It's been a while since I've been this excited about a non-Tar Hole, non-NCAA tournament game. 2015 vs Wisconsin, maybe?
Regardless, this team is exciting - special. I know it's strange to say, and I hate hyping up a team too much, this early on....BUT.....sometimes you can just tell. And early indications with this team; you can tell. We have "IT".
Tonight - only the sixth time Duke has faced off as a #1 vs the #2 team in the country and we're 3-2 in those games. This Michigan State team is very, VERY good. Miles Bridges is a stud and passed up a likely lottery pick to return to Michigan State for his sophomore year. That's almost unheard of with the current landscape of college basketball - and what a boost for the incredibly well-coached Spartans. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite big and a McDonald's All-American. MSU has experience, talent, size and speed. Tonight will be a battle, no doubt.
But personally, I don't care. Tonight is an opportunity for Duke to completely erase any questions who the top team in the country is. We're significantly younger than Michigan State, but we sport more talent. We can match its size and speed. But talent, defense and hard work wins games - just pure "want" wings games. They can match us and we can match them in a battle of intangibles. But talent. This team has that. I firmly believe tonight will be our statement game.
Tonight's game is slated to tip at 7pm est. and will air on ESPN HD. I can't wait - it's going to be a long day at work!
Duke 74
Michigan State 67
Regardless, this team is exciting - special. I know it's strange to say, and I hate hyping up a team too much, this early on....BUT.....sometimes you can just tell. And early indications with this team; you can tell. We have "IT".
Tonight - only the sixth time Duke has faced off as a #1 vs the #2 team in the country and we're 3-2 in those games. This Michigan State team is very, VERY good. Miles Bridges is a stud and passed up a likely lottery pick to return to Michigan State for his sophomore year. That's almost unheard of with the current landscape of college basketball - and what a boost for the incredibly well-coached Spartans. Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite big and a McDonald's All-American. MSU has experience, talent, size and speed. Tonight will be a battle, no doubt.
But personally, I don't care. Tonight is an opportunity for Duke to completely erase any questions who the top team in the country is. We're significantly younger than Michigan State, but we sport more talent. We can match its size and speed. But talent, defense and hard work wins games - just pure "want" wings games. They can match us and we can match them in a battle of intangibles. But talent. This team has that. I firmly believe tonight will be our statement game.
Tonight's game is slated to tip at 7pm est. and will air on ESPN HD. I can't wait - it's going to be a long day at work!
Duke 74
Michigan State 67