Analyzing the Blue Devils
The Key
Big Three. Duke survived off nights from Kyle Singler (0-10) against Baylor and Jon Scheyer (1-11) against Cal. Can the Devils’ Holy Trinity click against a West Virginia defense that contests every shot?
The Troublemaker
Brian Zoubek. Formerly derided as Duke’s customary big, white, stiff, the 7-footer has emerged as a rebounding machine (10 pg), leading the Devils to a 157-108 edge on the boards in the tournament.
Why they’ll win it all
Coaching, skill, effort. No team in the Final Four can match Duke’s combination of chemistry, experience and talent. No team has comparable perimeter threats or works as hard on the boards or defense.
Why they’ll fall short
Duke can be undone by quickness or physicality (see West Virginia). Mountaineers G Joe Mazzulla (13 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) gave Duke fits in a 2008 NCAA upset. He’ll play a bigger role Saturday.
| Category | The Skinny | Rating |
| Coaching | Coach K has 11 Final Four appearances and he’s won three titles. | 3 |
| Frontcourt | Plenty of size and Singler is skilled. But severe athletic limitations. | 1 |
| Backcourt | Smith and Scheyer have complimentary skills and are battle tested. | 3 |
| Bench | No energy, no punch, but Plumlee brothers provide some inside presence. | 1 |
| Experience | Three senior and two junior starters make Duke the most experienced team in Indy. |
2.5 |
| The rating: 1 – The chink in the armor. Teams must attack West Virginia here; 2 – Not their greatest strength. But also not their weakest link; 3 – If West Virginia wins the title, this will be the reason. |
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