There was a lot of interest in the Duke Basketball open practice on Saturday.  Fans filled the stands on one week's notice to catch a peek at this season's talented team. While the emphasis of their views were likely on the talented freshman newcomers, it's the veterans who will be the key to this year's team.

Duke returns Amile Jefferson, Matt Jones, Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard and Chase Jeter this season.  There are others, but the aforementioned contributed the most.  Not one of those guys fail to remember how Oregon players all but taunted them as last season came to an end.  This will be cause for a chip on their collective shoulders.

There were more instances of falling just short as well.  In road games and even some home affairs the Blue Devils just flat-out lost from lack of depth.   Duke was quite simply vulnerable at times and hard lessons learned will make for a leathery bunch of veteran leaders.

Grayson Allen sat out the most recent practice, but there is no concern for alarm.  Duke is just resting their most valuable player who spurned the NBA for the chance at another National Championship.

Allen had to do it all a season ago.  That combined with a competitive spirit which allows him to  go all out taxed him at times. Some have stated his numbers are sure to go down this season with a deep team.  I am not so sure about that.  The reason being that his fresh legs and not being doubled down on will allow him lots of opportunities to flourish.

When Amile Jefferson went down a season ago to injury, the already thin rotation became even more vulnerable.  Jefferson was having his best season where he was putting up double digits in scoring and rebounding.

During this past weekends practice, Jefferson looked the part of leader in that he was vocal.  You don't want to take Jefferson's emotion away for he thrives on it, yet remains controlled.  It was not easy for Jefferson to sit and watch as his team played hard but fell short in the tournament.

Jefferson has the job of teaching front court players the Duke way.  But he also will be the most seasoned player from the system and that alone will make him a steadying influence as the  youth progresses.

Matt Jones is a favorite of the staff and for good reason.  He is low maintenance and does what is asked of him.  Jones, like all the veterans knows he can go all out in that there are backup options this season.  That will make for a more aggressive approach for all the vets.

After a slow start to the season offensively, Luke Kennard became the same scoring threat he was in high school.  With a years experience behind his belt, Kennard will take a major step forward in confidence.  Just imagine when he is hitting at the same time as Allen and you almost feel sympathy for the opponents.

Another player who'll benefit from experience alone is Chase Jeter. Early struggles plagued him last season but the light started to come on late in the year.

The one thing you can be certain of is that the Blue Devils veteran leaders will have a mission and a sense of urgency to win championships.  They know what they want and three players on the roster who own championship rings know the sacrifice it takes.

Afterall, it was Grayson Allen's play as a freshman which helped the team win their last national title.  And he may be able to help a freshman understand that when your opportunity comes, be ready for the moment.

It is this group's job to set the tone for the talented newcomers and teach them the Duke way so they too might pass it along.  This group of veterans has character, talent and desire which should bode well for the coming season.

There is little doubt that Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, Frank Jackson and Marques Bolden will play big roles for Duke this season.  But the über excitement on this team's potential is there from players we have already seen play.