Duke-Princeton: Three-Point Thoughts

Welcome to Big Duke Balls' first pregame write-up.

Yep, outside of a handful of pregame thoughts of important tournament games, I’ve typically avoided these. I’m no expert, no reason to pretend to be one…until now. Let the pretending begin.

Before each game, I’ll present three keys to the game for each team. They will be a combination of things I’m looking for, things I’m hoping to see and what to expect from Duke’s opponent. It could be fun facts, facts that aren’t so funny and maybe I’ll just bag the keyboard with my thumbs over and over.

Duke Blue Devils

Inside Game

Much of the talk this season has focused on Duke’s crowded and talented backfield. Yet, in this first match up of the 2010-2011 season, it’s Duke size that should be on display.

No Princeton starter stands over 6’8" and none can match the athleticism of the Plumlee brothers.

This is a good time for Duke to establish an inside game. It’s a good time to show the rest of the country that this team isn’t just going to launch threes all day. Someone, whether it’s a Plumlee, a Kelly, a Singler or even a Hairston should be get their back to the basket, get position, except a feed and make some plays.


Useful Rotation

I can’t be the only person curious about Coach K’s rotation this year.

The reality is, there is enough talent on this team to feature a solid nine-man rotation. Now during big-time games, I expect Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith to play heavy minutes, but on average, these guys should not be playing 35 minutes per game.

I also look forward to seeing how much court time both Curry and Dawkins get. I’m also excited to see if Ryan Kelly get be legit backup. He’s looked great in practice and in exhibition games, but let’s see what he can do when it counts.

Patience

Patience will be a virtue.

The Tigers have always been a slow-it-down, grind-it-out bunch. They’ll do anything to slow this game to a crawl. They’ll use up every last second on the clock.

The Blue Devils want to run, they want to gun, but they can’t get overly anxious. It will be a great opening test for freshman point guard Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry, who should run the show from time to time.

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