Duke basketball has serious cause for concern with positional group

The Duke basketball program has cause for concern after its most recent loss to Notre Dame. 

The hopes of the Duke basketball program to reach the NCAA Tournament are getting worse as each minute passes by each game.

In fact, the Blue Devils might have already missed their chance at landing an at-large bid and could only qualify for the Big Dance by earning the automatic qualifying bid through the ACC Tournament.

There are many factors that have contributed to the poor play of the Blue Devils this season, but one in particular is the question mark that surrounds the forward position, specifically at small forward.

The issues with the position have affected Duke more on the defensive end than the offensive end as the Blue Devils have been able to score at will against its opponents in recent games.

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However, the defense has been abysmal as Notre Dame erased a 15-point deficit to defeat Duke, 93-89.

The Fighting Irish shot 55.2-percent from the field, 44.0-percent from three-point range, and 90.0-percent from the free throw line.

Tuesday afternoon marked the first time since 2009 that the Blue Devils surrendered at least 90 points in two straight home games.

Duke basketball has serious rotational issues

Another major problem with the Blue Devils is that there doesn’t seem to be a true rotation or starting lineup.

Mike Krzyzewski has been known for shortening his bench, finding a lineup, and sticking to it as February rolls around.

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Last season, it was the revelation of Justin Robinson. This year, it might be Henry Coleman, but the rest of the rotation is so messed up that Coleman won’t make that big of a difference in the short term.

A set starting lineup would be a good start for the Blue Devils, but for now, we will just have to settle for a ‘Stock Up, Stock Down’ column.