Duke debuts faster pace in preseason victory

By Eric AngevineOct 26, 2013, 6:50 PM EDT
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This year’s Duke team is younger than what we usually see in Durham. That’s tough, because everyone’s still learning how to play the right way. It’s also a great opportunity, because everyone’s still learning how to play the right way.

That means a clever coach can introduce a new style of play without as much resistance.

Exactly how Mike Krzyzewski has changed his team won’t be obvious until we get to see them in person, but the Hall of Fame coach himself admitted his squad is changing things up, following a convincing 103-67 exhibition victory over DII CIAA champs Bowie State today.

“The older guys are learning and aren’t teaching as much,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said of having a young team. “When you have older guys who’ve played a system that you’ve played, you put younger guys on the spot. We’re all learning this new way of playing, a faster way of playing.

Mississippi State transfer Rodney Hood had an auspicious season debut at Cameron Indoor Stadium, leading the Blue Devils with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Jabari Parker also stood out, tallying 16 points and five assists. Amile Jefferson and freshman Matt Jones scored in double figures as well.
It’s intriguing to hear Coach K talk about a faster way of playing. In recent seasons, the ball often went inside to a back-to-the-basket big man on most possessions, even if it came back out to the perimeter later in the shot clock. In this exhibition, the starting lineup was a more mobile five: Parker, Hood and Jefferson were teamed with Quinn Cook and Rasheed Sulaimon for the opening tip.
The new lineup will meet a stern test early on. The Blue Devils take the floor against Davidson on November 8th, then travel to Chicago to take on Kansas on November 12.