It was last Friday that seemed to depressing. We all know what happened. No need to talk anymore about it. But after the sad recruiting loss we all realized that there was a full season to play. Duke is now 2-0, both wins being the expected blowouts against lesser talented teams. Some good things, some bad things. However, we all can see that there are some interesting parts to this team that could make this season very good.
Keep in mind that in both wins both Mason Plumlee and Nolan Smith were sitting. Both are projected to be big contributors this season, and should add more flow to the offense that looks stale at times, and a defense that needs more speed.
Kyle Singler is looking more and more like a NPOY. His shot is hitting from every spot on the floor, and he rebounds the ball as good as anyone in the country. Singler is the absolute star of this team and will have all the freedom in the world to do whatever he wants on offense. We are a long ways away from dealing with this, but Singler looks destined to leave Duke early.
I am really enjoying seeing freshmen Kelly and Dawkins play. They both are getting serious minutes because of the their positions on the team, and really getting good experience early. Just think how good Elliot Williams looked late last year. He didn’t get serious minutes till February. Hopefully, these early games will let them work through there shooting slumps and the other mistakes that like to creep up during freshmen seasons. We have still yet to see the third frosh, and arguably the best, Mason Plumlee. As each day goes by he should be getting closer and closer to being healthy. And hopefully once he is back, his talent will push the other big men to step up.
For Duke fans three games in five days is like heaven. For the players I am sure it isn’t as nice, but it really gives every available option a chance to get looked at. And finally after much delay, Nolan Smith can start his season. Many are looking for him to have a breakout year, and meet his high expectations.
Even with missing out on a recruit, Coach K and Duke won’t stop working. Quincy Miller, who is one of the best players in the 2011 class was going to be at the game but couldn’t because of a game of his own. Miller seems like he wants to get down to Cameron as quickly as possible. If you follow his twitter you know he is high on Duke and some might consider them the leader. To early to tell, but it is nice to be in with a high talent once again. Hopefully, this one works at for the good guys.
These early setbacks are really a blessing in disguise. It allows Coach K to get a real look at Olek and gives Andre more floor time…something Elliot really didn’t get last season. It may take a while for everyone to figure out their role, but it should be really fun to watch.
Hopefully we keep working on Roscoe Smith too. He would be a nice addition to help in case we lose Singler this year. I won’t say it is a certainty that we lose him though. He may have that desire to win like Tyler Hansbrough did for UNC. If he comes back, he will make Harrison’s first (and possibly only) year miserable. I for one really want to see this after the ridiculous display of a signing ceremony and Harrison high fiving the mascot (likely knowing he was going to the enemy).