Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

By Paul Gotham

Another decade and another national title – such is life for the Duke Blue Devils and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Kyle Singler scored 19. Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith added 15 and 13 respectively as the Blue Devils trimmed Butler 61-59 in the national championship game.

The victory gave Duke its fourth title under Coach K, and elevated the 30-year coach into some lofty status. Only Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp (4) and UCLA’s John Wooden (10) can claim that many NCAA Division One Men’s Basketball Championships.

Rupp’s titles all occurred from 1948-1958. Wooden’s teams won their 10 crowns from 1964-1975.

Leading his team in 2010, the beginning of a new decade, Krzyzewski has now coached teams to titles in three different decades.

The significance of such a feat is as simple or complicated as 7’1″ Brain Zoubek grabbing an offensive rebound, pivoting, and kicking the ball to a wide open Scheyer for a 3-pointer.

Coach K’s first trip to the Final Four came in 1986. His Blue Devils won 37 games that year, but their third loss came in the national title game to Louisville.

That game was played without a three-point arc or shot clock.

By the time Duke won its first title in 1991, an arc, 19’9″ from the basket, appeared at either end of the floor and a shot clock which counted from 45 stood mounted above each basket.

The Blue Devils avenged an embarrassing loss from the prior year downing UNLV 79-77 in the national semi-finals. Duke used a deliberate, patient offense to slow the heavily favored Runnin’ Rebels.

Two nights later, the Blue Devils completed the run defeating Kansas 72-65.

Bobby Hurley led those Blue Devils with 76 three-pointers.

This past season, Scheyer trumped Hurley’s output from long range with 110. Singler added 85 and Smith poured in 60 from behind the arc.

Krzyzewski’s ’90-’91 team made 176 of 459 attempts from 19’9″. Their opponents went 164-473.

The 2009-10 edition of the Blue Devils finished 296-795 from 20’9″ while holding opposing shooters to 158-559.

Hurley’s squad finished 32-7 – scoring 3,167 points and allowing 2,615.

Scheyer and company went 35-5 and accumulated 3,079 while giving up 2,439.

The result is the same. Both teams won the title. The process used to arrive at that point varied.

Those numbers illustrate just one aspect of Coach K’s ability to adapt.

Over the past 30 years, the game of college basketball has changed, arguably, more than any other period of time in game’s history. Throughout all those adjustments, Coach K has shown that to be a great leader one must change with the times.

The Blue Devils repeated in ’91-’92 with a similar lineup. Hurley’s three-point totals dropped due to injury. So, too, did the team’s totals drop (Billy McCaffery transferred after his sophomore year. He took 70 from behind the arc the previous year.)

The numbers, though, did not show the change in mindset. Frequently, Hurley pulled up in transition and let if fly from long range. A tact that few teams attempted to the same degree of success that Duke experienced.

Duke and Krzyzewski returned to the finals in ’94 but lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Injury and illness forced Krzyzewski from the sideline, and, over the next three years, Duke won just one game in the NCAA Tournament.

Coach K and the Devils returned to the finals in ’99 but fell to UConn 77-74.

Then, Krzyewski would have to learn to adapt to a new situation. For the first time in program history, Duke players left early and went to the NBA. Elton Brand, William Avery, and Corey Maggette all opted to enter the draft.  Along with Trajan Langdon’s graduation, Duke lost four starters.

Kzyzewski accepted it and moved on to his next recruiting class and team.

Within two years, the Blue Devils climbed the ladder at the Final Four again.

Duke reached the Final Four in ’04, and the experience left Coach K with a new scenario with which to contend. Upon the season’s end freshman Luol Deng went to the NBA.

“One and done” is now a part of basketball parlance. The shot clock counts down from 35. Three-pointers come from nearly 21 feet. Throughout it all, Coach K still wins. This year’s Blue Devils not only took more 3-pointers than their fellow alums some 20 years ago, but ’09-’10 Blue Devils might have caused people to look at the game differently.

Trading a deuce for a triple has merit. Instead of defenders trying to stop a rebounder from going back up with the ball, now they have to worry about defending the arc. It’s rather simple. The shooter’s hips are already squared to the basket. All he needs to do is step into his shot.

Why didn’t someone think of this before now?

All in day’s work for Coach K and his staff.

Monday night, the roles were reversed. Once the hunter, Duke was now become the hunted. Instead of Duke slowing the game like they did 20 years ago against UNLV, it was the Bulldogs’ turn to try and dictate the pace.

It didn’t matter. The Blue Devils adjusted.

As the saying goes, the only constant is change. No one embraces that change more than Coach K.

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

By Paul Gotham

Setting: It all comes down to this.  Lucas Oil Stadium is the stage. Brad Stevens and his No. 5 seed Butler Bulldogs (33-4) do battle with Mike Krzyzewski and his No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils (34-5).

Plot: Horizon League meets the Atlantic Coast Conference for the national championship.

Sub-plot: In his third season of coaching Stevens seeks Butler’s first title. Krzyzewski has guided three Blue Devil teams to titles.

The Blue Devils will be the second No. 1 seed the Bulldogs have faced in the tournament. Butler’s Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack are both game-time decisions.

Flashback: Duke won the only meeting between the two schools, on Jan. 30, 2003.  Dahntay Jones scored 25, and Shavlik Randolph added 24 off the bench as the Blue Devils won at Cameron, 80-60.

Butler is making its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance and first trip to the national final. This is Duke’s 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 10th time in the championship game.

Foreshadowing: Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Current alums include Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams. Butler is waiting on its first NBA guy.

Conflict: Butler has surrendered more than 60 points just once in their last 13 games.  Duke averages 77 per outing, including 78 against West Virginia and Purdue.

Butler created 16 turnovers in their defeat of Michigan State. The Spartans scored zero transition points in the semi-final as the Bulldogs chose to not attack the offensive glass.

Butler’s best defense has been and will continue to be a slow, deliberate offense.

Gordon Hayward leads four Bulldogs in double digits. The silky smooth swing man provides versatility to the lineup. At 6′9″, Hayward can go inside and get work done. He averages almost nine boards a game and can finish in the paint. Hayward has also hit 47 3-pointers on the season.  Stevens has called on Hayward to run the offense from time to time. With Howard on the bench Saturday, Hayward drew the assignment of stopping MSU’s Draymond Green.

Matt Howard adds almost 12 points and five rebounds. He is text-book type of player in the paint whose work could be a how-to video used at summer camp. His health will be important for Butler’s success.

Shelvin Mack leads the Bulldogs with 70 from behind the arc. Mack hits 39 percent from long range.

The only senior in the lineup, Willie Veasley, chips in 10 points and four rebounds.

Ronald Nored runs the point at just a touch under 2 : 1 assist to turnovers.

Zach Hahn comes off the bench and hits 4o.9 percent from long range.

Shawn Vanzant, Avery Jukes, and Andrew Smith will supply valuable minutes off the bench.

The emergence of Brian Zoubek and freshman Mason Plumlee gives Duke a well-rounded attack. Zoubek has grabbed double-digit rebounds in three of Duke’s tournament wins, including 10 in Saturday night’s triumph over West Virginia.

Make no mistake though, Butler must contend with Duke’s big three: Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. The trio combine for 53 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Scheyer scores 18 a game to go with an assist to turnover ratio of 3:1. If Duke holds a late lead, Scheyer is deadly from the line – 190-216 (88.0).

Singler rebounded from a tough outing against Baylor by scoring 21 against the Mountaineers.  The junior has 23 double-digit performances in Duke’s last 24 games.

Smith averages 17. The junior guard mixes a long-range game (59-148 from behind the arc) with a quick first step that allows him to get into the paint.

Lance Thomas scores slightly below five a game and grabs 4.9 rebounds.

Resolution:  Butler has relied upon turnovers to create offense. Those chances will decrease against the experienced Duke back-court. Michigan State, Kansas State, and Syracuse looked uncomfortable having to run half-court offense for 40 minutes.  Duke will not be so easily frustrated. The Blue Devils piled up 20 assists while hitting 29 field goals against West Virginia. Scheyer, Smith, and Singler know how to manufacture points. The Bulldogs will ride the wave of emotion, but the Blue Devils will have the last word. Duke brings home their fourth title.

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AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

By Paul Gotham

Setting: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana is the stage when Bob Huggins and his No. 2 seed West Virginia Mountaineers (31-6) take on Mike Krzyzewski and the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils (33-5).

Plot: Big East meets Atlantic Coast Conference for a spot in Monday night’s national championship.

Sub-plot: The status of  WVU’s Darryl “Truck” Bryant looms over the result of this national semi-final. Will the sophomore point guard play despite a foot injury?

Flashback: Joe Alexander scored a game-high 22, Alex Ruoff added 17, and Joe Mazzulla chipped in 13 off the bench as the Mountaineers upended the Blue Devils 73-67 in the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament.  Duke leads 17-7 in a series that began in 1951. The teams have split 4-4 on neutral floors. Tonight’s game marks just the third meeting in the past 32 years.

West Virginia is making its 23rd appearance in the NCAA Tournament and second trip to the Final Four. This is Duke’s 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 15th time in the Final Four.

Foreshadowing: Thirteen Mountaineers have played in the NBA. Joe Alexander is the only current alum of West Virginia basketball in the Association.  Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Fourteen of those alums currently dot NBA rosters: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams.

Conflict: Duke’s rebound margin is 6.5. WVU’s advantage on the glass is 6.6. The margin on the boards is as slim as tonight’s result.

A quick glance might lead someone to believe the Mountaineers are a one-man team. Da’Sean Butler leads WVU in points per game (17.4), assists (3.2), 3-pointers made (70), free throws made (162), free throws attempted (207), and free throw percentage (78.3), and game-winning shots (6).

But the Mountaineers are much more than that. Butler’s success is the result of a team effort. WVU has held their last two opponents well under their season average. Kentucky entered play last weekend averaging almost 80 a game. The Mountaineers won 73-66. Washington’s Huskies averaged 79 points. They lost to West Virginia 69-56.

Huggins deploys seven of his troops for double digit minutes.

Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks combine for 25 points and 15 and a half rebounds for the Mountaineers.  Jones has 131 offensive rebounds.

Joe Mazzulla has taken over at point since Bryant’s injury. The junior scored 17 and handed out three assists in the victory over Kentucky.

The emergence of Brian Zoubek and freshman Mason Plumlee gives Duke a well-rounded attack. Zoubek grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 14 points in Duke’s victory over California.

Make no mistake though, WVU must slow down Duke’s big three: Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. The trio combine for 53 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Scheyer scores 18 a game to go with an assist to turnover ratio of 2.9:1. If Duke holds a late lead, Scheyer is deadly from the line – 186-211 (88.2).

Singler’s offensive production dropped as he drew the assignment of staying with Baylor’s LaceDarius Dunn. Still, Singler has 22 double-digit performances in Duke’s last 23 games.

Smith averages 17. The junior guard mixes a long-range game (55-139) from behind the arc) with a quick first step that allows him to get into the paint.

Lance Thomas scores slightly below five a game and grabs 4.8 rebounds.

Resolution: West Virginia used a 1-3-1 zone to slow a young Kentucky team. The Mountaineers will need more against Duke. The Blue Devils will not be confused by any defenses. The common criticism of Duke is that the Blue Devils can not handle athletic teams. Duke dispelled that theory in their victory over Baylor.

Both teams average 18.2 fouls per game. In a game sure to be decided in the paint, WVU and Duke will more than likely each commit at least 20 fouls. WVU finishes 70.3 percent from the free throw line. Duke scores 75.8 percent of the time from the stripe. Duke will advance.

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By Paul Gotham

Setting: Reliant Stadium is the stage as Scott Drew’s No. 3 seed Baylor Bears (28-7) clash with Mike Krzyzewski and his No.1 seed Duke Blue Devils (32-5).

Plot: Big 12 and the Atlantic Coast Conference collide with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Sub-plot: Baylor makes its first NCAA quarter-finals appearance since 1950. Duke last reached the Final Four in 2004.

Flashback: The meeting marks the first between the two schools. Baylor is 6-9 all-time versus the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Bears are making their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Duke has punched 34 tickets to The Dance.

Foreshadowing: Seven Bears have earned paychecks in the National Basketball Association. Brian Skinner wears a Clippers uniform. Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Fourteen of those alums currently dot NBA rosters: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams.

Conflict: On paper, the Bears and Devils cast mirror-like images. Both teams score 77 a game and grab 39 rebounds while keeping opposing rebounders to 32. Baylor’s opponents score 65 to Duke’s nearly 61. The Blue Devils grab 14 offensive rebounds. Baylor gets 12.

If there is slight edge to be found, it could be in opponents’ offensive rebounds. Duke holds teams to 11 and a half. Baylor gives up nearly 13. Perhaps the effect of an aggressive front line seeking blocks.

Baylor’s front-line is arguably the most imposing in college basketball. Anthony Jones (6-10), Epke Udoh (6-10), and Josh Lomers (7-0) have put the wood to may opponents this year. The trio averages 277 points and 18 rebounds. Combine that with five blocks per games and opponents get headaches trying to plan for these guys.

Opposing teams can not afford to focus merely on Baylor’s front court.

LaceDarius Dunn is tenth in the nation hitting more than three trifectas per game. The junior hits 42.4 percent from long range and has connected 114 times this year.

With opposing defenses focusing on his teammates, Tweety Carter takes advantage of open spaces scoring 15 points a game.

Quincy Acy adds nine points and five rebounds off the bench.

The Blue Devil front court holds a +6 rebounding margin. The emergence of Brian Zoubek and freshman Mason Plumlee gives Duke a well-rounded attack. Zoubek grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 14 points in Duke’s victory over California.

Make no mistake though, Baylor must slow down Duke’s big three: Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. The trio combine for 53 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Scheyer scores 18 a game to go with an assist to turnover ratio of 2.9:1. If Duke holds a late lead, Scheyer is deadly from the line – 181-206 (87.9).

Singler has scored double figures in Duke’s last 22 games.

Smith averages 17. The junior guard mixes a long-range game (51-133) from behind the arc) with a quick first step that allows him to get into the paint.

Lance Thomas scores slightly below five a game and grabs 4.8 rebounds.

Resolution: Which force is the strongest? Baylor might have the best blend of athleticism and talent in the country. Can Dunn succeed against Duke’s pressure on the perimeter? The Blue Devils limit opposing shooters to 27.8 percent from behind the arc (2nd in the nation). In the Blue Devil defense, Baylor will find a group that does not back down. Dunn and teammates might have hot stretches today, but Duke will make them prove it for the entire game. Scheyer has struggled of late, but Duke continues to win. Singler will force the Bears to use Acy more than they want thus limiting their size in the paint. Duke will earn its 15th trip to the Final Four.

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By Paul Gotham

Setting: Reliant Stadium will be a buzz Friday night as Matt Painter’s No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers (29-5) clash with Mike Krzyzewski and his No.1 seed Duke Blue Devils (31-5).

Plot: Big Ten and the Atlantic Coast Conference collide with a trip to the South Regional Final on the line.

Sub-plot: Purdue has redefined themselves since the injury to Robbie Hummel.

Flashback: Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer scored 20 a piece as the Blue Devil downed the Boilermakers 76-60 as part of last year’s ACC/ Big Ten Challenge. Purdue holds a 4-2 edge in the all-time series. Grant Hill led Duke to a 69-60 triumph over Purdue in the 1994 Southeast Regional final.

This is Duke’s 34th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 25th trip to the Sweet 16.  Purdue has been a Dance participant 24 times. Eight times the Boilermakers have advanced to the Sweet 16.

Foreshadowing: Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Fourteen of those alums currently dot NBA rosters: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams.

Thirty Boilermakers have earned paychecks in the Association. Former Boilermakers, Brian Cardinal, Carl Landry, and Brad Miller lace them up currently.

Conflict: In the regional quarter-finals Purdue held Texas A&M to 55 points after 40 minutes of play. The Boilermakers won the contest in overtime. Painter’s squad will need to equal that defensive effort against Duke, but it won’t be easy.

Duke averages over 77 points a game. The Blue Devil front court holds a +6 rebounding margin, including 14 and a half offensive rebounds a game. The emergence of Brian Zoubek and freshman Mason Plumlee gives Duke a well-rounded attack. Zoubek grabbed 13 rebounds to go with 14 points in Duke’s victory over California.

Make no mistake though, Purdue must slow down Duke’s big three: Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. The trio combine for 53 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Scheyer scores 18 a game to go with an assist to turnover ratio of 2.9:1. If Duke holds a late lead, Scheyer is deadly from the line – 174-198 (87.9).

Singler has scored double figures in Duke’s last 21 games.

Smith averages 17. The junior guard mixes a long-range game (50-130 from behind the arc) with a quick first step that allows him to get into the paint.

Lance Thomas scores slightly below five a game and grabs 4.8 rebounds.

E’Twaun Moore scores 16 a game and JaJuan Johnson adds 15.  But offensive numbers won’t be the focus when the ball goes up. Keaton Grant, Chris Kramer, and Lewis Jackson will be counted on to slow the Blue Devil attack.

Purdue’s rebounding margin is a negative one. The Boilermakers can not afford to give Duke an advantage on the glass. Purdue’s opponents have hit 35 percent behind the arc. Duke finishes at a clip of 37.9 percent.

The Boilermakers have plenty of ground to cover. They will need to guard behind the arc and keep Duke off the boards.

Resolution: Purdue will not go down without a fight, but the Blue Devils have too much firepower. With Zoubek and Plumlee contributing in the paint, Duke will be too much to handle for Purdue.

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By Paul Gotham

It is kind of hard to imagine that a region with three Big East teams (Villanova, Louisville, and Notre Dame) and two teams from the Big 12 (Baylor and Texas A&M) could have the makings for a Cinderella run. Especially, when one looks at the fact that Baylor and A&M have the chance to play third and fourth round games in Houston.  Still, Cinderella might exist in the South.

Consider this. The South region has a two seed that has lost six of its last ten. A three seed that hasn’t won a tournament game since 1950. The four seed scored 11 points in a half last weekend.

If ever there was a region set up for a lower seed to make a run, this is it. The question is which team.

On the other hand, this region might play out well for a run by the one seed – Duke.

Maybe, the first question should be what is a Cinderella? Some might say North Carolina State in 1983. The Wolfpack was a six seed. They beat Phi Slamma Jamma, but NC State is not exactly a small school.

Villanova in 1985 was a great story. They were an eight seed who beat Patrick Ewing and the Georgetown. Villanova is not a big school, but there is a rich basketball history there.

Recently, George Mason captured the hearts of many with their magical run to the Final Four in 2006.

Two years ago, tiny Davidson advanced to the Elite Eight. They fell one Stephen Curry trifecta short of beating eventual champ Kansas.

What exactly defines a Cinderella, and can it be found in the South Region?

Before searching for that team, it might be a better idea to discuss why the opportunity is there.

Suddenly, Villanova can’t get out of its own way. The Wildcats are playing like they are doing a penance. They give their opponents plenty of charity. Those personal fouls are contributing to their sliding fortunes.

Baylor as a three seed is a little confusing. If there are four regions, and a team gets a three seed, would that not suggest the team should be ranked somewhere around say 12th in the country. Not that the polls are the be all and end all or anything. It’s just that Baylor has never been any higher than 17 this year. And rightly so. The Bears have made five all-time appearances in The Dance. They lost to Purdue in the first round of the 2008 tournament.

The loss of Robbie Hummel was devastating to Purdue’s chances. That goes without saying. At one time, the Boilermakers looked like a Final Four team. Thing is, they still have enough talent – E’Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson, and Chris Kramer – to carry them. Is 20 points in a half too much to ask for? What’s worse? Minnesota, the team that held them to 11 in a half, looked absolutely feeble the next day.

Now, here’s the other side of it. Siena is 2-2 in the last two NCAA Tournaments. The Saints led the Louisville Cardinals with less than ten minutes remaining in last year’s second round match up. Siena returns four starters from that team. Ronald Moore leads the nation in assists per game. Alex Franklin averages 16 points and eight rebounds. The Saints have four guys averaging double figures. They seamlessly switch defenses and create lay ups. The Saints are not bothered by playing on the road. They do not depend upon the three, but Clarence Jackson has hit 71 from behind the arc this year.

Purdue is in trouble.

The Boilermakers are not the only high seed in trouble.

Villanova is staring at a second round game with Richmond. The Spiders play a frustrating match up zone defense. They limit opponents to 62 points. Their field goal percentage and three-point percentage defense ranks in the nation’s top 20. Worse yet for Villanova? Richmond has great guards – Kevin Anderson was the A10 player-of-the-year and David Gonzalvez is true grit. They will stifle Villanova on the perimeter.

Then there is Notre Dame. Maybe, Purdue should study Irish game film. Since ND’s leading scorer and former Big East Player of the Year, Luke Harangody, has been injured, the Irish have played their best hoops. Now, Mike Brey and crew needs to figure out how to make the best use Harangody since he has returned.

By the way, Richmond and St. Mary’s play Thursday at 3pm. Make sure you tune in to see two contrasting styles. The Gaels score almost 80 a game. They have four players who have taken more than 100 three-point attempts – Mickey McConnell (67/ 130), Matthew Dellavedova (70/ 169), Ben Allen (43/ 110), and Clint Steindl (48/ 128). St. Mary’s has just five losses this year – by two to Vanderbilt, 11 to USC, by seven and 19 to Gonzaga, and by five to Portland. Which Gaels’ team will show up? The one that bombed Gonzaga? Or the one that was bombed by Gonzaga?

Match ups to die for: Notre Dame and anyone is intriguing. Notre Dame and Richmond? Wow! The Irish have learned to play with patience of late. Richmond forces teams to play uncomfortably patient basketball. Tory Jackson versus Kevin Anderson? That is a battle of two cagey point guards. They both pick their spots. They both know how to get the ball in the hands of the players who can where they can score.

Duke and Louisville could meet in the second round. Coach K and Rick Pitino – the last time they met, their teams staged arguably the greatest game in NCAA Tournament history. Maybe, Pitino can get Mashburn out of retirement.

Players to watch: Mason Plumlee (Duke) – everyone knows about Scheyer, Singler, and Smith. The younger Plumlee’s confidence is growing every game.

Justin Harper (Richmond) – he is a 6’10″ junior who is active on the glass, and he can slash. Think of it. He is 6’10″ and he can slash. The prospects are scary.

Isaiah Armwood (Villanova) – the freshman has shown flashes all year. The Wildcats might not be around long, so catch him while you can.

Tory Jackson (Notre Dame) – a little sad to see his career come to an end. Jackson has plenty of unrealized potential still.

Ryan Rossiter (Siena) – for the old timers out there – think Jack Sikma. It’s not pretty, but he gets the job done. Rossiter has great footwork, and he is a savvy player.

What to look for: If Villanova is the weakest two seed in the tournament, then Richmond is the strongest seven seed. Richmond, Siena, Notre Dame, and Duke in the Sweet 16 – there is very real possibility.  From there it is anyone’s guess.

By Paul Gotham

Setting: It’s the ACC versus the Big East in a top ten showdown when Mike Krzyzewski brings his No. 8 Duke Blue Devils (17-3/ 5-2) to the Verizon Center for a tilt with the No. 7 Georgetown Hoyas (15-4/ 6-3) coached by John Thompson III.

Plot: Conference RPI is on the line. The ACC sits in third behind No. 2, the Big East, and No. 1, the Big 12.

Sub-plot: Georgetown is coming off a road loss to Syracuse – a game in which they opened with a 14-0 lead. Last time out Duke beat Florida State 70-56 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, but the Seminoles out-rebounded the Devils 38-29. All three of Duke’s losses have come on the road this season (North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, and Wisconsin). Georgetown is 9-1 at home losing to Old Dominion, 61-57.

Flashback: Gerald Henderson had a game-high 23 points on 10-15 shooting from the field, and Kyle Singler grabbed 16 rebounds as Duke beat Georgetown, 76-67 last season. Duke leads the all-time series, 7-6. The two have split 1-1 at the Verizon Center.

Foreshadowing: Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Fourteen of those alums currently dot NBA rosters: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams.

Thirty-three Hoyas have laced them up in the Association. Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, Allen Iverson, and DaJuan Summers all earn pay checks in the NBA.

Conflict: Both teams grab just under 40 rebounds per game while giving up 33.4 (Duke) and 34.2 (Georgetown). This is a game that could be won in the paint. Florida State exposed Duke last time out. Georgetown relies heavily on Greg Monroe. The sophomore has 10 double-figure rebounding games this season. Six of those performances have come at home – all wins. Monroe has three or more fouls in seven of Georgetown’s last eight games. Duke will run a stable of post players at the 6’11″ sophomore forward: Lance Thomas, Miles Plumlee, Brian Zoubek, and Mason Plumlee. Monroe will need to stay aggressive but, more importantly, stay on the floor.

Austin Freeman leads the Hoyas with 16 points per game. The junior guard is knocking down threes at a rate of 47.3 percent.

Chris Wright averages 14.6 per game, and the Hoyas are 14-0 when the junior scores in double figures. Wright is 80 percent (53-66) from the free throw line.

Jason Clark and Julian Vaughn round out Georgetown’s starting five. Vaughn has nine double figure games this year and chips in eight points and five rebounds. The junior forward finishes 56 percent (66-118) from the field.

Clark adds 10 points and just under five rebounds for Thompson’s squad.

If Georgetown is to win, they must slow down Duke’s big three: Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. The trio combine for 53 points and 13 rebounds per game.

Smith has scored at least 20 points in seven of Duke’s last eleven games. The junior combines a deft shooting touch from behind the three-point arc (31-64/ 48.4) with the ability to slash to the basket and finish.

Scheyer is fourth in the nation with an assist to turnover ratio of 3.4:1. The senior guard adds just under 19 points. If Duke holds a late lead, Scheyer is deadly from the line – 98-109 (89.9).

Singler adds 16 points and seven boards.

Thomas scores five a game and grabs 4.6 rebounds. The senior forward will be counted on to keep Monroe in check.

Duke’s depth might be their biggest asset on this day. Only six Georgetown players average double-digit minutes. Duke uses eight palyers 14 minutes or more.

Resolution: Expect Duke to take the ball to the basket plenty today. The Blue Devils will want to make the Hoyas defend them. That is not to suggest Duke won’t let it fly from behind the arc. They will shoot from long-range to open the floor and then drive into space.

Georgetown will want to take a page from Florida State’s game plan and hit the boards. Duke is 16th in the nation in rebound margin, but the Seminoles exposed a possible weakness.

Duke used a zone to slow Florida State’s momentum. That tact will not have the same success against the Hoyas. Monroe is tough when he catches the ball at the high post and distributes.

This will be a one-possession game that Duke will win at the free throw line.

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Lawal

By Paul Gotham

Setting: It’s an ACC throw down at Alexander Memorial Coliseum as Mike Krzyzewski’s No. 5 Duke Blue Devils (13-1,1-0) pay a visit to Paul Hewitt’s No.20 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (11-3, 0-1).

Plot: The Yellowjackets seek to keep pace in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Besides Duke, Florida State, Wake Forest and Boston College have all won their first conference game.

Sub-plot: The game is Duke’s second on the road this week. Wednesday, the Blue Devils topped Iowa State at Chicago. Tech seeks to rebound at home after a disappointing intra-state loss at Georgia, 73-66.

Flashback: Duke has won 24 of the last 26 meetings in the series including 11 of the last 12 at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Known as the ‘Thrillerdome,” Tech owns a record of 539-188 since its opening in 1956.

Duke downed Tech 7o-56 on January 14 of last season. Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils with 14 rebounds and 19 points. Gerald Henderson also scored 19 points.

Since 2001, the two schools have combined for 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. Duke won the title in 2001. Both schools reached the Final Four in 2004.

Foreshadowing: Fifty-one former Blue Devils have made their way to the NBA. Fourteen of those alums currently dot NBA rosters: Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Mike Dunleavy, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, Dahntay Jones, Corey Maggette, Josh McRoberts, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick, and Shelden Williams.

Thirty-three Yellowjackets have graduated to the league. Current Techters in the NBA include Chris Bosh, Will Bynum, Javaris Crittenton, Matt Harping, Jarrett Jack, Anthony Morrow and Thaddeus Young.

Tone: Georgia Tech will play with a sense of urgency. The ‘Ramblin Wreck’ wants to avoid back-to-back defeats and falling behind in the ACC race. Duke will need to fight off any possible lethargy created by their recent travel schedule.

Conflict: Duke ranks third in the country hitting 42.6 percent from behind the three point arc. Georgia Tech has limited opponents to 29.2 percent from long range. Both teams have rebound margin near eight. Duke grabs 41 boards per game including 13.9 on the offensive end. Georgia Tech pulls down 42.4 per contest and 14.1 from friendly fire.

Nine Yellowjackets average 13 or more minutes per game.  Moe Miller and Mfon Udofia will need to set the pace in the back court against a pesky Duke defense. The Blue Devils average 6.6 steals and have limited ranked opponents to 32.7 percent shooting from the field including 13.3 percent from behind the arc.

Miller and Udofia will need to get the ball into the hands of teammates where they can score. Most likely, that means getting the ball inside to Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors. Lawal has seven double-doubles thus far on the campaign and finishes 55.5 percent of his shots. Favors hits 58.3 percent and has five double-doubles.

Udofia adds 10.8 per game. Zachery Peacock comes off the bench and chips in 10 points and 4.6 rebounds.

Brain Oliver (no relation to the former Yellowjacket) leads the Wreck with 25 three pointers. Glen Rice Jr. averages three points and two rebounds in 13 minutes of playing time.

Georgia Tech will need to be on guard against Duke. While this Blue Devil team might not have the star-studded lineup of Duke teams past, it does have cohesion. Duke teams of recent years seemed to have a signature pace and struggled to adjust to game situations. Some Duke teams could run the floor very well and jump out to large leads only to struggle when ball possession was necessary. Other Blue Devil squads have lacked that quick strike ability but could run fluid half-court offense.

This Blue Devil team deftly switches gears throughout a contest adapting to what is given by the opponent.  Against Clemson, freshman Mason Plumlee grabbed the ball out of the basket, made eye contact with Nolan Smith and without hesitation snapped a pass into the front court that caught Smith in full stride for an uncontested layup.

Just a few possessions later,  the Blue Devils were running half-court offense with precision.

This ability to change speeds is directly attributed to Jon Scheyer. What the senior may lack in athletic point guard skill set, he makes up for with an uncanny ability to let the game come to him.  In the long line of Duke point guards, Scheyer will take his place behind the likes of Tommy Amaker, Chris Duhon, Bobby Hurley, Jim Spanarkel and Jason Williams. Nonetheless, with an assist to turnover ratio at 4.58:1, Scheyer is set to break the single season mark set by current Duke assistant, Steve Wojciechowski. Beyond that Scheyer scores 19.7 per game with a free throw percentage of 91.5.

Smith and Singler add 18.5 and 15.9 respectively.

Hitting 52.3 percent from behind the three-point arc, Smith keeps opposing defenses off balance. The 6’2″ guard can get into the paint when needed and is handing out over three assists per contests.

Singler’s game has rounded out well. The native of Medford, Orgeon has hit 23 three pointers and has used the space created by that threat to develop his mid-range game. Singler keeps opposing defenders honest with an array of ways to score. Against Wisconsin, Singler scored 28. He made one three-pointer and finished seven free throws. His remaining 18 points came from a variety of means as the junior showed he can go off the dribble and finish in traffic. On other occasions, Singler can pull up and finish. He has also added a step-back into his arsenal.

Lance Thomas is probably the most valuable and most unsung member of the starting five. The senior is willing to play a supporting role to his teammates. But that is not to suggest that Thomas can not takeover when needed. The New Jersey has six points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Miles Plumlee averages seven points and six rebounds for the Blue Devils.

Resolution: Georgia Tech will play with urgency, but it will not be enough for this experienced Duke squad.  Duke hits 77.3 percent from the free throw line, and Tech finishes 68.5 percent from the stripe. This will be the difference in a game decided in the final minutes.

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By Paul Gotham

Setting: The corner of 7th Avenue and 32nd Street will be hopping this evening when the Duke Blue Devils (5-0) take on the University of Connecticut Huskies (4-0) in the finals of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Plot: For the first time in NCAA history coaches with 800 or more victories do battle when Mike Krzyzewski (838) and Jim Calhoun (809) square off.

Flashback: The teams have split 4-4 all time with UConn taking the last four. When these two teams get together, there is usually quite a bit at stake. Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater was the difference when Duke advanced in the 1990 East Regional. Khalid El-Amin and the Huskies “shocked the world” when they downed the Blue Devils in 1999 NCAA Finals. Last meeting, UConn beat Duke, 79-78 in the 2004 National Semi-Finals. Duke has won the NIT Tip Off in 1985, 2000, and 2005.

Sub-plots: UConn has led the nation in blocked shots for the last eight years. This year is no different. The Huskies have blocked 10.3 shots per game. On the other hand, Duke has made the transition on offense from a dribble penetration team to perimeter motion. Duke will need to convert outside the paint to neutralize UConn’s inside talents.

Conflict: Kyle Singler vs. Stanley Robinson.   or Finesse vs. Brawn.  Singler is a versatile offensive player. He can score inside and outside. Singler can knock down a three pointer one possession and on the next trip take his man in the post and play with his back to the basket.  Singler has done all that and more but not against a player like Robinson. The Husky forward knows no fear and does not seek style points. At 6’9″, Robinson has defended bigger forwards and smaller guards.

Characters: Jon Scheyer has committed just two turnovers while dishing out 27 assists in 171 minutes played this year. 18-year-old Andre Dawkins leads the Devils in 3pt. efficiency – 48.3% (14 of 29). Can these guys continue this success against UConn’s pressure. Nolan Smith moved from point guard to shooting guard and has averaged 19.3 over his last three games.

Jerome Dyson and Kemba Walker provide UConn’s offensive punch from the outside. Dyson averages 20 ppg thus far including 6 of 20 from long range. Walker is scoring 16 ppg adding 6 of 11 from the three-point arc. Alex Oriakhi pulls down over 10 rebounds per game.

Resolution: If Duke is to win, the Blue Devils will need to hit over 50% from the field. The Huskies will give the Devils few, if any, second-chance opportunities. Many of Duke’s offensive rebounds will contribute to UConn’s staggering amount of blocked shots. UConn will need to take care of the ball and not give Duke easy buckets off steals.

1st Team All-Casey

PG – Sherron Collins/Kansas

SG – Elliot Williams / Memphis

SF – Wesley Johnson/Syracuse

PF – Jason Love / Xavier

C – Larry Sanders / VCU

Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 – ’09 Results: 30 -7 (11 – 5 ACC) Lost to Villanova in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, 77 – 54.

Coach: Mike Krzyzewski 760 – 215 (29 seasons at Duke) 833 – 274 (34 seasons)

Key Returners:

Brian Zoubek – 4.1ppg, 3.7rpg

Kyle Singler – 16.5ppg, 7.7rpg

Lance Thomas – 5.3ppg, 3.6rpg

Jon Scheyer – 14.9ppg, 3.6rpg

Nolan Smith – 8.4ppg, 2.2rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 12/2 vs. Wisconsin, 12/19 vs. Gonzaga, 12/19 vs. Long Beach State, 1/6 vs. Iowa State, 1/30 at Georgetown.

Stat of Identity: 4.1 Turnover margin – eighth in the country.

By Paul Gotham

If such a thing can exist, the 2009-10 season has the makings of being a lame duck for the Duke Blue Devils.  After a trip to the Sweet Sixteen a year ago, the denizens of Cameron Indoor Stadium set their sights on this season. Then Gerald Henderson left for the NBA. Not too long after, Elliot Williams transferred for personal reasons.  At one time, the Blue Devils had a return to the Final Four within their grasp. Now, more of the talk about the Blue Devils seems centered around next year’s recruiting class.

In the mean time, there is a season to be played, and no one should count out a Mike Krzyzewski team.

Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler will lead a Blue Devil team that starts three seniors and two juniors. That veteran-laden lineup may lead fans to believe that Duke will take on the look of the past few years. That may be true if fans focus on the end of last year.

Late last season, Krzyzewski and his staff shuffled the lineup and put Scheyer. The change resulted in a more methodical offense for the Devils. Gone was the up-tempo approach Duke used for the previous seasons. The change also helped the Blue Devils advance in the NCAA Tournament further than when running an up tempo game.

Scheyer and Nolan Smith will share the point guard responsibilities. When Scheyer has the ball, Duke will run screens to passing lanes. With the ball in Smith’s hands, the Blue Devils will look for penetration and anydefensive break downs from opponents. Smith will need to make better decisions than in the past, and the junior will need to stay out of foul trouble.

Brian Zoubek is the enigma for the Blue Devils. At 7’1″, Zoubek is nothing if he isn’t imposing. The senior has yet to establish himself as a force inside that opponents must stop.

Singler provides an inside/out threat, but will be needed around the basket to pick up rebounds.

Lance Thomas has plenty of experience, but the senior has never quite reached his potential. Krzyzewski does not need Thomas to lead the Blue Devils in scoring, but the forward needs to finish in the paint.

Brothers, Miles and Mason Plumlee give Duke plenty of size coming off the bench.  Freshmen, Ryan Kelly and Andre Dawkins will get their chance to prove themselves early in the season.

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