What a difference a year can make.
Last November, Duke was forced to start its season without a true point guard to run its offense. This season, with a pair of top-notch lead guards to bring the ball up the court, the Blue Devils are ready to rely on their two floor generals to make a run for the national title.
On Nov. 3, 2004 the Blue Devils suspended Lindsey Harding, then a co-captain and starting point guard, for violating team rules. The suspension left Duke with just six returning letter winners, and transfer Emily Waner, who had to sit out the entire season as per NCAA rules. This year, however, both Harding and Waner are ready to contribute to the preseason No. 1 Blue Devils.
Although not allowed to play in any games, Harding practiced with the team all last season. Instead of complaining about her situation, the Houston native worked even harder to her improve her game.
"Lindsey has grown so much over the last year both on and off the court," head coach Gail Goestenkors said. "Sitting out last year was difficult for her but I think it helped her."
Without Harding, many players took turns bringing the ball up the court, including Jessica Foley, Monique Currie and Wanisha Smith. Foley and Smith are natural shooting guards, while Currie, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, primarily plays forward.
"It's so much nicer to have Jess go to the wing for her shot rather than having to bring the ball up against the whole press," center Alison Bales said. "I think it'll help with everyone's strengths, just having someone who's that good at bringing the ball up."
With a true point guard in the backcourt this season, Currie, Foley and Smith will take more specialized roles in the offense. Foley and Smith, however, have missed time this preseason with various injuries and neither will start the season at full strength. The team's new depth at all guard positions will allow the Blue Devils to play at a high level even without a fully healthy squad.
Waner, a former Miss Basketball of Colorado, transferred from Colorado after her freshman season. Waner said the time off actually helped her prepare for the high level of play in the ACC.
"I think I got a good feel and understanding of the ACC and the way Duke plays-the up-tempo and excellent athleticism," Waner said. "I worked a lot on getting quicker. I think playing against Duke every day in practice-that is the best competition I can have."
Having two starting-caliber point guards could be a distraction to a team expected to challenge for the national title. However, Goestenkors said the team does not think that they have too much of a good thing.
"Emily and Lindsey play very well together," she said. "Emily is an incredible three-point shooter. When she shoots it, I think all of us expect it to go in. Lindsey is such a great push guard, she finds people in the court for the open three."
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