First 2005-06 Duke post.......

I was skimming online at CNNSi.com and came across an article written by one of their primary College Hoops writers, Luke Winn. Needless to say, he is first to jump on the anti-Duke bandwaggon for the 2005-2006 season. Why?

Well, he has already so "intelligently" predicted the outcome of Duke's December 10th game against Texas at the Meadowlands in NJ. And you guessed right if you guessed that Luke Winn chose a Longhorns victory over Duke. I'll let you read his own words:

"When the new 'Horns the almost assuredly top-ranked Dukies at the
Meadowlands on Dec. 10, they will be more than capable of knocking
the Blue Devils off their perch."

Despite the fact Andy Katz has Texas ranked #2 in his Top 25, I don't think it'll be so feasible to beat Duke, whether Duke plays in Durham or in NJ. Duke's lineup is just too deep and strong and will be spearheaded by JJ Redick, Shelden Williams, and top-ranked McDonald's High School All-American Josh McRoberts.

Back to JJ Redick and Shelden Williams. . . .

Both will be vying for the National Player of the Year award and Shelden might be also vying for Defensive Player of the Year.

First, JJ Redick will be tough to guard since adding more to his game than his monster 3-point ability. He shed 20 pounds before last season, which freed up some weight to take him to the hole. Texas better have a defensive stopper for JJ Redick. Let's look at the possibilities: Daniel Gibson, PJ Tucker, Craig Winder (all 6ft2in or taller). Daniel Gibson is a PG, primarily an offensive minded player and not known for his defense. PJ Tucker is closer to JJ's size at 6'5" but his position is Forward, not Shooting Guard, so he'll most likely guard Lee Melchionni or David McClure (if he earns PT as Dickie V says). I see no great defensive stop for JJ Redick.

Second, Shelden Williams (the 2004-2005 NABC Defensive Player of the Year) will look to live up to his name of the "Landlord," providing a big man for Coach K to rely on defensively and offensively. Shelden Williams also added another dimension to his game last season and is looking to continue improving on it -- the 15+ foot baseline jumper, which most definitely takes the opponent's big man away from the basket. Can anybody on Texas contain him? I think not, but let's look at the possibilities: LaMarcus Aldridge, a 6'10" sophomore and Connor Atchley, a 6'9" freshman. These boys will be nothing but punching bags to Shelden Williams.

The two seniors will be backed up by a large supporting cast, including sophomores DeMarcus Nelson and David McClure, as well as the best recruiting class of 2005 in their five freshmen: Josh McRoberts (#1 prep player - 2005), Greg Paulus (ESPY Award: Best HS athlete), Eric Boateng, Jamal Boykin, and Martynas Pocius.


Dear Luke Winn,

You may want to proof read your writing or even do some RESEARCH before you outright claim, in September, a Dec. 10 Texas victory over top-ranked Duke in New Jersey. Look for your prediction to die before it comes to fruition. If you simply research these things before hand, you won't seem like such an idiot.

Sincerely,

The guy who proved you wrong 2.5 months in advance.