Duke Blue Devils vs Presbyterian Blue Hose Preview

We start the Duke Blue Devils basketball season on several odd notes. First, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has admitted that center post man Jahlil Okafor is a one and done talent. Second, Duke has already defeated one defending national champion this year, Central Missouri (Division II). Finally, Duke is expected to take a rebuilt team and win it all in the Atlantic Coast Conference again. So nothing has changed right?

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Date: November 14
Time: 6:00 PM
TV: ESPNU
Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium

Duke Stuff:

Nov 8, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) shoots against Central Missouri Mules forward Brennen Hughes (10) in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

THE FIVE (Projected):

G Tyus Jones, FR
G Rasheed Sulaimon, JR
G Matt Jones, SO
F Amile Jefferson, JR
C Jahlil Okafor, FR

Okafor is really a man among boys at his size, and so the offense should wind up going through him, before it bounces out to shooters. Coach K traditionally relies on a shorter rotation, going about seven guys deep. This year he may have to expand that plan if Quinn Cook, Marshall Plumlee, and freshman Justise Winslow are all going to be occupying some part of that bench. Last year, Sulaimon had trouble buying into his role player role, so he could have quick hook this year.

Nov 15, 2013; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Presbyterian Blue Hose head coach Gregg Nibert yells during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wake defeated Presbyterian 69-48. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: Presbyterian Blue Hose (0-0)

THE FIVE (Projected):
G Jordan Downing, SR-RS
G Reggie Dillard, SO
G Markus Terry, SO
C William Truss, SR
F Ed Drew, SO

The offense centers around guards Downing and Dillard, who led the team in scoring last year. Downing was named to the Big South Conference All-Conference second team. Downing is two years removed from a concussion that took him out for an entire season. The third scorer on last year’s team was back court mate Terry, so expect a lot of perimeter action.

Nov 15, 2013; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Presbyterian Blue Hose guard Jordan Downing (21) shoots the ball during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wake defeated Presbyterian 69-48. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Presbyterian does not have a lot of interior size, which will be a big problem against the first game for Jahlil Okafor. Presbyterian has never won in Cameron Indoor Stadium.