Well what a bittersweet time it ended up being, by all accounts the Carolina win was an upset.  They have the best starting 5 in college basketbally (Illinois may disagree)..and as my friend said, "they are like a damn NBA team".  I am happy with the fact that they won, it is how the game was won or almost lost that worried me...they just decided to stop playing defense, that is very unlike a Duke team that earlier in the season really took pride in that.  It should have been at very least a 10 point win....a portent of things to come....

The MD game, I knew it would be a tough game..but the Duke teams of the past always took pride in those road victories...Duke should have won this game going away.  D. Ewing gets a technical and all hell breaks loose..not that it should have been called, how can you sit silent through an intentional elbow, I must admit that is hard to do.  It should have been a double tech..but either way Ewing has to understand the situation in the game and what it means to just walk away.  Then once again the defense just stopped and the fouls started, some touch fouls some obvious, in any event you have to put yourself in a better situation defensively as to not pick those up..slide and move your feet, stop trying to take charges and play some real "D".  Be aggressive but not stupid...enough ranting. 

Basically the team just has to play better, on both sides of the ball..and the dudes that want to be the leaders of this team need to start acting like it, get your head in the game. 

I have to admit I didn't know which Due team would show up for the Gtech game..or which Georgia Tech team for that matter.  They have a lot of weapons but Duke is probably pissed that they let 2 games slip, one that they should have won..the other was very close. 

Both teams played well in a horribly officated game, D. Ewing showed some signs of getting out of his slump although he is not all the way back yet.  JJ had a monster first half, and the landlord was the truth.  Dockery even hit shots.  Everyone contributed which is exactly what they need to do in order to keep pace with the really good teams in the league. 

I am pretty surprised that Gtech is struggling the way that they are, they have more or less the same team they did last  year..this is a final four team, what's the deal?????

I must admit it is always hard to swallow a loss, but honestly when your team battles back against the odds like the Bluedevils did last night, how can you be upset. Sure, there were plays that they could have made to win the game, but Wake Forest was a better team, and Dukes lack of depth really showed.

As a coach, what you want to see from your team is heart, you want them to keep fighting until that clock reads zero. They did just that, I am proud of them actually. Anyone out there that doubts the skill of JJ Redick is a fool, all he does is put up numbers…more later

I have no problem with Duke losing to the Terps, my prediction was wrong.  Good job by Maryland actually, they played much better.  You would think that they won the National Championship when they beat Duke..Please Terp fans act like you have been there before ;)

I am not sure how many of you saw the performances turned in by our beloved Dukies in the Miami and FL State games but it was nothing short of wonderful.  They are a team that is executing on all cylinders.  JJ has been shooting out of his mind, Shelden has had monster games and great defensive performances.  Even Lee Melchionni is playing brilliantly.....all just in time for the rerturn of Shav...he scored ten in the FL State game before getting so winded his chest was heaving.  I think in a week or two he should return to form..end of the year last year form.  He seems to be concentrating a lot better now.  Perhaps in some strange way this illness has helped him somewhat.

Next game is tonight in Cameron, Maryland comes into town , fresh off of losing DJ Strawberry for the year.  They will be hungry for a road win and would love to steal one in Cameron.  It will not be a blowout despite what some might think.  I say Duke pulls away and wins by 10.

I must admit I was a bit worried about this game with UVA, they always seem to have a surprise or two for the Dukies.  This time it was freshman point guard Sean Singletary, this kid is good, and will be great.   I mean he only dropped 21 points as a freshman against Duke.  That is impressive.  He is the one who kept this game close.

JJ, however was a beast and unstoppable..he only went 6-10 from 3 point range on his way to 28 points, that is a mans stat line.

It was good to see Shav back in action, hopefully this is a portent of good things to come for a short, short bench.

 Looks like Shav will be returning for the January 19th game against Miami..that is good news as his rebounding is sorely needed.

Here are a couple of links following his return to practice.

Well tonights game is one that should be a tough battle for our boys in blue..but I do believe if they play smart, relaxed and together they should get the W.  There is some good news about Sean Dockery, who had aggraveted a hip flexor..he is scheduled to be available for the game so that is good to hear..they will need his pesky attributes for this game--but he needs to play in control. 

Princeton is coming off of a double-overtime victory over Davidson--who is actually a pretty decent team. 

Well if any of you saw the Clemson game then you know that is was one of the ugliest games on record...not the typical way that Duke takes out an opponent.  But you all have to admit it was damn exciting, close games where each possession is important.  Lots of intensity, and it came down pretty near the wire...I could do without the turnovers but I did like the fact that the team did not give up, despite some odd calls and some pretty bad offensive performances..The defense held true, and Shelden Williams had a monster rebounding game again.