When: Friday, Nov 20 7 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617/23,500)
TV: FSN, ESPN Full-court, ESPN 360
Clemson Athletics
Clemson Forum - Scout
The Block "C" - Blog
UNCG Athletics Preview
Spartan Notes:
- Last time out, UNCG came up short in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech 59-46. The Hokies used an 11-0 run midway through the second half the hold off UNCG's upset bid. Kyle Randall and Mikko Koivisito led UNCG with 10 points each. Ben Stywall pulled down 8 rebounds. 23 turnovers really hurt the Spartans' cause.
- This will be UNCG's first game in their new home, the Greensboro Coliseum. Even though it can seat up to 23,500, it will be configured for most games to hold 7,617 fans.
- Through 2 games, Ben Stywall leads UNCG in points (12.5) and rebounds (8). Freshman Kyle Randall is averaging 9.5 points and team leading 3 assists.
- So far this season, UNCG is shooting 37.8% from the field, 31.8% from behind the arc and 58.6% from the free throw line.
Tigers Notes:
Last time out, Clemson thrashed Liberty, 79-39, in an odd 10 am game. The game was part of ESPN's "24 hours of basketball" promotion. David Potter led Clemson with 17 points as the Tigers hit 10 3 pointers in the game and caused 28 Liberty turnovers.
- Clemson is currently ranked #22 in the AP poll. The Tigers are just one spot lower, at #23, in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
- Last season, Clemson went 23-9 and lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
- Clemson was picked to finish 3rd in the ACC this year. Trevor Booker was voted 1st team All-ACC (he was 3rd in Preseason POY voting).
- The Tigers have won 28 straight games in November and haven't lost a November game since 2004.
- Clemson lost 3 of their 5 starters from last season. Only Booker and Demontez Stitt return.
- The Tigers are averaging a ridiculous 19 a game through their first 2 games.
- Currently, Potter leads Clemson in scoring (12.5) while hitting 70% of his 3 point attempts. Booker is averaging a double-double with 11.5 point per game and 10 rebounds per game. Stitt and sophomore Andre Young are both averaging 4.5 assists per game.
- On the young season, Clemson is shooting 45.6% from the field, 44.4% from 3 point range and 62.5% from the free throw line.
My Thoughts:
The Spartans have one more game in the ACC gauntlet before taking a little break. UNCG will need to value the basketball in this game to have any chance. Plus, they will have to keep Clemson from getting a lot of transition looks at the basket.
The Tigers stats jump of the page. These guys are "scary" good and have already blown their first 2 opponents out (one on the road). Hopefully, UNCG can feed off the energy and excitement of playing at the coliseum in front of its home crowd. If that can happen, maybe the Spartans can be in it at the end.
Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Spartans Fall Short in Blacksburg
UNCG 46- Virginia Tech 59
News & Record
Roanoke Times
UNCG Athletics
Va Tech Athletics
There were four lead changes and the score was tied 8 times last night. However, an 11-0 Virginia Tech run midway through the second half sealed the Spartans fate. A good first half that saw UNCG head to the locker room tied at 26, was follow by a not-so-good second half that saw UNCG struggle to score 20 points.
Positives
- Big D --- UNCG played tremendous defense throughout the evening. Their zone defense forced the Hokies to jack up a lot of 3's and only hit 1 (1-13, 7.7%).
- Mikko --- After a super quiet game in Durham on Friday night, Mikko Koivisto had a solid game. His 2 first half 3's sparked UNCG.
- Rebounding --- UNCG out rebounded Virginia Tech 38-37.
- Road toughness --- For the second straight game, UNCG showed some toughness and moxie by playing hard (and in this case being very competitive) in a tough environment.
Negatives
- Turnovers - 23 turnovers leading to 27 points. A lot of the turnovers weren't really forced ones either. Unfortunately, UNCG will see a lot of pressure defense on Friday when Clemson pays a trip to the coliseum. Hopefully, Coach Dement can get the guys to clean up that problem quickly.
- Opposition offensive rebounds --- While UNCG did a good job out rebound Va Tech, they did give up a bunch of offensive rebounds (18). This was a problem in game #1 and was a problem again last night.
- Offense --- The Spartans shot 35.3% (29.2% in the second half) in Blacksburg and 40% last Friday night at Duke. At some point the offense needs to come alive. Now, I'm sure that playing ACC competition has an awful lot to do with the low production numbers. Maybe getting to shoot in a familiar gym will help with the percentages in the coming games.
News & Record
Roanoke Times
UNCG Athletics
Va Tech Athletics
There were four lead changes and the score was tied 8 times last night. However, an 11-0 Virginia Tech run midway through the second half sealed the Spartans fate. A good first half that saw UNCG head to the locker room tied at 26, was follow by a not-so-good second half that saw UNCG struggle to score 20 points.
Positives
- Big D --- UNCG played tremendous defense throughout the evening. Their zone defense forced the Hokies to jack up a lot of 3's and only hit 1 (1-13, 7.7%).
- Mikko --- After a super quiet game in Durham on Friday night, Mikko Koivisto had a solid game. His 2 first half 3's sparked UNCG.
- Rebounding --- UNCG out rebounded Virginia Tech 38-37.
- Road toughness --- For the second straight game, UNCG showed some toughness and moxie by playing hard (and in this case being very competitive) in a tough environment.
Negatives
- Turnovers - 23 turnovers leading to 27 points. A lot of the turnovers weren't really forced ones either. Unfortunately, UNCG will see a lot of pressure defense on Friday when Clemson pays a trip to the coliseum. Hopefully, Coach Dement can get the guys to clean up that problem quickly.
- Opposition offensive rebounds --- While UNCG did a good job out rebound Va Tech, they did give up a bunch of offensive rebounds (18). This was a problem in game #1 and was a problem again last night.
- Offense --- The Spartans shot 35.3% (29.2% in the second half) in Blacksburg and 40% last Friday night at Duke. At some point the offense needs to come alive. Now, I'm sure that playing ACC competition has an awful lot to do with the low production numbers. Maybe getting to shoot in a familiar gym will help with the percentages in the coming games.
Monday, November 16, 2009
UNCG (0-1) @ Virginia Tech (1-0)
When: Tuesday, Nov 17 7 pm
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: None
Virginia Tech Athletics
Virginia Tech Forum - Rivals
Virginia Tech Forum - Scout
Tech Sideline Forum
Tech Hoops
UNCG Athletics Preview
Spartan Notes:
- Last time out, UNCG fell to Duke 96-62 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Ben Stywall led the Spartan with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman Kyle Randall led the Spartans with 4 assists.
- UNCG had 9 players play double digit minutes in the season opener.
- UNCG shot 40% from the field, 33% from behind the arc and 55.6% from the free throw line in the opener.
- Elhanan Bone is questionable for this game.
Hokies Notes:
- Last time out, Virginia Tech defeated Brown 69-55. Malcom Delaney led the Hokies with 21 points.
- Virginia did a great job of taking care of the ball in its opener. Virginia Tech only turned the ball over 8 times and dished out 15 assists (1.9-to-1 Assists to TO ratio).
- Virginia Tech lost its leading scorer from a year ago to graduation. A.D. Vassallo averaged 19.1 points last season. However, the leading rebounder (Jeff Allen) and leading assists man (Delaney) did return for this season.
- In the season opener, Virginia Tech shot 46.4% from the field, 41.2% from behind the arc and 55.6% from the free throw line.
My Thoughts:
UNCG has never played well against Virginia Tech. However, their height advantage doesn't even get close to the advantage that Duke held over the Spartans. Cassell Coliseum is a tough place to play. Again, though, the Spartans played in an even tougher place on Friday.
UNCG's freshmen played well at times against Duke and left fans with reason to feel optimistic. It will be interesting to see how they follow up that performance. At a glance, UNCG didn't appear competitive with Duke. But those of us that actually watched know it was a 16 point game with about 10 minutes left before the Blue Devils went on one of their patented runs to bury UNCG.
Virginia Tech didn't overwhelm their first opponent this year. The Spartans might have a chance to catch the Hokies sleepwalking. However, to beat an ACC team on the road, UNCG will have to play an almost perfect game. Hopefully the guys can build on the good things they did on Friday and surprise the Hokies.
Go Spartans !!!
UPDATE: Channelsurfing.net is listing this game as being shown @ 7.
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: None
Virginia Tech Athletics
Virginia Tech Forum - Rivals
Virginia Tech Forum - Scout
Tech Sideline Forum
Tech Hoops
UNCG Athletics Preview
Spartan Notes:
- Last time out, UNCG fell to Duke 96-62 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Ben Stywall led the Spartan with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Freshman Kyle Randall led the Spartans with 4 assists.
- UNCG had 9 players play double digit minutes in the season opener.
- UNCG shot 40% from the field, 33% from behind the arc and 55.6% from the free throw line in the opener.
- Elhanan Bone is questionable for this game.
Hokies Notes:
- Last time out, Virginia Tech defeated Brown 69-55. Malcom Delaney led the Hokies with 21 points.
- Virginia did a great job of taking care of the ball in its opener. Virginia Tech only turned the ball over 8 times and dished out 15 assists (1.9-to-1 Assists to TO ratio).
- Virginia Tech lost its leading scorer from a year ago to graduation. A.D. Vassallo averaged 19.1 points last season. However, the leading rebounder (Jeff Allen) and leading assists man (Delaney) did return for this season.
- In the season opener, Virginia Tech shot 46.4% from the field, 41.2% from behind the arc and 55.6% from the free throw line.
My Thoughts:
UNCG has never played well against Virginia Tech. However, their height advantage doesn't even get close to the advantage that Duke held over the Spartans. Cassell Coliseum is a tough place to play. Again, though, the Spartans played in an even tougher place on Friday.
UNCG's freshmen played well at times against Duke and left fans with reason to feel optimistic. It will be interesting to see how they follow up that performance. At a glance, UNCG didn't appear competitive with Duke. But those of us that actually watched know it was a 16 point game with about 10 minutes left before the Blue Devils went on one of their patented runs to bury UNCG.
Virginia Tech didn't overwhelm their first opponent this year. The Spartans might have a chance to catch the Hokies sleepwalking. However, to beat an ACC team on the road, UNCG will have to play an almost perfect game. Hopefully the guys can build on the good things they did on Friday and surprise the Hokies.
Go Spartans !!!
UPDATE: Channelsurfing.net is listing this game as being shown @ 7.
4 Sign to Play for Spartans
Cody Henegar (Jasper, TN), Drew Parker (La Porte, TX), Mike Liabo (Carbondale, IL) and Trevis Simpson (Douglas, GA) signed LOI's to take 4 of UNCG's 5 available scholarships next season. I've already posted articles about Parker and Henegar. So this post will focus on the 2 players that have not been profiled.
Mike Liabo (6'-6" SF, Brehm Prep) was an honorable mention all-state player in Florida in 2008 before his family moved to Illinois. Originally of class of 2009 player, Liabo is spending this season at prep school. Before heading to Illinois, SWFLhoops.com named Mike #7 in their class of 2009.
- Here is the story of Mike's signing on Friday from Brehm Prep's blog.
- Here is an interview of Mike from several months ago.
Trevis Simpson (6'-5" SF, Coffee County HS) originally committed to the University of Buffalo. However, after a recent visit, Simpson changed his mind and has ended up here at UNCG.
- ESPN graded Simpson an 87.
- Rivals rates Simpson as a 3 star recruit that received interest from BCS program's throughout the southeast. Scout rated Trevis as a 2 star recruit.
- Allmetrosports.com ranked Trevis (misspelled as "Travis") as the #13 player in the state of Georgia in the class of 2010.
Welcome to the Spartans, Mike & Trevis !!!
Mike Liabo (6'-6" SF, Brehm Prep) was an honorable mention all-state player in Florida in 2008 before his family moved to Illinois. Originally of class of 2009 player, Liabo is spending this season at prep school. Before heading to Illinois, SWFLhoops.com named Mike #7 in their class of 2009.
- Here is the story of Mike's signing on Friday from Brehm Prep's blog.
- Here is an interview of Mike from several months ago.
Trevis Simpson (6'-5" SF, Coffee County HS) originally committed to the University of Buffalo. However, after a recent visit, Simpson changed his mind and has ended up here at UNCG.
- ESPN graded Simpson an 87.
He's a long armed, wiry wing player. Has good athletic ability. Excellent in transition. Can get to the rim because of his ability to knife through the defense or catch the ball and finish with a dunk. Handles the ball well. Plays with his head and eyes up looking for an opening to score or draw and kick.
- Rivals rates Simpson as a 3 star recruit that received interest from BCS program's throughout the southeast. Scout rated Trevis as a 2 star recruit.
- Allmetrosports.com ranked Trevis (misspelled as "Travis") as the #13 player in the state of Georgia in the class of 2010.
Welcome to the Spartans, Mike & Trevis !!!
This Week in the SoCon
For the week of Nov. 16-Nov 22 (leaving out games against non-D1 schools)
Monday
Ga Southern @ South Carolina
Elon vs Charlotte (Durham)
Tuesday
UNCG @ Va Tech
Elon vs TBA (Durham)
ETSU @ Chattanooga
Presbyterian @ Furman
Winthrop @ College of Charleston
Wofford @ Georgia
Charleston Southern @ Citadel
Wednesday
Ga Southern @ Florida
Western Carolian @ Texas
Thursday
Davidson vs South Florida (Charleston)
Friday
Clemson @ UNCG
Davidson vs TBA (Charleston)
App State @ Arkansas
Citadel vs Eastern Michigan (Mo. State)
Samford @ Texas A&M
Saturday
Davidson vs TBA (Charleston)
Datmouth @ Furman
Citadel @ Missouri State
Ga Southern @ Jacksonville State
Sunday
Citadel vs UMES (Mo. State)
Wofford @ Bradley
Chattanooga @ Richmond
Monday
Ga Southern @ South Carolina
Elon vs Charlotte (Durham)
Tuesday
UNCG @ Va Tech
Elon vs TBA (Durham)
ETSU @ Chattanooga
Presbyterian @ Furman
Winthrop @ College of Charleston
Wofford @ Georgia
Charleston Southern @ Citadel
Wednesday
Ga Southern @ Florida
Western Carolian @ Texas
Thursday
Davidson vs South Florida (Charleston)
Friday
Clemson @ UNCG
Davidson vs TBA (Charleston)
App State @ Arkansas
Citadel vs Eastern Michigan (Mo. State)
Samford @ Texas A&M
Saturday
Davidson vs TBA (Charleston)
Datmouth @ Furman
Citadel @ Missouri State
Ga Southern @ Jacksonville State
Sunday
Citadel vs UMES (Mo. State)
Wofford @ Bradley
Chattanooga @ Richmond
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Spartans fall at #9 Duke
UNCG 62 - Duke 96
News & Record
Durham Herald
UNCG Athletics
Duke Athletics
Box score
I've decided to do the post game articles a little different this year. I think my "good, bad & ugly" approach last year was a little too pessimistic. This season, I'll go with "positives & negatives".
The score was lopsided on Friday, but UNCG played well against probably the best team they'll see all year. Not to mention playing a lot of young guys in a very hostile environment.
Before I get on to my thoughts on the game, I want to tell everyone to go check out Chancellor Brady's twitter page. Her in game commentary was awesome.
Positives
- Ben was Ben --- Ben Stywall (19 points & 8 rebs) did what he always does. He scored in a lot of different ways and seemed to be around every rebound in the second half.
-Guard play --- The first time I saw one of UNCG's guards penetrate to the basket, I nearly fell over. It happened more times against Duke than it did all of last year. I thought all of the guards did some good things.
- Poise in a tough environment --- Being down 21 point at the half, UNCG could have really mailed it in for the second half. Instead they came out and fought hard. There were times that last season's squad seemed disinterested after they got down. With the hard OOC schedule that this team has, I really hope they can continue showing this kind of resiliency.
- Freshmen --- Randall, KVD and Cole all had some very good moments and showed why they were well thought of by various recruiting services.
Negatives
- We couldn't get taller during the game --- Obviously, I'm joking here. However, Duke's size really beat up the Spartans. Even when forced into tough/bad shots, the Blue Devils would be waiting for second chance points.
- Bad turnovers early --- Early in the game UNCG made some bad passes that led to easy Duke points. When playing good teams, the Spartans have got to make them work for all of their points.
Hopefully, UNCG can take it's positives and put up a better fight on Tuesday in Blacksburg. Go Spartans !!!
News & Record
Durham Herald
UNCG Athletics
Duke Athletics
Box score
I've decided to do the post game articles a little different this year. I think my "good, bad & ugly" approach last year was a little too pessimistic. This season, I'll go with "positives & negatives".
The score was lopsided on Friday, but UNCG played well against probably the best team they'll see all year. Not to mention playing a lot of young guys in a very hostile environment.
Before I get on to my thoughts on the game, I want to tell everyone to go check out Chancellor Brady's twitter page. Her in game commentary was awesome.
Positives
- Ben was Ben --- Ben Stywall (19 points & 8 rebs) did what he always does. He scored in a lot of different ways and seemed to be around every rebound in the second half.
-Guard play --- The first time I saw one of UNCG's guards penetrate to the basket, I nearly fell over. It happened more times against Duke than it did all of last year. I thought all of the guards did some good things.
- Poise in a tough environment --- Being down 21 point at the half, UNCG could have really mailed it in for the second half. Instead they came out and fought hard. There were times that last season's squad seemed disinterested after they got down. With the hard OOC schedule that this team has, I really hope they can continue showing this kind of resiliency.
- Freshmen --- Randall, KVD and Cole all had some very good moments and showed why they were well thought of by various recruiting services.
Negatives
- We couldn't get taller during the game --- Obviously, I'm joking here. However, Duke's size really beat up the Spartans. Even when forced into tough/bad shots, the Blue Devils would be waiting for second chance points.
- Bad turnovers early --- Early in the game UNCG made some bad passes that led to easy Duke points. When playing good teams, the Spartans have got to make them work for all of their points.
Hopefully, UNCG can take it's positives and put up a better fight on Tuesday in Blacksburg. Go Spartans !!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
UNCG (0-0) @ #9 Duke (0-0)
When: Friday, November 13 7 pm
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314)
TV: Fox Sports Net
Duke Athletics
Duke Basketball Report (DBR)
Duke Forum (Scout)
Duke Forum (Rivals)
UNCG Athletics Preview
Spartan Notes:
- UNCG is coming of a miserable season in 2008-2009. The Spartans went 5-25 and lost in the first round of the Southern Conference tournament.
- Even though there were no seniors on last season's roster, UNCG lost 3 players over the off season. Damian Eargle (Youngstown State), Daniel Oliver (St. Leo) and Landon Clement (NC Central) all transferred in the summer.
- The Spartans brought in a very nice recruiting class for this season. Korey VanDussen (Zeeland, MI), Kyle Randall (Youngstown, OH), Brian Cole (Dacula, GA) and Taylor Hoffer (Poulsbo, WA) are new to the 2009-2010 squad. Randall was the 2008-2009 Pennsylvania Class A player of the year. ESPN ranked Cole in their top 30 of centers last season. VanDussen finished 3rd in voting for Michigan's Mr. Basketball. Hoffer was a 3 star rated recruit by Rivals. All four guys were nominated for the McDonald's All-American Game.
- Unfortunately, Hoffer will have to redshirt this season after suffering a leg injury.
- East Carolina transfer Brandon Evans is available to play this season after sitting out the 2008-2009 season.
- Evans scored a game high 16 points in last Saturday's Blue-Gold Scrimmage. Kendall Toney led his team with 14 points. Ben Stywall (15), VanDussen (14), Pete Brown (12), Cole (12) and Mikko Kiovisto (11) all scored in double figures. Stywall and Darius Seller had a game high 6 rebounds.
- Elhanan Bone is listed as out for this game.
- UNCG has never beat a ranked team.
- Koivisto led UNCG in scoring (12.4) and assists(2.4) last season. Ben Stywall was the team leader in rebounds (8.4).
- Last season UNCG shot from the 39.8% field, 31.4% from behind the arc and 64.8% from the free throw line.
Blue Devils Notes:
- Last season, Duke went 30-7 and made it to the "Sweet Sixteen" of the NCAA Tournament before failing to Villanova in the regional semifinals. Duke won the ACC Tournament.
- Duke sits currently at #9 in the AP poll. They are one spot higher at #8 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
- The Blue Devils lost one of their biggest contributors, Gerald Henderson, to the NBA. Henderson is currently playing for the Charlotte Bobcats.
- Duke returns 7 players who averaged double digit minutes last season. Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer averaged playing over 30 minutes a game last season.
- Elliot Williams (Memphis) transferred during the off season to be closer to his sick mother.
- According to Scout, Duke brought in 3 of the top 10 players in the country for this season. Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee were rated as 5 star prospects, and Andre Dawkins was a 4 star prospect.
- The Blue Devils starting PG, Nolan Smith, will be suspended for this game. Smith participated in an unsanctioned basketball game and was suspended for the first 2 games of Duke's regular season.
- Singler led Duke in scoring (16.5) and rebounding (7.7) last season. Scheyer led Duke in assists (2.8).
- Last season, Duke shot 44.4% from the floor, 34.9% from behind the arc and 72.8% from the free throw line.
My Thoughts
This game is pretty straight forward. UNCG has to play a perfect game and hope that Duke is sleep walking. Even then, it might not be enough to overcome playing in one the most hostile environments in college basketball. Duke has a huge size advantage. They will probably only start one player under 6'-5". UNCG may only start 1 player over 6'-5". However, Duke is very thin at the guard spot without Nolan Smith. In their exhibition tune-up for this game they struggled in the first half without having Nolan in the game. Maybe UNCG's improved guards can disrupt Duke and keep the Spartans in the game.
UNCG plays a brutal stretch to open the season. So, I'd really like to see them play well enough in this game to come away with some confidence to carry over into the next few weeks. Also coming away injury free would be nice. The freshmen should take away some great experience knowing they will not play in a tougher venue the rest of the season.
Go Spartans !!!
UPDATE: The News & Observer is reporting that Duke freshman Mason Plumlee is out indefinitely with a fractured wrist.
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314)
TV: Fox Sports Net
Duke Athletics
Duke Basketball Report (DBR)
Duke Forum (Scout)
Duke Forum (Rivals)
UNCG Athletics Preview
Spartan Notes:
- UNCG is coming of a miserable season in 2008-2009. The Spartans went 5-25 and lost in the first round of the Southern Conference tournament.
- Even though there were no seniors on last season's roster, UNCG lost 3 players over the off season. Damian Eargle (Youngstown State), Daniel Oliver (St. Leo) and Landon Clement (NC Central) all transferred in the summer.
- The Spartans brought in a very nice recruiting class for this season. Korey VanDussen (Zeeland, MI), Kyle Randall (Youngstown, OH), Brian Cole (Dacula, GA) and Taylor Hoffer (Poulsbo, WA) are new to the 2009-2010 squad. Randall was the 2008-2009 Pennsylvania Class A player of the year. ESPN ranked Cole in their top 30 of centers last season. VanDussen finished 3rd in voting for Michigan's Mr. Basketball. Hoffer was a 3 star rated recruit by Rivals. All four guys were nominated for the McDonald's All-American Game.
- Unfortunately, Hoffer will have to redshirt this season after suffering a leg injury.
- East Carolina transfer Brandon Evans is available to play this season after sitting out the 2008-2009 season.
- Evans scored a game high 16 points in last Saturday's Blue-Gold Scrimmage. Kendall Toney led his team with 14 points. Ben Stywall (15), VanDussen (14), Pete Brown (12), Cole (12) and Mikko Kiovisto (11) all scored in double figures. Stywall and Darius Seller had a game high 6 rebounds.
- Elhanan Bone is listed as out for this game.
- UNCG has never beat a ranked team.
- Koivisto led UNCG in scoring (12.4) and assists(2.4) last season. Ben Stywall was the team leader in rebounds (8.4).
- Last season UNCG shot from the 39.8% field, 31.4% from behind the arc and 64.8% from the free throw line.
Blue Devils Notes:
- Last season, Duke went 30-7 and made it to the "Sweet Sixteen" of the NCAA Tournament before failing to Villanova in the regional semifinals. Duke won the ACC Tournament.
- Duke sits currently at #9 in the AP poll. They are one spot higher at #8 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
- The Blue Devils lost one of their biggest contributors, Gerald Henderson, to the NBA. Henderson is currently playing for the Charlotte Bobcats.
- Duke returns 7 players who averaged double digit minutes last season. Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer averaged playing over 30 minutes a game last season.
- Elliot Williams (Memphis) transferred during the off season to be closer to his sick mother.
- According to Scout, Duke brought in 3 of the top 10 players in the country for this season. Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee were rated as 5 star prospects, and Andre Dawkins was a 4 star prospect.
- The Blue Devils starting PG, Nolan Smith, will be suspended for this game. Smith participated in an unsanctioned basketball game and was suspended for the first 2 games of Duke's regular season.
- Singler led Duke in scoring (16.5) and rebounding (7.7) last season. Scheyer led Duke in assists (2.8).
- Last season, Duke shot 44.4% from the floor, 34.9% from behind the arc and 72.8% from the free throw line.
My Thoughts
This game is pretty straight forward. UNCG has to play a perfect game and hope that Duke is sleep walking. Even then, it might not be enough to overcome playing in one the most hostile environments in college basketball. Duke has a huge size advantage. They will probably only start one player under 6'-5". UNCG may only start 1 player over 6'-5". However, Duke is very thin at the guard spot without Nolan Smith. In their exhibition tune-up for this game they struggled in the first half without having Nolan in the game. Maybe UNCG's improved guards can disrupt Duke and keep the Spartans in the game.
UNCG plays a brutal stretch to open the season. So, I'd really like to see them play well enough in this game to come away with some confidence to carry over into the next few weeks. Also coming away injury free would be nice. The freshmen should take away some great experience knowing they will not play in a tougher venue the rest of the season.
Go Spartans !!!
UPDATE: The News & Observer is reporting that Duke freshman Mason Plumlee is out indefinitely with a fractured wrist.
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