Pressure

[Quavarius]

I would like to say this is THE best Duke team since 1999 (IMO). But does it feel like there has been less pressure on this Duke team compared to others? Sure, there is no K, no hateable white player(s), no social media campaign designed to scrutinize every win. IMO, all of the pressure is on Auburn. They’ve beaten a million Quad 1 teams, they lost for the third time and will probably stay at #1 even if we beat UNC handily this weekend.

For the first time ever, I like the fact that we don’t have the same pressure elite Duke teams typically have around this time of year and I’m actually thankful. I hope people continue to doubt us in our weak conference with our 3rd year head coach and 3 starting freshman.

Or is it just me?

 

[dadecodevil]

I would like to say this is THE best Duke team since 1999 (IMO). But does it feel like there has been less pressure on this Duke team compared to others? Sure, there is no K, no hateable white player(s), no social media campaign designed to scrutinize every win. IMO, all of the pressure is on Auburn. They’ve beaten a million Quad 1 teams, they lost for the third time and will probably stay at #1 even if we beat UNC handily this weekend.

For the first time ever, I like the fact that we don’t have the same pressure elite Duke teams typically have around this time of year and I’m actually thankful. I hope people continue to doubt us in our weak conference with our 3rd year head coach and 3 starting freshman.

Or is it just me?

I have been thinking the same thing all season. The pressure is on the SEC, Duke is barely the story at all. They are trying to put SEC teams in the tournament with 4 conference wins! Our guys are quietly bulldozing the competition. I just hope we have what we need when the game is on the line. We closed against Auburn, but didn't against Clemson. Stakes are higher!

 

[Quavarius]

I have been thinking the same thing all season. The pressure is on the SEC, Duke is barely the story at all. They are trying to put SEC teams in the tournament with 4 conference wins! Our guys are quietly bulldozing the competition. I just hope we have what we need when the game is on the line. We closed against Auburn, but didn't against Clemson. Stakes are higher!

True.

 

[bullcity gamer]

Q,

You're onto something, this season's Duke Team does not have the pressure similar to the 2010 National Champions and the 2015 National Champions. Kentucky had the pressure both of those seasons. The haters/fans of rivals keep telling themselves "Duke isn't good and they're frauds", yet the Blue Devils keep going about their business and playing for one another. Duke is Playing Elite Defense and Elite Offense while having Fun on the court. Really Hope These Blue Devils End the Season on A Positive Note!!!!

 

[DukeDallas9192011015]

As said above, the spotlight was on Kentucky during our 2010 and 2015 championship seasons. And I think ultimately that helped us as it wasn't surprising that a John Calipari coached team collapsed under the immense pressure.
The 2019 Zion team did have the spotlight and couldn't get it done for a few reasons.

I think the ACC being down and us winning most games by 30+ has outsiders bored. These outsiders only talk/watch Duke when they are in a close game or losing, much like how I am with Kansas, UK, or UNC.

 

[pisgah101]

Agree.. and I’ll add that I think the media has missed what could have been the best story in all of college this year by not focusing on Duke and Flagg.

 

[GhostOf301]

It's nice not hearing the typical "anything short of a championship would be a choke job" in regards to Duke this year.

 

[NCirishman]

I’d friendly debate we don’t have ga table white players.

We don’t have hatable players like JJ or laettner though…..

 

[christophero]

The Cooper hype machine will be in full force in the tournament. We will see about the pressure. But so far less than most years.

 

[kingbluedevil]

The Cooper hype machine will be in full force in the tournament. We will see about the pressure.

I think we will learn more this Saturday. Carolina is playing for their tournament hopes

 

[pisgah101]

Don't know where to put this but this sucks. NCAA need to do something to fix this

View embedded media

Ima
Make this a thread

 

[Devilinside]

Ima
Make this a thread

Timing not the best. BUT he has given us 3 fab years. We were soo lucky to have had him. ACC needs guys like him to get us back to best Basketball Conference. Look forward to competitive games v Miami. Let' s go DUKE!!. OFC. OBTW he is still ours. I've gone from Coors Lite and hot dogs to Tequila and tacos. Which makes me more..well you know. OFC

 

[Dattier]

I would like to say this is THE best Duke team since 1999 (IMO). But does it feel like there has been less pressure on this Duke team compared to others? Sure, there is no K, no hateable white player(s), no social media campaign designed to scrutinize every win. IMO, all of the pressure is on Auburn. They’ve beaten a million Quad 1 teams, they lost for the third time and will probably stay at #1 even if we beat UNC handily this weekend.

For the first time ever, I like the fact that we don’t have the same pressure elite Duke teams typically have around this time of year and I’m actually thankful. I hope people continue to doubt us in our weak conference with our 3rd year head coach and 3 starting freshman.

Or is it just me?

Statistically, we may be more dominant than the '99 team. I can't think of a recent year where it was harder to name a weakness. I guess we are susceptible to getting pushed around by more mature teams.

Perceived external pressure is probably down because the SEC has been so competitive while the ACC hasn't been. I expect Saturday will feel just as pressure-packed as ever, now that UNC is on a roll and desperate for a win. I have some concern about having had so many blowout wins, much like in '99. However, Coop and Kon, in particular, really seem to bring intensity that's contagious. It's like the good kind of pressure that comes from within.

 

[NCirishman]

Brown will attempt practice today.

I’m guessing he’s a no go for UNC but return in the ACCT.

Just a hunch.

 

[pisgah101]

Brown will attempt practice today.

I’m guessing he’s a no go for UNC but return in the ACCT.

Just a hunch.

I think he’ll play saturday