A Disappointing End

By Matt Mikhail | Mar 22, 2017

Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts on the bench during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke’s season, which started with so much promise, came to an abrupt end and now leads to an off-season riddled with questions. Duke ran into a tough and experienced South Carolina team. When the Gamecocks got hot, the Blue Devils did not have enough answers against one of the better defenses in the country.

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This one definitely stings. All year, particularly during the ACC Tournament, Duke teased us with a talented but inconsistent team. Turnovers, foul trouble, and a rare bad game from Luke Kennard ended Duke’s season earlier than everyone expected.

All credit should be given to Frank Martin’s team who thoroughly outplayed Duke. There is little doubt that South Carolina, at least for one night, played like an elite team.

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Amile Jefferson, who has played in more games than any Duke player ever, fought exceptionally hard and played a very good game. It is hard to see him and Matt Jones graduate. Both players, while not as talented as Duke’s long list of All-Americans, leave with exceptional careers as Blue Devils. They were ACC Tournament Champions and National Champions. Let’s hope that every future Duke player leaves behind such a legacy.

As for the season as a whole, this Duke team overcame a lot. Preseason expectations were hampered by countless injuries, an ill-timed trip, and a back surgery for Coach K. In fact, I cannot remember a team that suffered more injuries than this team. Jones and Kennard were the only players not to miss time.

Despite the distractions, the players bonded together and went on an incredible ACC Tournament run. Maybe more importantly, Duke was 2 – 1 against UNC. Let’s try to remember this team for its accomplishments rather than the one crushing loss.

Duke now walks into an off-season full of questions. Do Harry Giles, Luke Kennard, Marques Bolden, and Grayson Allen turn pro? Does anyone transfer? Can the Blue Devils land another elite recruit?

Fortunately, Coach K will be the one answering the questions for at least one more year.

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