSON IN THE FINAL 4 AGAINST UCONN IN 2004 WITH DUKE DOWN 1 POINT??HUH?? EXACTLY! JUST LIKE DUKE GETS ALL THE CALLS. LOOK AT THIS YEAR, THEY ARE GETTING OUTSHOT FROM THE FREE-THROW LINE. WHY? BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE SAME KIND OF PENETRATING GUARDS LIKE THEY DID IN YEARS PAST. DUKE GOT THE MAJORITY OF THE CALLS IN THE PAST BECAUSE THEY HAD THE BEST GUARDS IN THE COUNTRY AND THEY COULD PENETRATE THE LANE AT WILL. WHAT TRASH!! I'M SO SICK OF EVERYONE WHO CRITICIZES THIS PROGRAM. WHAT DOES K HAVE TO DO TO GET SOME RESPECT? THE GUY HAS BEEN TO 10 FINAL FOURS INCLUDING 5 IN A ROW, HE HAS 3 NATIONAL TITLES, HE'S PRODUCED COUNTLESS ALL-AMERICANS, WHICH INCLUDE POY'S THAT START WITH JOHNNY DAWKINS AND END WITH JJ. AND ALL OF THIS WITH NOT A HINT, NOT A HINT OF NCAA VIOLATIONS. I AM SO MAD, I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU. THEN, I TURN ON TV AND I HEAR THEY GET ALL THE BREAKS AND I HEAR SOMEONE SAY "WHO THE HELL DOES K THINK HE IS SCHEDULING NO NON-CONFERENCE ROAD GAMES, IT'S A JOKE" WHO DID UCONN SCHEDULE IN THE NON-CONFERENCE? SYRACUSE HASN'T LEFT NY BEFORE JANUARY IN 20 YEARS. LEAVE THIS PROGRAM ALONE. IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT THAT THEIR UNATHLETIC WHITE GUYS ALWAYS SEEM TO BEAT YOU. GIVE THIS PROGRAM IT'S PROPS BABY WITH A CAPITAL P!

NOW, CLEMSON DID CATCH A BAD BREAK BUT BLAME IT ON THE REFS. THEY BLEW THAT, NOT THE DUKIES BABY! I THINK THE REFS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FOR ONE GAME. ANDDDD, IS IT THE DUKIES FAULT THAT CLEMSON PLAYED THE MATADOR DEFENSE AT THE END OF THAT GAME AND GAVE UP AN UNCONTESTED LAYUP??HUH??SO, SHUT UP TO ALL OF YOU PEOPLE AND THAT INCLUDES KARL RAVECH, THAT INCLUDES THIS BALD GUY ON YES, AND WHEREEVER THAT FAT SLOB FROM THE GONZAGA GAME IS, THAT INCLUDES YOU TOO!!!!!!!!SHUT UP!

Overall, I like the way they played defense last night. They were spotty on offense but they had this game locked up until that wild finish. I don't even want to get into the X's and O's because I'm so irate right now. Just a quick sidenote, Jon Sheyer can have my baby anytime he damn well pleases.

Next up for Duke is BC on ACC Sunday Night Hoops. Listen up Sean Marshall, shut up!! Don't tell reporters that you guys were the better team last year. You lost both games last year, I don't care they were close. Almost doesn't count and if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle. Were you really the better team Sean? Did you go 14-2 in the ACC? No, you didn't. Did you go 32-4 overall? No, you didn't. Go back to the Big Least, I'm sick of seeing your ugly mug. AND, you want to talk about a revenge game? You just watch after that BS you pulled against JJ last year when you got in his face. The crazies are going to be all over you. You couldn't handle the Marshall chants at Clemson!!! At Clemson!!! I think Carey High School has a better home court advantage. Sorry, for the digression. This should be a pretty tough game because Dudley is a tough matchup but my man McClure will hold him down and without Sean Williams, I like Duke at home. Not to mention The Landlord, Shelden Williams will have his number retired on Sunday. With all of that emotion, I can't see Duke losing.

Prediction: Duke 69 BC 61

Duke Makes Wolfpack Feel "Lowe"

Sidney Lowe got his first taste of the Duke/NC State rivalry and now him and Herb Sendek have something else in common, they both got their asses handed to them in their debut against the Blue Devils. Duke led from start to finish and the Wolfpack didn't give any inclination of ever coming back against Duke. Jon Sheyer paced Duke with 20 points on an afternoon where the Blue Devils had 5 players score in double figures.

Again, however, the play of the resurgent Greg Paulus stole the headlines, especially early on when he looked and was clearly the best player on the floor whether it was hitting the open jumper, driving the lane, or making a brilliant pass. This, along with maybe the Air Force game back in November, was the best effort of the year for the Blue Devils. They defended as usual but they coupled that with offensive continuity, something that has been scarcer than attractive people from England this year for Duke.

I thought Josh played great defense all day long. I do, however, scratch my head when McRoberts picks up his 2nd foul with 6 minutes to go in the 1st Half and he stays in the remainder of the half while Brian Zoubek continues to suck his thumb at the end of the bench. Give this guy a legitimate chance. If you do, I really feel like you can expect great things from him. BUT, Coach K has won 760 games in his career and I've won 0 so I guess I should shut up. PS, David McClure is becoming my new man crush, by doing all of the little things (I'll say it - you were right Jackie, FOR ONCE).

Over half way into the college basketball season, I think it's fair to say who's hot and who's not in the NCAA's. To me, there are a few elite teams: Florida, UNC, and UCLA. Then, you have that 2nd tier of teams like Ohio State, Kansas, Wisconsin who can definitely win the whole thing but are a notch below the polished teams. Then, there are the 3rd tier teams like Oregon, Arizona, Duke, Oklahoma State who probably can't win it all but could make a deep tournament run if everything broke their way. If Duke continues to improve, they can be one of the top teams in this tier of college basketball teams and that ain't half bad considering the youth on this team.

This week coming up is an important stretch for the Blue Devils, they get Clemson and BC at home and they at least have to take one, if not both. I believe they will take both because I'm still not sold on Clemson as an elite team who can win at a place like Cameron and BC took a huge blow to their chances when they dismissed Sean Williams from their team for violating team rules. Clemson is probably their steepest ACC challenge so far but I like the Blue Devils to get over the hump with their defense and the crowd behind them.

Prediction: Duke 75 Clemson 69

Duke Buries Wake

Duke defeated Wake Forest 62-40 in one of the worst college basketball games of all time. I mean, how bad was that 2nd Half? Duke sat on 39 points for about 7 minutes and they still won by 22!! Greg Paulus continued his resurgence at point guard by scoring 17 points, including hitting 5 big 3-pointers to spark an otherwise dismal Blue Devil offense.

Now, I have been accused my many as being a "bandwagon" fan. To those people, all I can say is "Erroneous, erroneous on all counts!!!" I am a REALIST and I tell it how it is. If a player sucks on a given night, I will call them out. If a player plays at a high level, I will praise them. Bandwagon? Please, I have been with this team longer than anyone who reads this blog combined. Sure, I've had the luxury of enjoying three championships but I stayed by this team when Coach K took off a year and finished in last place of the ACC. Where were all of you? I endured back to back heartbreaking losses in the 1998 and 1999 Tournaments, each of which Duke blew huge leads in the process. Where were all of you? I love Duke, I bleed the royal blue. BUT, I am a realist. Duke will NOT win the NCAA Tournament this year, that's a guarantee. I believe they will make the tournament but they don't have the talent and experience to go all the way. I would love to be proven wrong but I most likely won't be. Next year is their year. This year is all about getting better.

Greg Paulus has been terrific the last couple of games. He was terrible against VA Tech and Georgia Tech. I never jumped off of the Duke bandwagon or his bandwagon. I did say that they may need to consider benching him if he doesn't regain his confidence because his play was hurting the team as a whole. Remember, when you root for a team, you are essentially rooting for the uniform. Paulus or McRoberts or even Pocius can get hit by an elephant tomorrow and I will still love Duke. It's not about the individual player, it's about the program, it's about the team. So, don't for one second call me out as being a bandwagon fan. Fans don't look at things with rose-colored glasses when it is so painfully obvious that this team doesn't have the type of talent like a Florida, a UNC, a Kansas, a UCLA, to legitimately compete at the highest stage. That's not bandwagon baby, that's realism with a capital R!

Back to the game. Even though it wasn't pretty, the Blue Devils did what they had to, they won the game and W's are what they need with a tough February coming up. Next up for Duke is NC State in Raleigh, which should be a tough game despite the disparity in talent between the two teams. State has been sitting the whole week waiting for Duke, watching tape and they are at home on national television. This is a tough game for Duke but I look for Duke to win, somewhat comfortably.

Prediction: Duke 65 NC State 57

Gott-dweeb Strikes Again

On College Gamenight yesterday, Doug Gottlieb sold the Duke Blue Devils as a tournament team!! Not a championship contender but a tournament team. This is the same guy who has absolutely killed Greg Paulus throughout the year comparing him to a "mediocre walk-on". Hey Doug, I remember when you played for Oklahoma State. You sucked!! You shot 40% from the free throw line for your career, Paulus is shooting close to 50% from 3-point range. Oh, and let's not forget, you were expelled from Notre Dame for credit card theft when you were a freshman so don't for the life of you criticize someone else's play or character again. This is the same guy is barred from ever doing a Big 10 game on ESPN because their commissioner can't stand him.

So, here it is: Duke, you need to take this comment and go with it for the rest of the year. Even the most loyal Duke fans, like my brother, claim that you can't go out there and win 8 games in a conference that you have dominated over the past 20 years. My prediction for the Blue Devils: at least 9 conference wins.

Pocius Injury

I asked Watson to find out why Pocius was in street clothes against Miami and he told me that Pocius has been nursing a sprained ankle that has caused him to wear a cast around his foot. According to Watson, he should be out for the next few games. That leaves the Dukies with 8 scholarship players and if Zoubek keeps getting the quick hook, they will be playing with 7 players at least for the next two games against Wake and at NC State. BRB hopes Pocius comes back soon because they could use him as an offensive spark off the bench.

Blue Devils Scorch Miami

The only thing hotter than the Miami weather was Duke from the field tonight in their 86-63 victory over the Canes in Florida. The Blue Devils shot an unprecedented 81% from the field in the 1st Half, the best shooting percentage in one half by any Duke team in history. That's pretty astounding considering the offensive juggernauts this program has produced and even more astounding that it came from one of their worst offensive teams in their history.

Jon Sheyer was amazing, scoring a career-high 25 points but to me, it was the play of the much maligned Greg Paulus that led Duke tonight. Paulus had 15 points and 3 assists and more importantly, only had 2 turnovers. He shot the ball very well and that allowed him to dribble penetrate. When Paulus is aggressive, they are almost unbeatable because if he hits his shots then he can dribble penetrate and either try to score or kick it out to an open shooter. Now, let's not get too crazy considering this was 9-9 Miami that they were playing but how can you not be impressed with their offensive output? The best part about their offensive explosion is that it didn't affect their defensive intensity, something that has been there all year long despite the offensive woes.

The Blue Devils will look to build on their success from tonight against Wake Forest at home on Thursday night. This is an important string of games for the Blue Devils. They play Wake on Thursday and NC State in Raleigh on Saturday and in my opinion, they need to come away with two W's their. Anything less, could really hurt them down the road considering their brutal February schedule. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with the way this team handled some unusual adversity. They played well and hopefully this effort could propel them to bigger and better things.

As for Thursday night, Wake is not the same team they have been over the years. Last year, they were down but they still had two dynamite players in Williams and Grey. Now, without those guys, they look to Kyle Visser to be their money guy and I'm not so sure that will be good enough to beat the Blue Devils at home. I look for a little less offense but way more than they have been averaging.

Prediction: Duke 75 Wake Forest 59

Miami Nice or Miami Vice?

A struggling Duke team faces a virtual must win at Miami on Sunday. I know it's a ton of pressure to put on such a young team that is already under a great deal of scrutiny but unfortunately, that's the way it is. Even though Miami beat Maryland earlier this week, if the Blue Devils plan on having a postseason, they need to start with a road win against a team that has lost to the likes of Binghampton, Louisville, Buffalo, Cleveland State, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Northwestern, and Mississippi State, all teams that wouldn't sniff the Top 25 if all the current teams in the Top 25 went down in plane crashes.

Miami returns only one starter from last year, Anthony Harris, from a fairly decent team that went to the NIT last year. Clearly though, the departures of both Guillermo Diaz and Robert Hite have affected their team immensely. Despite that, you know the place will be rocking and you know AROD or someone else will be in the stands because the Duke game is the draw of the year at home.

Knowing Duke intimately for the last 15 years or so, I fully expect Coach K to push all the right buttons and get them out of Coral Gables with a W but if that's to happen, Duke needs their money guys to play like money guys and that means McRoberts and Nelson. Also, they can't have yet another dreadful performance from Paulus. BRB will be back to wrap up Sunday's game on Monday.

Yellow Jackets Sting Blue Devils

I usually go through box scores and statistics but this post is coming from nothing but my heart. I am not in the business of criticizing college kids who try their hardest and uphold an excellent reputation off the court but Greg Paulus is absolutely pitiful. He's too slow and dribbles the ball too high. This causes him to compensate by bringing the ball up with his back to the basket making it nearly impossible for him to make an accurate pass, see cutters to the basket, etc...Last year, he did the exact same thing but it was camouflaged by JJ running off of screens and hitting tough jumpers. This also led Paulus to lead the ACC in assists last year but I think my grandma would've led the league in assists playing with such a potent scoring option as Redick. He's being exposed defensively with dribble penetration this year. Last year, he also got beat off of dribble penetration but he had the Landlord back their to clean up his mess. So, basically in essence, all of his shortcomings were disguised last year by two of the most under appreciated All-Americans the school has ever had.

Let's take it back to last night. Duke goes up 10-2 on a circus-rim 3-pointer by Sheyer out of the corner. Coach K then decides this is the optical time to bring Paulus in. Within 3 possessions, Paulus had 2 turnovers, which is completely unacceptable. As mentioned in an earlier post, Paul Hewitt is an excellent coach and he always has an axe to grind against Duke after that controversial ending to the 2005 ACC Tournament Final when Redick got away with a blatant foul, which prompted Karl Ravech to declare the ACC owed everyone but the Avon Lady an apology for the way the game ended. Everytime Paulus touched the ball, Hewitt had a defender pressuring him at all times knowing that he is extremely prone to turnovers.

What is wrong with Greg Paulus? Maybe, it's the injuries, maybe it's the illnesses, or maybe it's that he's just not that good. If I had to choose one of those, I would choose the latter. Coach K loves the Bobby Hurley type point guard but in this age, that type of point guard doesn't cut it at all. The opposing guards are much too quick and athletic and Paulus' shortcomings could translate into a very rough season for Duke. He has the rest of this year to correct his problems because with Nolan Smith arriving in Durham next year, he'll be all over that bench like a tired homeless person.

What has happened to Duke over the past few games? Well, let's take a look at the VA Tech game, when your captains combine for 16 turnovers, how do you expect to overcome that against a quality opponent? Also, Duke needs McRoberts to be a post player and the problem is that he isn't a post player. If the guards don't get him the ball within a second or two of posting up the ball, he gets shoved off the block because he is surprisingly weak for a guy his size. In addition, if Paulus is ineffective at the point then Sheyer will take over the PG duties, which takes away your best shooter on the perimeter. The only other guy who can really hit a 3 on the team is Nelson but only when he is stationary.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect this season to be a cake walk this year and I expected lots of peaks and valleys but I expected the peaks and valleys to come from the freshmen, not the captains of the team. I expected McRoberts to shine without Shelden, I expected Paulus to have a solid year and if DeMarcus was healthy, I expected him to be their most consistent perimeter threat. If I were to take a snapshot of the season so far, I would have to say Sheyer has been their most consistent perimeter player all year.

This team is in a little bit of trouble. These are the games they need to win considering they play a murderous February schedule, which includes Maryland, BC, and UNC all twice not to mention undefeated Clemson and a Georgia Tech team they just lost to last night. I do however expect Duke to bounce back against Miami to earn their first road win of the year but who knows considering Miami just went on the road and beat Maryland.

Prediction: Duke 67 Miami 60

It's Official

Jamal Boykin has officially transferred to Cal. Hopefully, this doesn't bite Duke in the ass in a 2nd Round NCAA Tourney game next year. BRB wishes him all the best except if he plays Duke.

Tit For Tat

Virginia Tech came into Cameron Indoor Stadium yesterday and beat the Blue Devils 69-67 in OT to come away with a huge ACC win, a win that eluded them in heartbreaking fashion last year thanks to Sean Dockery.

As for the Blue Devils, this game can be summarized by one word: turnovers. Their two primary ball handlers, Greg Paulus and Josh McRoberts, combined for a total of 12 turnovers. Greg Paulus had his worst game as a collegiate yesterday and it cost the Blue Devils dearly. The last play of the game summed up the day for Duke when McRoberts rebounded a missed free throw and tried to hit Paulus with an outlet pass and he did hit him (in the face though) and this took off a few seconds on the clock and forced Paulus to launch a desperation 3-pointer that Deron Washington (the guy who stomped on Lee Melchionni last year) swatted away for the victory.

DeMarcus Nelson, despite 4 turnovers of his own, was spectacular yesterday and he was the only one to show up consistently for the Blue Devils. He hit a huge clutch 3-pointer to force OT and it really hurt the Blue Devils when he was on the bench for a long period of the 2nd Half with 4 fouls. Josh McRoberts had 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks but his 6 turnovers and missed free throws really killed Duke yesterday.

To me, the biggest play of the game was when Duke was up 67-66, McRoberts missed the free throw, they got the rebound and kicked it out to a wide open Jon Sheyer and he didn't pull the trigger and elected to reset the clock. Listen, I understand the mindset but Sheyer is as pure as anyone on their team and that could've put the game away. Sorry to sound like Herm Edwards but YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!! That play, showed the Blue Devils were playing not to lose.

Overall, this game really showed how vulnerable Duke is this year. Whether it's point guard play, their inability to guard dribble penetration, or a lack of a go-to guy, this team was exposed yesterday and they didn't to either correct or shadow their weaknesses better. I like how DeMarcus stepped up yesterday and I thought Gerald Henderson was solid despite some shady shot selection in OT but they need more consistenly from all 8 or 9 players they use.

Next up is Georgia Tech in Atlanta and will be Duke's first road test this season. With such a young team themselves, Georgia Tech has been extrememly inconsistent but you can't knock their talent. They just threw Lewis Clinch off the team for violating the school's honor code but they still have Morrow and freshman sensation Thaddeus Young, who should have his way with Duke down low. Remember, Paul Hewitt always gets his teams up to play Duke even last year, when they weren't very good. Both teams will be coming off of losses but since Georgia Tech is at home, I would unfortunately give them the edge. I expect it to come down to the wire and whatever team executes best in crunch time will come out victorious. No prediction from me. I can't predict a Duke loss.

Rumors

Jamal Boykin may not be the only Blue Devil to transfer, according to a number of sources, Lance Thomas is seriously considering a transfer at the end of the season. Sources say he does not like his role on the team and that his feelings turned dramatically for the worse after being benched in front of his friends and family against Gonzaga at the Garden. Also, I have heard rumors, just rumors, that he has contacted Coach Hill at Rutgers and told him he would be interested in reopening his recruitment there next year.

My feelings? I really like Lance Thomas and I like what he has brought and will bring to the team in the future. However, my feelings on a possible transfer all depend on whether or not Patrick Patterson commits to Duke or not. If he does then I can deal with it. If he doesnt, the Blue Devils will need Lance especially with the possible departure of McRoberts at seasons end.

Remember, the same situation existed with Jason Williams and we know how that worked out. Also, guys like Grant Hill and Shelden Williams desperately wanted to transfer but they stuck it out and they were paid off. Hang in there Lance, there is a method to Coach K madness and if you follow his plan, you will be a great player at Duke for four years.

The Blue Devils Who Stole "Christmas"

Duke defeated Temple tonight behind a career-high 21 points from Josh McRoberts. The Blue Devils fell behind early 16-4 on some hot shooting from Dionte Christmas but then it was McNasty time. He took the game over and ended the game with another loaded stat sheet: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks. What else can this guy do? I will go out on a limb here but he is the best all around college basketball player in the country. There I said it. Listen, Oden might get there by the end of the year but McRoberts can basically score whenever he decides he wants to, he passes like a guard, and he's a great defensive presence, something I didn't see that much of last season. I don't know how much more I can say about this guy. He is easily the most versatile player Duke has had since Grant Hill and quite possibly ever. Let's just hope he sticks around another couple of seasons because it is such a joy to watch this guy play. Yes, Josh you are my new man crush, sorry JJ, you're benched!! (just like in Orlando)

Greg Paulus had another solid game even though he had 3 turnovers to only 2 assists but one of those assists was incredible and can't help but remind you of the pass Bobby Hurley made to Grant Hill in the 1991 National Semifinal against UNLV. DeMarcus Nelson had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and was the benefit of some great passing by both Paulus and McRoberts.

Two guys who definitely will fall under the radar for this game are David McClure and Brian Zoubek. Yes, I said Brian Zoubek. Zoubek was tremendous in the 1st Half and really sparked Duke offensively using his size to dominate the undersized Owls. Coach K was full of praise in the press conference and said he would've gotten more minutes if the Owls didn't go so small in the 2nd Half. Good job Brian! As for McClure, all he did was score 6 points and grab 12 rebounds. Usually, this guy does all of the intangibles that don't light up the stat sheet but 12 rebounds in 28 minutes, where was he last year when they needed him desperately? Platoon him and Melchionni last year and things could've been different especially against a tough, athletic LSU team.

Overall, I was pleased with the effort. The team battled back from early adversity and showed they are improving. Let's not forget, this is the youngest Duke team since WWII. All this team has heard is criticism for their offensive woes but yet they are 13-1 with big-time wins over Air Force, Indiana (who played Oden's Buckeyees tough tonight), G'Town (who just killed Michigan), and Gonzaga, all teams that have been in the Top 25 at some point this season. That's not to mention the big-time mid-major schools they have beaten this year: Davidson, Holy Cross, Kent State, George Mason.

Next up is Virginia Tech and the start of ACC Conference play. This is where we will see how legitimate Duke really is this year. I still think they are not as good as their #5 ranking but I think this team has every opportunity to land in the Top 10 at years end. Virginia Tech will be tough and everyone remembers the last time they played in Cameron. If not, look up Sean Dockery in Europe, he may have a vague recollection of what happened. I expect this to be close, going back and forth but I think the young Blue Devils will be up to their first ACC challenge.

Prediction: Duke 70 Virginia Tech 66

Do You Know The Way To Beat San Jose?

Duke defeated San Jose State 70-51 yesterday afternoon. At times, the Blue Devils looked solid and at times, they looked mediocre and were careless with the ball. As tempted as I am to blame the up and down performance on the 10-day layoff, the less than average opponent, and the extra holiday pounds, this game really highlighted the weaknesses they will have all year. Ever since Jason Williams left Duke, they have been exposed off the dribble by quicker guards and when San Jose State, a 1-11 team, can take advantage of that, it's really scary.

Josh McRoberts, as always, had a ridiculous all around game by scoring 15 points, grabbing a career high 17 boards in addition to 5 assists and 3 blocks. For the 3rd consecutive game, I have been very pleased with the play of Greg Paulus. He seems like the foot isn't bothering anymore and that he is ready for ACC Conference play.

Since it's around the halfway mark of the season, I want to give you my impressions on the four freshmen this year, their strengths and weaknesses.

Jon Sheyer: From day one, Sheyer has made his impact and does not look like a freshman out there at all. How glad are Blue Devil fans that he snubbed Bruce Weber at Illinois? Like Coach K allegedly told him in a recruiting visit "Illinois wins Big 10 Titles, Duke wins NCAA Titles." Sheyer was recruited based on his superior shooting touch but I have been plesantly surprised with his ball handling abilities and his leadership. Even when he's not shooting well, he seems to find ways to help this team win. As for his weaknesses, like JJ as a freshman, he is unable to create his own shoot with some regularity. With some work, that will change. I expect Sheyer to be an All-American by his Senior season.

Gerald Henderson: Gerald started off very slow this year but as of late, he has shown why he was so highly regarded coming out of high school. I still believe he will be the best player in this class when all is said and done. He has superior athleticism, a very good mid-range shooting game, and can play excellent defense. One problem so far has been his assertiveness. As he builds confidence and continues to start, hopefully that will work itself out.

Lance Thomas: Mr. Rollercoaster! At times, Lance looks like one of the best players on the floor and at times, he looks lackadasical. He recently found himself in Coach K's doghouse and is battling some ankle injuries as well. I feel like he will respond in a big way for this team and he will realize why he chose Duke over Rutgers.

Brian Zoubek: Stiff, enough said. It has been amazing to me that the guy who dominated McRoberts in the Blue/White scrimmage has been so unbelievably bad. I know he is used to playing a zone but come on now, he looks like he's never played basketball before. To me, it's all about confidence with Brian. He seems to get down on himself too fast and couple that with a lack of minutes and this is what you have: A 7 footer who is playing like he's 5 foot. Hopefully, he can get that straightened out. If not, he could be transferring very soon to a team that will play lots of zone. If that's going to happen, go to Hofstra Brian, my alma mater baby! They need size in the worst way.

Next up for Duke is Temple. Without John Cheney, this is a much different team. I expect it to be low scoring but I fully expect Duke to win with ease. Too much size for Duke and too little scoring from Temple with the departure of Mardy Collins.

Prediction: Duke 55 Temple 42, yeah it will be ugly.