Duke Basketball: Blueprint to Earning a No. 1 Seed in NCAA Tournament

The Blue Devils basketball program doesn't play for anything short of a national championship banner. Duke always dares to dream big under the leadership of  legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, who owns four NCAA titles and four Olympic gold medals (two as head coach).

America's premier high school players sign on to compete for Coach K knowing they'll likely have multiple opportunities to travel deep into postseason tournaments. Duke remains in contention for an ACC regular season title and has its sights set on a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Led by a balanced blend of young playmakers and veteran savvy, the Blue Devils appear primed for a spirited push into March and potentially all the way to April. Duke has demonstrated consistent quality traits throughout that season that could continue to propel the program in postseason play.

Here's what these Blue Devils do best and how each asset could send Duke to a top speed.

Take Care of Business at Cameron Indoor Stadium

No team thrives on its home court like Duke does when setting up shop at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The arena is a death trap for upset-minded visitors and perennially provides one of the greatest backdrops in college sports.  

Duke is 14-0 in front of the Cameron Crazies, slaying several ACC visitors throughout the season. The Blue Devils have put a whooping on conference foes in Durham.

Coach K's squad owns six double-digit victories in seven ACC home games. Duke welcomes current conference front-runner Miami into town on March 2, when a top seed in the postseason tournament could ultimately be at stake.

Make Sure Mason Plumlee Gets Plenty of Touches

Mason Plumlee is a prohibitive Player of the Year finalist and finds ways to carry Duke when necessary. The 6'10" senior may be the conference's most complete power forward since Tyler Hansbrough took North Carolina to a national title. 

Plumlee is pouring in nearly 18 points per game on 60 percent shooting. He's among national leaders in rebounds, while adding approximately two assists and two blocks each contest.

The veteran's 18-point, 11-rebound performance against UNC pushed Duke past the Tar Heels in the latest installment of college basketball's greatest rivalry.

Rally Around Returning Leader Ryan Kelly

Duke's most dominant stretch of this 2012-'13 campaign occurred in the first two months of the season, when it surged to a 15-0 record. That was the team's record last time senior center Ryan Kelly suited up for the Blue Devils.

A foot injury has sidelined Kelly since.

Coach K has seen his team go 9-3 in conference action during Kelly's absence. Multiple reports maintain the 6'11" standout is set to return to the court prior to the conclusion of regular season competition. 

Kelly is averaging career highs in points (13.4), rebounds (5.4), blocks (1.7) and 3-point shooting (52 percent). The infusion of a talent like Kelly at this point in the winter could tip the scales in Duke's favor when March Madness begins.

Keep Burying Shots from Beyond the Arc

Duke is the conference's best 3-point shooting squad for the second consecutive season. The Blue Devils feature a bevy of long-distance snipers capable of delivering a dagger to the heart of any opposing defense.

Duke can bury teams with a barrage of three balls by sharpshooters Seth Curry, Rasheed Sulaimon, Quinn Cook and Ryan Kelly. All four players are connecting on at least 40 percent of attempts behind the 3-point line.

The Blue Devils have one of the nation's top players doing damage in the post and the return of center Ryan Kelly is near. Imagine how dangerous Duke can be if it continues canning threes in March.

Feed the Ball to Freshman Rasheed Sulaimon

Sulaimon is no longer just a versatile member of Duke's supporting cast. The 6'4" freshman guard is now entrenched as a lead offensive threat, posting at least 13 points in each of the last four games.

He torched Boston College on Sunday, sinking 10-of-15 shot attempts for 27 points. It's crucial that Plumlee shares the offensive load with Sulaimon.

This youngster is a rising star who may be hitting his stride just in time to reel off a series of scintillating postseason performances.