Read more about the article Duke on a three-game winning streak after scrapping early-season offense

Duke on a three-game winning streak after scrapping early-season offense

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Matthew Hurt shoots over Wake Forest. By TOM SHANAHAN Two months ago, Duke basketball opened the season ranked No. 8, a projection based on a deep and talented roster. Only its youth prevented a higher level. A month ago, following home losses to Michigan State and Illinois, Duke looked like 10 or 11 jagged puzzle pieces from separate boxes scrambled together, They didn’t fit. Offensive rhythm eluded them. “We are just an average team that…

Continue ReadingDuke on a three-game winning streak after scrapping early-season offense
Read more about the article Duke hoop finds rhythm with three guards; football adds 18 recruits

Duke hoop finds rhythm with three guards; football adds 18 recruits

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): Matthew Hurt drives on Notre Dame. By TOM SHANAHAN They’re some of the top basketball recruits in the nation, but they also are essentially strangers in this oddest of seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed their transition from highlighting individual skills in AAU ball to executing at the Division I college level. The eight days without a game -- following losses at home to Top 10 teams Michigan State Dec. 1 and Illinois Dec. 8 --…

Continue ReadingDuke hoop finds rhythm with three guards; football adds 18 recruits
Read more about the article Duke’s D.J. Steward bringing Chicago football grit to his basketball game

Duke’s D.J. Steward bringing Chicago football grit to his basketball game

PHOTO (Duke Athletics): D.J. Steward By TOM SHANAHAN Duke’s D.J. Steward grew up with the latest Class of 2020 college basketball 5-star recruits in the era of LeBron James. The 21st century also has become increasingly specialized, with trainers at a young for athletes focused on one sport. But the two – James and specialization – aren’t as closely connected as many 18-year-olds might assume. The King, vying for a place on basketball’s Mt. Rushmore with his fourth…

Continue ReadingDuke’s D.J. Steward bringing Chicago football grit to his basketball game