2005 Duke Blue Devils Basketball Preview

2005 Duke Blue Devils Team Preview

The Duke Blue Devils look about as good as a team can look. Seniors J.J. Redick at guard and Sheldon Williams at forward/center are two of the best players in the conference and once again the team from Durham, N.C., has one of the finest recruiting classes in the country. Forward/center Josh McRoberts is considered to have been the top high school recruit in the country and at guard Greg Paulus is thought to be one of the finest point guards. Both are due to start on a team that is always extremely competitive in the NCAA Tournament mix.

With a starting four like that it’s easy to forget about the fifth starter-- DeMarcus Nelson who is as versatile and dependable a player as you’ll ever find. The guys off the bench, like guard Sean Dockery, forward Lee Melchionni, and forward David McClure, are solid players ready and able to step up to just about any challenge.

Consider the fact that the Blue Devils with such a potent team also have one of the most dependable and able coaches in the NCAA. Mike Krzyzewsk, who over the past 25 years at Duke has lost an average of only 7 games a season and in the past 8 years has guided his team to 7 NCAA post-season berths, has an affable, energetic, winning style.

Coach Mike and his staff have outdone themselves this year in the areas of recruiting and retention. To go along with its top starting five this Blue Devil squad has an almost equally talented five off the bench.

One big concern for the club is the departure of Daniel Ewing, who was able to score at will when opponents busied themselves defending against the indomitable Redick. Do the Blue Devils have someone of Ewing’s abilities, who averaged 15.3 PPG last season? Will one of the freshmen be able to do that? If that can occur, then Duke will not only win they’re conference, they’ll have the potential to go all the way.

For more info on the 2005 Blue Devils check out the official Duke athletic site.