Carolina Has The "Wright" Stuff

Behind Brandon Wright's monster game, Carolina withstood a spirited effort by the Dukies last night 79-73. You really couldn't ask for better effort from Duke last night. They played spirited, the crowd was amazing, and that propelled them to a comfortable lead until about 5 minutes left in the game when Carolina finally took the lead and did not relinquish it.

Jon Sheyer was spectacular in the loss and you can't help but be excited about what kind of player he will become in the next four years at Duke. It seemed like a coming out party early on for Gerald Henderson who clearly wanted this game bad with his best buddy, Ellington, on the opposing sideline. Greg Paulus was tremendous again as he continues his revitalization at the PG spot but even with those big-time performances, it still wasn't enough to beat Carolina.

David McClure's defense was tremendous on Hansbrough, who is becoming the most overrated player in the nation. The guy can't shoot from anywhere beyond 6 feet from the basket, he's soft defensively and yet he gets every call sort of like JJ got last year. Attention, this guy does not deserve that kind of respect. The reason why his numbers are so inflated this year is because Brandon Wright, who if you've talked to me, was actually on his way to Duke early on, is one of the toughest matchups in all of college basketball. To me, you have three can't miss players right now in college basketball at the next level: Oden(even though I don't think he will be a great offensive player), Durant, and Wright. He's tremendously long and he really hurt Duke down the stretch.

For the second consecutive game, Duke was in control of the game until McRoberts picked up a couple of dumb fouls, which on a team that isn't deep, changes the way they play. If Josh is on the bench, they lose another ball handler especially when teams press, they lose a good defender in the middle, and they lose one of their captains. However, when he's on the floor with all these fouls, he's forced to play the matador defense and when he does that coupled with the fact that he never looked for his offensive game last night, he's pretty much useless on the floor. He must be smarter, he's picking up the silly fouls Shelden used to get his Frosh/Soph years. Also, it's becoming quite clear that Josh needs to be a four-year player. He'll always be a first round draft pick because of his potential, athleticism, and his ability to handle the ball so well at his size but for a guy who likes to hang around the perimeter, he must become a better shooter. Also, he needs to learn how to finish around the basket. But, don't think I'm getting on him but I hate for such a talented player to always be thinking pass. SHOOT THE BALL JOSH!

I'll tell you who has been brutal lately, DeMarcus Nelson. I won't fault him for the missed tip at the end of the FSU game but down 64-63, you can't miss two free throws. You just can't. I know Sheyer missed 2 of 3 earlier but lets be honest, he had made 40 straight before that, something had to give.

Also, notice that Nelson and McRoberts didn't start. I called that with my brother earlier this week. I told him a couple of big names would hit the bench. That's the K style after a loss or two but the problem is usually when K does that, the starters who were benched come off the bench to have amazing games. Here, Josh and DeMarcus actually went the other way and it cost the Blue Devils dearly. That's now three consecutive games where the Dukies blew a double-digit lead and it has hurt them big time. Now, they stand 5-5 in the ACC and the schedule doesn't get any easier. if you think going to College Park to play Maryland will be easy, you need your head examined. No team in the K era has consistently played great against Duke like Maryland has under Gary Williams. AND, lets not forget, Maryland is in a must win situation at well with their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance.

Could the Blue Devils be sitting their on Selection Sunday wondering if their name will be called or not? That would be brutal. The task is this, win 3 more games in the ACC and the St. John's game at the Garden and you're going to the NCAA Tournament. In 1996, Duke made the NCAA Tournament as a #8 seed when they went 8-8 in the ACC. AND, in a year where the ACC is arguably the best conference, Duke's SOS will be around #1, and at least having 6 Top 50 wins under their belt (Air Force, Georgetown, Indiana, Clemson, BC, Gonzaga), they will get in at 8-8. What would be nice is a marquee road win and Sunday at Maryland would be a nice start. This is a must win for the Devils and I think the season may hang in the balance as well. I look for Duke to bounce back in a big way and exercise some demons in College Park with a big win.

Prediction: Duke 72 Maryland 65