Singler Returning: Duke Looking to Repeat

Kyle Singler announced Tuesday that he would be returning for his senior season at Duke University. 

This announcement introduces the very real possibility of two duke repeats in the last twelve years. 

Duke was already projected as a preseason top five team after losing only three seniors, two of which (Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas) were just role players that didn't contribute much until the end of their careers. The loss of Jon Scheyer was a more serious blow for the Blue Devils, but the stellar incoming class is more than enough to replace him.

Duke's incoming freshman class is only two-people strong, but Kyrie Irving and Joshua Hairston are both worth the small class. Kyrie's blazing speed and ball-handling ability makes him the best point guard in the class. Hairston is a very-well rounded big man with good hands and a decent mid-range jump-shot which could be developed into a long range shot given time and work.

Duke is also getting a great transfer player in Seth Curry. The younger brother of NBA breakout rookie Stephan Curry, Seth has a great game similar to his brother's. He had a great freshman year and transferred to Duke. He's got a great shot and a decent off the dribble game. Plus with a year of learning the system under his belt, look for a breakout year off the bench for Curry.

Another great asset off the bench will come from Andre Dawkins. Although his playing time was cut down in the second half of last season, Dawkins showed some real promise. A lights-out shooter, Dawkins should be able to replace the loss of Scheyer's excellent shooting.

But Duke's promise will shine most by showcasing its starters and leadership. Singler is a good pick for the 2011 Player of the Year. Nolan Smith has the defensive tenacity as well as a scoring game that puts him in a good position for first-team all-ACC or even all-American if he's ambitious. The recent championship should just fuel the veteran effort in the next season. 

Duke's mix of experience and fresh talent is a force to be reckoned with in the next season. With a projected line-up of Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler as well as Miles and Mason Plumlee, Duke is my preseason No. 1 and as close to a shoe-in to a repeat championship as I think is possible.