As Duke heads into a critical home game against the league leading North Carolina Tar Heels they seek continuity.  Perhaps you have heard that before for it is something Mike Krzyzewski knows it will take to go far in the pending tournament's.

Krzyzewski addressed the media in his annual chat before the rivalry game .  During that time he was asked whether he saw signs of his team coming together and he replied in long form.

''Well they are coming together.  Whether they come together at a high enough level to compete at the level we would like to compete is the question.  They have been good kids and have not been able to develop as much chemistry especially due to injuries.''

Duke has of course been saddled with varying injuries.  Krzyzewski would later mention that Marques Bolden missed six weeks after starting earlier in the season.  He also went into the rehab process of Harry Giles coming off an ACL tear and more recent injuries to senior captains, Amile Jefferson and Matt Jones.

''Chemistry is developed in practice.  You are there every day and pushing one another.   A couple of these guys missed five weeks.  You never get that back completely but in the last two weeks we've made strides and we are playing better defense and sharing the ball better.

Just when you thought Duke was rounding the corner with concern to adversity Mike Krzyzewski went out for in season back surgery.  It did not help that Jeff Capel had to take over the team without Amile Jefferson, who according to Krzyzewski is the one player who makes Duke go this season.

''They have been great to coach.  I have been on the bench since Saturday, but I have been at practice for a couple of weeks.  They practice hard and are doing what we're asking them to do,'' said Krzyzewski.

It is clear that Krzyzewski is happy to be back and it is almost as if he relishes the challenge of molding a team together.  He likely knows that the team getting better and playing with and off one another has to happen for success.  Afterall, the man just won his 500th game in Cameron Indoor Stadium and has seen a thing or two with concern to development.

''A thing that happens at this time of the year or later in the year is we would not practice as long due to the wear and tear on your team.  We would like the practice but you have to compensate  for that, '' said Krzyzewski.

Oddly, going into the year, the staff thought they could practice at full strength for the first time in 400 or so days.  And they did,  But then came a string of injuries which have been talked about ad nauseum

The challenge now is for the staff and team to adjust as best they can in the midst of a daunting ACC schedule despite playing together for just a short time. The spirit seems to be there, but the questions will linger the second the Blue Devils stumble again.

The Blue Devils will seek to protect their home court against a Tar Heel team that has won 11 of their last 13 games.  For this to happen, Duke pretty much needs their best chemistry in a game this season.

''As long as we have a good attitude and a willingness to work we'll see what happens,'' said Krzyzewski.

Sidebar - The ESPN Gameday presentation will start at 7 o'clock on ESPN.  Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas will call the game.  Duke has won four out of the last five meetings with North Carolina.  Duke has had to utilize nine different starting lineups this season due to injuries.  Krzyzewski is 12 wins shy of his 1000th win at Duke.  He has won 1061 game overall which is the all time best mark.  Duke sophomore Luke Kennard leads all ACC guards with a .531 FG percentage mark. Duke is 10-1 this season and 35-3 during his career when Amile Jefferson has a team high in rebounds.