So, for those who have seen the Dukies this year, what do you think of them? I don't mean "how much will they beat the Johnnies by" but in general, what do you think about their team?
They've rebounded nicely from the loss of Kyrie Irving, have a lot of shooters, and are playing tremendous defense. Let's talk Blue Devils.
Really quick:
Technically, St. John's played Duke tougher than any other opponent at home last year-only a nine point road loss against the would be national champion.
-Nolan is playing like an AA. He's been penetrating as well as at any point in his prep or college career.
-Singler has been solid in all aspects throughout the season. He's skilled, very competitive, and has an excellent motor.
-Mason has found a niche on the team as the designated rebounder, hitting double-digits in each of his last five.
-Kelly, who TK loved, has been on fire the last few games, hitting 18 straight shots at one point. He's a non-traditional big.
-Miles Plumlee has improved his upper-body and weak-side defense, but he's still a work in progress. He said Sean Evans was one of his toughest match-ups.
-Dawkins has been up and down, but is in K's doghouse.
-Curry will be coming off a season-high night against BC. If he's on, it's lights out.
-Thornton has played more recently, primarily in spot minutes behind Nolan and to add ball pressure.
-Hairston has been a non-factor, playing behind Singler and Kelly.