ESPN INSIDER

 When Austin Rivers ended his recruitment and committed to Duke, it was virtually assumed that the precocious scoring guard might have a problem involving his teammates. The 6-foot-4 guard is a gifted scorer, especially in isolation match-ups, so sharing the ball might have been one of his challenges in 2011-12.

However, according to Mike Krzyzewski (via Jeff Goodman), Rivers’ main challenge next season will be his defense. The past two seasons, Duke has been one of the top defensive teams in the nation but it is worth noting that the Blue Devils’ defense does slip once conference play starts (though Duke still has led the ACC in OPPP in 2010 and 2011).

Duke relies on their guards to pressure the ball and aggressively pursue the passing lanes so it will be interesting to see how Rivers progresses; as with any Division I college squad, it’s hard to hide a below-average defender. While Rivers will probably be able to get by with his athletic ability, for Duke to compete again for a national title, Coach K and company needs to again have a top defensive squad.

 When Austin Rivers ended his recruitment and committed to Duke, it was virtually assumed that the precocious scoring guard might have a problem involving his teammates. The 6-foot-4 guard is a gifted scorer, especially in isolation match-ups, so sharing the ball might have been one of his challenges in 2011-12.

However, according to Mike Krzyzewski (via Jeff Goodman), Rivers’ main challenge next season will be his defense. The past two seasons, Duke has been one of the top defensive teams in the nation but it is worth noting that the Blue Devils’ defense does slip once conference play starts (though Duke still has led the ACC in OPPP in 2010 and 2011).

Duke relies on their guards to pressure the ball and aggressively pursue the passing lanes so it will be interesting to see how Rivers progresses; as with any Division I college squad, it’s hard to hide a below-average defender. While Rivers will probably be able to get by with his athletic ability, for Duke to compete again for a national title, Coach K and company needs to again have a top defensive squad.

Dude your last 5 forum threads have been about Austin Rivers…chill

Dude your last 5 forum threads have been about Austin Rivers…chill

Austin is that you? All you do is talk about how good you are..It has to stop Austin!

Austin is that you? All you do is talk about how good you are..It has to stop Austin!