The ACC’s Triangle season continues to turn curiouser and curiouser

PHOTO (North Carolina Athletics): Tar Heels freshman Day'Ron Sharpe posted a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds. By TOM SHANAHAN Duke opened ACC play with three consecutive victories but has now dropped a straight trey to level off at .500 in league play following Saturday’s loss at Louisville, 70-65. North Carolina began ACC competition losing two conference games but has rebounded to win five of six with Saturday’s victory over N.C. State, 86-76, that avenged a December loss…

Continue ReadingThe ACC’s Triangle season continues to turn curiouser and curiouser

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

No Zion or Bagley means another year of Duke rotating a deep lineup

PHOTO: Duke associate head coach Jon Scheyer. By TOM SHANAHAN Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski’s reputation has been sticking with the same six to seven players throughout a game and a season. He wasn’t much on going to the bench while advancing to 12 Final Fours and winning five national titles. But last year he was still rotating nine or 10 players into January and February. Maybe 11 if you count the increased playing time for Justin Robinson…

Continue ReadingNo Zion or Bagley means another year of Duke rotating a deep lineup