NCAA: Missing Piece For Top Teams Entering Conference Play

Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34), forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15), guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) and Eron Harris (14) during the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 28, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (C) walks on crutches on the court prior to the game against the Elon Phoenix at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Blue Devils: Showing Last Season Wasn’t A Fluke

Not every teams’ weakness is a unit of measurement. Sometimes it’s just about execution.

Duke’s non-conference schedule, as it always is, was loaded with cupcake home games with several neutral-site games mixed in. Unfortunately, only one of those games that was supposed to be key means something right now and even that’s sort of murky right now.

What was supposed to be a impressive slate of Kentucky, VCU, Georgetown, Indiana and Utah turned into doom for Duke. Losing to Kentucky? Ranking-wise, OK, but all that really says is that Kentucky’s freshmen were better than Duke’s freshmen.

VCU is struggling to find its way after Shaka Smart and graduations, Georgetown is a hot mess, Indiana can’t play defense and Utah’s a bit of a mystery as well.

Both losses were against top 50 RPI teams, so that won’t hurt much. What will hurt is the lack of quality wins in the non-conference. Couple that with the loss of Amile Jefferson possibly for the bulk of ACC play and Duke has some things to figure out.

Mike Krzyzewski proved last year that he can win with freshmen leading the way, but can he do it again?

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