Coming off their first loss of the season against Kentucky, Duke will seek to right the ship against a tough Virginia Commonwealth team in New York.  While some may think this program has taken a step back, be warned that there is plenty of talent on hand .

The Rams have started their season 2-0 with two solid victories and it would seem that this team has a chip on its shoulder and something to prove.  Gone is Shaka Smart to Texas, entering is Will Wade who likes for his teams to mix it up in the paint and play physical basketball.

The Rams are led by Melvin Johnson, their backcourt ace.  Johnson has been accepting of his role of the Rams leader, thus the aforementioned 2-0 mark.  The Rams strength this season is their guards but they are solid up front as well where they play four experienced players, all of which bring different skill sets to the court.

Mo Allie Cox is quite the shot blocker.  A pair of versatile sophomores Mike Gilmore and Justin Tilman are slender yet talented.  But there is plenty of girth amongst the freshman newcomers.

It still starts on the perimeter for the Rams.  Points come from senior guard Korey Billbury and JeQuan Lewis who is dishing out 7.5 assists per game.  And don't overlook Doug Brooks who is averaging  just under 10 ppg.

Duke will face a pesky team that throws a lot of different looks and players their way.  What Blue Devils fans will look for is to see whether the freshman class can establish themselves collectively after a non productive effort versus Kentucky.

Once again, the veterans, Amile Jefferson, Marshall Plumlee and Matt Jones will anchor the Blue Devils attack.  But we are sure to see further experimentation with the line up from Mike Krzyzewski.

Grayson Allen had a learning experience in his last outing after leading Duke in scoring the first two games.  There is still a shot blocker in the lane in Cox for Virginia Commonwealth and adjustments will likely be made in the way he attacks.

For Duke to come away with a win and play the winner of Wisconsin and Georgetown, they will need to move ball better in their half court sets.  There wasn't zip on the ball or certainty of what they were doing at times in the loss to the Wildcats.

The two games in New York will provide Duke with a good barometer for what they need to work on.  The Blue Devils will have three days rest after the event before playing three games in seven days.

Both games the Blue Devils play will be hard fought affairs in the 2K Classic.  The teams in this tournament while not currently ranked are all probable NCAA Tournament teams come March.