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Friday, March 30
Devilish 1-2 punch makes Duke favorite
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com
Duke isn't a veteran team, not at all. In fact, the Blue Devils might be one of the youngest Final Four teams in recent memory.
That's how scary this team becomes when you consider the Blue Devils enter as the favorite to win the title this weekend in Minneapolis. It also speaks to how good Shane Battier is and what he means to the Blue Devils.
|  | | Jason Williams leads the NCAA Tournament in scoring at over 28 ppg. |
Check the roster. Battier and Nate James are the only two seniors on the roster. Battier is one of the two most valuable players on the team. Certainly, they can't afford to play without him because of his overall defensive presence, ability to knock down the 3-pointer and leadership that almost wills the Blue Devils to win.
James has been just as much a leader by accepting his role as a reserve since Carlos Boozer went down with a stress fracture. James went to the bench, Casey Sanders replaced Boozer and freshman point Chris Duhon
replaced James in the starting lineup.
No one complained.
But look at the rest of the roster. Jason Williams, the most reliable scorer in the nation, is only a sophomore. So, too, are Boozer, Mike Dunleavy and Sanders. Junior forward Matt Christensen and freshman forward Reggie Love might get a few minutes.
"People will never say you are young because you are Duke," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "But I think that is a compliment. I consider us a very developing team, outside of Shane, a very young team. There are not a
lot of great teams, but a lot of good ones. That is why there have been so
many close games. It's been a great year for college basketball. There has
been so much parity."
But few teams have the "A-list" players like Williams and Battier, regardless of age. That's the difference for Duke in this Final Four, just like it has been throughout the season.
If Williams is on, he can score on anyone, at any time in any situation. He can silence an opposing team's run and stretch a Duke lead. Williams' quick hands make him a tough guy to get around. Battier's leadership can't be underestimated, neither can his similar ability to snuff out a rally by knocking down a 3-pointer.
Since Boozer got hurt in the loss to Maryland, Duke became even better with Williams and Battier. The addition of Sanders as a defensive specialist and Duhon in the starting lineup (see: 3s to beat USC) made Duke even tougher to beat. In fact, they haven't lost since Boozer went down and came back to the court.
"What that proves is that coach (Krzyzewski) is the best coach in the country," Williams said. "First we lose our center like that, then we lose to Maryland in a really hard-fought game. For him to stay up all night and find different ways to attack people in different games, I don't think there's any other coach that can do that. I know that our team is really blessed to have him on our side."
And that's why it's no surprise that Duke is in its ninth Final Four under Krzyzewski or that the Blue Devils are 9-1 in regional finals after Saturday's win over USC. And, for what it's worth, every time the Blue Devils have won 33 games (three times in '92, '86 and '99) they have played in the national championship game.
"There are plenty of coaches in the country who stay up all night," Krzyzewski said. "It's easy to do (make adjustments) when you have instruments to use. They really listen, and because of that we win. My staff has done a great job. They relate well to these kids. It's been great for me."
Turning point: Duke was playing pretty well even after losing to Maryland. But the move to going quicker and inserting Duhon and Sanders in the starting lineup when Boozer got hurt seems to be what turned this season for the Blue Devils. The emphasis shifted even more to Williams and Battier and they can handle the responsibility.
Bread 'N' Butter: Williams penetrating for a layup or kicking it out for a 3-pointer to Battier or Dunleavy. Williams pulling up for a 3-pointer on the break or beating his player off the dribble for pull-back jumper.
Red flag: If Duke gets into trouble it will be when Battier and Williams get into foul trouble or are simply off from the perimeter. They've got to hit 3s to win. If they don't, then Maryland, Arizona or Michigan State can beat them.
Mission: Duke's drive comes from Battier. He desperately wants to close out his stellar career with national title. He is as focused as any player in this tournament. His will to win is stronger than most who entered the field.
How to beat Duke: Lock up Williams and Battier on 3s, pound the ball inside and try to make Duke win by going inside.
Andy Katz is a senior writer at ESPN.com.
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