Duke Who?

Lastly and in addition to the foregoing, listed as one of my six favorite freshmen this season is Kyle Singler. Recruited by Duke, Singler could be exactly what the Duke Blue Devils need to rebuild the legacy left by such players as Bobby Hurley, Johnny Dawkins, Grant Hill and more.

Duke, who hoped to make last year a rebuilding year, failed and also failed in many other aspects of the game. The promises of a recent National Championship too much for the royal bloodline to carry on. The breakdown after the loss of J.J. Redick and Sheldon Williams was a euphoric celebration rather than a disappointment. Like the Yankees, you either love them or you hate them. But, last season was different. Duke lost both fans and adversaries alike. No statement was made. Games were lost that shouldn’t have been. The team as a whole was like any other team. Not like Duke, not even like the Yankees. Duke left nothing except maybe a bruise on the face a of a Tar Heel left by a swinging elbow of Duke’s Gerald Henderson.

What happened to the Duke? What happened to recruiting players that don’t throw elbows, or choke in the last seconds of a game, or leave before their four years is up? What happened to the Legacy, recruiting the best of the best. Is it the recruiters fault? I’m sure “Wojo,” Duke’s former player now coach and recruiter thinks not. Kid’s used to dream about going to Duke. The best basketball school in the country. But maybe, it isn’t. Maybe that’s why Duke can’t recruit the best, because the best have somewhere else in mind. Could it be that one, two, or three, schools look more appealing than the once heralded dynasty of Duke University. Could it be that kids grow up wanting to play for a coach other than Mike Krzyzewski? It is possible.

In order for Duke to have a true rebuilding year, they need someone amazing. Someone to mirror the images of the Championship players that played before them. Someone who will give Duke back they’re enemies.

Knowing that Duke had to pick up someone of worth, they did. Good to know for Duke, Kyle Singler still has some blue in him. Doubtful that he will completely turn around the season of the Devils, but he will definitely make some big statements. Kyle Singler stands at 6.9’ and mirrors the playings of the previous Christian Laettner. He likes to take control of the ball and will not hesitate to grab a rebound and dribble it all the way across the court. Different from Kevin Love, an incoming freshmen for UCLA, who looks to outlet pass. Singler’s also not as fundamentally sound as Love, but he has an uncanning ability to dribble and after he throws in a couple of hook shots, he will have people turning their heads. A fun player to watch, a problematic slow release, but all in all he could very well be the player to give Duke back their fans….and their enemies.