Duke Basketball: 5 Questions the Blue Devils Need To Answer After OSU Drubbing

Duke doesn't lose often, let alone get blown out like they did last night against Ohio State.

After an early run that pulled the Blue Devils even with the Buckeyes, it was all OSU.

What had looked like a confident group in Maui that was gelling in the new season now looked confused and slow (jet lag from their return from Hawaii?).

Coach K's classic post-game words sum up an awful night in Columbus:

"I've had my butt kicked before," Krzyzewski said. "We've kicked some butt. Tonight my butt's sore."

Coming out of last night's 22-point loss, here are five questions that Coach K and the Blue Devils need to answer to get back on track:

Question 1: Who Can Stop Point Guard Penetration?

Aaron Craft did whatever he wanted to do last night.

While Craft is a good player, he is usually known for his defensive capabilities.

The sophomore guard from Findlay, Ohio scored a season-high 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting (3-for-4 from beyond the arc).

He also handed out eight assists.

Craft consistently broke down the Duke defense off the dribble.

I don't care who you are, if you allow your opponent to get into the lane possession after possession, it's going to be a long night.

Curry and Rivers both have the physical tools to be solid defenders, especially against someone Craft's size (6' 2" 190 lbs).

It's more about them making that part of their game a priority.

Question 2: If Ryan Kelly and Andre Dawkins Aren't Scoring, Can They Contribute?

Duke needs Ryan Kelly and Andre Dawkins for more than simply their outside shooting.

Last night, the two juniors looked lost.

Together, Kelly and Dawkins were scoreless, going a combined 0-3 from the field with neither of them attempting a three-point shot.

They never got into a rhythm offensively, and they didn't do much else to make up for it.

Kelly had three rebounds and an assist. Dawkins had one rebound and no assists.  

Duke cannot afford for two upperclassmen to do so little while they are on the court.

When shots aren't falling (or when they aren't even getting shots), these two need to find ways to add to the team.

Last night, they didn't. 

Question 3: Should Thornton and Cook Be Taking One Third of the Team's Treys?

Tyler Thornton and Quinn Cook are both capable playmakers.

They provide a nice change-of-pace when they come into the game.

But how many three-point shots do you want them taking?

Thornton and Cook not only missed all five shots that they attempted from beyond the arc, they looked like they shouldn't be pulling the trigger very often from downtown.

Missed shots are one thing; air balls are another.

Question 4: Was Last Night MP2's Breakthrough Game?

For all that was bad about last night's debacle, Mason Plumlee's 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks may have been a defining moment.

It's not just about those numbers, but who he was going against (Jared Sullinger) and the environment in which he did it (a rowdy road crowd in a big game).

Plumlee has elevated his game. He is playing more confidently and is not waiting for everything to come to him.

He is creating his own opportunities through better positioning and post-up moves.

MP2 needs to become a night in, night-out beast if this Duke team is going to go far.

If he brings what he brought last night to the rest of the games this season, the Blue Devils will have what they haven't had in some time: a legit inside game.   

Question 5: Would a Pick-and-Roll for Rivers Help the Rest of the Team?

I'll answer my own question: YES!

Austin Rivers is more than capable of beating people off the dribble.

He has a killer crossover that you just can't teach.

Unfortunately, when he has the ball in his hands, most of the players on the floor shift into neutral.

They stand and watch.

Sure. It's a good show, but they need to continue to move without the ball when Rivers has it in his hands.

Bringing out a Plumlee to run a high pick-and-roll would not only create some direct opportunities, but would also generate some other dish or kick-out options.

"Rivers Haters" will blame the freshman for being selfish. I don't. It's a whole team thing.

I say that if the other four players are going to stand and watch, they should buy a ticket.