NCAA Season Preview: Duke Blue Devils
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Let’s take a look at the numbers:
NCAA Basketball Season Preview: Duke (Atlantic Coast Conference)
Odds To Win National Title: +600
They might not have been the odds on favourite when the last year began but when Duke cut down the nets in April it was pretty obvious that they were the best team in the country. They had a great combination of size and skill, stars and role players, and most importantly experience. Now as they enter this season they are the favourite to repeat because this team could actually be better than last years title squad.
The reason they might be better is because Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith decided to stick around for another season rather than graduate to the next level professionally. They will probably be the highest scoring duo in the NCAA this season and their skill and experience makes Duke a very dangerous team. Especially with the expected maturation of the Plumlee brothers and the addition of a top recruit and highly thought of transfer.
It is always tough to repeat but this team is talented enough to do it. Anything short of a Final Four would be a disappointment.
Additions
Kyrie Irving – A highly sought after recruit who might be the best freshman point guard in the country, Seth Curry – Two years ago he was the leading freshman scorer in the country at Liberty
Subtractions
Jon Scheyer – Their leading scorer from a year ago was also their primary ball handler, Brian Zoubek – 7 footer was willing to do the dirty work inside, Lance Thomas – His statistics always undersold his value.
Key Players
Nolan Smith – A smooth shooting guard who improves every year, Kyle Singler – Do everything forward who should be the leading candidate for player of the year. He was smart to return to Durham.
Surprising Stat: Duke is always very good but isn’t normally considered a physical team. That is why it is surprising that they lead the ACC in rebounding margin last season. A combination of lots of bigs, high percentage shooting and great defense.
Strengths: Where to start. This team does everything well and has great leadership. The thing that will especially stand out is the number of players they have who can create their own shot. This gives them amazing options at the end of games where they can work the matchups that are most favourable.
Weaknesses: It is a bit nitpicky but using a freshman point guard, even a talented one, isn’t usually preferred. There is no reason to think that Irving can’t be like Derrick Rose of John Wall but until the games start we just won’t know.
Post Season: Its Final Four or bust for this team.
Projected wins: 32
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