NCAA Final Four – Duke in Indy – Friday Afternoon Notes

INDIANAPOLIS -  Well, we final got settled in to Indianapolis after switching motels at the last minute.  One stop at the photo booth and then the media pass later and we are now in Lucas Oil Arena, the home of the Indianapolis Colts.

Coming in the area surrounding the stadium is packed and parking lots are full everywhere.  Once inside the arena, the Butler Bulldogs are practicing to a packed house.  The Blue Devils take to the floor at 3:10 and the interviews with the team start at 2:30 just before they take to the hardwood.

Of course, BDN will be on the scene all weekend long and it's sure to be a grand time around here, especially if Duke advances.  We'll have some pics, interviews, reports and of course we will tweet live during the game provided the option is available.

The Butler Bulldog, a live canine mascot just made its way through the media room and the usual suspects of members who cover Duke are in the house as is my pal Bob Harris. As for the facility itself, it's wonderful and made for a Final Four.

The locals are friendly and team colors abound pretty much everywhere within 30 miles of the arena.  The NABC All Star game will take place later this afternoon but with no ACC players in the game, we'll use the time to work.

Coming through West Virginia, we stopped at a local eatery and needless to say we kept it to ourselves that we were Duke beat writers.  That is, until one of our entourage felt the need to blurt it out [TMI] just before we ordered and you could see the change in attitudes if you know what I mean.

Interestingly, the morning edition of the Indianapolis Star has a huge headline saying, "Boo Devils," which is yet another article on Duke hatred.  However, if one looks beneath the surface or does their research you will find that Duke is quite popular.

We also found out that India Pacer Josh McRoberts is putting up a lot of Dukies at his house this weekend.  McRoberts said he stayed in touch with Jordan Davidson and that NBA scheduling conflicts prevented him from getting back to Cameron but the day is coming when he will return.

And fellow Pacer Mike Dunleavy said, "It's cool that the tournament is here in Indy and that Duke is a part of it."  Dahntay Jones is also a Pacer and all three will make an effort to make an appearance.

There has already been a Jerry West spotting. The Los Angeles Lakers great was, of course, a star while he was at West Virginia as well.  As for other celebs, well, they all turn out for the Final Four.

Finally, if anyone out there thinks Duke doesn't remember their loss to the Mountaineers, think again.  You will not see it in their comments, but the memories loom large in many ways which we may share if Duke advances but not until then.

Tom Izzo is on the podium in the background now as West Virginia is having their open practice for fans.  Duke Assistant Coach Steve Wojciechowski [Wojo] is taking in the practice for some last minute scouting.  The entire lower level has been opened to fans for free and it is packed.

During practices, the schools bands and cheerleaders look on as two huge screens in the corners of Lucas Oil Stadium carry the action.

Duke is about fifteen minutes from holding their open media, so we'll wrap it up for now, but be sure to check in often with BDN all weekend long.

BDN is on the scene in Indy preparing for Duke vs West Virginia

Kyle Singler Duke faces West Virginia
Kyle Singler - Duke Blue Planet

INDIANAPOLIS - The Duke Men's Basketball team has settled into Indianapolis and many Blue Devils fans are either here or on the way.  They'll be joined by students and of course fans from Butler, Michigan State and West Virginia.

It's always nice to be playing in an area that loves its basketball and Indianapolis has a rich tradition not unlike North Carolina.  The Blue Devils had their first practice today and they will be on the court for the general public to view tomorrow at 4:00 in Lucas Oil Stadium.

There is really nothing like the excitement of the Final Four and BDN will be on the scene with the Duke Blue Devils and we'll be bring you live updates, interviews and much more.  We'll attempt to tweet live from the games provided the logistics can be worked out and we'll start to churn out articles on Friday.

Stay tuned for the Blue Devil Nation is once again covering the Duke beat in grand style.  We have been with the Blue Devils every step of the way this season and now we hope to close it out with a Duke National Championship.

Of course, it will not be easy for Duke and West Virginia come into the contest red hot.  The Mountaineers have won 10 straight contests, while the Blue Devils have won their last 7 and 16 of 17 since a loss to Georgetown.

See you in the A.M. Blue Devil Nation!