NCAA. It only gets worse from there with just under 7 steals a game (ranked 96), 3.2 blocks
(#227) and last, but not least, the lack of a boards presence with around 24 rebounds per
contest (#164).
It is not just the inside game however that ails the Blue Devils. Their perimeter defense has a
tough time as well. Too many times the opponent’s ball handlers have been allowed easy
penetration to the hoop. The ACC is the wrong place to be if you cannot prevent the other
team’s player’s easy access to your basket. Responsibility for this lies with the trio of Rodney
Hood, Rasheed Sulaimon and Quinn Cook to get in the way.
Help in the rebounding department may have been found in sophomore F Amile Jefferson.
Coach K has rewarded him with extra playing time as his numbers have improved. He had a
double-double against Virginia going 4 for 4 from the field as part of his 10 points and 15
rebounds on Jan. 15. He logged 32 minutes in the 67-46 win against Miami on Jan.22.
It will be a daunting task, to say the least, to overtake Syracuse at the top of the conference.
Obviously 2 dates looming with the “Orange” will go a long way to deciding the final outcome.
Their second meeting on February 22nd at home is one to circle on any true NCAA hoops fans
calendar. Pitt may ultimately have something to say about the final ACC standings as well.
Page | 9