If you're a high seed the S16 should be automatic. You get a team from a bad conference plus a team that isn't near the top.

 

When there were 32 teams the S16 was a big deal. Its not anymore. The Elite 8 is where we start separating the really good from the pretty good.

 

You still have to win 2 games versus one game from the 70's format. I don't see where that's easier whether you're a high seed or not. Maybe you can equalize but not make it less hard because of seeding. It's still 2 games versus 1 game.

The fact that Coach K does not pursue guys that will leave after one year is also an issue. Personally, I have no problem with that and I do believe that this Duke team was 1 Patrick Patterson away from the Final Four. It's a small lull and honestly I am not worried, I believe Coach K will get one more title before he retires. If not for Tyrus Thomas' outstanding defense on JJ Redick in their previous Sweet 16 appearance, then this thread doesn't exist more than likely because that team was a championship caliber team and that is the last championship caliber team that has donned Duke uniforms. I am not saying they would have beaten Florida, but they had no business losing to LSU that night(Shelden choked also, JJ had help choking) and they were a better team than the one they displayed that night.

 

 

If not for Jay Williams(such an awful memory:puke:) and the entire team letting Indiana back in the game in 2002, then Duke would've repeated and they'd have four titles.

 

 

Everything you said in the above is true of so many programs/teams that it's not worth really arguing. The same could be true with say UK in '99 or '03. What about UNC versus Georgetown? IU in '75 with a Scott May who has a broken arm?

 

The results are what they are and Duke has been to NO Elite Eights since 2004.

I read somewhere just a few minutes ago that one of the Duke players is going pro. I can't remember which one. I'm trying to find the link again.

Speaking of Duke needing some inside game and a strong PG, here is what Coach K is bringing in next year.

 

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/school?page=commits&season=2009&schoolId=150

Everything you said in the above is true of so many programs/teams that it's not worth really arguing. The same could be true with say UK in '99 or '03. What about UNC versus Georgetown? IU in '75 with a Scott May who has a broken arm?

 

The results are what they are and Duke has been to NO Elite Eights since 2004.

 

True, but like I said, with only one team(JJ and Shelden's senior year team) that was good enough to make it to the Elite Eight since 2004 that didn't make it, that fact doesn't bother me. I am a realistic Duke fan. With this year' team making the Sweet 16, I call it progress from the last two years of mediocrity. The last two years of Duke basketball have been mediocrity by normal Duke basketball standards, but with no quality big men, what do you expect. Coach K will get no heat from me and if Gerald Henderson comes back you are looking at a top 5 team next year. If he leaves, well, we'll just have to see what the cupboard holds. I have faith in Coach K and I understand how hard it is to win a championship, especially in this day an age, but I have every reason to believe that Duke basketball is still an elite program that has more wins this decade than anyone and a championship this decade to show for it. Coach K has 17 years of at least 27 victories. I think the program is in good hands despite the fact Duke hasn't been to the Elite 8 since 2004.

 

Things could be so much worse........

I read somewhere just a few minutes ago that one of the Duke players is going pro. I can't remember which one. I'm trying to find the link again.

 

It's probably Gerald Henderson, I have seen him projected to go in the top 10 of the draft. He's good enough and I look forward to following his career in the NBA if it is him.

 

Anyone else on the team leaving is making a huge mistake.

Duke is definitely soft. But 30 wins and ACC conference champs is hard to be to disgruntled

Sounds like UK during Tubby's years. That wasn't enough for some fans.

Sounds like UK during Tubby's years. That wasn't enough for some fans.

 

You see where that got them.......

Duke is definitely soft. But 30 wins and ACC conference champs is hard to be to disgruntled

 

I'll take that ACC championship trophy, our 2009 Sweet 16 appearance after a 2 year absence and call it the day.

 

Have a great summer Coach K and all returning players.

It wasn't for Nova... :clap:

Actually it was. And in watching the game you could see how difficult it was. Regardless, Duke was young, and hopefully all will be back that should be....I look for a big season next year, particularly if Henderson comes back.

I thought Coach K did an amazing job with what he had this year really. Duke doesn't have the guards or the big men to be a top tier team, and won't next year unless say Nolan Smith and someone like Lance Thomas get a whole lot better and give them a lot more production.

The results are what they are and Duke has been to NO Elite Eights since 2004.

 

That doesn't concern me....it only really strikes home with those that hate Duke. Duke has had droughts under Coach Krzyzewski in the past, but they are doing things the right way. They are the winningest team this decade, there is no real arguing with that.

If not for Tyrus Thomas' outstanding defense on JJ Redick i

 

 

If not for Jay Williams(such an awful memory:puke:) and the entire team letting Indiana back in the game in 2002, then Duke would've repeated and they'd have four titles.

 

If not for missing 2 important parts the queen would be king.

You still have to win 2 games versus one game from the 70's format. I don't see where that's easier whether you're a high seed or not. Maybe you can equalize but not make it less hard because of seeding. It's still 2 games versus 1 game.

 

You're kidding, right?

 

In the old days there were no Eastern Washington School of Pastry's or Mississippi Valley States to play in the first round.

 

IF you were fortunate enough to be one of the 32 you played another strong team that was fortunate enough to be one of 32.

 

Not making the Sweet 16 today when you are a high seed is saying you're not a top 20 team. Duke is always a top 20 team but can't seem to get over the hump enough to warrant that rating and their reputation.

 

I ain't hatin'.

I'll take that ACC championship trophy, our 2009 Sweet 16 appearance after a 2 year absence and call it the day.

 

Have a great summer Coach K and all returning players.

 

So would Ga Tech. They'd be thrilled.