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| 2. DUKE |
LAST YEAR: 29-5 |
'99-00 RANK: #4 |
 Why No. 2?: This was a tough call. The Blue Devils have received play as a No. 1 by Dick Vitale's ESPN Magazine preview. But here's where we differed. The Blue Devils don't have the dominating center in Boozer -- at least not yet. He can be when he wants to be, but Boozer still has to demonstrate that he can shoulder the responsibility as an inside leader. Shane Battier is the most complete forward in the game and a natural leader off the court, but he can't take on the battle alone in the frontcourt. He needs Boozer to play off of unless Casey Sanders is ready to make more of a contribution. The backcourt should be one of the most entertaining groups this season. Jason Williams was sensational for the U.S. in Brazil and against the Olympians in Hawaii. Williams has shed his turnover-prone behavior of the NCAA Tournament and settled into a pro at the point. He makes the right decisions at the right times. Oh, and his backup, or potential sidekick is only Chris Duhon, perhaps, the top freshman in the nation. Any talk of a battle for time was made moot by Williams' offseason play. Mike Dunleavy is healthy again and ready to be the gritty slashing/shooting/do-everything guard that he was at times last season. Nate James may be ready for a Chris Carrawell-like senior year where he emerges simply because it's his turn.
Will Climb If: The Blue Devils get inspired play out of Boozer in the post. If Boozer comes to play every game and Duke can bring Sanders along slowly, then they've got a chance to be a title contender. Sanders, and even Nick Horvath, need more time to develop. Duke won't get many breaks with the Preseason NIT and games against Illinois, at Temple and Stanford.
Will Fall If: The Blue Devils can't pull off the big-time wins like they did after losing the first two games of last season. Having Duhon accept his role is also critical to the longterm success of this team.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"Dick Vitale picking Duke at No. 1 -- excuse me while I gasp in disbelief! Big suprise, does he ever pick anyone else? Anyway, Duke's right where they belong. Awesome senior leadership and incredible talent will keep the Blue Devils in the top five all year long, but they just don't have the front-court strength to make them the No. 1 team in the nation."
Craig Lile, Indianapolis, Ind.
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