Carrawell likes what he sees from Williams, Worthington sees even more head to head in practice

PHOTO: Duke's Mark Williams was a force in the second half of last season. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN DURHAM – We all remember how Duke center Mark Williams finished last season. The 7-footer spent the first half of his freshman season largely on the bench until gaining significant minutes in the second half. Over the final 14 games – including 11 starts -- he led the Blue Devils in rebounds (6.1), field goal percentage…

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Nolan Smith joins Duke’s staff with proven results

PHOTO: Nolan Smith. By TOM SHANAHANNormally a full season plays out – if not more – for those outside the team to observe what the head coach saw in hiring his latest assistant, but that’s not the case with Duke boss Mike Krzyzewski promoting Nolan Smith.Smith’s behind-the-scenes work last season with freshman Mark Williams not only drew praise from Coach K at mid-season, the results were as obvious as a 7-footer on the court.After Williams, a 7-0, 245-pounder,…

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Duke playing like it is already advancing in the NCAA tournament

By TOM SHANAHAN Duke is another round closer to the NCAA tournament or another round deeper into the post-season, depending on how you how view the ACC tournament. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has his team playing as if the Blue Devils are already in the NCAA tournament and they just advanced to another round. The 10th-seeded Blue Devils defeated No. 7 Louisville 70-56 on Wednesday in Greensboro to advance to Thursday’s quarterfinal round. Duke (13-11) faces second-seeded and…

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