The Best Duke Team Since…

Nov 30, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) drives against Army Black Knights forward Larry Toomey (33) in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014-2015 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has the potential to be the best Duke team since the 2000-2001 season.

Some may think it is too early to truly judge how good this years team can be, but the talent and depth on this squad is only going to get better. The hard part in trying to compare teams from previous years is the difference in rules and how so many guys only stay for one year. Lets take a look back at the 2000-2001 team and the season they had.

In the 2000-2001 season Duke beat Arizona to win the National Championship. The team was led by Shane Battier, Carlos Boozer, Jason Williams, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. Not only was the team filled with talent but they had depth as well. Chris Duhon, Reggie Love, and Nate James were also on the roster and played important roles.

Dec 3, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Rasheed Salaimon (14) looks to pass as Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) defends at the Kohl Center. Duke defeated Wisconsin 80-70. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Duke finished the season 35-4 overall and 13-3 in the ACC. They went on to win the ACC Tournament and  eventually the NCAA Championship. The Blue Devils team was stacked from top to bottom. They had dramatic battles with Maryland on four separate occasions and with their most hated rivals, UNC, on three occasions.

As good as that squad was, this years team has the potential to be even better. The best big man in the country, two of the top guards, an extremely athletic wing, the depth, and lets not forget they still have the greatest coach of all time.

What more do you need? Jahlil Okafor is the best big man in the country and he is a true big. He can pass out of the post, play defense, and he can score the ball. He is the consensus number one overall pick in the draft when he enters following the season. Stephen A. Smith said he would be one of the top three big men in the league today.

If you think otherwise go and watch the game versus Wisconsin. He scored 13 points on 6-8 shooting. He is extremely efficient with his shots and rarely takes a bad one. The reason this team is going to be one of the best Duke teams is due to the combination of Okafor and the tremendous guard play.

Dec 3, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) attempts to moves the ball against Wisconsin Badgers forward Vitto Brown (30) at the Kohl Center. Duke defeated Wisconsin 80-70. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

As good as Okafor is, the team is led by Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook. The combination rarely turns the ball over, they control the game, and they play great defense. Tyus Jones has made Quinn Cook a better player now that he is playing off the ball. Tyus Jones spreads the ball around and is more than capable of scoring when he needs to. Tyus Jones is the guy that makes the team go. He pushes the ball every chance he gets but knows when to slow it down and feed the post and get everyone else involved.

The guy playing alongside him is the lone senior, Quinn Cook. Cook is playing at an All-American level through the first eight games. His defensive intensity has increased and the leadership he has provided is invaluable. He can play the point or the off-guard. He is a dynamic scorer who is more than capable of knocking down the 3-pointer or get to the rim and finish or dump it off.

The only other team in the country with as much talent at the guard position is Kentucky. There are other teams with a guard who has equal talent but not many have two guards who are that talented.

Those three players alone would make any team be in the final four discussion. What separates this years team from previous seasons is the depth. Justise Winslow is a dynamic wing player that Duke has not seen in a long time. Winslow can shoot, defend four positions, and is extremely athletic and can finish at the rim in traffic. Some have compared his game to James Harden but with better defensive ability.

To fill out the starting line-up you have Amile Jefferson. He doesn’t have the ability to score at a high level or consistently knock down the open shots but he plays his role well. He drives me crazy at times due to his lack of offense and shooting. What makes him so valuable is his defense and rebounding. He is a captain because of his energy and intangibles. With Okafor playing center, Jefferson finally gets to guard his true position and it is proving to be valuable. He is a tough defender and a tenacious rebounder.

Nov 22, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The Duke Blue Devils celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Stanford Cardinal in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic final at Barclays Center. Duke defeated Stanford 70-59. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The thing that makes this Duke team special is their depth. Matt Jones has stepped int his role and is finally playing with confidence. He comes in to play defense and knock down the open shots. His emergence has sent Grayson Allen farther down the bench and is probably a main reason that  Semi Ojeleye has decided to transfer.

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Now lets not forget Rasheed Sulaimon. He has the ability to play the point and has a unique ability to get to the lane whenever he wants. Rasheed is capable of hitting jumpers and thee point shots off the dribble or off the pass. He can attack the rim and finish among the big men. The one thing about Rasheed that has improved through his years is his effort and his passing skills. He has bought into his new role on the team and is playing tremendous defense. He has played a huge role throughout this season and is expected to come in and make shots and help get the team going if they are struggling to score.

The team fills out with Marshall Plumlee, the third and final of the Plumlee brothers, and Grayson Allen. Both play limited minutes but are able to hold their own when they do get the chance to play. Plumlee provides Okafor with a breather and brings an extra level of toughness to this team. He has a high level of passion that he plays with and gives it his all every second he plays. As the season goes on Allen and Plumlee will continue to develop and their games will grow.

The combination of size, guard play, and depth make this team special. Every time Duke has won a championship it is led by guard play and a big man who can defend the rim. Okafor is the best big man Duke has had since Boozer and Okafor is going to be a better player. Winslow will be better than Dunleavy. The one guy on the 2000-2001 team that was better than anyone on this year’s team is Jason Williams.

As the season develops you will see Duke continue to grow and mature. This team is young and athletic. This team is only going to get better.