Is Duke ready to challenge for the national championship?
Steve Wiseman thinks so and makes a strong argument over at the N&O. He points to Duke’s offensive and defensive efficiency (only Duke and Ohio State are ranked in the Top Ten in both) and also to Duke’s improved passing and ability to get to the basket. Vernon Carey is obviously a big part of that and has emerged as one of the nation’s best big men.
He also praises Duke’s ability to move the ball, rebounding, and ball protection.
He might have added Duke’s ability to pressure the ball too, even though that’s a subset of general defense.