When you look at Duke and Stanford, you realize that their is pride at stake. Consider the top schools combining academics and athletics in America. These two rank right up there, along with Northwestern and Notre Dame.

	Duke forward Shane Battier, left, can handle a basketball or a book with equal dexterity.

This Thursday matchup features two coaches who have similar beliefs. They start their foundation by building with blue-chip student-athletes. They have the luxury of getting the best of the best.

Each year there are a certain number of student-athletes who combine excellent grades with outstanding basketball skills. Inevitably, these two schools are on the hit lists of these players. There is prestige in attending these institutions.

Case in point: Michael Dunleavy and Casey Jacobsen. Both super sophs considered these two schools. In the end, Dunleavy picked Duke while Jacobsen ended up at Stanford.

Last year, when Duke and Stanford met in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, Jacobsen got the edge. He played a key role in the Cardinal's victory over the Blue Devils.

This season, Duke has many weapons. One of the most important players is Carlos Boozer, since he provides inside scoring. Sure, you may be screaming about Shane Battier and Jason Williams. Battier is the premier forward in America while Williams ranks right up there among the nation's best point guards.

Boozer is so important in this game because he is one of Duke's few interior, post-up threats. Battier goes out to the perimeter a great deal and stars more as a wing player. If Boozer gets in foul trouble, Duke could have a tough night.

Williams will have to have his "A" game against a Stanford team that presents a solid defense.

Jason and Jarron Collins give Stanford a 1-2 punch to attack Boozer. That could force Duke to go to its bench if Boozer gets into foul trouble.

Another key for the Blue Devils is their fierce, pressing defensive style. Michael McDonald, Ryan Mendez and Jacobsen have to handle the rock carefully. Nobody does a better job of taking advantage of miscues and translating them into a lay-ups than Duke.

The Cardinal added another threat when Justin Davis made his season debut against Sacred Heart on Monday. He provides another scoring threat. Davis may be a bit rusty, but depth could be a factor in this game.

Stanford must have a strong game plan on defending the perimeter. You can't key on just one Blue Devils' shooter. Williams, Dunleavy, Battier and Nate James are all potential big-time weapons shooting the trifecta.

Coach K can also go to the bench for diaper dandy Chris Duhon for a spark. Remember, Duhon can also shoot the three.

There is one word to describe these teams -- UNSELFISH. They play with pride in representing their institutions.

Stanford may not have the same basketball tradition enjoyed by Duke, but you can be assured Mike Montgomery is one of the coaching giants. He will have his players mentally and physically ready to match up with Coach K's kids.

It should be a great contest.