Jackets' rebounding worries Coach K

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called Georgia Tech one of the best rebounding teams in the country.

On Wednesday, the Blue Devils visit a Georgia Tech team that is shooting just 28.9 percent from 3-point range but rebounds so well that Krzyzewski said the missed shot is almost part of its offense.

The Yellow Jackets are averaging 14.3 offensive rebounds per game thanks to a big starting lineup that includes 6-foot-10 Alade Aminu, 6-9 Gani Lawal and 6-8 Zach Peacock.

Krzyzewski said there’s no secret to rebounding against an opponent like that, aside from getting all five players to attack the defensive boards.

“When someone has an advantage over you like that, you’ve got to make a full commitment by all five guys to do it,” Krzyzewski said Monday during the ACC coaches’ teleconference.

The Blue Devils certainly have practice doing it. Florida State used a huge lineup with four starters 6-7 or taller and grabbed 23 offensive rebounds in a Duke win Saturday.

“It was almost like a scrum in there,” said guard Jon Scheyer. “It was almost like a fistfight, where you’ve got to get loose balls, tip it out.”

For Duke, Round 2 is Wednesday night in Atlanta.