From the first game preview:
The Blue Devils will once again need to stress the details of defending the 3-point line against the Panthers. Pitt is 20th in the country in three point attempts and 30th in makes. They are very willing to launch 30-50 3-point shots a game and the Blue Devils need to be mindful of that. Duke especially needs to be aware of Blake Hinson who is a 40% 3-point shooter as well as Guillermo Diaz Graham who shoots it at a 35% clip but is capable of getting hot. Diaz will likely be guarded by Kyle Filipowski so Flip will need to play him as if he’s a guard. That doesn’t mean Diaz Graham will not drive the ball, the 7ft forward has an extraordinary wingspan and is a fluid driver from outside the post. Duke has to pay extra special attention to corner 3’s off of penetration – Pitt can make a living there if the Blue Devil defense is slow or miscommunicates.
Carlton “Bub” Carrington has been named ACC Freshman of the week 4-times and is a tough shot maker. Carrington is not proficient at the 3 but is a very streaky shooter capable of railing off a few in a row. Limiting the freshman guard will be a tough assignment for the Blue Devils’ guard core.
Additional thoughts after the first game:
The Blue Devils defense ruled the day against Pitt in the first matchup. The Blue Devils were able to hold the Panthers to just 32.8% shooting for the game. The Blue Devils also out-rebounded a very good Pitt team 42-26. Conversely, the Blue Devils offense was on fire, shooting 51.8% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. The Blue Devils owned the points-ion-the-paint matchup with a 32-12 advantage.
For the Blue Devils, not looking for a knockout punch early is important. It’s very easy to press when you aren’t seeing the lead against a team you feel you should beat grow fast enough. The Blue Devils need to be patient, efficient and steady. Run things through Filipowski, who has shown when he is doubled he can find the open man. Taking good 3’s is always better than settling for them. Each of Duke’s guards has shown the ability to hit open 3’s if they are taken in rhythm and when those shots aren’t available – Filipowski in the paint or Jeremy Roach on drives.
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