Gottfried high on the Blue Devils

Mark Gottfried and Mike Krzyzewski are in a mutual admiration society, at least before Thursday's game between their ACC teams in Durham.

Krzyzewski complimented Gottfried's N.C. State team earlier in the week, calling them an NCAA tournament team, and Gottfried returned the favor on Wednesday, calling Duke one of the "two or three best teams" in the country.

"They're a terrific team and they've had a great year. I really like their team," Gottfried said.  "They're certainly one of the two or three best teams in the country, in my opinion."

Duke's 8-2, tied for first in the ACC, and 21-4 overall. The Blue Devils are ranked fifth in the AP poll this week.

The Blue Devils lost two first-round picks to the NBA, in guards Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving, and a two-time All-ACC player in forward Kyle Singler, off of last year's ACC title team. Gottfried is impressed with how Krzyzewski has adjusted and continued to excel with new personnel.

"Think of who they lost and think of where they are," Gottfried said.

State has lost 13 straight at Duke and hasn't beaten Krzyzewski in Durham since 1988. Gottfried said that isn't one of his concerns for Thursday's game.

"There's a lot of streaks that we've inherited that need to change," Gottfried said. "Some already have, some haven't."