Tonight the 11 from heaven hearken to the courts of Cameron Indoor Stadium as the saints come marching in.
Duke basketball kicks off its regular season tonight at 9:30 p.m. against St. Joseph's University in the first round of the Preseason NIT. The Blue Devils, who soundly defeated both the Upstate All-Stars and the Melbourne Tigers in exhibition play, are ready to get the season started.
"We've been working really hard since the first practice," freshman Mike Chappell said. "We're anxious to play against opponents in a game that really counts."
It's common knowledge that this season Duke has more depth than it has had for the past two years. Because the bench is so deep, coach Mike Krzyzewski will be able to have five fresh players on the court at all times. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, freshman Nate James injured his thumb Monday during practice. James will have surgery Wednesday, and it is unknown how long he will be out.
"I take it as a blessing in disguise," James said. "Everything happens for a reason.... [When I'm ready to play again,] I am going to do whatever I can to help the team."
Assistant coach Quin Snyder said that the play in which James injured himself is representative of his progress as a player. In the play that ruptured the tendon, James stole the ball, then drove down the court for a two-handed dunk. Unfortunately, he came down too hard and landed on his thumb, rupturing the tendon. Snyder said James is an excellent defender and his ability to get out in transition will be missed.
Although the Blue Devils will miss the stellar defense and give-it-all attitude of James, juniorRicky Price is once again ready to play. Price, who sustained an injury to his pinky finger, returned to practice Monday having been out since Halloween. Price's finger is still broken, but he said his game is fine-the only thing that still gives him some problems is ball handling. Price is possibly one of the quickest players in the nation, Snyder said, and having him back on the court gives Duke an added offensive weapon. Capel said that the team still needs to improve in many areas, but that all that is left to do is to get out and play. The Blue Devils are excited and ready to play.
"You reach a point in the preseason where you get tired of playing your teammates," Snyder said.
Duke has reached that point and is ready to face St. Joseph's to kick off the regular season. St. Joe's was last year's postseason NIT runner-up, but the Blue Devils lead the Hawks 9-0 in the all-time series. This is the third time Duke has played St. Joe's in preseason action, and the first two times the Blue Devils made it all the way to the national championship. A win tonight would make it number 450 for Krzyzewski.
This is the first time ever that St. Joe's has opened a year versus a nationally ranked opponent-it is also the earliest season opener for the Hawks in school history.
Duke knows very little about this St. Joe's team, but the Blue Devils would rather focus on their own playing anyway. Capel said the Hawks are a very athletic team, though not very big, and that they have the potential to get out on the break.
St. Joseph's has a powerful "sixth" man of whom Duke is going to have to be wary. Senior Terrell Myers, the Hawks leading scorer last year, is not starting, but will no doubt have a presence coming off the bench in tonight's game.
Tonight the Blue Devils are looking to play very precise defense with much intensity. They also want to improve their communication. Duke hopes to step out on the court and play with emotion. Chappell said James' injury will motivate the Blue Devils to play as hard as they can for him. Duke is confident about the season and is looking forward to playing a real game.
"I have high expectations," Capel said. "We want to be the best possible team that we can. We should be in the top of the ACC, and [we] hope to compete well nationally."
Anya Sostek contributed to this story
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