Duke Basketball: Breaking Down the Blue Devils One Player at a Time
Duke begins its pursuit of a second National Championship in as many seasons in just a few weeks.
While the Blue Devils return an abundance of talent this season, they are also integrating new talent as well as a completely new system.
Duke is big and fast and are expected to run the floor on both ends. Expect a lot of pressure on defense and a blistering pace on offense.
Given Duke's new improved depth at guard, it should come as no surprise that Duke's system is guard-oriented. But don't forget Miles and Mason Plumlee, who are expected to have a solid to breakout season.
This is a look at each of the ingredients and how they figure to play into Duke's plan this season.
Nolan Smith: Guard (starter)
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The Duke senior co-captain looks to lead the Blue Devils again on the perimeter.
Smith averaged 17.4 points and three assists per game last year. Expect him to do at least as well, but given the depth in the Blue Devils backcourt, he may not have to.
As an offensive player, Smith has improved his jump shot and found a niche as a player who can create offense off the dribble.
But his defensive ability, however, will be the reason he will probably play nearly 30 minutes or more against tougher competition.
His leadership ability is immeasurable—he is the heart of the team.
Kyle Singler: Forward (starter)
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The other senior co-captain is arguably one of the toughest players in the country, and also one of the most talented.
Singler, who spent last season on the perimeter, has picked up some extra weight strength and is nearly 235 pounds.
Mike Krzyzewski has said he will play both on the wing and down low this season. Singler's ability to take smaller players off the dribble as well as force bigger players to guard him outside make him one of the more versatile weapons the Blue Devils have.
Singler averaged 17.7 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. Like Smith, he might not have to play as many minutes against lesser competition. But in tight games, when it counts, Singler will play all 40 minutes if he has to.
Miles Plumlee: Power Forward (starter)
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The first of two Plumlees projected to start is looking to come into his own as a post player for the Blue Devils.
Miles is deceptively athletic, and has gotten stronger each year.
Expect him to play havoc against opposing post players with his ability to pressure on defense and block shots. At the end of last year, and so far in brief glimpses in the Blue-White game, Plumlee has shown a nice mid-range jumper.
He has also developed a jump hook, which at times last season was effective. Miles Plumlee must pick up the rebounding slack left by the departure of Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas.
Duke will certainly benefit if Plumlee can step out of his shell and play smart and aggressive consistently.
He averaged five points and nearly five rebounds last year. Duke will need him to nearly double that and stay out of foul trouble this season.
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Mason Plumlee: Center (starter)
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Many are expecting a potential breakout year for the younger Plumlee brother.
Mason, who runs the floor like a gazelle, will have to improve his ability to position himself on defense and avoid foul trouble.
On offense, he has to learn to finish and play within himself. Last season, Plumlee attempted to tear down the rim with every dunk. This year he will need to channel that energy and transfer it into smart play.
If he can figure out that he doesn't have to dunk on every play and can contribute on the boards, that breakout year could be a possibility.
Last season, Plumlee averaged only three points and three rebounds per game. Much like his older brother, he needs to at least double those numbers to help Duke make up for the loss of Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas in the post.
Kyrie Irving: Point Guard (starter)
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The most talked-about Duke player hasn't even played a single game yet.
Kyrie Irving has the task of stepping in at point guard to replace Jon Scheyer, who helped lead the Blue Devils to the 2010 National Championship.
Irving will be a completely different player, as his quickness and ability to score have drawn comparisons to former Duke guard Jason Williams.
With Irving driving the offense, expect Duke to push the ball a lot more and a lot faster this season. Duke was slow and methodical last season, and this year will be a far cry from that.
Irving will probably put up big numbers in scoring and assists. If he can limit turnovers and be effective on the defensive end, then Duke will be in very good shape, even with a freshman point guard.
Seth Curry: Guard
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Seth Curry, who was a member of the team last year, was forced to only watch as he was required to sit out his transfer season.
At Liberty during his freshman year, Curry averaged more than 20 points, looking as if he were destined to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Stephen Curry.
However, having aspirations of playing on a bigger stage, Seth transferred to Duke, where he got a year of practice under his belt.
Now he is ready to contribute. Expect him to be the first player off the bench as his scoring prowess will certainly get him on the floor early and often.
Andre Dawkins: Guard
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Dawkins, the baby-faced sophomore, is expected to play more minutes and contribute more off the bench.
Most likely the seventh or eighth option off the bench, Dawkins has a sweet stroke and is athletic enough to finish near the rim.
If his defense has improved, he will see a lot more playing time this season.
Ryan Kelly: Forward
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Kelly has added much-needed strength and weight to his frame. With that have come more confidence and the ability to play more time.
Like any newcomer, Kelly's weaknesses on defense kept him from playing. Now stronger, he should be able to bang with the big boys and still contribute offensively.
While 6'10", Kelly is still more of an outside-in player than a back-to-the-basket big man. He can shoot; if he can rebound and play defense, he will play a lot.
Josh Hairston: Forward
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Hairston, the freshman forward from Virginia, has drawn early comparisons to former Duke player Roshown McLeod.
He has so far shown a nice touch from 15 feet and out on offense. He, like every other freshman, must learn the defensive system and the importance of communication to get playing time.
Hairston has the potential to be a contributor, but it wouldn't be shocking if his playing time fades as the season progresses and the competition gets tougher.
Tyler Thornton: Point Guard
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Thornton isn't expected to play much as a freshman given the skill of the players ahead of him, but this is a kid who Mike Krzyzewski absolutely loves.
He is a hard worker with the potential to be a great leader and stellar in-your-face defender. So far, he has shown a nice touch from outside. While he certainly won't be expected to score, his long-range threat will make him less of a liability on offense when he is on the floor.
Thornton looks to be a smart, heady player who won't force anything and can give anywhere from five to 10 minutes of productive play as the season progresses.
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