DURHAM, N.C. -- Last Wednesday's scrimmage wasn't fair. And, if this keeps up, it won't be for a number of teams on Duke's schedule . Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski started out with the feared five he'll put on the floor at the Maui Invitational Nov. 19 -- Jason Williams and Chris Duhon in the backcourt, Dahntay Jones as a small forward, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Carlos Boozer up front.

The "opponent" was essentially the Blue Devils' bench, minus shooting forward Nick Horvath, who is trying to get a sprained ankle healed. Freshman guard Daniel Ewing, who could fit into the rotation as a decent mid-range and 3-point shooter, defensive-oriented center Casey Sanders, plodding reserve center Matt Christensen, reserve point Andre Buckner and a rotation of walk-ons.

	After helping the U.S Young Men's Team win gold this summer, Dahntay Jones (right) could be the key component to Duke repeating as national champions.

The feared five toyed with the bench, running away with a rout before the teams were switched. Everyone in the expected starting lineup can hit a mid-range jumper. Four of the five can make a 3-pointer. Four of the five can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. And Boozer is a beast inside and nearly automatic if he gets in position in the post.

Defensively they're pressing more often, especially with Jones on the court. He's still trying to find his role, likely slashing to the basket and grabbing offensive rebounds, rather than jacking up 3-pointers. But he could, as Shane Battier said on ESPN.com last week, be the one who replaces him defensively in the lineup.

"I love the potential of our team, and in some respects we're more talented," Krzyzewski said of last season's national championship team. "Certainly, we'll miss the leadership of Shane Battier and the play of Nate James. But talent-wise, we're a little bigger, better and more cohesive."

Krzyzewski said Jones was the one player who pushed Battier in practice last season. Krzyzewski doesn't shy away from saying he's Duke's best athlete. He's not too undersized at 6-foot-6 to play a small forward inside and can get low enough in a defensive stance to guard a ballhandler. Finding his niche should come soon enough on the offensive end.

"I'm the hungry one in the group," said Jones, who transferred from Rutgers after earning all-freshman honors in the Big East during the 1999-2000 season. "I haven't had a chance to be on the court to win a national championship. I'm trying to bring that hunger to the floor with my experience."

The Blue Devils are trying to play even more fullcourt basketball. Duhon and Williams look to push the ball the moment they get a rebound or an outlet pass. Even the 6-9 Dunleavy is at ease bringing the ball up court. He's gained 20 pounds, but isn't any slower for it.

"Will use him like we used Grant Hill," Krzyzewski said. "He can play a number of positions. He's one of the top players in the country and will show leadership with Jason that can help this team win the national championship."

	“	I'm the hungry one in the group. I haven't had a chance to be on the court to win a national championship. I'm trying to bring that hunger to the floor with my experience. ”
		— Dahntay Jones, Duke redshirt sophomore forward

Boozer is as confident in his game as he ever has been in his career. The broken foot seemed to re-energize the 6-9 center last season. He averaged 15 points and eight rebounds in the four NCAA Tournament games he played. He led the gold medal U.S. World Championship for Young Men's team with 15.9 points, 8 rebounds and a field-goal percentage of 66.3 percent.

"Carlos' confidence keeps growing," Krzyzewski said. "He's got the perimeter shooting, the ballhandling and he's going to be even tougher to double team in the low post."

Make that, nearly impossible, because of Boozer's ability to pass out of the post and get the ball to Williams, Duhon, Dunleavy or a cutting Jones to the basket.

"We've got everybody coming back except Nate and Shane, and then adding Dahntay is another player who can jump out of the gym means we'll have more experience and be stronger at different positions," Boozer said. "Dahntay gives us even more energy."

But it's the confidence that makes Duke so tough. Duhon and Williams never seem to sweat about coming off a screen and burying a 3-pointer or driving to the basket. Boozer makes it look easier in the post. Jones and Dunleavy are so versatile that they can burn a defender by scoring in a variety of ways.

Ah, but is Duke deep enough? Franky, no. But they don't need to be, barring injuries.

Ewing can play and will add another backcourt player who can score. Sanders and Horvath will be on the court behind Boozer, the former more of a shotblocker, the latter more of a scoring face-the-basket shooter. But when has Duke needed, or gone nine or 10 deep?

Krzyzewski lets his starters play, freelancing within the flow of the game, as long as they're good shots and taken quickly within the offense. They oblige by limiting mistakes, and not slacking on effort. Can other teams mimic this style? Possibly.

"I think they can, but I don't think teams could do it as well as we do it," Duhon said. "We've been in this system long enough and we feel comfortable. We're just playing. It's no set plays. We're just out there playing basketball. But you need a unique group of people capable of shooting, passing, dribbling who all want to play the same style of game."

A game that arguably makes Duke the No. 1 team and the favorite to win the national title.

Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.