CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The last time the Blue Devils had a big man elevate his game to another level in the middle of the season, they won the national championship.
There are two big men filling that role for Duke this year: Miles and Mason Plumlee.
The older Plumlee led the way with 13 rebounds, 11 of which came in the first half before the 87-45 victory against Hampton had been all but decided. He also added eight points, all coming in the first half as well.
In Duke’s last five games, beginning with the regular season finale against North Carolina, Miles has been averaging 8.2 points per game along with 8.8 rebounds per game. That’s more than double his season averages (4.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, respectively) before the March 5 matchup against the Tar Heels.
“I’ve been expecting this from myself the whole time,” Miles said of his recent performance. “I think I finally figured out how to just relax out there and stay aggressive at the same time. That’s been the key to my success.”
Miles admitted yesterday that he had lost his confidence in the middle of this season. He said that he was able to gain it back in part by improving his performance in practice. By focusing on basic techniques such as moving his feet, Miles, along with his Mason and Ryan Kelly, is better positioned to grab rebounds.
“I thought we moved well,” Mason Plumlee said. “Miles coming away with 13 rebounds is huge, and you know, Ryan taking charges, moving his feet defensively. As a group we moved our feet really well on defense.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the guards have been instructed to get the ball to the frontcourt players more often. That, too, has helped Miles regain his confidence.
“The guards have really been looking for us more,” he said. “And the more touches you get, the more confidence you have.”
The improvement of both Plumlees didn’t go unnoticed by Hampton head coach Edward Joyner, Jr, who had prepared for them by watching film of earlier games this season.
“The Plumlee guys, they move a lot better than I thought,” Joyner said after the game. “I don’t think the video does them justice.”
Miles may have a secret weapon, though, to go along with his more traditional means of improvement. As his teammates have taken to reminding him—often—his hair is a bit longer than he normally wears it.
Just call him Samson.
“Maybe it scares the other guys,” Miles said as Casey Peters and Tyler Thornton howled with laughter. “I won’t go any longer though,” he said with a laugh.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.