I never like saying Eric is right about anything. But if I don't tell him directly, Eric makes damn sure you know he was right by reminding you 10 times in the first 15 minutes of seeing him. As I begin to talk about the Duke Blue Devils, everything Eric said here came to fruition in the final 4 minutes of the Duke-Michigan game on Sunday afternoon. The chemistry seemed to be lackluster, and the Blue Devils looked out of sorts. I blame Coach K for a decision that I hope is not the future for this team in next week.During the final two minutes, Coach K gave Kyrie Irving the keys to the offense even though it has been Nolan Smith's ride for most of the year. It's like if my parents gave my car to my younger sister because she is the better driver of the kids in the family. This might be true, but it still doesn't warrant taking something away that rightfully belongs to the other person. I could sense the team had some confusion having the offense run through another player not named Nolan Smith. Even the biggest Duke Fan has to recongize the newfound problems with Duke's late game possessions.
I felt the Blue Devils lacked any sort of motion in their offense, and it had a lot to do with Irving not splitting the 1-3-1 zone. I agree he opens up chances on the perimeter, but only goes so far when facing a zone. I am not saying Irving doesn't deserve to be on the court, I would just rather have Smith running the point and Irving being the off-guard. It seems like a logical decision that Coach K would make, instead of his Rick Barnas-like choice to let Irving control the team.
The best thing about Duke's near meltdown (remember Michigan ended the game on a 13-2 run) is this will probably not happen for the remainder of the tournament. Kyle Singler and Smith missing free throws like they did was uncharacteristic, and I hope when Duke faces another close game, the offense will be all about Smith, not Irving.
-Charlie.
