Three positives to keep Duke basketball fans happy
By Matt Johnson
Second positive about Duke basketball: THE DEFENSE IS AHEAD OF THE OFFENSE
Mike Krzyzewski mentioned that the defense is ahead of the offense, which is certainly weird for such a young team. Well, thank God for weirdness, because Duke’s team defense has been solid so far.
The Blue Devils are holding opponents to 70.8 points a game, and for having played two veteran top-10 squads, that’s nothing to smirk at. They still aren’t talking and communicating as well as they could be, and something resembling consistent rim protection would be greatly appreciated.
But you have to figure, with time and practice, communication and switch-offs will become more seamless and that Coach K iron out the kinks and figure out a lineup that works.
To the astonishment of absolutely no one, senior guard Jordan Goldwire is the fulcrum and defensive tone-setter. That man is the literal incarnate of the Energizer Bunny, and I’m dying to know what he does to stay in such phenomenal cardiovascular shape.
J Gold has 11 steals already, which outstrips the next closest Duke player by seven. His energy and hands are ready-made weapons that Krzyzewski can call upon at any moment to get the press started and start comebacks (which hopefully won’t be needed too much longer).
Freshmen DJ Steward and Jalen Johnson seem to be apt and ready on the defensive side of the ball, as well with Steward’s on-ball pressure and Johnson’s blocks really standing out.
Keeping opponents scoring in the 60s and 70s is a recipe for success, especially come tournament time. Duke’s offense isn’t helping its defense, though, scoring only a pedestrian 73.5 points a game.
If the Blue Devils can improve their offensive consistency and keep up the pace on the other end of the floor, sunny days should be ahead for the Dukies.