The Jury's Still Out on New-Look Duke

Coach K's recent lineup adjustment has resulted in two wins and a flood of optimism amidst  the Duke fan base. Some are suggesting the lineup transforms Duke into a legitimate Final Four contender.

The shake up has energized a sputtering Blue Devil squad but with the bar set impossibly high in Durham, one sizzling question remains. Do they have what it takes to make a deep tournament run? 

Previous bench warmer, Elliot Williams, has been catapulted into the starting back court alongside Jon Scheyer, who slides over from shooting guard to assume primary ball-handing duties.

Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas round out the front court.  Noticeably absent from the starting lineup—and the playing rotation in general—is 7'0 center Brian Zoubek, sophomore Nolan Smith and senior leader Greg Paulus.  

The lineup change is drastic for late February and comes in response to consecutive league losses that capped a month of mediocre basketball. On the verge of another late season plunge, Coach K clearly sensed the need to act. 

This is second time this season Duke's back court has been juggled around as Krzyzewski searches for consistent point guard play. Smith's questionable decision-making and turnover tendencies led to his benching in favor of Paulus.

Paulus' difficulties defending opposing point guards like UNC's Ty Lawson and BC's Tyrese Rice, resulted in the most recent change.

Williams has provided the most noticeable spark and was brilliant in Duke's victory over Wake Forest.  His early defensive intensity stunned Wake's talented back court and was the catalyst in a spirited first half Blue Devil run.

In Williams, Duke now has a guard with the will to defend and the foot speed to match it.  

In the front court, Lance Thomas replaces Brian Zoubek and provides a similar boost in foot speed and athleticism.  Kyle Singler remains coolly efficient and Gerald Henderson has been spectacular on both ends of the court.

In his new role as point guard, Jon Scheyer is proving himself a capable ball-handler and decision-maker.

The new lineup adds athleticism, addressing a need that has cost Duke recently in March. Punch their tickets to Detroit? Not so fast.  

Duke was impressive against Wake but it would be dangerous to base tournament predictions on such an emotionally charged and, quite frankly, unusual performance.  Henderson and Scheyer both recorded career highs in points. 

Coach K was far more animated than usual. As losers of two straight ACC match ups, Duke was desperate to stop the bleeding. This game was not a reliable indicator.

Duke's true test will come in their four remaining ACC battles, three of which are away from Cameron.   

The Blue Devils still lack consistent play from a true point guard. Scheyer is not a natural point and won't be come March. Will he be as confident handling the ball on a cold night in an opponent's gym?

Can Williams continue to spark the Blue Devil defense? Can they make a deep tournament run without a low post scoring threat?   

Duke is certainly better off now than a week ago. Are they destined for a deep postseason run? Only time will tell.