The Chronicle's 2009-2010 ACC Basketball Preview • Nov. 5, 2009

The Chronicle's 2009-2010 ACC Basketball Preview   •   Nov. 5, 2009
Singler, Blue Devils bank on size to carry them to Final FourThe Blue Devils showed last year they are a team back on the up, and Duke has all the tools—and all the size—to turn a strong 2008-2009 season into a Final Four run, and Kyle Singler's move to the perimeter might push the Blue Devils over the top.
Photo illustration by Ian Soileau, Michael Naclerio, and Chase Olivieri In McCallie's third year, questions remain for talented squadIn head coach Joanne P. McCallie's third season, Duke hopes to rally around star guard Jasmine Thomas and senior captain Bridgette Mitchell and best last year's disappointing second-round exit.

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Men's Basketball

Move to perimeter gives Singler new dimension

Zachary Tracer
For the first time since arriving at Duke, Kyle Singler will spend the season playing exclusively where he is most comfortable: the perimeter.

Captains Scheyer, Thomas fill leadership gap

Zachary Tracer
Finding this team’s dynamic starts with understanding its captains: seniors Lance Thomas and Jon Scheyer.

Point-counterpoint: Indianapolis or bust?

Chronicle File Photo
Gabe Starosta says Duke regressed much less than the rest, while Archith Ramkumar contends that the Blue Devils lack “real size.”

Guarded but confident

Michael Naclerio
Smith looks to have a breakout season for the Blue Devils, strengthening a backcourt that lacks the depth Duke teams have possessed in recent years.

Freshmen bring unique skill set

Addison Corriher
The Duke freshmen bring an impressive combination of size and shooting ability to the floor, and can make an immediate impact with their versatility.

Athletic big men create inside-outside attack

Lawson Kurtz
The team’s glut of players 6-foot-8 and taller gives the Blue Devils a size advantage that head coach Mike Krzyzewski says he has rarely had in his 30-year tenure.

Women's Basketball

Replacing Black, Gay not a solo effort

Chase Olivieri
Despite the loss of Chante Black and Carrem Gay, two defensive stalwarts, Duke is optimistic about its inside presence this season.

Point-counterpoint: Blue Devil women better than last year?

Xavier Watson
Lucas Nevola says younger players will emerge, but Sabreena Merchant thinks there's too much missing.

Injuries haunt hungry sophomores

Chase Olivieri
For sophomores Chelsea Hopkins, Kathleen Scheer and Shay Selby, the 2009-2010 season represents a whole array of opportunities to shine.