Duke v. Wake

Is there in player in college basketball that is more important to his team than Daniel Ewing? He is their point guard. He handles the ball very well for a guy who has been primarily a shooting guard. He initiates much of their offense. He is one of their best scorers. He is the "go-to-guy" many games they are struggling. He can hit the big shot, and he is very quick charging toward the basket. He is probably their best defender. Sean Dockery is very good, and Sheldon Williams is a premier shot-blocker, but Ewing is Duke's best defender. He comes up with a steal when they need it. He provides the much needed spark to the Dukies.

I thought these thoughts last night when Ewing fouled out with 6 minutes left in the Wake Forest game last night. It looked like they would get blown-out by Wake. They were down by as many as 15, I think. Enter J.J. Redick. Every knows he is a prolific scorer, the leading scorer in the ACC. Every knows his shot is dead-on from almost anywhere in the half court. He is the greatest free-throw shooter ever. And last night he took over the game for Duke. I think he scored about 9 or 11 points after Ewing fouled out. He hit some big three-pointers. He drove the lane several times. He, of course, made his foul shots. Duke would have been totally out of the game were it not for him. He is a very good player. He has become so much more than just a shooter. I think Duke will do well in the ACC Tournament. I predict they will be an Elite Eight team in the tournament. Go Duke.