Duke played well during the first half of the season. The second half of the season they seem to struggle. It seemed as though Coach K developed a tendency for not putting in his good players that didn't start the game. This caused the starters to play longer, and therefore wore them out quicker. I think Duke's success in the early season was based on a balanced rotation between his good secondary players, who I think was most of the bench. Lance Thomas, Taylor King, Nolan Smith, Brian Zoubek, and even McClure was impressive with his step up on defense and offense, provided strong numbers in the beginning of the season, but weren't allowed to show their strength in the second half of the season based on lack of playing time. We must not forget that even though we will lose Demarcus Nelson this year, next year we hopefully will gain back Pocius, who was developing rapidly into a good player before his injury. Not to mention that the talent that Coack K will be bringing in next year. As long as everyone returns next year, Duke will still be a formidable opponent. I was very disappointed with the season this year, because I think Duke could have been a better team in the second half of the season if Coach K had kept up the rotation in the lineup. The roatation in the lineup would have strengthened the core with good shooters, and defenders who could give the starters a good rest, as well as be productive. If Duke would have continued to use the good rotation it had established earlier this year they would have won all those critical games they lost. Other players can contribute to the scoreboard, especially the ones off the bench. I would not want to steer away future recruits giving them the belief that everyone will get equal playing time, when they are shown by the season this year, even if you have been productive during the year, you won't get critical playing time when you can make a difference. Duke has always been a good basketball team, and of course there have always been standout players, but the team as a whole have always been a good team, finding certain combinations that are better than others for specific teams. A team working together as a fairly played team, as a successful team will create a sense of unity that Duke can use to dominate college basketball once again. I hope Coach K will recognize the strengths of all his players, and use them wisely next year, and solve this drought of at least a final four appearance. I do love college basketball, but I still lose interest when Duke falls out of the NCAAs, but I am interested to hear how Davidson pans out this year. Davidson is the true cinderella team that hasn't happened in awhile. Young Curry has only started his college career, and I can only hope his father has a good mind-set to show his son how important it is to finish college, so if the NBA doesn't work out he has something he can at least fall back in, what ever interest that may be, because college is the place were you let your interests flow and grow. So I hope Davidson wins it all in 2008, that would be great!
Go Blue Devils!
Go #88! Don't forget your NASCAR! (
www.nascar.com)
