I was very impressed with the Duke basketball team in its 81-71 win Tuesday over Michigan State at the Champions Classic in Indianapolis
The Blue Devils showed great efficiency and execution on the offensive end. They shared the basketball and found the open man for open looks at the hoop. I loved the unselfish way they played the game.
They are much better defensively than last season's team because of the post presence of Jahlil Okafor, the diaper dandy whose great size (6-foot-11, 270 pounds) gives opponents problems. Last season, teams were able to score at will inside; that is not the case this time. The Blue Devils also do a great job with their perimeter defense.
Okafor is one of three freshmen starting for Duke, joining forward Justise Winslow and guard Tyus Jones. The diaper dandies loved playing in a game like this, facing a quality opponent. Getting experience in a physical contest, and in a challenging environment away from Cameron Indoor Stadium, will make them better players.
This Duke team has so many weapons. It can beat you at any position on the floor. The depth is outstanding and coach Mike Krzyzewski believes he can play 10 players. Coach K's eyes light up when talking about his three freshmen.
Winslow gives this season's team a different dimension. His size (6-6, 225 pounds), and his ability to score inside and outside, make him a dangerous player up front.
Jones really took charge in the second half against Michigan State. I loved the way he ran up and down the court and showed great passing skills.
Okafor understands how to play. He shows great poise when he is double-teamed and finds guys open when they cut to the basket. He is so skilled; you don't see that from many big men these days. Okafor has a great basketball IQ.
I love his versatility. He has the ability to turn and hit the jump shot, too. He is all about winning and he is so unselfish.
Coach K is not about the scrapbook; he is all about today and getting better tomorrow. Let's face it, schools like Duke and Kentucky are judged by what they do in the postseason and how many banners they can hang up. The definition of success is based on tournament results.
From what I saw on Tuesday night, this team has the potential to make a lot of noise come tournament time.