Austin Rivers Hits Thrilling Shot, But Still Bearing Growing Pains

Austin Rivers, at the end of a college hoops spectacular, was mobbed by his teammates, his father, Doc Rivers, among them, went nuts watching his son drill a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to beat rivals North Carolina 85-84 Wednesday night in Chapel Hill.

As the clock trickled, he pulled up, launched a rainbow three-pointer and stunned the Tar Heel folks, taking the air out of a building that suddenly went silent -- an instant classic to send the Duke Blue Devils right back to the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He is, indeed, a true freshman with much promise, choosing to play for an institution where basketball is truly a tradition on Tobacco Road in Carolina.

He could have chosen North Carolina, a school eight miles away from Duke, but he had the motive to play behind legends, the popular athlete on campus until he eventually ventures off for the NBA. As of now, Rivers has NBA qualities, drilling threes from professional range with guard capabilities -- scoring a career-high 29 points after providing the unbelievable finishing touches.

"This is the best feeling I've ever had on the basketball court," Rivers said. "This is the best feeling I've ever had."

And yes, this is one of the best finishes we've ever witnessed in college hoops. This appears to be more relevant, all because it happened during rivalry week, a moment when Duke and North Carolina-- the best rivalry in college basketball -- battled in an epic theater on a night that Rivers generated much buzz after making magic happen in a hostile territory where Duke is always unwelcome on their rival's home court.

And now, after that incredible buzzer-beater, he is most believed for developing into an athletic sensation and perhaps the top young player in the nation. Fitting enough, he plays for a school that produces artistic, admirable guards. The growth of Rivers, a more polarizing player in the nation maybe for the uniform and colors he wears, has led to an abundance of progression in Duke's sudden rise -- in position to be an overweighing factor in March.

In the meantime, he is playing his best basketball and might be the fundamental piece if Duke is indeed in contention during the madness in March. For this young group of guys, it could either turn out as March Happiness or March Sadness, but as we all know, anything is possible in a tourney of underdogs and spectacular basketball. It's a month of surprises, a time that we pencil in our teams on those elusive brackets, predicting on what teams are worthy of the Final Four. The rare athleticism is what separates Rivers from most players, and it wouldn't surprise me if he leads Duke in the NCAA tournament.

Without a doubt in our minds, he is a scorer and that alone tells us he's a star player at a prestigious university, where Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and a well-known basketball program have produced many NBA stars. It's hard to ignore weaknesses, as it might be a mistake not to address Rivers' fundamental flaws often underestimating his deficiencies as a player.


This, then, means he must learn to play within a team and not individually and mature over time. If so, and imagine if he does, Rivers will become the most dynamic offensive player in the nation and will generate buzz all over the country -- maybe even more so that he wears a Duke uniform when the vast majority of its games are broadcast nationally for the world to embrace and see.

What if he does forgo his college career after this season? This is a sampling of a future NBA star aiming for the professional ranks, and Duke suddenly has become a school of one-and-dones. He's the most terrifying and supernatural 18-year-old, reaching his potential at a school where the expectations are largely vital and where losing is considered a failure in the business of tradition and an abundance of legendary athletes who once played for Duke amid historically a few incredible runs. But I have to wonder about Rivers, because in truth, he's a pull up shooter and hogs the ball.

If you can pinpoint his downside, it would be his lack of commitment to play defense, and without him working diligently on defense, Duke is not such a well-balanced, skilled team. There's no denying that he's a flourishing player. The flaws, though he won it remarkably for the Blue Devils, eclipse his strengths, an almost punitive measure to keep him from excelling as the best player in the country.

It's that one shot, the game-winner that might be historic and go down as one of the exciting classics in sports. Good as he is, Rivers must mature a bit if he desires to become an efficient and complete ballplayer in Duke history, taking over for Kyrie Irving as the best athlete on the court. While the product of Duke is exhilarating and fun to watch, in the perfect atmosphere being in the presence of Coach K -- who is a teacher of the game and has cultivated his kids over the years with his craft and brilliance of coaching the game, Rivers still has to improve his shot selection and decision making. The excitement and emotion of Rivers' style on the court is from him pushing the tempo, driving to the rim, and distributing the ball to his teammates for open shots -- a dimensional guard to Duke's offense.

Without him, the Blue Devils are only, at best, an average basketball program. In most ways, he plays the role as a combo guard and his maturation has gently polished. The electrifying shot that everyone raved about immediately after Wednesday night when it took many by surprise -- reducing the volume in a noisy environment -- created enough buzz for one night. And everyone is waiting to see how he produces in March, in what would be Rivers' first NCAA tourney, a chance for him to strive for an NBA livelihood. Or he can opt to stay in school and elevate his collegiate status at Duke, as many before him have done in previous years. It's all up to him. It's his call. But, even though he's somewhat NBA-caliber, he still needs much improvement before he jumps into the NBA.

One shot doesn't confirm that he's ready to take on a tougher, harder task on the professional level. Maybe considering he's ultra-talented player who is a scorer and has ultimately a unique shooting stroke in his arsenal. And that's fine. But he's just inexperienced and an undersized shooting guard at 6-foot-4 who has to play more aggressively on defense. He's far from it, not even close to being a complete shooting guard, nonetheless, a work in progress as a freshman. He has to be more than just a deep-range shooter, if anything, and be well-rounded in every department -- performing through the emotions and getting past the challenges of stiff competition.

It's not the lack of potential or skill that is slowing down his process of establishing himself as the best player in the country, but it's the thought that he hasn't fulfilled much experience and defended his opponents, giving up too many points to the opposing team. Clearly, he committed to the right program and now is playing for Krzyzewski, who has built a bond with his players giving them unconditional love and opportunities to grow as he cultivate and groom his players.

There's undoubtedly a reason that Rivers decided to commit to Duke, not only for the education, but also for the noteworthy program where he can expand his style of play with one of the well-respected basketball coaches. While folks are reliving that thrilling, game-winning buzzer-beater -- Rivers -- and Duke as a whole -- are bearing with growing pains as they adjust to a completely new style. But he may have had his signature moment with a come-from-behind victory over No. 5 North Carolina -- trailing by as many as 13 points in the second-half.

The Blue Devils were on the brink of dropping a conference game against their rivals, but never stopped playing and continued to battle, pulling off a miraculous rally near the end that led to a gratifying finish with 13 seconds left. When North Carolina's Tyler Zeller missed a free throw for what would have been a three-point advantage, it was Rivers who received the ball, and certainly, he hurried down the floor and launched it from the perimeter. Sure enough, it dropped in. This happened after his teammate Seth Curry, who had 15 points, scored a three that cut the lead within four with 1:48 left. And then, moments later, Ryan Kelly hit a jump shot off his own missed three that made it 82-80. That created magic of a celebrated rivalry.

"Obviously this is my favorite win I've ever had in my entire life," Rivers said. "And it's because we were down the whole game. The whole game, we were down. They just kept it on us - 10-point lead, 10-point lead. And then there was 3 minutes left and probably everybody thought we were going to lose, and we just kept fighting. To get a W, it's amazing."

However, he's still a work in progress.

Kemba Walker Is the Star of Madness, As Arizona Raises Fear

It was a game of the most magical explanation, to prove that the Big East may just be fortunate to possess the dominant powerhouses in the tournament. The conference needed and, oh, sustained a flawless tale, as we can pencil in third-ranked Connecticut for the Elite Eight.

The bliss emanated in Southern California because the Huskies secured a 74-67 win over San Diego State in the West regional semifinals Thursday night and clinched a Final Four berth, for its fourth appearance to the national setting. What it means is that the Big East remains alive because the Huskies handled the challenge, hustled in critical moments, stole national attention and embraced the stupendous sensibility of representing the top conference in college hoops.

And Jim Calhoun, well, felt relieved when the buzzer sounded in the end of a nerve-racking, tense evening in a neutral site, where seas of red were easily noticed in the stands to support the Aztecs. Less than two minutes left, when freshman Jeremy Lamb heaved and sharply hit a clutch three-pointer, a portion of the crowd screamed in bliss.

It was total dominance in the end, and maybe it was a case of believability for the Big East, a justification of allegiance for a conference hit with a debate on whether or not the Big East deserves adoration. The evolution of Kemba Walker is increasingly growing as azaleas bloom in the spring and raindrops fall. He looks like an NBA-ready star, or a lethal scorer with no conscience. It's a good thing Walker is wearing an UConn uniform, prominently the top candidate to win the Player of the Year award when he has clearly led the Huskies deep into the tourney.

If the Big East bias shriveled, when only nine schools qualified for the Sweet 16, it was mainly because no star player dazzled like Walker persists in generating emotion and warmth. It's too large a school to be ignored, especially when the Huskies feature one of the brightest stars in the game, a proficient kid believed to be projected as an NBA magnet and seemingly a surefire centerpiece for a lackluster franchise in the association. At this moment, individuals are obsessed with Walker's stellar performances, fully mindful of the high-scoring displays he produce regularly.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can do," said Walker after scoring 12 straight points for UConn in the final minutes. "Whether it's scoring, talking, getting their confidence up or giving an assist, I'm just trying to do whatever is possible to enhance this team."

What is very well-known in the NCAA Tournament, witnessing plenty of upsets and obliterated brackets while stuck in the middle of insanity, is the lingering drama, controversy and unpredictability, only to freak out a number of devoted fans. By this time, every season, that is, we fall in love with underdogs and miracles, including newly stars in the beginning to a compelling upstart.

All season long, intrigued with one of the most intense performances in UConn's storied NCAA history books, Walker hypnotized an immense audience, from his memorable impact to lead the Huskies to breathlessly five wins in five days, earning the Big East tournament title. Its apparent Walker, the skilled junior point guard and arguably the great name in the college game, preserves more than mild attention when he easily forged a signature in one of the singular achievements ever done.

While a player of his brand is a rarity in the game these days, almost as much as he and Jimmer Fredette are seemingly the only two unconscious scorers in the college landscape and, as a result, has stolen the spectacle, Walker is a superstar with promise and can very well translate his sterling shooting, relentless crossover dribble, and angles in traffic on the professional level.

For a season of unpredictability and strange events, Walker has stolen the season and somehow carried the Huskies to seven postseason wins in 11 days. That is rare, for one player with plenty of abilities to take over single-handedly as if he's a superhuman with magical powers, to score and mentally and physically dominate at will, without even rendering signs of fatigue.

Given the team's strengths and weaknesses, along with too much youth and a malicious scandal that tattered Calhoun's reputation a bit with the storied university, the Huskies raised curiosity as for whether or not they can shimmer and hoist the trophy. Walker is too nice of a tale, not to earn respect for such a gratifying season. In that sense, out of respect of course, he is evidently the best player in the tourney and shines largely in clutch situations.


So, while it's not known which team is favorable to win the tournament and place an identity, a modest one, on the university, we know Walker is a fierce competitor and scored 36 points but also was alleviated by his swingman Lamb, who had 24 to remove much of the tension off Walker. By the time he was done scoring on three-pointers, layups and midrange jumpers and free throws that intensified the feverish crowd at the Honda Center, he had decided the game for the Huskies and looked over to the press table and pulled his jersey and shock his head.

Walker, a 20-year old who developed his game on the playground and translated his skilled effort in the gym, becoming a local star on the local campus in Storrs, has averaged 24 points a game while leading the nation with six game-winning shots in the final three minutes.

"He makes plays, and I just shake my head," teammate Alex Oriakhi said of Walker. "I ask him how does he do that. He just says it's God-given ability. He couldn't explain what he does. It's really amazing what he does. He's truly something special."

Yes, he certainly is something special.

It just so happens that he plays with versatility and resiliency, schooling players with his trickery and high intelligence on the court every time. There is clearly a legitimate winner, once and for all, to determine who is worthy of the national buzz, which includes the national player of the year. And the award goes to...Walker.

Well, in retrospect, at least he is well-deserving in a tight race with Fredette, despite BYU's drastic fall to Florida in the Sweet 16 Thursday night now eliminated from the brackets. Yet, on a night one of the sweetest stories were in the making had San Diego State won, he began slow and missed his first four shots. This time, he was sluggish in the first half, but adapted to the defensive-minded Aztecs, a team normally exceptional at hindering star players.

The best thing that happened essentially on a spectacular night was Arizona's 93-77 stunner of Duke, an upset we never imagined and had been publicly announced. The best upset so far was a regal institution being victimized by the unforeseen Wildcats, one where the university from the desert made national headlines and publicly were advertised as the Cinderellas of March, where the 'Cats endured an uncontested battle and shockingly conquered ascendancy.

There were smiles on the face of Arizona forward Derrick Williams by the time he walked off the court, thrilled after capping the coolest victory to qualify for the Elite Eight. Williams, in the eyes of many, was the star of the night when he buried a 27-foot jump shot. But in such an emotional game, the Wildcats trailed by six.

And then, suddenly, Arizona as a whole celebrated in staggering triumph and point guard Mo Mo Jones stood at midcourt and slammed the ball. A few minutes afterwards, he pumped his fist and screamed to the heavens, electrified over the stunner of Duke. For whatever reason, the Blue Devils were sluggish, weren't scary, weren't fearful and the seniors with experience seemed vulnerable and exhausted.

Why?

Don't ask.

A storied team with a history of glorious accomplishments, known as the Blue Devils and college basketball's most prominent program, were bullied like a chew toy and had no response for the roaring Wildcats. Expected to sustain back-to-back glory, the Blue Devils had plenty of elements, many of whom returned from last year's national title class and even a freshman phenom who enhanced the notion of back-to-back happiness with the chances of another title. In one game, where Duke completely collapsed and couldn't match the intensity, balance and firepower of the Wildcats, the Blue Devils were not ferocious but hesitant to exploit a game plan on both ends of the floor, and instead, allowed the Wildcats to crush and steamroll them.

"We earned a lot of respect tonight," Williams said.


The basketball world witnessed the biggest underdog prevail on the greatest of all nights, seeing the Wildcats play like terrifying predators with large fangs and claws, enough to inhibit a pretentious school from reaching the grandest stage. By now, of course, Williams is the heavy talk for leading the stronger team to a transcendent level in the tournament, one win away from a Final Four appearance.

Had it not been for the burgeoning sophomore Williams, the Wildcats probably wouldn't have salvaged its season and could have been packing and sent home. The second half turned into a disaster and Mike Krzyzewski, one of the game's legendary coaches, watched from the sideline weary and perplexed as the Wildcats delivered five minutes into the half.

Later in the half, Jones hit a jump shot to tie the score, collected a defensive rebound and suddenly hit a pair of free throws to give Arizona a lead. From there, unbelievably, the lead punctuated and never diminished when the Wildcats extended the lead on Brandon Lavender's dunk to give Arizona an 11-point advantage.

Soon enough, Williams nearly electrified the building on a tomahawk dunk, bringing thousands dressed in seas of read to their feet. It wasn't long before Jordin Mayes missed a three-point attempt, but Jamelle Horne, a senior forward who committed to the program after signing to play for the legendary name Lute Olson, reeled in the rebound and dribbled to finally levitate and nearly behead Kyle Singler with a mean dunk that pretty much decided the outcome.

There was Olson in the stands, witnessing Arizona coach Sean Miller follow his footsteps and simply employ his creations into the modern generation, staring proudly at Arizona's latest restoration and the 'Cats scoring 19 of the next 21 points in the second half.

And while Duke took an early exit, for unexpectedly struggling, the Wildcats played fearlessly and it helped their cause. The immeasurable reliability of Kyle Irving, Duke's freshman guard after coming off the bench, posted 14 first-half points on five of six shooting.

The only thing is that it wasn't enough to overtake the underdogs for which Arizona wore the class slipper and, quite fittingly, forged a transcendent story, just as much as Walker has done for the Huskies.

To a Nation Disliking a Regal Institution, Duke Are National Champs

With all apologizes to those residing eight miles away from Durham, NC or even those bitter critics hating an institution for its prestige and arrogance, now is the time to accept the Duke Blue Devils and respect what they have accomplished in a bittersweet tournament.

Here in America, one of the regal universities withstands disdain each season as skeptics scorn well-educated athletes with pure athleticism.

It figures that Duke confronts antipathy more than any other collegiate program, belittled and strongly targeted when the nation senses and postulate goodness by a school disparaged.

Never mind it being a well-educated, bright campus with student-graduates. Never mind it being a superior school, fulfilling a strong commitment with an academic agenda.

Never mind it being an environment where many student-athletes have raised their status and obtained a lifelong dream by making a transition to the NBA.

Needless to say, people across the nation despise Duke.

Except now, we must live with the perception that the Blue Devils are national champions, celebrating after a bittersweet win and cutting down the nets in Indianapolis ruining a beautiful sequel.

It’s unusual that a cute sequel ends with humanity and reality, in which Butler fell short of originating its own ‘Hoosiers’ script, but encountered its stiffest competition and was vulnerable to perish against Duke.

Earlier in the year, the Blue Devils struggled to win games, dropping a serious quantity on the road, which many thought meant that they weren’t qualified to return to the national stage or earn a Final Four berth.

Finally, late in the season, Duke lifted its swagger and rode a hot winning streak, taking pride in a sport the population are accustomed to.

Every Spring, Duke’s students and alumni expect the Blue Devils to dominate the tourney, rise to the occasion, and inherit national titles.

Yet the animosity surrounding a splendid program in college hoops, it will always foil an entire university.

Viewed as villains, Duke is accustomed to and fine with the pathetic bashing of haters and doubters, particularly when the Blue Devils are known as champions, cutting down nets, hoisting trophies, watching confetti fall from the rafters at Lucas Oil Stadium, and lastly, getting the last word.


At this point, Duke has prevailed smearing a near-miracle and feel-good story. It doesn’t take an envious or angry individual to postulate that the Blue Devils have returned to prominence.

To some extent, no one deserves more nods than Mike Krzyzewski, the one coach proclaimed as an evildoer and berated in collegiate sports. For the first time in nine years, he measured up to conventional standards and guided the Blue Devils to a national title.

For the first time in a long time, he celebrated with his players, smiled with his players, and cut down a net to finish a season on good terms.

By example, Coach K is one of the greatest role models in the game, a mentor athletes idolize and adore playing under. He’s not the root of all evil or a hideous villain, and though it may seem like he’s a scoundrel, he demands physical and mental toughness from his players, teaching all of his athletes useful principles to advance and establish a knowledgeable future outside of basketball.

He’s disliked even though he runs a legit program, with no criminals or one-and-done players.

It’s a rarity anytime his players depart as underclassmen for the pros.

After all, not everybody loathes Coach K. For instance, most of his players contemplates before making a transition to the next level, unsure of their status and zests an opportunity in playing for an adviser and perfectionist.

With the Butler feel-good story, it was a way to root against Duke.

This loss marks a disappointing finish in a classic championship, a near-close win to upset the world’s most hated program.

This was a redemption stage, a moment for Krzyzewski to plead a case. He finally was successful advancing past the Sweet 16, after people pointed the finger and blamed him for constant struggles and failures.

He has called this the most exciting team he has ever coached, proud to have had the privilege of molding a talented group of guys.

Whatever the ill-tempered population thinks of Krzyzewski, with each of his players he has developed a strong bond and a relationship that has been contagious for years.


In a game that will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, ending one of the most surprising and craziest runs in college basketball, Duke survived the madness.

The irony is some are jealous of Duke’s history and exaltation, jaded hearing the Blue Devils mentioned as the Gods of college basketball.

By now, most college basketball loyalists are discontent with the finish. Given that Duke was the greatest No. 1 seed to reach a majestic platform, they were almost victimized and suffered the biggest upset in collegiate sports.

While Butler earned respect from all those critics scorning Duke, fortunately the Blue Devils preserved a title.

If the shot Gordon Hayward launched from 50 feet dropped in without hitting the backboard and bouncing off ending a miraculous season with a heartbreaker, instead Duke would be taking the criticism.

The Bulldogs had nothing to lose, while the Blue Devils had much to lose. This is rated as a traditional and winnable program with high expectations, in which winning each season is vital.

There were Duke fans in attendance, taking part in an incredible finish.

When the buzzer sounded an estimate of 6,000 wearing seas of blue sighed relief and roared, all electrified to survive a nerve-racking evening of competitive basketball.


In many ways, Duke is ripped and hears malign bickering for comprising of the highest budget in the sport, at $13.8 million yearly.

But we witnessed one of the greatest Duke teams in history, a team with unity, tenacity, and heart. Throughout the years, Duke has had big-name athletes such as Jay Williams, Carlos Boozer, Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and J.J Redick, quality players that have elevated their games on the NBA level, becoming high-caliber superstars.

“This team will really be brothers forever. It’s as close a team as I’ve had,” Krzyzewski said. “You want great things to happen for people who are great with us. I mean, they’ve been spectacular to coach. I’m ecstatic about it. I can’t tell you how happy I am. They have suffered from comparisons, which shouldn’t happen. It absolutely shouldn’t happen…It’s a different landscape. They haven’t been given credit along their careers for what they are doing or for what they are trying to accomplish. I’m really pleased for them, especially my senior class. They’ve been great kids to coach and true competitors along the way.”

Perhaps, winning the national championship is a good way to leave on top as a senior. Not too many college athletes are privileged to depart their senior year on top. But it’s not the case for center Brian Zoubek, Lance Thomas, or Jon Scheyer, whom all will leave with great memories and ecstasy. In the last three seasons, they battled much adversity, but stayed together as a cohesive team.

Despite their travails, much of the year we saw the Blue Devils legitimize their talent. The unstoppable three-point shots that Scheyer buried were extraordinary, extending leads and taking over when necessary.

They also excelled with Zoubek’s ability to take advantage of his muscular body grabbing rebounds in traffic and organizing second-chance points.

Yet the players are running the hardwood and making incredible plays, much love goes to Coach K, a father-figure who has done a wonderful job assembling and developing young stars.

And, of course, that gives all of us reason to hate the Blue Devils, glancing at a remarkable track record and seeing them in the tourney every year. That's an explanation to Duke’s triumph, coached and taught under a powerful man with the desire to stand as the games perfect model.

His book is called “The Golden Standard," a story which talks about his experience while coaching Team USA basketball.

Honestly, it’s hard to dislike Coach K, someone who’s a good role model and kind citizen, living the true meaning of humankind. Hate all you want, but Duke was good all along.

Whether You Like It or Not, Duke Lives with Hate

There’s a way to describe the Duke Blue Devils. It’s a prestigious institution wrapped in much mystique, and proclaimed as the school of all villains. Why?

For years, we’ve disdained a campus in an environment arrogance makes a strong impression, scrutinized either for its collective win total or overbearing personality that a majority of the nation cannot stand one bit.

But here in America, it’s not surprising that people either envy or hate a school for all the attention and worshipping it collects. This nation loves to hate Duke, glaring senselessly at the program as if they are harming college hoops. This writing isn’t to personally attack Duke, but it’s to notify students and alumni that it’s the most hated team in the nation.

Exactly why are we forced to glance at the evildoers of college hoops Monday night, the archenemies the country wanted to fall in the early stages of the NCAA tournament? It’s not exactly what everyone anticipated, unless you are that someone with their eyes glued to the television, rooting on the Blue Devils from Durham, North Carolina.

Here we have a cute fairy tale, as a villain tries to spoil a feel-good story. No disrespect to Butler, the cutest storyline in the NCAA tournament after winning its first ever Final Four in school history, which seems in jeopardy. So there’s a scheduled meeting with Butler and Duke, an unfriendly and hostile date with lingering bitterness, which has provoked a controversy.

To some extent, mostly everyone hates the Blue Devils for its tremendous credibility and prominence. If there are some things to dislike about Duke, maybe it’s Dickie V, the passionate ESPN analyst and sports announcer bracing and divulging his deepest love to the Blue Devils. Every time you listen to him communicate, he’s normally genuine and emphatic, but most disgruntled sporting devotees deny Duke’s physical and mental toughness, blatant and malicious to its sudden rebirth. It’s apparent that its brand name turns populace off drawing much antipathy as well.

Simply, no one cares about the Blue Devils, in hopes that they’ll lose to an elite program from a small school located in northern Indianapolis. For years, Duke has been targeted and singled out. For years, Duke has been teased and mocked. Why must the average fan give them such a hard time? The program itself has been getting lambasted for decades, because of its pompous attributes and unlikable standards. Such is its craftiness, its athletes, its demands, and its rituals.

These days, when Duke advances to the Final Four or the national championship game, bitter fans are disappointed and tired of the Blue Devils absorbing the spotlight. Come now, the cultural standpoints of hating a very talented and educated program still remains. At a school that takes in much pride, animosity is inevitable, but cannot affect their splendid game plan of late.

You can argue that Duke is the best team, when the Bulldogs are the biggest feel-good story in the tournament. All the drama humiliating the Blue Devils will either make them or break them down. But come to think of it, Duke normally functions whenever haters and disbelievers expect ill-results from a resilient and relentless team, craving another national title.


At this point, Mike Krzyzewski, who has had led Duke to a total of 11 Final Fours, including seven in the last nine seasons, is the root of all evil. He was berated in The Indianapolis Star on Friday, where an image of himself with devil horns was seen on the front page.

“It’s very juvenile,” said Krzyzewski, the man with a hardwood floor named after him. “We have great kids who go to school. They graduate. If we’re going to be despised or hated by anybody because we go to school and want to win, you know what? That’s a problem.”

With all due respect, Coach K has molded and mentored his student-athletes. Notice most of his kids decide to remain in school without forgoing their junior or senior year, not in a hurry to chase the cash at the next level. He encourages his players to weigh their options before making a transition to the NBA. And rarely do his student athletes leave as one-and-done players.

For instance, Lance Thomas, a smart and gifted 6’8” senior opted to return and has benefited, now competing to win a national title and depart on top. Same goes for Jon Scheyer, the senior guard with the ability to bury three-pointers and take command in the scoring column. He’s a primary reason the Blue Devils have driven this far, making critical plays in the games, which uplifts morale and prevalence.

Is that another reason Duke is hated so?

If so, it’s pure ignorance and jealousy.

Maybe it’s an overbearing program, with brainwashed athletes. Maybe they honestly believe no team in the nation is capable of beating them, overtaking them, or even embarrassing them. Like it or not, Duke has revisited the national landscape matching familiarity with Coach K implementing a teachable perception and defensive standards. His potent roster over the years has transformed and reestablished, becoming America’s nuisance and winnable program. The local newspapers’ editors apologized to Coach K and his wife for its heartless reactions earlier in the week.

More than anything, hating Duke comes as no surprise. Perhaps you hated them since Laettner fired his electrifying buzzer-beater, you hated them since Grant Hill emerged as a legitimate star, you hated them since J.J Redick become the all-time scoring leader.

Is there anything else? Yes, you hated them since Coach K came along, taught, and mentored by the former coach we all admire greatly, Bobby Knight, even though he scolded his players, threw temper tantrums on the sideline, and crazy tirades at postgame interviews.

I cannot recall such reaction by Coach K.

There’s nothing personal, it’s just the program he coaches and runs.

Sadly, everyone hates Duke.

Don't Discount Duke: Blue Devils Experiencing a Rebirth Entering NCAA Tourney

They can win it all, steal the spotlight in the NCAA tourney, and shimmer as the traditional team in college hoops reliving a proverbial convention.

Such is the rebirth of the Duke Blue Devils, a prominent program that is used to prevailing in March and sparking a dynasty, perhaps the most distinguished dynasty in all of sports.

Every now and then, Duke is viewed as an inferior team. But rarely are the Blue Devils downgraded, a demanding program vowing success and reverence each season. If there’s a down season, it’s a damned shame to an athletic program expecting to clinch a No. 1 seed and advance to the Final Four.


With all the ignominy in recent memory, which delayed euphoria, Duke wasn’t the hottest team entering the tournament, nor the most talented. What’s seen at this point is a Duke rebirth, turning into a ravishing nuisance as a No. 1 seed in the toughest region.

The good news is the Blue Devils are playing their best basketball in a long time. But the bad news is they’ll have to confront gritty bouts within a neutral site by staying composed and elevating their mojo.

For all the endless debates about Duke receiving the third overall No. 1 seed, most failed to realize that the Blue Devils are vulnerable of suffering a disheartening exit. It’s appealing to see whether Duke is the team to be reckoned with in the competitive, tight, and tense South Regional.

Winners of four consecutive games, including 12 of their last 13 games after a troubling January, the Blue Devils are favored to survive a significant fight. Therefore, a loss would come as no surprise, especially when probably facing two Big East powerhouses.

Being in a weaker ACC conference, where Duke struggled on the road, they haven’t really matched up against tougher teams from the Big East, arguably the stoutest conference in college hoops.

Meanwhile, their ripple effect is the difference of late, persuading the people of Durham, North Carolina to take pleasure in the thrilling return to prestige. The renewal of Duke is a symbol of good fortune after winning its conference title and pummeling in-state rival North Carolina, who missed the tournament, to take over bragging rights.


Turns out Duke is the feel-good story finding new life on Tobacco Road, a beginning to a usual dynasty, if the Blue Devils advance through all the obstacles expected to create anguish.

Admittedly, they also have a great coach conducting the most prestigious program in college sports. The brilliancy of much-respected and winningest coach Mike Krzyzewski has kept an admirable athletic program intact, even though a rebuilding stage placed a stranglehold on and perturbed an entire population devoted to basketball.

Other than grooming and influencing talented players to commit, he has earned much of his credibility after installing a defense-oriented style and a winning personality. That said, much of the players are comfortable playing within his coaching system, taught to implement unselfishness and teamwork.


If there’s one team being overexposed and anointed roughly in the field of 64 teams, it’s not Duke, the hottest team excelling at perfect timing. As a team the Blue Devils aren’t worth ignoring, led by the highest-scoring trio in the nation.

If you’ve paid close attention, you’ve seen senior guard Jon Scheyer fire scorching shots. You’ve seen Nolan Smith fly to the line and create ideal ball movement. You’ve seen Kyle Singler have the best season of his collegiate career. You’ve also seen the emergence and tallness of Miles and Mason Plumlee disrupt opposing teams' interior games.

After winning for a decade, it’s again a glance at familiarity in which Duke has an almighty origin, established to capture an immediate objective the next three weeks.

More startling than themselves are Villanova, Duke’s biggest threat during a magical surge, as well as the Louisville Cardinals. That’s hard to predict when the Wildcats are erratic, but they rode an 11-game winning streak earlier in the season. If Duke were to meet Louisville in the second round, it’s understandable the contest would generate hype as Coach K meets Rick Pitino, the hippest coach around.

Lots of people think this is Duke’s year. Certainly, the team mascot assumes the same wearing tape on his forehead that reads, “WE’RE BAAACCK!”

Maybe there’s some truth to that.

Mystique, Tradition, Mayhem: This March Has The Makings of Epic Madness

Everyone has waited for all the mayhem, which is looming closer titillating all basketball devotees to fill out brackets, keep their eyes clued to the television and unite together in a tight room rooting on their alumni or college team. One team will survive within a tournament of 64 teams, of course, seeking to bust someone’s bracket and emerge as the next Cinderella team.

Each year, a fascinating twist creates an epic tale, forcing everyone to watch a breathtaking ending to a magical story, navigated by a sleeper or an underdog that was least expected to make a convincing surge.

What we love about March Madness is the unpredictable reactions, a mesmerizing scene and electrifying finishes. This hasn’t been the most brilliant season, seeing the likes of UCLA, Indiana, UConn, and North Carolina miss the tournament. It’s a rarity, whenever a program is known for its mystique and tradition, but misses the tournament.

Either way, that is, I’ll utter the words of Dickie V. “Yeah, Baby!”

The greatest tourney in all sports is amid a dramatic countdown, awing all people across the nation to fill out elusive brackets and join pools at work.

Whether their bosses scold them near the water cooler or even at their desk for wasting much time in front of the computer curious of which team pulls off the upset or which No. 1 seed survives a decisive contest, March Madness is an extravaganza and one sporting tournament, hijacking our consciousness until the Final Four takes place in early April.

This year, the emergence of Kentucky’s John Wall and Evan Turner musters attention, both recognized as a feel-good story within two programs that were mired in disarray a year ago for underachieving. Its entire mystique was ruined, based on the failures at two schools recognized greatly for basketball and dominating the tourney in March.

But nowadays, it seems the Two K’s repossess top-seeds, returning to normalcy and balancing a ritual the Bluegrass State and the Sunflower State are accustomed to embracing. However, you cannot please all teams.

In fairness, some teams deserved a shot at contending in the biggest dance, but the committee tried handling a difficult task responsibly. There weren’t signs of favoritism, I hope. Or were there indications of giving the teams with values and tradition, a better seeding?

Duke was rated a spot higher than Syracuse when the No. 1 seeds were unveiled. To me, the Orange played in a tougher Big East conference, to whereas the Blue Devils struggled to pull off must-needed victories on the road in an undermined ACC conference.

Another argument worth screaming about is West Virginia, the Big East tournament champs, claiming a No. 2 seed, undervalued by Syracuse and the devastating injury of senior center Arinze Onuaku. The section committee chairman Dan Guerrero is catching heat, after disregarding acceptable schools such as Mississippi State and Virginia Tech.

The final six teams selected in the field of 64 teams, such as UTEP, Minnesota, and Missouri were lucky based on how well they played in their conference tournament. If so, why Mississippi State never earned a bid?

Very interesting!


Aside from all the pontificating and debating on which team should’ve earned a berth to the big dance, even greater, the Madness will be tense and thrilling. In what is set to be an epic theater, we embrace a shining moment wondering which team is this year’s George Mason, Western Kentucky, or Davidson. Rarely ever is March disappointing, but becomes the month of fools, perhaps, early then April.

None of this is overexposure, but a moment for us to relish sports in a different way as teams defy the odds. It’s certainly more enthralling the NBA, a league that has become dull over the years, with its usual format.

The best-of-seven format doesn’t implement enough suspense and thrills, as the NCAA tourney. Each year, you never know what is bound to happen within an erratic sporting event that incites a large debate and bracketologists to intermingle with the biggest showdown in college sports.

If tournament week was any indictor, we’ll predict New Mexico is a sleeper out of the Mountain West conference. How about Cornell, a team from the Ivy Leauge?

Quite fittingly, the glass slipper may actually fit on the feet of a team that has buried more three-pointers than any other team in the field of 65. Settling for an average of 9.8 per game, Cornell is a dangerous out, regardless of facing Temple, an unselfish and deepest team in the Atlantic 10 conference.

The Owls are capable of slowing down Cornell’s three-point game, and taking them out of their comfort zone. But take a closer look at Houston and Siena, too. If there’s one Cinderella team in the tournament, Siena has a chance to ruin brackets.

You’ve been warned, pick the Saints to advance pass an ailing Purdue in the first-round. By losing star player Robbie Hummel to season-ending knee injury, the Boilermakers weren’t nearly as powerful in the Big Ten tournament.

Each year, there’s a new personality in the tournament and the field of 64 teams. This year, the menaces are all the No. 1 seeds, craving and coveted to reach the biggest stage at Indianapolis. Reminder to all folks filling out a bracket, Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse and Duke are tenacious and vigorous in advancing to the Final Four.

Let’s give our thumbs up to committee for granting the Jayhawks a No. 1 seed. With the exception of Bill Self, point guard Sherron Collins, center Cole Aldrich, shooting guard Xavier Henry and twins Marcus and Markieff Morris, you could be starring at the bottomless team in the nation, a team destined of the Final Four.

In conversions to break out amid the tourney, are Georgetown and Maryland, courtesy of the National Player of the Year nominees in Hoyas’ center Greg Monroe and Terrapins’ guard Grevis Vasquez, both experienced star players with tremendous talent.


It’s tough to call, having the powerhouses of the SEC in the mix. The Kentucky Wildcats are groomed and cultivated by the cleverness of John Calipari. Based on his history, he has prepared his teams for big games.

So rather the Wildcats are too young and inexperienced, his coaching method may strengthen and encourage Wall and DeMarcus Cousins of uplifting their performance. As we know, Wall is lightening quick and Cousins takes advantage inside the interior with his muscular body and wingspan to collect boards and tip in a shot before the end of regulation expires.


Is it a new dynasty for Duke? Seems Mike Krzyzewski has the Blue Devils on the right track. But in what seems to be the most vulnerable team in the South region, the boys from North Carolina are the hottest team near Tobacco Road winning four straight games and 11 their last 12 games.

It’s an understatement ignoring the Blue Devils, with the highest scoring trio in the nation. Guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith and forward Kyle Singler are the difference in Duke’s ideal winning streak.

Meanwhile, facing Louisville and Villanova later down the road, could spell trouble.

What has the makings for the best storyline early in the sporting year, March Madness has the makings for the greatest epic classics in sports.

We’ll certainly watch.