This will be not only my first basketball post of the year but also my first recap. As everyone who cares has read the Blue Devils went up to Blacksburg and played a hungry VT team desperate for another 'big' win to put on the their resumes so that they might not get the big shaft in 2 weeks. VT had alot riding on this game and even though Duke is already a lock they still had something to gain from winning.
Not only was pride at stake but also keeping pace with our neighbors 8 miles away and the other 3 teams that were 1 game behind in the standings. Correct me if I am wrong but even if Duke beats baby blue in Chapel Hill they will merely get a piece of the regular season crown and therefore will be seeded 2nd in the ACC tourney. Not that Duke doesn't want to hand another banner but to me getting a bye is the most important thing. I think there is a big difference between playing 3 days in a row versus 4. This is especially true noting that G was a little winded in the 2nd half. That extra day could prove invaluable. On the other hand VT had seeding to play for not only in the ACC but the NCAA. A win over Duke would have given them a very good chance of making the tourney this year. And being that it was at home they had the fans on their side. All this makes a Duke win that much more impressive, the past 2 games they have gone into hostile environments(if you want to consider Maryland hostile, I would call it a shithole) were the home team needed a win and Duke came out winners. Even though I am not crazy about finishing the end of the season with 75% of your games being away from home this might turn out to be a good warmup for things to come.
And of course Duke's play in the ACC will be the guiding factor in whether they get a #2 or 3 seed in the NCAA's. From my point of view the seeding is second to who is in our region. I would rather be a #3 in a region w/o Pitt or Oklahoma than a #2 in it. Plus as long as they don't have to play VCU/WVU they might have a shot getting out of the first weekend.
Speaking of getting over their recent slump I have seen alot of things to write about in the ensuing months but I must say that putting Elliot in the starting 5 with 5 games to go was one of Coach K's best in recent memory. He finally noticed that the other 2 point guards who recieved the bulk of PT simply were not getting the job done with regards to defending a quick point guard. Now if this were the Big 10 it wouldn't not be a problem but you can make an arguement that over 2/3's of ACC point guards have that fifth gear. I don't think that it was coincidence that in their 2 major losses (baby blue & BC) guard play was crucial. Hell there were times in those games everbody watching knew who was going to get it and what he was going to do. I could have blown past Paulus for a layup in those games and I don't even play basketball recreationally. K saw this and looked to the only guy currently on our team that migth be able to keep up. He earned his newfound PT during practice and kept plugging away even though he did not get the minutes maybe a McDonalds AA thinks they should be getting earlier in the season. Elliot makes for a good story and so far he has payed off, now lets see how he plays with only a days rest between games and the whole world watching his every walk(thats for you Biscuit).
Time will tell but I must say I am quietly confident that Duke will make a run out of the first weekend and surpass the shortcomings of the last 2 tourneys.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
I'm back!!!!!
After a few months off, due to various reasons...laziness being #1. I am back just in time for the ACC tourney and 'The Big Dance'.
Needless to say that it has been a crazy few months since last we spoke. The Bball team has seen its ups and downs but I think and hope that we are peeking? at the right time. I won't rehash the past 2 months but merely look ahead to the next month or so.
So with that being said sit back relax and enjoy the show.
Needless to say that it has been a crazy few months since last we spoke. The Bball team has seen its ups and downs but I think and hope that we are peeking? at the right time. I won't rehash the past 2 months but merely look ahead to the next month or so.
So with that being said sit back relax and enjoy the show.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Gameday@ Va Tech
Where: Lane Stadium
When:Sat, Nov 22 5:30PM
Things to watch for.
Coming off 3 straight losses the Blue Devils come into today's contest needing to win out the rest of the season to become bowl eligible. They are facing a Va Tech team that is .500 in ACC play but undefeated at home this year.
As of press time Thaddeus is listed as doubtful, if he can't go then Zack Asack, who does having starting experience, will get the nod. Like I said above VT hasn't lost a home game this year and for Duke to pull of the upset they are going to have to play at a level not seen this year. The team is going to have to rally behind Asack if Thaddeus can't go. That means the line is going to have to sustain blocks, the backs are going to have to fight for those extra yards and the receivers are going to have to take those short dump offs and break a few tackles and turn a few of those passes into something long. Same as last week if Duke wants to win they are going to have to take advantage of field position, get TD's not field goals and try to limit their mistakes.
All of VT's losses this year have been close so that tells me that they fight till the end and haven't yet given up. Duke is going to have to come out and play a solid 4 quarters to come out with a win. All the seniors know that if they can win their next 2 games they can achieve something that has not been done at Duke for 2 decades. I think that playing with that kind of weight on their backs is not necessarily a bad thing. They should play not only for themselves but for those teams that have come before them. Recent history might be a good incentive to light a fire under their asses.
The team that takes adavantage of the other teams mistakes(a staple of Beamer ball) will leave Lane Stadium with a W.
GO BLUE DEVILS!!!
When:Sat, Nov 22 5:30PM
Things to watch for.
Coming off 3 straight losses the Blue Devils come into today's contest needing to win out the rest of the season to become bowl eligible. They are facing a Va Tech team that is .500 in ACC play but undefeated at home this year.
As of press time Thaddeus is listed as doubtful, if he can't go then Zack Asack, who does having starting experience, will get the nod. Like I said above VT hasn't lost a home game this year and for Duke to pull of the upset they are going to have to play at a level not seen this year. The team is going to have to rally behind Asack if Thaddeus can't go. That means the line is going to have to sustain blocks, the backs are going to have to fight for those extra yards and the receivers are going to have to take those short dump offs and break a few tackles and turn a few of those passes into something long. Same as last week if Duke wants to win they are going to have to take advantage of field position, get TD's not field goals and try to limit their mistakes.
All of VT's losses this year have been close so that tells me that they fight till the end and haven't yet given up. Duke is going to have to come out and play a solid 4 quarters to come out with a win. All the seniors know that if they can win their next 2 games they can achieve something that has not been done at Duke for 2 decades. I think that playing with that kind of weight on their backs is not necessarily a bad thing. They should play not only for themselves but for those teams that have come before them. Recent history might be a good incentive to light a fire under their asses.
The team that takes adavantage of the other teams mistakes(a staple of Beamer ball) will leave Lane Stadium with a W.
GO BLUE DEVILS!!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Gameday@ Clemson
Where: Clemson Death Valley Stadium
When: Sat, Nov 15 12PM
Things to watch for.
Duke comes into this game on a 2 game losing streak. After that close hard fought game in Nashville vs. Vandy the Blue Devils have slipped the past 2 weeks. Just as the team started thinking of a Bowl Game!?! Duke has landed back on earth and is now fighting to get to an even record.
The good news is that with wins in 2 out of the next 3 weeks Duke can lay to rest a few auspicious records. 1)They end the season with a winning record, which has not been done since 1994 with Goldsmith. 2)Become bowl eligible since that same year. 3)Most importnantly restore some kind of respect level to Blue Devil football.
Not saying that anyone in the past 2 decades has feared coming into Wallace Wade stadium but now maybe FCS teams won't automatically chalk up a W on their schedule before the whistle blows.
Before we start to have visions of a Continental Tire Bowl birth we need to take care of Clemson, which looking at the rest of the schedule looks like the easiest test they will have.(Who would have thought to say that before the year got started) Clemson has been in a downward spiral ever since the Crimson Tide handed them their lunch on opening night. Now down one tenured coach and interviewing big names, the Tigers are looking to end the season on a high note.
They are 2-4 in the Atlantic division and 4-5 overall. They are pretty much in the middle statistically within the ACC having the 4th best offense and 7th best defense.
I see this being an offensive ball game with neither team really consistent on the defensive side of the ball. I believe the key to the game will be Duke's ability to withstand the surroundings. Just because Death Valley is looking forward to basketball season does not mean that they will not come out in droves wearing purple and try to intimidate Duke. If the Devils can handle playing in a hostile environment unlike any that they have seen this year they will come out with a win.
If Thaddeus and the O can control the ball and not give up anything in the way of turnovers I feel that the new attitude displayed by the D can hold Clemson to fieldgoals and not TD's. Also if Duke keeps it within striking distance heading into the 2nd half Coach Cut can make those famous halftime adjustments and they can come out of Clemson with a win.
When: Sat, Nov 15 12PM
Things to watch for.
Duke comes into this game on a 2 game losing streak. After that close hard fought game in Nashville vs. Vandy the Blue Devils have slipped the past 2 weeks. Just as the team started thinking of a Bowl Game!?! Duke has landed back on earth and is now fighting to get to an even record.
The good news is that with wins in 2 out of the next 3 weeks Duke can lay to rest a few auspicious records. 1)They end the season with a winning record, which has not been done since 1994 with Goldsmith. 2)Become bowl eligible since that same year. 3)Most importnantly restore some kind of respect level to Blue Devil football.
Not saying that anyone in the past 2 decades has feared coming into Wallace Wade stadium but now maybe FCS teams won't automatically chalk up a W on their schedule before the whistle blows.
Before we start to have visions of a Continental Tire Bowl birth we need to take care of Clemson, which looking at the rest of the schedule looks like the easiest test they will have.(Who would have thought to say that before the year got started) Clemson has been in a downward spiral ever since the Crimson Tide handed them their lunch on opening night. Now down one tenured coach and interviewing big names, the Tigers are looking to end the season on a high note.
They are 2-4 in the Atlantic division and 4-5 overall. They are pretty much in the middle statistically within the ACC having the 4th best offense and 7th best defense.
I see this being an offensive ball game with neither team really consistent on the defensive side of the ball. I believe the key to the game will be Duke's ability to withstand the surroundings. Just because Death Valley is looking forward to basketball season does not mean that they will not come out in droves wearing purple and try to intimidate Duke. If the Devils can handle playing in a hostile environment unlike any that they have seen this year they will come out with a win.
If Thaddeus and the O can control the ball and not give up anything in the way of turnovers I feel that the new attitude displayed by the D can hold Clemson to fieldgoals and not TD's. Also if Duke keeps it within striking distance heading into the 2nd half Coach Cut can make those famous halftime adjustments and they can come out of Clemson with a win.
Welcome Duke fans!!!
This is Mr. B here taking my first shot at a blog. A little background to get this blog started. I am a lifelong Duke fan(was born into it) and lover of sports.
This blog is a natural extension of my hobbies of sports, Duke and talking about Duke sports. Here Duke fans (and nonDuke fans) can come together and have a MEANINGFUL discussion about sports. I will not be a site thats content is only negative. I welcome all ACC fans but I am not a site that condones or mean spirited meaningless posts. I am not stupid, I know what kind of feelings Duke evokes in both lovers and haters of the school. If you have something to say and are an adult about it then you are more than welcome. If not then I am sure there is another fan blog/site for you.
So welcome and let the discussions begin.
This blog is a natural extension of my hobbies of sports, Duke and talking about Duke sports. Here Duke fans (and nonDuke fans) can come together and have a MEANINGFUL discussion about sports. I will not be a site thats content is only negative. I welcome all ACC fans but I am not a site that condones or mean spirited meaningless posts. I am not stupid, I know what kind of feelings Duke evokes in both lovers and haters of the school. If you have something to say and are an adult about it then you are more than welcome. If not then I am sure there is another fan blog/site for you.
So welcome and let the discussions begin.
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