Kansas or Duke to the Final Four?

Photo credits to New York Post

Some have said that the Midwest Regional is one of the toughest brackets in the tournament. Traditional names like Kansas and Duke, along with Michigan State, Syracuse and Auburn were among the names in the Midwest regional.

Duke upended a scrappy eleven seeded Syracuse 69-65, while Kansas found a way to win against Clemson 80-76, after the Tigers stormed back, cutting into a 20-point deficit.

Only two could compete for a berth in the Final Four, and a variation of great Elite Eight games could have come from this bracket, but Coach K vs Bill Self was among the most glamorous and most realistic.

Kyrie Irving Could Return for March Madness

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

For most of the second half of the season, the Duke Blue Devils (30-4, 13-3) were without the most crucial piece to their starting lineup.

That crucial piece is Kyrie Irving, the freshman phenom from West Orange, New Jersey.

Before injuring his big toe in a win against Butler, Irving displayed his ability to play at a higher level than many expected.

Not only was Irving beneficial on the offensive side of the ball, but he was crucial to defensive success as well.

After missing so many games this season, Irving might finally get to play in a Duke uniform one more time before, possibly, forgoing NCAA eligibility and entering the 2011 NBA draft.

Duke's head coach Mike Krzyzewski said that the frosh could play after practicing, lightly, with the team Tuesday.

Irving averaged 17.4 points, 5.1 assist, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in eight games this season; all team-highs at the time.

With Irving, Duke has to be considered legit title contenders. Irving adds a pure point guard with great speed and quickness. Irving is a mix match for many because of his elite speed and ball-handling skills.

Irving is the perfect compliment to senior Nolan Smith, as showcased earlier this season. Although, coach Krzyzewski did say, "there is a chance that he would play," which doesn't mean it's a for sure thing.

Not to mention, even if he was to return, Irving wouldn't start and would be used on a limited basis.

Either way, Irving returning is good news for all Duke fans. With Irving, Duke has a great chance at repeating as National Champions.

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St. John With An Impressive Resume Win Over Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The St. John's Red Storm (12-8, 4-5) picked up another impressive top 25 victory over the No. 3 ranked Duke Blue Devils (19-2, 6-1) 93-78.

This marked the first time the Dukies allowed 90+ points to an opponent since the then-No. 8 Demon Decons scored 91 on February 22, 2009, and the first loss against the Red Storm since the 2002-03 season.

St. John's came out aggressive early trading baskets with the defending champs, but once the lead was gained, the Red Storm continued to roll and built a 46-25 halftime lead.

St. John's continued to overpowered Duke with their athletic ability, which led to many easy buckets. As a team, St. Johns hit 32-of-54 (59%) from the field, and nailed 26-of-33 (78%) from the line.

Not to mention, throwing 18 assist on 32 made field goals.

Five Johnnies were in double-figures, including two 20-point scorers.

 Dwight Hardy has a productive first half scoring 12 points, and added 14 in the second half to end with 26 points, three rebounds, and three assist.

Justin Brownlee also ended with 20 points for St. John's and added eight rebounds, and four assist.

Sean Evans, and D.J Kennedy both had 10 apiece, while Paris Horne chipped in 15 off the bench.

After five first half points, Nolan Smith exploded in the second half to pick at the lead, but his 27 second half points wasn't enough to post a extraordinary comeback.

Smith had a game high 32 points, and added five rebounds, four assist, and three steals. Kyle Singler was the other Blue Devil in double digits with 20 points, and two rebounds.

If the media wasn't convincing enough to sell the Big East as the best conference in America, I'm sure St. John's did.

This is the third win over a ranked opponent in the Steve Lavin era. St. John's could be dancing come March despite being the 11th best team in the Big East conference.

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Duke Waits For An Update on Freshman Kyrie Irving

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

"As long as no surgery is needed, or it appears that it might not be needed, we're going with this action," Duke's coach Mike Krzyzewski said following their ACC opening win against Miami.

Reports say freshman guard Kyrie Irving received a new boot, and will have his big right toe scanned this week, and remains out indefinitely.

Irving injured his foot in the second half on December 4, 2010 when Duke took on Butler in a National Championship rematch.

Irving was able to return and finished the game with 21 points as Duke pulled away.

Irving, one of the best point guards in the country, watched the past five games from the bench.

He appears to be in a great deal of pain wearing a boot, as well as, coach Krzyzewski telling reporters his freshman guard could be out for a long time.

Such an injury could cause Irving to miss up to weeks, or possibly the season. Irving is a valuable asset to the Duke Blue Devils (13-0), and fans would love to see him back in action.

Irving averaged 17.4 points, 5.1 assist, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, while shooting 45 percent from deep in eight games of action.

"I think we are good, we've just got to get more experience especially with Kyrie [Irving] out," said Krzyzewski.

Nolan Smith, the talented senior has stepped up tremendously with Irving sidelined pacing Duke with four straight 20-point games.

After defeating Miami, and pacing the Blue Devils with 28-points, five rebounds, and five assist, Smith stated "the first thing we learned is that we're a very good team," replying to playing without talented frosh Irving.

"Guys are still looking to step up. Andre [Dawkins] and Seth [Curry] did a great job tonight defensively on one of the hottest players coming into the game in Malcolm Grant."

Smith added, "Our defense was there all night, and going forward that's going to be our identity."

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Losing Kyrie Irving Could Be Bad News For Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Duke Blue Devils (9-0) head coach Mike Krzyzewski wasn't shy about acknowledging the significance of freshman Kyrie Irving's injury saying it was a serious one. Duke is patiently waiting on news about their highly-touted point guard, but until then, Nolan Smith has to step up for the Blue Devils.

I'd be wrong to say Irving made Duke favorites to win the National Championship, but he is a huge reason most think the Blue Devils can repeat.

With a guy like Irving, it's always a huge loss. He certainly isn't ruled out for the rest of the year, but seeing that most signs points to a season-ending injury, Duke might be without the heart of their team.

Irving brought consistent effort every night. He is an athlete that can uplift any team.

Irving has very good speed, which he utilizes in transition. The opposition may score the basketball, but once Irving has the ball in his hands he is looking to run in transition.

Once he is in transition, Irving either takes it all the way to the rim, or dumps it off to a trailing teammate.

Irving is a point guard in every sense of the word, and without him Duke is without a natural leader to lead the offense.

You can look at senior Smith to lead the team, but in the first action without Irving, Smith went 0-of-8 from the field, and came away with just two points, and 10 assist.

Smith has always been the off-guard, and making him take the lead role may not be the smart thing to do if you're Duke.

Then you have Seth Curry, the transfer from Liberty. Curry is one of the best shooters in the nation, and led a Liberty team to a 23-12 record. Curry should be the favorite to take over with Irving sidelined, but that slows down Duke's offense, and possibly hurts them in transition.

Curry cannot match the speed of Irving, scoring, or intensity; same for Smith, and Andre Dawkins.

So, at (9-0) and three tune-up games ahead for the Blue Devils, fans have to hope Irving's injury isn't as scary as it seems.

Irving means a lot to this team, and obviously without him they're not the same. Duke is still my favorite to repeat, but with Irving out, it will be a lot tougher than the cake walks the Blue Devils are accustom too.

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Freshman Phenom Kyrie Irving Surpassing Expectations at Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Late October in 2009, Kyrie Irving announced his college decision before the nation on ESPNU recruiting insider. Irving was down to Texas A&M, Kentucky and Duke, but we obviously know where he ended up.

As soon as Irving announced his college discretion Duke fans prepped for a possible one-and-done guard. Not just any one-and-done guard, but a Jay Williams type of guard.

Remember his career as a Duke Blue Devil? However, even Jay Williams admits that Irving is currently ahead of him when he was at his stage.

That is something I can agree with. Irving has done very well, leading the Blue Devils to believe he could make up for some of what they lost when star point guard Jon Scheyer graduated.

Irving picked up his third ACC rookie of the week honor after putting on a show against Butler, and Michigan State. He has already jumped in the record books after nailing 13 free-throws against the Spartans, while recording the fourth 30-point outing for a freshman in Duke history.

Senior guard Nolan Smith has said before, Irving is a veteran. During every ranked game, or big game for that matter, Irving is the one to step up.

Unlike many young point guards, Irving takes care of the ball, penetrates the lane and finishes around the rim in easy fashion.

In 28.9 minutes of action, Irving is the second leading scorer for the No. 1 team in the nation at 17.4 points per game. He also adds 3.8 rebounds, and team-highs in both, assist with 5.1, as well as steals with 1.5 per game.

Irving is on pace to become the first ACC Rookie of the Year since Kyle Singler embraced the honors in '08.

Nonetheless, he is currently listed as doubtful against Bradley due to a toe injury that occurred against Butler in the second half that caused him to limp off the floor.

FoxSports.com reports that Irving is in a walking boot, and did not practice with the team on Monday. With such an easy schedule, Coach Mike Krzyzewski might give his talented freshman the game off.

Irving has the potential to be one of the best freshman in the Blue Devils storied history. He has helped Duke get off to a hot (8-0) start and out-dueled many point guards in the process.

By now, it's clear that all previous expectations need to be raised when referring to Kyrie Irving.

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Butler Down But Not Out Following Loss to Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Butler Bulldogs (4-3), last years runner-ups, recently fell to the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (8-0) 82-70.

With 13:04 left in the second half Ronald Nored picked up a cheap fourth foul after grazing Nolan Smith on a three-point attempt that sidelined him with his fourth foul.

At the 12:48 mark in the second half, Shelvin Mack fired up a three and came down awkwardly.

Many people found out later that it was leg cramps, and instead of coming back in Mack sat for the rest of the game, which hurted the Bulldogs.

With those two on the bench, Duke's knockout punch was a 12-0 run that pushed the game out of range for Butler.

Howard returned only to pick up his fifth foul with 2:17 left in the game, with Shawn Vanzant working to pull Butler closer to the lead.

Thereafter, Duke knocked down nine straight free-throws and marched away with a 12-point victory in the National Championship rematch.

With Butler falling for the third time in seven games, the Bulldogs are off to their worst start since 2005-06. Now many people are starting to count Butler out, but that is not the right thing to do.

The Bulldogs are on a rough stretch with losses coming at Louisville, against Evansville and Duke.

Three losses in which Matt Howard faced foul trouble. Nored, Butler's best on-ball defender, and leader of the defense did not play against Evansville, and with all three, the Bulldogs were 10-minutes away from getting closure on the defending National Champs.

Butler also saw an emerging guard in Vanzant who can score the basketball on offense just as good as any player on the team. Andrew Smith, and Garret Butcher stepped up big for the Bulldogs in the post showing a lot of maturity.

If both can start finishing around the rim, the Bulldogs might establish a lot of depth in the frontcourt. Despite the (4-3) record, I expect the Bulldogs to improve as the season progresses.

The Bulldogs are back to health, hopefully, and have a chance to make a statement against the Xavier Musketeers (5-2) December 9, 9 PM ET.

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Butler, Duke Re-Match From March; Duke Wins Again, 82-70

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

 

It was a re-match of last season’s National Championship. The Duke Blue Devils were leading, 61-59, over the Butler Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were the Cinderella team entering this match-up, but the Blue Devils came out on top with their great veteran experience from coach Mike Krzyzweski. Gordon Hayward had a chance to win the game for Butler, almost making a half-court shot to win the game, but it barely missed!

With Hayward gone, the Bulldogs hoped to bring revenge still on the Devils. It was basically a game going back and forth. But later in the game, star-player Shelvin Mack would injury himself with cramps. He would not return. With that, the Bulldogs were in a hole. But they would bounce back. But later in the second half, Kyrie Irving would get hot, and he would help end the game for a Duke win, 82-70. The Blue Devils improve to 8-0 while Butler falls to 4-3.

This would be Coach K’s 876th career victory, passing coach Rupp on the all-time wins list.

“I’m going to win more I think than Coach Rupp, God bless him, who won’t win any more,” Krzyzewski said of the late coach. “He won a lot of them and he won them in his way and they didn’t play as many games then. Each era has outstanding achievements by individuals, whether they be players or coaches and in this era I’ve been fortunate to have some.

“It’s tough to compare,” Krzyzewski said. “I much rather would have tied him in April than today because I’m going to keep coaching and we should win more games. You get too caught up with what your own team is doing to focus on that kind of stuff.”

It’s the 18th straight win overall for Duke now. Nolan Smith had 24 points while Irving had 21, including 17 in the second half. Like mentioned earlier, Irving hit two keys three-pointers to finish the game off.

“Nolan did a tremendous job tonight. He played like a veteran,” Irving said. “He put us on his back in the second half of this game.”

Smith said, “Kyrie brings a lot. He’s a dangerous point guard.”

Butler will face Xavier next while Duke will the Bradley Braves.
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Duke Crushes Princeton at home, 97-60

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Duke Blue Devils (1-0) came into the game defending their National title won a year ago after defeating the Butler Bulldogs.

The Blue Devils started the season with the pesky Princeton Tigers (1-1) that are coming off a win against Rutgers in their season-opener.

However, the momentum did not carry over into Cameron Indoor Stadium.

After acquiring a 42-28 halftime lead, Duke picked things up and opened their title defense with a 97-60 win.

Kyrie Irving, the freshman guard, had the most impressive night accumulating 17 points, nine assist, four rebounds, two steals, and turned the ball over one time.

The Blue Devils had five players in double-figures with Seth Curry, the transfer from Liberty coming up with 14 along with Andre Dawkins 12 off the bench.

Nolan Smith lead all scorers with 22 points, and Kyle Singler added 16 points.

However, more impressively the Blue Devils defense forced 27 turnovers, 17 coming in the first half, which resulted in many fast break points.

The Blue Devils also hit 14-of-26 three point attempts, and ended the game shooting 53 percent from beyond the arc.

Princeton picked up their first loss of the season, and continues to allow a lot of scoring. There were two players in double-figures for Princeton, both Ian Hummer and Dan Mavraides; Hummer with 14, and Mavraides lead Princeton with 16.

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Duke Reels In Point Guard Quinn Cook

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Quinn Cook, a 6-foot-1 guard from Oak Hill Academy recruitment has constructed a lot of buzz lately. His top three featured the North Carolina Tar Heels, UCLA Bruins, and Duke Blue Devils.

Tar Heels Head Coach Roy Williams grappled the chance to come visit point guard Cook recently but did not travel. That potentially damaged the chances of the 'Heels acquiring Cook.

Cook has coherently been pegged with Duke, and with Austin Rivers committing the Blue Devils seemed to make sense.

UCLA also made sense with the notion, that Cook could team up with Norman Powell and the Bruins always do a great job with guards.

Nonetheless, Cook ended the suspense with a verbal commitment to Duke. "It's just an honor for me to play there," Cook said.

Cook will team up with Rivers in what he said will be a "scary, scary" backcourt. "We knew by our visit together that we were going to play together," said Cook about teaming up with Rivers.

Cook followed up by saying his decision took longer because he wanted to make sure and talk to his family before making a commitment.

Kyrie Irving's decision to stay or go will not effect Cook at all saying it's a "win-win" situation for him. "If Kyrie [Irving] stays I'll get a chance to go against the best point guard in college basketball every day," Cook said. "If he leaves it's the opportunity for me to start. It's a win-win situation in my eyes."

Cook joins an already stacked 2011 class that features No. 1 overall player Rivers, top-five small forward Michael Gbinije, and center Marshall Plumlee.

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The Wait Is Over: Austin Rivers Will Commit to Duke

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

The number-one ranked college-recruit in the nation, Austin Rivers, has finally made a decision of what college he will commit to. The top player of the 2011-recruiting class will soon play for the Duke Blue Devils, according to Rivers’ high school basketball coach.

The playmaker from Winter Park, Florida was about to choose to play for the Florida Gators, but changed his mind and went towards Duke.

Rivers first broke the news to Kansas Jayhawks’ coach Bill Self and North Carolina Tar Heels’ coach Roy Williams, as both of those schools were two of Rivers’ top three choices. On Thursday morning, Rivers canceled all campus-meetings as he was about to go North Carolina to visit soon.

“He picked Duke because of [Mike Krzyzewski] and his staff,” Winter Park coach David Bailey said. “There is a ton of tradition at Duke, and it was the best place for him from a basketball and academic standpoint.”

According to Rivers’ father, who is Boston Celtics’ head coach Doc Rivers, the decision hasn’t been made fully. It’s not finalized, yet.

“He’s leaning [toward Duke] and most likely he’ll commit in the next couple days,” Rivers said. “But it’s not official, yet. I’ll wait and let him do it.”

Rivers will definitely help out Duke, as the 6’4″, 189-pounder will fit well in the team’s fast-breaking style of play. Rivers is the type of playmaker the Blue Devils need, who are just coming off a win over the Butler Bulldogs in the NCAA National Championship.

Duke is also having Seth Curry coming in this year to play, too.

Duke looks like they are ready to go.

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2011 G Austin Rivers Headed to Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Duke Blue Devils 2010 class featured one of the best guards in Kyrie Irving. In the 2011 recruiting class, the Blue Devils were after the top guard in this class as well.

Austin Rivers was spotted sporting Duke wear back when the U-17 Team won the gold medal. His father Doc Rivers said don't believe in the hype, and that he wears a lot of different things.

Nonetheless, Rivers decided Wednesday night that the Duke Blue Devils was the best program for him.

Rivers chose Duke over Kansas, and North Carolina. The thing he liked about Duke is the "freedom" that comes with being a Blue Devil guard.

This commitment means a lot for the Blue Devil program. They have acquired the best guards in both of the last recruiting circuits, but this commitment could also mean Kyrie Irving is one-and-done.

Rivers joins an already stacked 2011 recruiting class that features Michael Gbinije, Marshall Plumlee and Tyler Adams.

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Former Duke Guard Greg Paulus Accepts Assistant Coaching Job at Navy

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Greg Paulus, the former point guard for the Duke Blue Devils, has agreed to become an assistant coach at Navy.

After a great career at Duke, Paulus decided to take up an opportunity to become the quarterback at Syracuse. With one remaining year of collegiate eligibility, Paulus earned the starting job despite being out of the sport of football for four years.

However, now Paulus is back into the world of college basketball.

Navy head coach Billy Lange decided to add Paulus to the staff this past Monday according to Fox Sports' Jeff Goodman. Paulus becomes the latest coach to branch off of current Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Coach K's tree includes, Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey, Oklahoma head coach Jeff Capel, Harvard's Tommy Amaker, and former longtime assistant coach Johnny Dawkins who is now at Stanford, just to name a few.

Paulus leaves the game of football after interests from NFL teams this off season, however, the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level is one that Paulus looks forward to.

Navy basketball, which is probably most known for the play of David Robinson in the mid-1980s has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2000. Paulus, who had plenty of NCAA Tournament experience as a player will look to help led the Midshipmen back into the Big Dance as an assitant coach.


*Photo: Greg Paulus *Credit: nbcsports.msnbc.com

This article was also featured on Bleacher Report.


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Duke Has Kyrie Irving But Nolan Smith Is Still The Best Guard

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell 

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

For awhile now, most writers on Collegiate Hoops believe Seth Curry embraces a shot at a starting position.

That will either place Kyrie Irving or Nolan Smith on the bench. But both of those guards are too talented to be coming off the bench.

Last season, with Jon Scheyer and Smith Duke had one of the best backcourt tandems in the league. Scheyer led the team while producing plays on offense as well.

Smith was the all-around guard on the wing. He always stepped up big time for the Blue Devils. I don't think I can recall a game where he didn't show up to play--as you witnessed in the title game.

His stats aren't quite the eye pleaser but if you actually tuned in you know how big he had been to Duke.

He closed the season capturing 17.4 points, three assist, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting almost 40 percent from three.

As we shifted towards the off-season, Irving decided he wanted to play for the Duke program next season and scouts praised him as the next Jason Williams as well as the best guard in the backcourt.

Although I do believe Irving is better than Williams, Smith is still the best player in the backcourt.

Smith last season I don't think he executed to his full ability in the backcourt. The way he has handled himself this summer demonstrates his true ability.

He showcased a lot better ball-handling, a fluid shot and the ability to finish with both hands.

All his newly acquired skills added up to a 43-point game in the NC Pro Am. I understand there is more that meets the eye than stats but Smith has progressed a ton this off-season.

He is the best guard and he will be starting when the season comes around.

"By the way, don't forget to check out his new blog Ndotsmitty. If you follow up on your Blue Devils then, this is the perfect way"

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2011 College Basketball Recruiting Report: Duke Blue Devils

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Blue Devils will never die as a national powerhouse. Once the players turn pro, more high school athletes or reserves step up and take control.

For example, Jon Scheyer graduated and Kyrie Irving came along. 

Same with Zoubek and Thomas; the Plumlee twins will replace the two in the post.

The Blue Devils are the most consistent program when it comes to winning. Down years are very rare for the program and I doubt you'll see one at all this decade. 

With the recruits, Coach K was able to require this season, set up a dominant Duke backcourt.

As for next year, Coach K is looking towards strengthen the frontcourt with the recruits he is tracking for the 2011-12 season.

Here is a look at what the Blue Devils have done thus far with their 2011 recruiting class. 

Verbal Agreements: 

G - Michael Gbinije 6'6''

Gbinije is a 6-foot-6 slashing guard. He has the ability to make decent cuts to the rim, but his main strength is his ability to stretch the defense. His frame allows him to get the ball over smaller guards in college. Not to mention, he attacks the rim at all cost.

F - Marshall Plumlee 6'11''

Plumlee is the younger brother of Miles and Mason Plumlee. Marshall is a sure rebounder and post presence. He isn't that strong on offense but can get the job done. However, he needs to get stronger and quit bringing the ball down so low. At times, he puts the ball down low which could result to steals in college.

F - Tyler Adams 6'9''

Adams is the physical post presence. If you don't remember, he sat down with Collegiate Hoops and talked basketball. When asked what he can bring to the Duke program he said, "I think I will bring a guy who is willing to and will bang, and a back to the basket scorer. I think I will also bring rebounding too."

Considering:

*G - Austin Rivers

Rivers was spotted wearing Duke attire. Rivers has high interest in the Duke program. I think he will commit to Duke this winter.

*F - Quincy Miller

Miller has reported interest in the Duke program, and it's not a long shot. With Kentucky courting hard for Anthony Davis, it will be hard for them to get him and Miller. Duke would be a great program to court Miller's talent.

*G - Quinn Cook

The 6-foot-1 guard has a lot of interest in Duke. But he could also land in Maryland as well.

College Basketball Rumors: Will Seth Curry Be Starting For Duke?

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

After playing great at Liberty University, Seth Curry, who is mostly known as Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry's little brother, transferred to Duke.

He had to sit out a year, watching his team win the National Championship over Gordon Hayward and the Butler Bulldogs. Curry watched from the sidelines while learning the do's and don'ts of Duke Basketball.

Over the course of next season, Curry will learn a lot from Coach K.

But the big question is, will Curry start?

After averaging 20.2 points per game for Liberty in the division of the Big South, Curry is going to find it much more difficult entering a tougher conference, alongside a tougher team to earn a starting spot.

But many of the players on the Blue Devils' roster like Curry and his skills.

"He's real solid, and he can shoot," Duke center Mason Plumlee told the Charlotte Observer. "Obviously, right away, we could see why he was the leading scorer as a freshman in college (at Liberty). Seth is the real deal."

Nolan Smith, who is a senior, will most likely start while Andre Dawkins is rising.

But with Curry in the line-up, the Blue Devils will have a strong core of guards that seem scary.

They would have Kyrie Irving running the point, Curry at the shooting guard spot, Smith at small forward, and Kyle Singler meanwhile at power forward.

Here is what ESPN's Jay Bilas said in a SportsNation chat on ESPN.com:

“It would not surprise me if Seth were to start. He can really shoot it, and he has good size. Usually, kids look great at redshirts because they have no skin in the game, but Seth will be a valued contributor next season. With Kyrie Irving running the point and Nolan Smith as a senior, there will be a lot of open shots for Curry.”

The Mighty Six: How To Defeat The Duke Blue Devils

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Duke is coming off a National Championship win against Butler. They returned Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith but also lost Jon Scheyer and Brian Zoubek.

However, they are equipped with the Plumlee twins and Coach K recruited Kyrie Irving, the best point guard in the 2010 class.

They're coming into next season as the consensus favorites to win another National Championship.

It's not much of an argument either. They're equipped with one of the most talented and deepest teams headed into next season. 

They almost seem unstoppable but the Blue Devils aren't perfect. They do have flaws that teams can capitalize on. You want to know how teams can defeat Duke. Here are five things teams should do to defeat the Blue Devils.

Attack the Frontcourt

Without Zoubek, the Blue Devils definitely lack strength in the frontcourt. With Lance Thomas gone as well, the Plumlee twins are looking to bring the frontcourt intensity. 

However, that is still the weakest part of their roster. 

If teams want to beat Duke, they'll need to attack the frontcourt at all cost. Even with Zoubek and Thomas it worked. So just imagine how things will go now.

Play Pressure Zone

Last season if you even thought about playing zone against Duke, you would walk away with a loss. 

However, without Scheyer's three-pointers teams will be able to play a tough 2-3 zone.

You play a zone because, really, who can hold anybody on Duke's team? Irving is unstoppable in the one-on-one and Singler will just shoot on you. Nolan Smith likes to be aggressive and take it to the basket; the twins down-low in the post; One-on-one?

Share The Ball on Offense

Nothing beats an offense like making the extra pass. The teams that make the extra pass usually are the ones that are successful.

I remember last season, the Georgetown Hoyas moved the ball around very well against Duke. 

They ended up with 20 assist and shot 71 percent in a 12-point victory.

If teams want that to happen, they first need a good point guard and un-selfish players.

Create Turnovers

The way Duke runs their offense is exciting to watch. They’re Very crisp, proficient, a lot of movement and very good looking shots.

However, when you have the ability to create turnovers, it'll mess up their offensive flow.

Once you mess up Duke's offensive flow, you've put yourself in prime position to win the game.

Take The Lead Early

It's always good to get off to a good start. Teams that usually do that are the ones in the win column. If you can score buckets early, you'll gain more confidence.

With more confidence, you'll most likely keep hitting shots and start playing tough defense.

An early lead always puts the pressure on the favorite. Just ask the Kansas Jayhawks what happened with Northern Iowa. 

Want It More Than Duke

Next season the Duke Blue Devils will have that target on their back. A lot of teams are going to give it their all every given night.

With any team, if you out-hustle them, play with passion and stay aggressive you will have a chance to compete with them the whole game.

  

Being the favorite to win the title is tough on any team. That puts a target on your back that every team wants to knock off. This means the Blue Devils will have to play at their best night-in and night-out. 

So trying to achieve these six rules against the Blue Devils at their best is going to be a challenge for every team on their schedule. However, it is obtainable.

The good teams will achieve these six steps and march to victory. If you're lucky, you'll achieve a few and win.

However, with the talent Duke has, beating them will be hard. Not too many teams will upset them next season but we'll see.

Michigan State Stands In the Way of a Duke Repeat

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Duke Blue Devils surprised everybody and made their way to the National Championship game before defeating Butler.

I say "surprised" because coming in only a select few thought they would win the tournament. The consensus favorite was the Kansas Jayhawks. Even though Duke had one of the "easiest" roads, very few thought they would actually win the championship.

Next season, the Blue Devils will be favored to repeat. They returned most of their roster from last year’s Championship team, and brought-in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

The Blue Devils are loaded with talent. Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith and Tyler Thornton stand in the backcourt.

That is the best backcourt in the nation. They have experience mixed in with extraordinary talent.

Joshua Hairston, Kyle Singler, Ryan Kelly, and brothers Miles and Mason Plumlee stand in the frontcourt.

That will be the questionable subject heading into next season. The frontcourt is definitely not their strong suit. The Blue Devils need someone that will have a physical presence like Brian Zoubek.

But overall, Duke deserves to be picked as the favorite. They have one of the deepest rosters in college basketball. Not to mention the best coach to help them win the title again.

If anyone has a chance to keep Duke from repeating, it's Michigan State.

The Spartans were on the brink of losing their Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Izzo. However, since they were able to retain him the Spartans are now my favorite to take down Duke.

The Spartans made it to the Final Four this year without their floor general Kalin Lucas.

Now this season, the Spartans return every key player except Raymar Morgan, and brought in a great recruiting class.

Kalin Lucas, Korie Lucious, Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, Keith Appling, and Russell Byrd stand in the backcourt.

With Lucas as the leader of this backcourt, I believe the Spartans will have a chance to be in the National Championship game.

Adreian Payne, Delvon Roe, Derrick Nix, Draymond Green, and Garrick Sherman star in the frontcourt.

Their frontcourt is solid. With great wing players that can score at will. Inside they have a few big bodies that will effect the rebounds on both ends of the court.

If any team out there has a chance at beating Duke, it's definitely Michigan State. Head Coach Tom Izzo will run a deep rotation and their backcourt and wing players will effect the outcome.

There may be other teams out there that can knock Duke off on their run to a National Championship, but no one has a better chance than the Michigan State Spartans.

According to Yahoo Rivals! the Spartans odds of winning a National Championship is (10:1), while Duke stands at the top with odds of (6:1)

Marshall Plumlee Joins His Brothers At Duke

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

It is reported that Marshall Plumlee, the brother of Miles and Mason, has committed to playing Duke Basketball in 2011-12.

He is a 6-foot-11 Center that is considered to be one of the best in the 2011 recruiting class.

He enters his senior season inside the ESPNU top 100.

He had North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Purdue and Wisconsin as interested suitors.

However, he chose to play with his brothers at Duke.

He will have the chance to step in and play right away. He is taller than his brothers and will be used as a defensive presence.

Coach K has brought in another solid contributor for the future.

Coach K Pulled Out Another Blue Chipper In The 2011 Recruiting Class?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Everybody should be familiar with Austin Rivers. He is the son of Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers, and also is considered the second best player in the 2011 recruiting class.


He emerged onto the college basketball season in his days at Winter Park High School. Rivers not only turned high school heads, but colleges as well.


Rivers is a versatile player that can play either position. He stands at 6-foot-4, so he could score the ball in the backcourt regardless of the position.


He has the ability to create mix-matches, set his teammates up and become an all-around threat on offense. He also is equipped with the ability to spread the floor with his deep shooting range.