Coach K at ease coaching as recruiting rolls on without him

By TOM SHANAHAN Duke basketball fans obviously felt relief to watch the recruiting train continue delivering the goods sans the usual lure of a chance to play “for the best coach in America” – the frequent comment from players announcing their commitment to the Blue Devils. Dariq Whitehead, a 5-star small forward, committed on Aug. 1 knowing he’ll won’t play for Mike Krzyzewski, who is coaching his final season before handing the reins to his top assistant, Jon…

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Joey Baker returns as junior confident he can play Duke’s Long Ranger role

PHOTO: Duke's Joey Baker from the corner. By TOM SHANAHAN The past two seasons Duke’s basketball lineups dripped with NBA first-round draft talent, but both rosters lacked one crucial element to balance the offensive attack. They needed a consistent three-point shooter. Small forward Joey Baker had his moments last year. He was 4-of-5 from three-point range and 6-of-7 from the field in Nov. 29 win over Winthrop; scored 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting while burying his only three-point…

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