Can Duke go back-to-back?

The Duke Blue Devils are back on top of the college basketball world. They were the last man standing after March Madness this past year, the question is: can they do it again? There is no question that the Blue Devils lost some valuable leaders in Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas, and Brian Zoubek. But I feel that they more than make up for it in terms of talent. The Blue Devils have added top high school PG Kyrie Erving and Seth Curry (younger brother of Stephen Curry) in addition to bringing back sophmores Andre Dawkins, Mason Plumlee, and Ryan Kelly. And let’s not forget about their leaders; Seniors Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith provide plenty of experience and swagger as they look to lead this new look Duke team back to the glory land. What the Blue Devils lost in experience they make up for in athleticism, shooting, and defensive prowess.

Last year’s national championship Blue Devil team was not the most talented in college basketball, but they were definitely the “best team” in terms of their chemistry and willingness to accept any role. After the departures of Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek, the Duke interior might seem rather weak. Thomas and Zoubek played a big role in Duke’s title run due to their rebounding (offensive and defensive) and post defense. But Duke faithful should not worry; Mason and Miles Plumlee are more then adequate to fill the void. Not only are the Plumlee brothers more athletic than their predecessors but they are just as physical and rebound with reckless abandon (as seen in their time on the court during the NCAA tournament). The Plumlee brothers along with Ryan Kelly should provide Duke with plenty of offensive ability and rebounding.

Kyrie Irving and Miles Plumlee will play big roles this season. Picture courtesy of Starnewsonline.com

The next big loss the Blue Devils suffered this past year was the graduation of Jon Scheyer. While Scheyer was not your prototypical  point guard, he provided ball handling and great shooting. He wasn’t the quickest or the best ball handling point guard in Duke history but he was able to put the team on his back numerous times and bailed the team out with timely shooting. So how does Duke plan on replacing Scheyer? With top recruit Kyrie Irving, that’s how. Kyrie Irving is the first true freshman to start for Duke since Jason Williams back in 1999. Kyrie Irving has already displayed his court vision, flair, passing and scoring ability in his first two game at Duke. He is definitely something special and many say that he is the best player on Duke’s team (over Singler and Smith).

Seniors Smith (left) and Singler (right) are the heart and soul of the 2010-2011 Blue Devils. Picture courtesy of goduke.com

Speaking of Singler and Smith, don’t expect them to slow down much. While their numbers may decrease a little, that is more of a testament to how deep this Duke team really is. Their senior leadership and experience will go far in helping this Duke team attempt to repeat. With shooters like Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry knocking down big 3′s this Duke team only needs to answer one question this season. Can they put their egos aside, accept their roles, and gel as well as last year’s team? It remains to be seen, but as a Duke fan…my answer is no doubt about it as long as Coach K is in charge.

This is just an opinion…so please Pardon My Bias.