I was at the game last night up close. Here were my observations.
The 2022 State Farm Champions Classic delivered last night.
Game 1: Heck of a Double OT Thriller between Michigan State and Kentucky
Game 2: Not the outcome I wanted between Duke and Kansas, but another thrilling game between these two Blue Bloods.
Negatives:
1) Duke’s offense needs some work
2) Duke’s game management and poor defensive effort in the last 4 minutes of the game
3) Too many turnovers
Positives:
1. Duke’s defense is way ahead this early in the season compared to recent Duke teams
2. Duke’s depth is going to be one of their strongest assets this season
3. Dariq Whitehead still has not suited up for the Blue Devils, once he does, Duke will gain another offensive weapon
4. The front court is probably the most talented and biggest in college basketball
5. The team has bought into Coach Scheyer and you can tell they enjoy playing for him, Duke made the right hire
6. Lively is still getting accustomed to playing college basketball, he will be really good after getting a few more games under his belt
7. Proctor started getting is offensive arsenal going in the 2nd half
8. Glad Jeremy Roach returned to lead this team, he has gotten stronger and better
Duke fans, I think the potential for this team is really good to great. The versatility and combination of different lineups they will be able to utilize is incredible. Enjoy the growth and development of this team throughout the next 5 months. We have a good team.
Duke could not contain Grady Dick the last 4 minutes of the game. Some Kansas fans said to me last night after the game, “see you guys in March or April”. I think it’s very possible we see Round II in late March or early April.