Reading this GameDay thread makes me appreciate the DukeBlueBrotherhood forum even more (anyone that isn't there, come join!). K is the GOAT, there will never be another K in college basketball, and he deserves all of the recognition that ESPN/Duke was willing to give him. K also has total control of the Duke program and could have put his foot down to say that all of these ceremonies/speeches can wait until after the season. He did not do that, and the pressure that was put on our players was extremely high.
UNC was expected to get smashed by us, they were playing with nothing to lose. Our guys seemed very nervous, the first 5 minutes of the game we could barely dribble, guys were fumbling the ball everywhere. Our game-plan was basic, attack Manek every time down the court. It's a solid game plan, Manek can't guard his own shadow, however UNC clearly had prepared for this all week, and we never adjusted to something else. I also think if the refs make the correct call on Bacot's 3rd foul in the 1st half that the outcome of the game is totally different, but whatever, were not gonna get every call in the NCAA's either.
This Duke could win the title or could lose in the 2nd round, no doubt. However, that goes for every single team in the country, so I don't know why folks continue to knock this Duke team. We have as good of a shot as anyone at getting to the Final Four, and let's hope this loss serves as a teaching moment (much like the 2015 ACC tourney loss to ND.) College basketball will never be what it was 20-30 years ago: transfers & one-and-done stars will continue to rule the landscape. I am extremely happy though that we will have Scheyer leading us next year. Imagine if we actually hired Tommy Amaker (like the Duke administration outside of the basketball program wanted) and were trying to win with sub-par recruits. It's March and Duke has a shot to make the Final Four, this hasn't happened the past 2 years so enjoy the ride.