Dook By Zach

Just finished watching Duke-UNC. Now, I've been saying since early in this season that I'd be surprised if Duke made the Sweet 16. First of all, JJ Redick is exhausted...not "emotionally fatigued" like his PR guy kept saying during the game, but just flat out tired. He's not getting the same lift on his shots, he's not getting separation on his cuts, and needless to say, he's not playing any defense. The lack of depth for the Blue Devils has forced him to play major minutes, and he's had to carry the load offensively.

Meanwhile, Sheldon Williams is a nice college player. He rebounds well, blocks shots, dunks...and commits a ton of fouls. He's just too out of control, too brutish, to be a guy you count on.

What does this mean? Duke isn't that good. Early in the season, when Redick was fresh, they were tough. But the ACC sucks this season, and yet they've still have to struggle to beat some bad teams, and have lost two in a row. They might not be a #1 seed, and if there's any justice they'll fall out of the top 5.

I spoke earlier of the lack of depth on Duke. Lee Melchioni sucks. Greg Paulus may eventually be good, but he sucks as a starting point guard right now. Again, Josh McRoberts may well be a star, but right now he looks overmatched. Sean Dockery should be a role player somewhere, but instead he's forced to play major minutes. Hell, Duke only played 6 guys tonight...and the announcers were wondering why the Blue Devils looked tired in the second half.

I can't really claim to be a Duke hater...I hate the ACC as a whole. But it was nice to see an over-rated, over-extended team get their come-uppance, I must say.