The time has past for college kids to take a step to the big time.  Yesterday was the last day to declare for the draft.  After a huge defection from all major conferences, I am sure every fan is taking a breath and are happy that no more of their players will leap to the NBA.

As Duke fans, we all knew that McRoberts was most likely gone after this year, and the initial reaction has been, “Thanks for whatever, we don’t really mind”.  There was the brief scare of Henderson jumping, but that was from Pat Forde of ESPN, and over the years I have learned that he is a jackass.  

The ACC took a lot of big hits.  As expected Brandon Wright left, which will take a lot of scoring away from the Tar Heels.  They are still a great team, but Wright was a huge part of their run.  Georgia Tech probably took the biggest hit losing Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton.  Other players have left leaving the ACC much weaker than it was last year.  I can’t see the likes of VT, Virginia, BC, and even Florida State being close to the top again.  All these teams of been pretty much gutted.  The only good thing for Virginia is Sean Singletary has not hired an agent and may return.  Even if he does, it won’t be the same without JR Reynolds.  Next year’s ACC, looks to be a battle of the “Triangle”.  UNC, Duke, and NC State all have very talented rosters.

Since Duke doesn’t have to worry about any more jumps, we all have are eyes set on the overblown saga of Patrick Patterson.  Coach K is making his final in home visit to Patterson’s house, to try to talk some sense into him.  I am starting to get tired of all the talk of Patterson, his agent-type mother, and all the kissing and hugging with Jai Lucas and his father.  Speaking of Jai Lucas, this kid was barely on the board, before his dad took the politician approach and made his son seem better than he is.  And now he is basically riding the coat tales of Patterson trying to get into an elite school.  John Lucas Sr. has put Patterson and Lucas into a package-type deal.  Convincing that these kids want to play with each other.  I am tired of these parents getting involved vocally, basically campaigning for their kids.

As far as Patterson goes, there is only 16 days left before his decision has to be made.  No word yet on any press conference, and no matter what you might read, it doesn’t appear like he has leaned toward any one school.

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By now everyone knows of the tragedy that has struck the Virginia Tech campus.  As a Duke fan, I been familiar with the Virginia Tech Hokies for a while now.

However, basketball isn’t important right now.  I for one haven’t been a fan of the Hokies, but that is the furthest thought from my mind.

The final death toll, I saw was around 33, including the shooter.  The worst shooting in US history, and a tragic member that will last forever.

My thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone on that campus, and every family member and friend who knows a student attending VT.

Another reminder that sports means little in the long run.

 

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It has been a few days since the Florida Gators cut down the nets, and became the first team since Duke to win back to back championships. I have been reading a ton of writers trying to compare the Gators and the 91-92 Blue Devils teams.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to read another one here. You can’t compare teams from different eras, in my opinion. Duke’s team was great, and Florida’s team was great. Why can’t we just leave it at that. I do tip my cap to the Florida Gators, and Billy Donovan. I have always looked kindly on players who stuck around as long as they could. The Gators did, and they accomplished their goal. For the record, I don’t really care about Florida, but glad I won’t have to see Joakim Noah anymore. AMEN.

As I write this, everyone is reporting that Donovan is in fact staying at Florida. However, the big four of Noah, Horford, Brewer, and Green are all leaving. Hats off to Donovan for staying, and wanting to continue to build Florida basketball. He is on his way to becoming the face of a University much like Coach K. He just has to compete with Urban Meyer…..

The Duke Blue Devils didn’t have to wait for news about Josh McRoberts. Shortly after the Blue Devils were bounced from the tournament, he announced he was leaving for the NBA, I have said my piece about McRoberts, but I am glad he made up his decision quickly unlike some people……..*cough* Patrick Patterson *cough*.

I understand that this is an important decision for recruits like Patterson, but last year Blue Devils fans had to wait on Lance Thomas, which hopefully will pay. With Donovan now staying at Florida, Patterson finally will give up on Kentucky and put his two choices…Duke and Florida.

This might seem a little bias, but as of right know, Duke is closer to a national championship than Florida. Duke is looking like Florida two years ago. Just a little bit of experience, and BOOM. Florida, even with a few talented players, is going to have to restock. But after two championships (three counting football), it is about time they have to rebuild.

Eventually Patterson will have to decide, because the spring signing period begins April 11, and if I am correct, only lasts a week. So do what you got to do Patterson. Take off school, lock yourself in a room. I don’t care. Just make the decision. The right decision.

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