Czyz to Transfer

Olek Czyz, a 6-7 sophmore, is reportedly transferring from Duke.

Duke 113, Gardner-Webb 68

Scheyer Fire! Jon Scheyer scored a career high 36 points on just 13 shots to lead Duke past the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, 113-68. Scheyer had the most complete game of his career, starting out 7-7 from the field. He hit all seven of his free throws and stuffed the stat sheet with nine assists and eight rebounds to go along with 36 points and just two turnovers.

Andre Dawkins had a nice game as well. Dawkins, who's sister died in a car accident on December 7th, scored 16 points while shooting 3-5 from the three point line.

Auryn MacMillan scored a team high 14 for Gardner-Webb.

Next Game- Saturday 12/19 vs. Gonzaga

Game Preview- Gardner-Webb

Duke (7-1), (0-0) vs. Gardner-Webb (3-4), (0-1)

The Blue Devils play host to the Runnin' Bulldogs as Gardner-Webb makes its final stop in its North Carolina power school trip. The Blue Devils have not played in 10 days, beating St. Johns way back on December 7th. G-W is coming off a 95-66 thrashing at the hands of the Charlotte 49ers. Tip is set for 6pm central.

Tonight's rotation could be very interesting for the Blue Devils. Kyle Singler (ankle) is questionable, while Nolan Smith and Brain Zoubek, (knee, hip and back) are probable. Also, Andre Dawkins returns to action tonight, 10 days removed from tragically losing his sister. He did not miss a game. Mason Plumlee reported he is 100% healed from his preseason wrist injury. It will be interesting to see if he starts again or if Lance Thomas has his job back.

In Loving Memory Lacey Dawkins

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Lacey Dawkins was killed in a multi-car crash on a highway in West Virginia. She was on her way to see her brother Andre in his game against St. John's.

A tragedy like this puts alot of things into perspective. Nothing is as important as family. Andre must know that he has the support of his family, coaches, teammates and fans in helping him out through this tough time.

I send my condolences to Andre and his family through this tough time.

Duke 80, St. Johns 71

Duke rebounded from its first loss of the season to down the pesky Red Storm, 80-71. St. Johns went up 6-0 early before Duke built its way to a 14 point halftime lead. That very lead was trimmed down to four before Kyle Singler took over. Singler, who finished with a team high 17, scored seven in a row in a two minute stretch to put the lead back at 14.

Mason Plumlee got the start in place of captain Lance Thomas, but it was Thomas and another senior, Brian Zoubek, who had arguably the biggest impact on the game. Thomas and Zoubek combined for 22 points and 15 rebounds. Thomas showed his versatility and will to win, stepping outside and hitting three perimeter jumpshots. D.J. Kennedy led St. John's with 18 points.

Next Game-

Tuesday 12/8 vs. Gardner-Webb

Wall-king on your Heels

The Kentucky Wildcats knock the shoe off the heels, 68-66.

Game Preview- St. Johns

St Johns (6-0), (0-0) vs. Duke (6-1), (0-0)

St. Johns travels to Durham to take on the Duke Blue Devils Saturday afternoon. St John's is coming off a win over Stoney Brook. The Blue Devils are coming off a loss against Wisconsin.

Duke fans know that Coach K is notorious for shaking up the lineups after a loss. While I don't foresee any changes this game, don't be surprised if youngster Andre Dawkins gets the nod for his first career start. He is coming a 12 point effort against Wisconsin, all on three pointers.

It will be interesting to see Duke coming off its first loss. They are playing in Cameron for the first time in two weeks. Will the Jonnies be able to hang tough or will the Devils play with a chip on their shoulder in front of its home crowd?

Wisconsin 73, Duke 69

It was a long night for the Blue Devils as they fell to the Badgers, 73-69. Wisconsin started out shooting lights out in the beginning of the game, and it seemed Duke never really recovered. At one point in the second half, Duke closed the gap down to a single point but could not take the lead. A frustrating ending for the Devils to say the very least. Kyle Singler led the Blue Devils in scoring with a career high 28 points, and Trevon Hughes led the Badgers with 26.

Next Game-

Saturday, 11/5 vs. St. Johns

Game Preview- Wisconsin

Duke (6-0), (0-0) at Wisconsin (4-1), (0,0)

Duke faces Wisconsin in the final day of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge. Tip off is set for 8:15 central at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Bucky Badger is coming off a third place Maui Invitational win against Maryland. Duke is coming off an NIT championship victory against UCONN.

Tonight, Duke welcomes back the crown jewel of their freshman class. Mason Plumlee, who broke his wrist in the preseason, is reportedly dressing tonight and may see minutes. Mason is the younger brother of current starting center, Miles Plumlee. Mason is 6'10" and athletic, placing high in the McDonald's All-American dunk contest. Mason will add a whole new dimension to the Blue Devils. With three players seeing significant players in the frontcourt, at the very least Mason should contribute 12-15 minutes per night and 4 or 5 fouls.

My projected starting line-up for tonight-

5- Miles Plumlee

4- Lance Thomas

3- Kyle Singler

2- Nolan Smith

1- Jon Scheyer

Bench 1- Brian Zoubek/Andre Dawkins

Bench 2- Andre Dawkins/Brian Zoubek

Bench 3- Mason Plumlee

Along with Duke basketball, I will be covering many other top 25 games.

Welcome to DBI

Welcome to the Duke Basketball Insight blog! As of 12/1, I will be weighing in on Duke University mens basketball news, as well as game analysis and previews.

Thank you,

Justin M