# 1: 2010-11 Duke Basketball Preview

Overall rank: # 1Conference rating: # 1 the Atlantic Coast Conference2009-10: 35-5, 13-3 postseason 2009-10: NCAA coach: Mike KRZYZEWSKI (795-220 at Duke, 868-279) after leading NCAA Championship Duke, Kyle Singler back to try again. There are a few new faces, but with Singler back after averaging 17.7 points and 7 rebounds, hard to find another command that should be favored to cut down the nets in early April. Singler was an excellent all-around scorer and 6-8, 230-pound frame, it is almost impossible for most opponents to protect both inside and outside.Lost keys:(G) Jon Scheyer, F Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek key newbies: Kyrie Irving might be the best freshman point guard in the country. It addition, along with fellow freshman Tyler Thornton, finally gives Blue Devils some depth. With the new found depth, especially from players like Irving and Thornton, which can handle the ball will hit more and Duke to push the ball up the floor. Irving might not even crack the starting lineup, but it is on this floor there is quite a bit. Josh Hairston is a solid 6-8, 210-pound forward which will be invited to play a few minutes up front. It is impressive how the freshman, but he would add some quality depth.Backcourt: Nolan Smith continued to star at the perimeter while adding Irving and transmission Networks Curry. Smith is currently Senior Manager of this group, and it will probably be on the floor for about 35 minutes per game. Soon leave a junior campaign in which he averaged 17.4 pixels and 4,6 helps, there's little doubt that Smith is willing to assume. Certainly will miss Jon Scheyer, but Smith can be stars backcourt and there are plenty of options to help replace Scheyer. Andre Dawkins is one of these options, although he would have trouble finding too many more minutes with the influx of talent. But Dawkins was a wonderful shot during his freshman campaign, and he can provide the Nice spark off the bench. Frontcourt: Lose Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek may be cause for concern, but Prince should simply restart with the return of miles and Mason Plumlee. Miles has 24 contests last season and averaged 5.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was pretty much a RolePlayer argument last year, but certainly has the opportunity to step into a starting role and its production. This is not a team that lost Interior scorer, so if miles can on average eight points per game, this will give the gloom legitimate Interior scoring threat that they did not have in the past year. Mason has played less than his brother during his sophomore campaign, but he is solid rebounder and shot blocker and it's all in this group needs it to be. Ryan Kelly was highly touted recruit last year but was stuck behind all the talent in front of it. Now it will be able to come off the bench and is one of the major parties. Who watch: two years ago Curry led all freshmen in scoring with 20.2 points per game. Of course it was freedom against the lowest competition, compared with the ACC, but all college basketball fans know they should never be underestimated Curry. Sophomore 6-2-it's fabulous outside shooter who can attack the basket and finish in the paint. If the Duke is looking for someone to replace Scheyer's outside shooting, they need not look any further than Curry.Final forecast: coach Mike KRZYZEWSKI way set players who tend to stick around for more than one year has paid off last season. It should pay off this year with a healthy mix of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers. Smith and Singler, leading the team to compete for the title. With curry and perimeter novices add depth and Plumlee ready to intensify the Duke has their eye on another name for THE NCAA.Predictions post season tournament:NCAA forecast starting five: Nolan Smith, senior guard 17.4 ppgSeth Curry, Sharp Guard, NAM last seasonKyle Singler, senior, 17.7 ppgMiles Plumlee, Jr., 5 2 ppgMason Plumlee, sharp, 3.7 ppg