DURHAM - Kyrie Irving visited Charlotte today to see Doctor Robert Anderson about his rehab and all seemed to be on or ahead of schedule. Krzyzewski said that good progress has been made, but the key concern was to get Irving healthy for his career. He has the okay to resume basketball related practices but not full throttle. Krzyzewski said "He is not in our cross hairs," with concern to his return this season. Irving has now visited Dr. Anderson twice during the healing process and he is now out of the walking boot for good. The timeline of the season and healing will likely keep Irving out for the year but Krzyzewski stopped short of saying he was done for sure. For what it is worth, Dr. Anderson was the one who recommended that Irving not have surgery. Krzyzewski called Irving a very special player on and off the court and even stated how well he was doing in the classroom at Duke. You can view Krzyzewski's comments on the situation via BDN Video shortly. We'll have more on this a bit later. Talk about the latest happenings on the BDN Premium message board with other members.
Tag Archives: Coach K
Duke Basketball heads to China this summer
DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke University Men’s Basketball team will circle the globe in August 2011, with games scheduled in China and Dubai, Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin White announced Friday.
The team will depart August 14 and tip off August 17 in Kunshan, China, a suburb of Shanghai and the location of a new Duke-affiliated campus expected to open in 2012. On August 19 the team will play in Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, former home of the Shanghai World Expo Culture Center.
On August 22, the team will play its third game in China, in Beijing’s MasterCard Center, where Duke Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski led Team USA to a gold medal during the 2008 Olympics. Team USA’s performance in Beijing introduced many Chinese basketball fans to Krzyzewski, the legendary coach known to Duke fans and players as “Coach K.”
On August 26 the team will end its tour with a game in Dubai, one of the cities in which Duke’s Fuqua School of Business has established a significant presence.
“As a global university, Duke is delighted to have this chance to reach out to our passionate fans around the world,” said Duke President Richard H. Brodhead. “The success of our men’s basketball team is a highly visible symbol of Duke’s commitment to excellence every day, across the university, and a wonderful way for people to connect to Duke.”
“This global tour presents Duke University with an extraordinary opportunity to expand our brand across the world, using one of its primary assets – Duke Basketball – as the catalyst,” said White. “The planning process involved several significant university entities, and is yet another example of the incredibly strong collaboration that exists at Duke.
“While the entire schedule is not yet finalized,” White continued, “we are in the process of securing games against formidable competition at each respective location. Mike Cragg, senior associate director of athletics, has been our leader relative to this terribly exciting endeavor. To be sure, he has been both entrepreneurial and tireless in facilitating this exhilarating venture.”
The trip was originally conceived by Fuqua School of Business Dean Blair Sheppard and Greg Jones, Duke’s vice president and vice provost for global strategy and programs, to showcase not only Duke basketball, but also the university’s pioneering business education, health, arts, civic engagement and policy-oriented programs around the world.
The visit to Kunshan will highlight Duke’s partnership with the local government to build a new university that will include programs in business, global health and other disciplines. Construction of the 200 acre facility is currently under way.
The team will conduct youth basketball clinics in China and the United Arab Emirates. It will also visit historic Chinese gardens, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China. In the United Arab Emirates, the team will learn about traditional Emirati culture and commerce as well as about Dubai’s rise as a modern business center. In addition, Duke will produce programs for alumni, prospective students and the public to highlight its work in each region.
At the game in Kunshan, students from Duke’s Cross Continent MBA class of 2012 will have the opportunity to stand in for the Cameron Crazies – the enthusiastic, face-painted Duke students who cheer in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke’s home court. The game coincides with the final days of the class’s two-week residency in Shanghai.
“We are excited about the opportunity for our team to compete internationally and be exposed to so many significant historical and cultural landmarks,” said Krzyzewski. “From my experience in China with the United States Olympic Team in 2008, I know that this is a nation that absolutely loves basketball. I am thrilled that our players will have the chance to experience a country so rich in tradition first-hand. It should be a trip they remember for the rest of their lives.”
The Duke men’s basketball program broke new international ground just weeks ago with a broadcast in Mandarin Chinese of its Jan. 15 home game versus the University of Virginia. Produced by Duke students, the online radio program marked the first time an ACC basketball game was broadcast in Mandarin.
A limited number of fans will have the chance to join the team for this trip. More information about package sales will be available on GoDuke.com beginning February 24.
Smith, Duke defense top Virginia, 56-41
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Nolan Smith had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists as No. 5 Duke overcame a sluggish start to beat Virginia 56-41 on Wednesday night.
The Blue Devils (24-2, 11-1) won their fifth straight, despite getting just two points from second-leading scorer Kyle Singler. The senior was in foul trouble for much of the game and didn't score his first bucket until the 16-minute mark of the second half.
Duke held Virginia to 15 second-half points and beat the Cavaliers for the seventh straight time.
Mustapha Farrakhan led Virginia with 11 points.
Virginia (12-13, 3-8), which dropped under .500 for the first time this season, has lost three straight.
The teams combined for seven turnovers before the first television timeout and Virginia took a 12-7 lead on Farrakhan's fast-break layup.
Duke answered with a 15-5 run over the next six minutes.
Just before the half, Smith raced out in transition and converted a layup as he was being fouled by Sammy Zeglinski. While standing over Zeglinski, Smith did a little dance. Duke was in control the rest of the way.
Duke led 34-26 lead at the break and clamped down on the Cavaliers in the second half.
Duke at Maryland Game Notes
Game 22 [5 AP / 5 Coaches] Duke (19-2, 6-1 ACC) vs. Maryland (14-7, 4-3 ACC)
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 • 9:00 p.m.
The Opening Tip
•
Duke (19-2, 6-1 ACC) faces Maryland (14-7, 4-3 ACC) on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the Comcast Center. Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m.
• The game is being televised by ESPN with Dan Shulman (play-by-play), Jay Bilas (analyst) and Jeannine Edwards (sideline) calling the action.
• Duke is ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll and ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, while Maryland is unranked in both polls.
• The Blue Devils are looking for their 20th win of the season. Duke has won 20 or more games 45 times, including each of the last 14 seasons.
• Duke has won 37 of the last 40 games entering Wednesday’s game with Maryland.
• The Blue Devils are looking for a third straight ACC road win.
Duke-Maryland Series History
• Duke leads the all-time series 108-61, including a 30-25 mark in College Park, Md.
• The Blue Devils have won seven of the last eight meetings, including a 71-64 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium earlier this season.
• Seven of the last 11 games in the series have been decided by 10 points or less.
• Duke has won three of the last five games at the Comcast Center.
• Mike Krzyzewski is looking for his 50th win over Maryland on Wednesday. He is 49-21 all-time against the Terrapins.
• Senior Kyle Singler had 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Nolan Smith added 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in Duke’s January 9th win over Maryland.
Numbers Game
l Mike Krzyzewski is one of seven coaches in ACC history with a winning percentage above .500 in league road games. Coach K’s .607 road winning percentage ranks fourth all-time, while his 136 career road wins are an ACC record.l Duke has scored 80 or more points in 15 games this season. The Blue Devils have won 30 consecutive games when scoring 80+ points. l The Blue Devils have had at least one player score 20 or more points in 16 straight games. Duke has had two players top the 20-point mark seven times this season.
l Nolan Smith is attempting to become the first player in ACC history to lead the league in scoring and assists. Smith is currently averaging 21.0 points and 5.6 assists per game. He is one of four players in the NCAA averaging over 20.0 points and 5.0 assists per game.
l Kyle Singler is 11 points shy of moving into the top 5 at Duke and the top 20 in the ACC in scoring. He enters Wednesday’s game with 2,144 career points.l Mason Plumlee has raised his rebound average an ACC-best 5.5 rebounds per game from a year ago. He ranks fourth in the ACC in rebounding at 8.6 rpg. and has grabbed 10 or more rebounds 10 times this season.
l Nolan Smith averaged 25.3 points per game in nine January contests. He scored 20 or more points in six of those games, including a pair of 30+ point efforts.
l The Blue Devils are 14-2 following a loss over the last four seasons. Duke has not lost back-to-back games since the 2008-09 season.
l Duke has not lost back-to-back games against
unranked opponents since falling at Wake Forest and Miami in February of 2008.
The 2010-11 Duke Blue Devils prepare for the stretch
DURHAM - When Duke takes on Boston College this Thursday evening, it'll be their 20th game of the 2010-11 season. I don't know about you, but for me the season is flying by. In fact, it seems like a few months ago I was on the court in Indianapolis watching a group of joyous Blue Devils celebrate a national championship.
Coming into the season, Duke fans were giddy over the prospect of another title, especially with the arrival of Kyrie Irving, one of the best point guards ever to come out of New Jersey. Ironically, Irving went down in New Jersey after stepping on Matt Howard's foot a mere eight games into the season. Howard of course, plays for Butler the team Duke beat to win their fourth national title.
Irving's absence dominated the lips of many Duke fans for a long, long time, so much so that a portion of the season seemed to be taken for granted or lost in the shadow of his much talked about toe. It has now become clear that if Irving does come back, that he'll need to get into playing shape, but most fans would rather have an 80% Irving than none at all.
His injury caused an always unwanted in season adjustment, where Duke, who was running at will suddenly went to more of a half court game. The style is not as pretty but last seasons team used a similar half court sets and look what happened to them. Of course, it is hard to repeat no matter who the cast of players might be and for Duke to make it to Houston, Texas for the Final Four, it'll take some luck along the way for they are each opponents main target and or their big game.
But let's keep in mind that some teams make their own luck and that is generally evident from improvement on the court. Suppose Irving comes back, that would be great and he'd add that much needed ability to stretch the court. But the lessons his teammates have learned in his absence will be of major value, especially when they face critical half court situations during March Madness.
There has yet to be a third scoring option step up since the untimely injury and now Duke enters the stretch run with just a dozen games left in the regular season to find one. Ryan Kelly has showed the ability to do so of late, but the key will be if he can find consistency. After all, there is usually no doubt that Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler will show up, but there are occasions when any solid player goes cold and that means others have to step in.
Last season Duke had three seniors in Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek. This season they have but two in the aforementioned Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. Seniors have been through the wars and last years really stepped up their game and left with something special, a national title.
But last seasons three seniors had Singler and Smith behind them while this season as seniors have far less experience, so there is a major drop off from a year ago in seasoning where Miles Plumlee is the only junior on a team full of sophomores and freshman. Duke is still a young team past two seniors, and yes, I played the young card.
Then again, Irving is young as well but he had a savvy about him that is rare, yet he was still learning the game. Even so, Irving made Duke better, a legitimate number one if you will. Furthermore, he was the third scoring option.
During his absence Seth Curry has had a golden opportunity to step up but he is seemingly adjusting to the speed and physical nature of the division one game. Andre Dawkins has showed flashes of brilliance but he is still rounding out his game and the Plumlees are still finding their way. But there is hope for even more improvement and Krzyzewski recently said he liked where the Plumlees were at this point in the season.
Miles Plumlee started slow, but he is now getting where he fits in and that's a good sign. His brother Mason has become a rebounding and shot blocking machine and he simply needs to keep that up. However, Mason can break out at any time on offense where he is adjusting to the slower pace rendered by Irving's absence. In fact, both the Plumlees's are capable of turning another corner as the season goes on.
During the many pre season interviews with Mike Krzyzewski, he stated this team would be a work in progress and that he did not want them to gel too early. There is a lot of wisdom in that statement for it is clear a team must get hot for six to eight games to take home the big prize. And his comment rings especially true with Irving's absence.
That said, it's time to relish and enjoy each and every game during the stretch run for there are a lot of questions which need to be answered. Will Irving come back and if so what kind of game will he display? Are two sensational seniors in Singler and Smith enough to put a team on their backs should Irving not return? Can Curry start knocking down his shots which he drills in practice? Can the Plumlees step up and will Ryan Kelly continue his play of late?
Maybe we'll see Andre Dawkins game swell, but who really knows? And that is not all to watch out for. Will Duke get the coveted number one seed where they'll play in New Jersey, Charlotte and Houston should they make a run?
With a bevy of Big East teams adorning the Top 25 a number one seed in the east is no longer as clear as it once seemed, so that means, Duke has to win it's share of games against conference foes while taking their best shots. It's no secret that defeating Duke is a resume builder for the NCAA's and there are a lot of balanced conference teams looking for a signiture win.
Again, there is nothing more exciting than the stretch run into the tournament, so now is the time to beam in and savor each game for it will pass you by if you don't. It all starts with an upstart Boston College team this Thursday night and this weekend Duke faces a dangerous trap of a game versus St John's in New York. And for those of you who are unaware, the game with the North Carolina Tar Heels is now just tens days off.
By the end of the journey, fans will find out if Krzyzewski found the right buttons to push along the way. But it'll be up to some young players to step up their game as well. Let the games begin.
Duke looks to remain undefeated against Florida State
For the first time this season the nations top ranked team the Duke Blue Devils looked vulnerable at times in a recent win against Maryland. Duke pulled out a win and in the process pushed their season 2-0 in conference and 15-0 overall. Now the Blue Devils put on their travelling shoes as they head though a winter storm and go south to take on Florida State in Tallahassee.
There is reason to think that this could be Duke's biggest test to date for the Seminoles generally play well at home, especially when the nations top rated club comes to town. The home team is also coming off two consecutive losses, the most recent one on the road at Virginia Tech. That loss put their ACC record at 1-1 and overall they stand at 11-5. In short, a win over Duke would not only be a boost to their conference hopes, it would go a long ways towards March when the NCAA makes their selections.
Now, we've established that Duke will get Noles best shot, be it the wounded dog effect or the let's get pumped out of our minds for this one shtick. But why is this opponent especially dangerous? Let's start with their length and athleticism.
It's no secret that the Noles are led by Chris Singleton who ranks 6th in scoring and 5th in rebounding in the ACC. Singleton can slash his way through most every team and with Maryland star Jordan Williams having recent success, there is concern. Singleton is the go to guy and clearly the best scoring option.
While the rest of the team has a lot of balance on the offensive end, their defense as a collective is impressive. The Noles make teams look ugly. They hold their opposition to less points than any other team in the conference. There field goal percentage defense tops the league as well and they come in at third in the league in steals as well.
But the Noles can also board and they lead the conference in rebounding margin. And let's not forget they lead the league in blocked shots as well, swatting 7 a game.
Look for Florida State to pound the glass, especially on the offensive end where they pick up a ton of follow up baskets off said rebounds. So Duke will need to hold their own on the glass in order to win.
Look for the Noles to focus on the Duke seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler on defense and that means other Blue Devils must step up this evening. That didn't happen as much as one would like against the Terps, so a huge key will be for a third player to carry the scoring load.
But let's not underestimate Coach Mike Kryzyzewski for he gives Duke as good a chance at winning as any player. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that he makes some purposeful moves along the way. In short, I feel he sometimes relishes situations where he can hold back a bit in one game in order to teach and prepare for another. There's a lot more in between the lines in this statement but we'll let you use your imagination on the rest.
Every indicator points to a tough game tonight and BDN feels it will be just that, one of those contests which has a few swings will take place. And one of those games that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We see a tough, physical game and the Blue Devils winning streak could finally come to an end.
But in the end, we think the Blue Devils will make the adjustments and take home a close win. That is of course if they can find a way to knock down some threes against a team which tops the league and holds the opposition to .282 from the stripe. The pick is Duke 71-66
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