DURHAM - As Duke prepares to visit North Carolina on Wednesday, the Blue Devils' players obviously are aware of the Tar Heels' struggles.
Duke (19-4, 7-2 ACC) moved up to No. 8 in The Associated Press' rankings on Monday, and North Carolina is 13-10 overall, 2-6 in the ACC.
"My reaction is, 'What's going on?' " said Duke junior guard Nolan Smith. "Because when I look at them, I know some of their players. I know they are a very talented team. They have guys that are probably going to be lottery picks. It's very surprising to me. But they're a very talented team."
The Blue Devils don't sound like they're taking North Carolina lightly despite its struggles. Forward Kyle Singler said youth might have contributed to the Tar Heels' losing record in the ACC.
"They're just young," Singler said. "Obviously that's what people talk about, that they're young. And they are. They have a lot of talent. You just really can't look at them losing games because they can beat anyone. They've definitely won some good games. So you can't necessarily say they're struggling."
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski also said the Tar Heels are talented, and he expects their best shot Wednesday.
"They're very talented and deep," he said. "They can keep coming at you. (Ed) Davis is one of the most talented players in the country. And (Deon) Thompson is just a seasoned veteran, and so is (Marcus) Ginyard. And (William) Graves is old. So they have a really good blend of veterans and a lot of talented young players. I just think they're a very talented basketball team, and obviously they represent a program that is proud and they have one of the best coaches of all time."
If the Tar Heels were looking for bulletin board material, they didn't get it from Duke's media session Monday. Then again, it doesn't take harsh words to inspire passion in this rivalry.
Comments
ok
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 11:05 — gvillegatryou really don't believe "everyone is a rival" do you? DUIke ought to mop the floor with UNC on wednesday night.
to think otherwise would be foolish and elementary.
"Everyone is a rival"
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 12:01 — JPDOhioThat's right up there with the "Go World" VISA commercials that will pollute the Olympics again starting Friday.
Nobody roots for their home country during the Olympics. We are all just pleased to see all the nations in the world getting along in good-natured competition. Is that "Kumbaya" I hear being sung in the background?
And fans don't root for their team to beat the stuffing out of their rival either. Wouldn't be appropriate.
I expect a good game
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 00:15 — foreverdukeAll this rival stuff if you look at it all teams are rivals no matter who you play. Anyway Duke will respect UNC and I hope they go in there loaded and ready. UNC might be struggling but they are UNC and they will bounce back, I don't like them but I respect them. They will probably play the best game they have played all season Wednesday night. I hope we get the win, I know the team is capable of it. I won't argue back and forth about it or call your coach ugly names, thats not what I like to do. I say have your revenge on the court when you win. Go Duke!
blah blah blah
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 17:11 — TheMambaSTRIKESRatzo has prepped them well to say all that is sugar and spice and every thing nice...
why put out any poster board TRUTH ...let the comatose HOLES...remain that way.....
mamby!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 19:33 — bluecat69bluecat69are u saying that the holes are dead, because they dont have a coach that can motivate them???go duke!!!
The way the rivalry is
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 14:41 — duke_blueThe way the rivalry is between them, I am sure the holes are going to throw everything at Duke that they can to make a signature win.
I hope Duke doesn't take this game as a pushover.
duke-blue
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 19:44 — bluecat69bluecat69did u use the words . holes and pushover in the same sentance??? wonderful isnt it?? go duke !!!!!