Today Duke dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time in 12 years. Although it's a sad day for Duke Nation, let's be realistic: this team is STILL in great position to make the NCAA Tournament. No team with an RPI under 30 has ever missed the NCAA Tournament as an at-large team. Duke will finish the season even if they lose the rest of their games with an RPI of under 30. As of now, Duke's schedule is #4 in the country. By the end of the year, many predict it will be #1. So, here's the situation for Duke: win your remaining home games and beat St. John's at the Garden to avoid a bad loss and you're ALMOST definitely in the tournament. If they win their remaining home games, beat St. John's and steal one of the last three on the road at either Clemson, BC, or UNC and they are a lock.
Let's be real here, Duke has struggled over the past month but you can't tell me that they are not one of the best 65 teams in the country. In fact, outside of the MD game last night, Duke has outplayed Virginia, FSU, and UNC before blowing double-digit leads in each. It's not like they are playing bad basketball. All they need is one win to regain their confidence and they are on their way to the tourney but they can't let this continue to spiral out of control.
In addition to the tough schedule and the RPI, this team has notched some great wins, including 6 Top 50 wins:
Top 25
Georgetown
Indiana
Air Force
Top 50
Clemson
BC
Gonzaga
Not to mention, they've beaten teams who are in contention to go to the NCAA Tournament like:
Davidson
Kent State
Holy Cross
All of their losses this season are to teams who are currently in the NCAA Tournament according to Bracketology on ESPN:
Marquette - N
VA Tech - H
G Tech - A
Virginia - A
FSU - H
UNC - H
MD - A
Goal for this team:
4-2 down the stretch
Win the remaining 2 home games (G Tech, MD)
Win 1 of 3 Road ACC Games (BC, Clemson, UNC) --> which will give them their elite road win
Win @ St. John's
Tough, not impossible. Go Duke!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Terps Come Out of Their Shell Against Devils
I was considering leaving the first couple of paragraphs in this post blank and then writing a solid post from there on to symbolize the effort the Blue Devils gave tonight but I decided against it. The Blue Devils put forth a spirited effort and played pretty well but the problem is they started playing the game down 29-9 while Maryland played hard from the opening tip. I can't remember a game where a Duke team was so blatantly out hustled by the other team especially on the road. BUT, like most things, this team is different than other Duke teams. Say whatever you want about this team but they have always played hard and came to play each and every possession. Until tonight! They were knocked on their heels early and made this kid Vasquez look like the second coming of Bob Cousy in the process.
Two players who really earned a trip into my doghouse tonight were Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson. First, I won't get on Paulus as hard as Nelson because for the most part, he's been very consistent over the last month of the season. However, it seemed like he really let the crowd and full court pressure take him out of his game, he never recovered, and it cost the Blue Devils dearly. As for Nelson, he's been absolutely dreadful ever since the BC win, which consequently was Duke's last win. It's pretty unbelievable but almost halfway through the month, Duke is win less in February. Nelson committed 3 fouls in the first 6 minutes of the game and was a virtual non-factor in the 1st Half. You would think he'd come out with reckless abandon in the 2nd Half but instead, he kept turning the ball over and hurting the team more than he was helping them. If he keeps this up, he has to be more acquainted with the bench and people like Marty Pocius, who gives them nothing but positive minutes and Gerald Henderson need to get more PT.
I just don't get it. This team is struggling and you finally go on a little run with Marty in there and they take him out in favor of Nelson, he gives them nothing, and Maryland goes on another run that would seal the game. Another thing: Where was Brian Zoubek? I don't give a damn about matchups and the other team going small, don't punish the kid because most of the ACC has undersized centers who are really power forwards. Zoubek gave you a tremendous spark off the bench for the Carolina game and he needs more game experience.
Here's something that I never thought I would write on this blog: Duke may be headed towards the NIT. Many experts believe they will get in if they go 7-9 in conference but there isn't a strong precedent for such an action. AND not to mention, that is no foregone conclusion that they will win another two games within the conference. Personally, I think they need 8 conference wins to assure themselves a birth in the tournament so that means they need to take care of business at home against GT and Maryland and they need to find a win out of BC, Clemson, and UNC on the road not to mention they CAN'T lose at St. John's on the 25th. Why? One, I will be in attendance. Two, that would be considered a "bad loss" by the selection committee and they can't afford such a blemish on an already shaky tournament resume.
I'm in just as much disarray as the Dukies. I have no idea what to expect anymore. I want to keep believing and I will NEVER give up on this team but I just don't know how many shots they can take to the stomach without falling down and never getting back up. This team is very vulnerable, they have very little experience and they don't have a go-to guy and they still have D-U-K-E across their jerseys, which means they are circled on every teams calendar.
Next up is BC (1st in the ACC) on the road on Wednesday night. Duke beat them earlier in the year on Shelden Williams night but they haven't beat anyone since. BC is coming off a thrilling win over FSU today and they are dying for another shot at knocking off Duke. Expect a much better effort tonight but it will have to be a great effort for the result to be any different than the last four.
No Prediction. =(
Two players who really earned a trip into my doghouse tonight were Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson. First, I won't get on Paulus as hard as Nelson because for the most part, he's been very consistent over the last month of the season. However, it seemed like he really let the crowd and full court pressure take him out of his game, he never recovered, and it cost the Blue Devils dearly. As for Nelson, he's been absolutely dreadful ever since the BC win, which consequently was Duke's last win. It's pretty unbelievable but almost halfway through the month, Duke is win less in February. Nelson committed 3 fouls in the first 6 minutes of the game and was a virtual non-factor in the 1st Half. You would think he'd come out with reckless abandon in the 2nd Half but instead, he kept turning the ball over and hurting the team more than he was helping them. If he keeps this up, he has to be more acquainted with the bench and people like Marty Pocius, who gives them nothing but positive minutes and Gerald Henderson need to get more PT.
I just don't get it. This team is struggling and you finally go on a little run with Marty in there and they take him out in favor of Nelson, he gives them nothing, and Maryland goes on another run that would seal the game. Another thing: Where was Brian Zoubek? I don't give a damn about matchups and the other team going small, don't punish the kid because most of the ACC has undersized centers who are really power forwards. Zoubek gave you a tremendous spark off the bench for the Carolina game and he needs more game experience.
Here's something that I never thought I would write on this blog: Duke may be headed towards the NIT. Many experts believe they will get in if they go 7-9 in conference but there isn't a strong precedent for such an action. AND not to mention, that is no foregone conclusion that they will win another two games within the conference. Personally, I think they need 8 conference wins to assure themselves a birth in the tournament so that means they need to take care of business at home against GT and Maryland and they need to find a win out of BC, Clemson, and UNC on the road not to mention they CAN'T lose at St. John's on the 25th. Why? One, I will be in attendance. Two, that would be considered a "bad loss" by the selection committee and they can't afford such a blemish on an already shaky tournament resume.
I'm in just as much disarray as the Dukies. I have no idea what to expect anymore. I want to keep believing and I will NEVER give up on this team but I just don't know how many shots they can take to the stomach without falling down and never getting back up. This team is very vulnerable, they have very little experience and they don't have a go-to guy and they still have D-U-K-E across their jerseys, which means they are circled on every teams calendar.
Next up is BC (1st in the ACC) on the road on Wednesday night. Duke beat them earlier in the year on Shelden Williams night but they haven't beat anyone since. BC is coming off a thrilling win over FSU today and they are dying for another shot at knocking off Duke. Expect a much better effort tonight but it will have to be a great effort for the result to be any different than the last four.
No Prediction. =(
Thursday, February 8, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
The Battle of the Blues
Duke v. UNC, Royal Blue v. Baby Blue, K v. Roy. Only 8 miles and one interstate highway separates these two schools. I urinate on Michigan v. Ohio State, I laugh at Texas A&M v. Texas, this is the greatest college rivalry, in any sport. The only other rivalry in sports that possibly exceeds that of Duke v. UNC is the Yankees and Red Sox. BUT, even with that, the rivalry is kind of watered down since they play 19 times a year (not counting the playoffs). Duke v. UNC is a twice a year spectacle and when we are lucky, we get them for a 3rd time in the ACC Tournament. They have never met in NCAA Tournament even though they've been very close (see 1991 Final Four).
I dread Carolina but I do respect their program. They are responsible for some of the greatest NBA talent the nation has ever seen whether it was Jordan, Worthy, Perkins or Stackhouse, Wallace, and Vince Carter. The list is very long of great and classy players for this program. It may seem like the rivalry isn't as volatile as it used to be with K and Dean Smith since K and Roy Williams seem to like each other a little bit.
Tonight for Duke, however, this game isn't about bragging rights. It's about obtaining an identity and getting back in the win column. Duke cannot afford another ACC loss and they need to seize every opportunity they can with the home crowd behind them. A loss tonight would drop them to 5-5 in the ACC with 6 very tough games remaining. A win could catapult their confidence and lead them toward the NCAA Tournament for the twelfth consecutive season.
On paper, Carolina is the superior team but let's not forget, they are also very young, starting 3 freshmen. I can't envision any possibility of Duke beating Carolina in the Dean Dome on Senior Night so this is their chance to shine. The crowd will certainly be into it but they need everyone to step up and stay out of foul trouble. Carolina is the deepest team in the country. Look for them to run guys in and out of the game especially to pressure Greg Paulus with the ball. Greg will need to flawless with the ball for the Blue Devils to have any shot. He will also have to do his best to stop dribble penetration by Ty Lawson. To me, he's the X factor. If Greg Paulus circa Virginia Tech shows up, Duke will get embarrassed in their building tonight. He shows aggressiveness, knocks down his shots, and creates for others, they have a fighters chance. I expect the game to be close, let's just hope they don't run out of steam before the game is over.
Whether you're religious or not, you better get on your knees and pray before this one. They need it.
I dread Carolina but I do respect their program. They are responsible for some of the greatest NBA talent the nation has ever seen whether it was Jordan, Worthy, Perkins or Stackhouse, Wallace, and Vince Carter. The list is very long of great and classy players for this program. It may seem like the rivalry isn't as volatile as it used to be with K and Dean Smith since K and Roy Williams seem to like each other a little bit.
Tonight for Duke, however, this game isn't about bragging rights. It's about obtaining an identity and getting back in the win column. Duke cannot afford another ACC loss and they need to seize every opportunity they can with the home crowd behind them. A loss tonight would drop them to 5-5 in the ACC with 6 very tough games remaining. A win could catapult their confidence and lead them toward the NCAA Tournament for the twelfth consecutive season.
On paper, Carolina is the superior team but let's not forget, they are also very young, starting 3 freshmen. I can't envision any possibility of Duke beating Carolina in the Dean Dome on Senior Night so this is their chance to shine. The crowd will certainly be into it but they need everyone to step up and stay out of foul trouble. Carolina is the deepest team in the country. Look for them to run guys in and out of the game especially to pressure Greg Paulus with the ball. Greg will need to flawless with the ball for the Blue Devils to have any shot. He will also have to do his best to stop dribble penetration by Ty Lawson. To me, he's the X factor. If Greg Paulus circa Virginia Tech shows up, Duke will get embarrassed in their building tonight. He shows aggressiveness, knocks down his shots, and creates for others, they have a fighters chance. I expect the game to be close, let's just hope they don't run out of steam before the game is over.
Whether you're religious or not, you better get on your knees and pray before this one. They need it.
Monday, February 5, 2007
4-Ever
The retirement of JJ's jersey really got overlooked by BRB yesterday because of the tough loss to FSU that ensued but I just want to give some props to my man JJ who we all miss very, very much right now especially with Duke struggling. If you haven't seen the retirement ceremony, watch it under my IA Account on GoDuke. You can see how touched he was to have his jersey retired and you can tell he misses Duke immensely. There isn't a classier and more genuine kid that ever came out of Duke and I just want to congratulate him on an amazing career. And for as much as he misses Duke, those feelings are immensely dwarfed by how much Duke fans miss him right now. Class act all around.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
FU FSU
Classless. Despicable. Uneducated. All synonyms for the Florida State Seminoles. I hate to come off like Ladanian Tomlinson but that's a classless team and it probably comes from their head coach. Inexplicably, Leonard Hamilton was able to push DeMarcus Nelson out of the way to argue a call. Sure, he got T'd up later on but for him to get away with that is mind boggling. Then, FSU pulls off the upset and they taunt the crowd, in particular JJ Redick. Real classy kids you recruited Leonard. I know a plant can get into Florida State but can you get some kids with class or are you just pulling them all straight out of the ghetto? Huh? Then, after you get your team to stop taunting the fans, you proceed to hold up your finger at the crowd as you walk off the court after you just yelled at your team for doing the same thing. BUT, all in all, FSU deserved to win this game. Any team that can withstand such improbable circumstances deserves a little credit despite how classless they are in doing it. Down 27-10 on JJ Redick day, most teams would've toppled like a house of cards but FSU had that game at Cameron last year in their mind where Alexander Johnson was wrongly disqualified from the game. If that doesn't happen last year, I guarantee FSU isn't as hungry. AND you know when Duke goes down to Clemson later on this year that Clemson will play extra inspired as well. Why? Because the refs got it wrong and they hold it against Duke.
As for the game, I didn't see the part where Duke went on the big run to start the game because the ever "important" St. John's/Cincy game ran late but to me, I don't care how old the team is, they could be 13 freakin years old, you cannot blow a 17 point lead at home on JJ Redick day, you just can't!!!!!This time you can't blame it on the offensive philosophy at the end of the game. They let up, they got sloppy, they committed unnecessary fouls, they failed to guard the 3-point shot, which has been the staple of the program in the K era. Josh played very careless in the 1st Half and it really hurt them. He played Thorton well in the 2nd Half but his careless fouls allowed FSU to crawl all the way back into the game. I could get on Paulus for the technical foul but I love the emotion and to be honest, that should've been a double technical because Douglas initiated the confrontation.
Bottom line. They had 3 golden opportunities to seize the game and they missed all three. Greg missed a layup even though he was definitely bumped on the way. Then, Josh missed a contested 6 footer, which he may have been fouled on but at that point unless its egregious, it's a play on and then DeMarcus missed a point blank tip in. On the replay, it looked like it got caught in his hand and that caused him to push it long. I'll tell you, Josh is Mr. Everything for this team but he can't finish around the basket if it isn't a dunk.
With these two losses, this team is no lock to make the NCAA Tournament now. They are 5-4 through the 1st Half of the "easy" part of their conference schedule. It doesn't get any easier for Duke as they have to play UNC, after they themselves lost on Saturday to NC State, so that is a tough game. The crowd is going to have to be the best crowd they've ever had to get Duke through that one. I had made a bet with my dad that Duke would somehow pull out the UNC game but that's when I thought Duke would be hungrier but now that UNC just suffered an embarrassing loss, they would like nothing more than to throw some more dirt on Duke's season.
So next up is UNC at Cameron on Wednesday night. This week is the season ladies and gentlemen. They at least need an inspired effort against Carolina and then they need to win a tough road game against Maryland on the 11th. If they win both then they will be in great shape. If they split, they have some more work to do but it's doable. If they lose both, mark my words, this team could be NIT bound, which is unfathomable considering the amount of talent on this team. We all know what Coach K is going to do now. You'll see a Marty Pocius or even a walk on in the beginning of the 1st Half against UNC to get the crowd and team into it. He always does it. He's always pushed the right buttons but can ripping down all the posters in the locker room and taking down all the banners work twice in a month? K is the ultimate motivator and it will take his best work to get them through this. I am not pissed or mad. I can't be at a team that exerts nothing but 100% each and every game but I'm worried about Duke here for now and the future. A dramatic win in either one of these two games could've pushed Patrick Patterson toward Durham but all of a sudden, Duke looks mortal and at this point right now, choosing Florida over Duke may be the smarter move. The education is much less but the team is a powerhouse, the girls are better looking, it's hotter. Duke is in trouble ladies and gentlemen with a Capital T! No picture, FSU doesn't deserve one on my blog you bunch of classless thugs. You'll be in the NCAA Tourney this year but enjoy it because once Thorton leaves, you'll go back to being the doormat of the ACC. As for UNC, all I can do is pray.
Prediction: I'm not making one.
As for the game, I didn't see the part where Duke went on the big run to start the game because the ever "important" St. John's/Cincy game ran late but to me, I don't care how old the team is, they could be 13 freakin years old, you cannot blow a 17 point lead at home on JJ Redick day, you just can't!!!!!This time you can't blame it on the offensive philosophy at the end of the game. They let up, they got sloppy, they committed unnecessary fouls, they failed to guard the 3-point shot, which has been the staple of the program in the K era. Josh played very careless in the 1st Half and it really hurt them. He played Thorton well in the 2nd Half but his careless fouls allowed FSU to crawl all the way back into the game. I could get on Paulus for the technical foul but I love the emotion and to be honest, that should've been a double technical because Douglas initiated the confrontation.
Bottom line. They had 3 golden opportunities to seize the game and they missed all three. Greg missed a layup even though he was definitely bumped on the way. Then, Josh missed a contested 6 footer, which he may have been fouled on but at that point unless its egregious, it's a play on and then DeMarcus missed a point blank tip in. On the replay, it looked like it got caught in his hand and that caused him to push it long. I'll tell you, Josh is Mr. Everything for this team but he can't finish around the basket if it isn't a dunk.
With these two losses, this team is no lock to make the NCAA Tournament now. They are 5-4 through the 1st Half of the "easy" part of their conference schedule. It doesn't get any easier for Duke as they have to play UNC, after they themselves lost on Saturday to NC State, so that is a tough game. The crowd is going to have to be the best crowd they've ever had to get Duke through that one. I had made a bet with my dad that Duke would somehow pull out the UNC game but that's when I thought Duke would be hungrier but now that UNC just suffered an embarrassing loss, they would like nothing more than to throw some more dirt on Duke's season.
So next up is UNC at Cameron on Wednesday night. This week is the season ladies and gentlemen. They at least need an inspired effort against Carolina and then they need to win a tough road game against Maryland on the 11th. If they win both then they will be in great shape. If they split, they have some more work to do but it's doable. If they lose both, mark my words, this team could be NIT bound, which is unfathomable considering the amount of talent on this team. We all know what Coach K is going to do now. You'll see a Marty Pocius or even a walk on in the beginning of the 1st Half against UNC to get the crowd and team into it. He always does it. He's always pushed the right buttons but can ripping down all the posters in the locker room and taking down all the banners work twice in a month? K is the ultimate motivator and it will take his best work to get them through this. I am not pissed or mad. I can't be at a team that exerts nothing but 100% each and every game but I'm worried about Duke here for now and the future. A dramatic win in either one of these two games could've pushed Patrick Patterson toward Durham but all of a sudden, Duke looks mortal and at this point right now, choosing Florida over Duke may be the smarter move. The education is much less but the team is a powerhouse, the girls are better looking, it's hotter. Duke is in trouble ladies and gentlemen with a Capital T! No picture, FSU doesn't deserve one on my blog you bunch of classless thugs. You'll be in the NCAA Tourney this year but enjoy it because once Thorton leaves, you'll go back to being the doormat of the ACC. As for UNC, all I can do is pray.
Prediction: I'm not making one.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Blue Devils Single-d Out
The Blue Devils lost a heart breaker last night as Virginia used a Sean Singletary teardrop with 1 second left in OT to pull off the upset in Charlottesville. In what seems like vintage Duke form, the Blue Devils blew an 8 point lead late in the 2nd Half and couldn't muster any sort of offense in OT to pull it out.
Let me make this clear, Coach K is my messiah and Duke is my religion. I also know that the philosophy employed at the end of the game last night is the same philosophy that has earned Coach K 695 wins at Duke, 10 trips to the Final 4, and 3 National Championships. BUT, this philosophy can backfire and it has many times during his regime. What philosophy? Having a comfortable lead, taking the air out of the ball to kill clock, and in essence limiting your potential for a good shot on offense. During the times of a Grant Hill and a Jason Williams, you could get away with this style because they were able to dribble penetrate at will to either draw fouls or kick it out for open shots at the end of the shot clock. I'm not so sure you can employ this strategy with this particular team. They don't have guards, outside of Gerald Henderson, who can penetrate at will because they lack athleticism. So, what winds up happening is that they start their offense with about 8 seconds to go in the shot clock, Paulus picks up his dribble, Sheyer or Nelson gets forced away from the basket and they wind up settling for a bad shot.
By no means am I attacking Coach K at all. I have benefited immensely from this philosophy since I can remember 7 of the 10 Final 4's and all 3 National Championships not to mention the countless ACC Regular Season and Tournament Titles. This man has been the greatest thing since sliced bread for Duke and the rest of College Basketball but I must admit, it is frustrating to see your team lose a game they had won.
As for the game, I haven't watched the whole thing. I caught the end of the 1st Half and obviously the 2nd Half and OT. From what I saw, I love how they played tonight. Their ball denial and playing of the passing lanes was masterful and their offense had its moments. I really like the fact that they bounced back after UVA came back to tie the game at 49-49 and they went on to make a 10-2 run, which seemingly looked like it would break UVA's back. Listen, what makes Paulus and Sheyer good is that they play smart and with fundamentals but one of their biggest limitations is athleticism and when Duke plays a backcourt of that athleticism and offensive talent, they will struggle. Singletary is one of the best PG's not only in the ACC but in the country and JR Reynolds is one of the most underrated players in America. Both of those guys exploited Duke's lack of quickness and used their strengths to win this game.
I really thought Duke was going to win the game when McRoberts had the one on one on Cain at the end of regulation but he failed to convert close to the basket and I also liked their chances when David McClure, my man crush, made a Battier-esque weak side block with under a minute left in OT but Duke got nothing going on the next possession and then Singletary did his thing. Despite that shot, they still had as good a look as you can ask for when Greg Paulus caught a great baseball pass from McRoberts and just missed a game-winning 3 pointer. For as great the Clemson win was, this one hurts equally as bad but I love the effort and I feel the execution down the stretch will come with time and experience.
Next up for Duke is Florida State at Cameron, which traditionally is a very tough game. However, Duke is traditionally excellent after a loss and with JJ getting his jersey retired, Cameron will be rocking. If Duke can neutralize Al Thorton, they will win comfortably. If they can't, then it will come down the stretch and they will need to execute a little better at the end than last night.
Prediction: Duke 76 FSU 67
Congratulations JJ!
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