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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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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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)

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.

Collegiate Hoops: Top Ten Active College Basketball Coaches

The college game displays some of the best teams in the nation. But there are a lot of people that overlook how much the coaches mean to the success.

Just ask Michigan State right now. They're on the brink of losing Tom Izzo to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could show just how much the guys on the sideline play a huge part.

These ten coaches are conceived as the most influential, smartest, toughest, and successful people on the sideline.

Ten isn't really enough but here are the top ten
coaches in the NCAA right now. (Hint: heading into next season.)

10. Jim Calhoun

Last year the Huskies' weren't horrible, but they were far from good.

When Calhoun left for health reasons; UConn's season left right with him.

Calhoun has won titles in the past before. He is known to play in the big games and just a few years back his Huskies' were on the brink of National Championship.

You can't tell me that he isn't still a good coach. He develops his players really well, and I can prove that by looking at the NBA talent he produces. Not to mention, his Huskies' always find a way to bounce back after poor seasons.

Calhoun has acquired a decent recruiting class that highlights one ESPNU top 100 recruit and the rest are all solid but graded above 90.

9. Bruce Pearl

I don't believe there is a more optimistic coach on this list than Bruce Pearl. He is a mastermind when you think of basketball.

Dating back to mid-season, the Volunteers lost four-of-five starters and had to play walk-ons against heavily favorite KU. However, with those walk-ons, Pearl was able to lead his team to victory.

Showing you he can out-coach the other coaches in this league.

He also established a new trend at Tennessee. It seems like every year, Pearl has been able to guide his Volunteers to the Elite Eight. Despite the loss to Tom Izzo's Spartans, Pearl is a great coach and no doubt his team will get back after it next season.

8. Roy Williams

After losing so much talent to the NBA, Roy Williams logged one of the worst seasons in his coaching career. Since this list is based on the top ten coaches heading into next season, Williams is here. However, if it was to rank the top coaches from last year, I don't think he would be mentioned.

However, Williams and newly acquired recruit Harrison Barnes are going to do whatever it takes to erase that memory.

Williams is still a great coach and now that he surrounded himself with elite talent, he'll be able to once again show how powerful his coaching skills are.

Something is telling me that Williams is going to have this team at the top of the ACC and competing with the title favorite Duke.

7. Jim Boeheim

Hanging on the theorem, "team-defense," Jim Boeheim has been nabbed as one of the better coaches in all of college basketball. He was able to turn an average roster with one superstar talent, into competitors and the Coach of the Year award was well deserved.

After being placed so far in the top 25 in the pre-season poll last year and still being able to reach the No. 1 ranking in the same season, says a lot about the coach.

He is much respected around the college basketball community and has his Syracuse Orange thinking potential next season.

Throughout his career as a coach, Boeheim has put the pieces together for a legendary resume. As a result, he may be in the basketball Hall of Fame one day. He is one of the coaches with the best winning percentage, out of all the other experienced coaches in the league.

6. Billy Donavan

Billy Donavan has always been a great coach. He has had the ability to cut down the nets twice with the same nucleus of players. He has a substantial say over most of his players, and that is a good thing for Florida fans.

This off-season, Donavan, made some moves to bolster his roster and now Florida is looking like a contender after the returnees, and recruits they landed.

He acquired two ESPNU top 100 players, one in which is a McDonalds All-American. Two other forwards and a point guard.

You can't tell me the Gators aren't restoring their image as a powerhouse in basketball.

With Donavan at the helm, I can envision a much better season on the way for the Gators.


5. John Calipari

I've met a lot of anti-John Calipari fans in my life. Most people hate the fact that he gets away with infractions, but I simply believe that everybody is jealous of his recruiting ability.

I don't care what you have to say, Calipari is the best recruiting coach in the NCAA. He has strung together some impressive freshman classes, and look at last season's team. That is arguably the best freshman class college basketball has ever seen.

Calipari has the ability to get to the tournament consistently and it isn't really a problem considering the talent he acquires in the off-season. One thing that is notable; John Calipari produces some of the finest guards. John Wall, Derrick Rose, and Tyreke Evans are all going to or already have impact the NBA.


4. Bill Self

After a terrible loss to the Northern Iowa Panthers, the Kansas Jayhawks have to come into next season and prove themselves. Bill Self has too as well.

Let's not forget Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson, out-coached him in a cake-walk type game.

However, Bill Self is not known to hoist two back-to-back seasons where he let the fans down. The Jayhawks landed the No. 1 overall recruit in Josh Selby to possibly fill the shoes of Sherron Collins and the Morris twins has the job to fill Cole Aldrich's shoes in the post.

Bill Self has no problem with curbing players into aggressive and great players. In the 2008 season, the team that one that was filled with juniors and seniors that all wanted to win a championship. Put another coach at KU and I don't believe those players progress the way they do.

He always has powerful recruiting classes and great basketball players. That's always a plus when you're coaching.


3. Frank Martin

I don't care what many have to say about my Wildcats. Frank Martin was not there to keep Michael Beasley and Bill Walker around. He is not there now for recruiting reasons, but he is there to coach the Kansas State Wildcats.

Frank Martin has done a magnificent job with the Wildcats. Ensuing a season that his team came away with the most wins in school history, has a chance to once again break that record.

Look at the picture; now does that look like a coach to be messed with? Martin is live on the sideline, one of the more vocal coaches in the league, and he gets into his players. I remember he stated, "It's all about scoring one more point then your opponent." That helped and leaded the Cats' on to some milestones that haven't been achieved for decades.

Frank Martin has raised the Cats' from laughing stock to serious contenders. With the roster they have and Frank Martin on the sideline, Kansas State can be major players in this upcoming season.

2. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo may just as well be a Cleveland Cavalier before this list has even lasted a few days. However, since he has made no commitment to the NBA, he is the second-best coach in college basketball.

Izzo is the best coach on this list when it comes to developing players. A stat you probably already know if you've read my other articles on Tom Izzo is that every player that has stayed all four-years under him has had the chance to compete in the Final Four.

That says a lot. Even considering the fact that, their best player Kalin Lucas went down during their second round game in the tournament, and they were still able to pull off an Elite Eight berth.

If Izzo decides to stay, he solidifies Michigan State as title contenders. Without Izzo? Not so much.


1. Mike Krzyzewski

Coming off a National Championship with a roster that could repeat, has Coach K at No. 1. Coach K has always been conceived as a top coach in the league, considering that he has the highest winning percentage of all active coaches.

He has been a consistent player in the NCAA tournament, not to mention his titles and Final Fours berths; all that he brought to the Duke fans.

With Coach K leading the Blue Devils next season, you have to think about the possibility of a repeat. He acquired superstar caliber player Kyrie Irving, and to play with him in the backcourt is Tyler Thornton. As long as Coach K sticks on the sideline at Duke, which I believe he will, they'll be NCAA ready, every year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell, edits by Lauren Garrison