AP Duke and N.C. State only play once this season (barring a rematch in the ACC tournament). So how do coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Mark Gottfried approach it.
They’re both playing the nice guy. Check these compliments, via ACC Now.
“I think they’ve earned everything that they’ve gotten,” Krzyzewski said. “I think they’re an NCAA team and I think they will be tough down the stretch for a lot of people.”
And …
“They’re a terrific team and they’ve had a great year. I really like their team,” Gottfried said. “They’re certainly one of the two or three best teams in the country, in my opinion.”
So. Which statement is “nicer?”
The Wolfpack are 18-7 overall and 7-3 in the ACC after three straight wins. They’re in our latest NCAA tournament projections, but as a 12 seed. Not even close to a lock. Coach K’s not really pulling a Lou Holtz, but “terrific” might be overstating it.
As for Gottfried … Duke is 21-4 overall and 8-2 in the ACC. They’re ranked fifth in the AP poll, but that’s almost certainly too high. By 4 or 5 five spots. The Devils are good, but as good as Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State or Missouri? A stretch. A small one, but I suppose Gottfried’s gotta try anything he can at this point. NC State hasn’t won at Duke since 1995 – and that was with Coach K laid up due to back surgery.
If Gottfried’s lucky, his team won’t play as nice as his comment was.
You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.
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- imwhitewolf - Feb 16, 2012 at 8:13 PM
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Mike,
To a degree you may be right concerning Duke’s ranking in the polls, We’ll find out soon with a trip to Fl. St. and a visit (rematch) with the Tar Heels. However, they’ve beaten Kansas, Michigan St., Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, all teams ranked in the top 25, and several of which are ranked in the top 10. Yes, Ohio St. administered a genuine smackdown on them. Once you get past Kentucky and the ‘Cuse every team has some flaw(s), Duke included. As the 2010 Championship proved, you don’t have to be the most talented team, just have the breaks go your way.
Considering the talent Duke lost from last year’s team and the youth of this team, I think the’ve had a really good year, maybe not quite to normal Duke standards. In an one and down scenario I’m not sure you really want to play them.
