- I counted 10 times Duke tried to take a charge, State None. That tells me that Duke defenders are trying to help out teammates.
- Once on a three on one fast break with the left side man handling the ball State tried a lob dunk. Duke intercepted the lob. They were down by 12 at the time. State is more concerned about being spectacular than scoring.
- Once on a drive through the lane State got a clear layup but instead of putting it up added muster to the shot and tried to double pump and the ball rolls off the rim.
- Another fast break attempt and State tries a fake behind the back pass but the player shot the ball. The announcer was all tore out of socket at how spectacular it was. The ball rolled of the rim.
Yes there are all kinds of complaints that State can't get a coach to come to Raleigh when they are #three in the area. I can't buy that. It doesn't take much of a coach to teach fundamentals. A good average high school coach can teach that and get them to play better. State had more than their share of chances that if they played sound basketball to win and even win big last night.
Take Nolan Smith off the floor and State's players are just as good matched up one on one with Duke's players. The problem for State is Duke cheats. Team mates actually help each other when one get in trouble on each trip down court. I didn't see behind the back passes or dribbling the ball between their legs like I saw State do.
What I saw from Duke was a team that worked together, looked like they had fun playing with each other. I didn't see any one player dominating the ball. There is talk that they are going to take the cast off Irving's foot February 4th. The Duke team I saw last night is about in my opinion is about 10th in the country. Any team ranked tenth has a shot to win it all once the playoffs start. If Irving comes back and just plays solid he doesn't have to be great like he was before the injury Duke will move up to the top.
What I saw last night was athletic team in State that doesn't really understand that in order to be like Duke you have to act like them. Do what they do and you will automatically be better. Duke only has one or two really super athletes they just have basketball players who will do what the coach says.
Duke will lose a couple more over the regular season but unless they have another major injury they play together too well to lose many. They also have a Hall of Fame coach which will not allow them to get too far of track. That right there will win you a few games every year.
Evaluating Duke is tough because I don't think Duke has the best players like everyone thinks. They have bought in on the idea that if you sell your soul to the team you can be great together. It works in Durham pretty well and could work in Raleigh with a salesman that believed that.
The biggest difference in Duke and State. Commitment to the team.
