The Duke Blue Devils can usually be counted on as a lock to finish amongst the top two in the Atlantic Coast Conference, beating most of the teams they should beat, but maybe losing a couple they were not expected to, especially to North Carolina. They also always make a serious runs in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, but lately have been getting eliminated earlier than the Blue Devil faithful have been expecting. Look for this to be the year that Duke gets back on track, making their way back as one of the very top teams in the country.
Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer will be the two returning Blue Devil guards looking to make an impact. While neither is a true point guard, Smith can at least take care of the ball in addition to being a decent scorer and defender. Scheyer, who tallied 15 points, 3 assists, almost 4 rebounds, and just less than 2 steals per contest, may not be as effective a scorer with the ball in his hands, but realistically coach Mike Krzyzewski does have a choice.
The strength and depth of this Duke team has shifted to the frontcourt. Kyle Singler can step into the small forward spot, which leaves Brian Zoubek, Miles Plumlee and Lance Thomas, to battle it out with the newcomers for minutes under the basket. Zoubek should be the man in the paint after starting 17 games there last season; the 7-1 senior is a massive presence underneath and, although his numbers may not show it, he is an important player on this Blue Devil squad. Miles Plumlee, brother of incoming freshman Mason, will provide some depth, but it is Thomas who could be in for a great senior season if given the opportunity.
