Thursday, February 16, 2012

Gottfried says Duke is among top 3 teams

Mark Gottfried and Mike Krzyzewski are in a mutual admiration society, at least before Thursday's game between their ACC teams in Durham.

Krzyzewski complimented Gottfried's N.C. State team earlier in the week, calling them an NCAA tournament team, and Gottfried returned the favor on Wednesday, calling Duke one of the "two or three best teams" in the country.

"They're a terrific team and they've had a great year. I really like their team," Gottfried said. "They're certainly one of the two or three best teams in the country, in my opinion."

Duke's 8-2, tied for first in the ACC, and 21-4 overall. The Blue Devils are ranked fifth in the AP poll this week.

The Blue Devils lost two first-round picks to the NBA, in guards Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving, and a two-time All-ACC player in forward Kyle Singler, off of last year's ACC title team. Gottfried is impressed with how Krzyzewski has adjusted and continued to excel with new personnel.

"Think of who they lost and think of where they are," Gottfried said.

State has lost 13 straight at Duke and hasn't beaten Krzyzewski in Durham since 1988. Gottfried said that isn't one of his concerns for Thursday's game.

"There's a lot of streaks that we've inherited that need to change," Gottfried said. "Some already have, some haven't."

--J.P. Giglio

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

State ain't winning in Durham...Dook wins by 20

Anonymous said...

Duke a Top 10 team NOT a Top 3...Duke is NOT better than Syracuse, Kentucky, OSU (who blew them off the court), Missouri, or UNC (who they did beat, but should have lost, and will the next time they play by 10), The "U", or FSU. Go Heels!

Anonymous said...

NCSU will not catch UNC or Duke on anything...they took a BEATDOWN in Chapel Hill (another one of those coming) and will get thumped by Duke tonight. Yes, NCSU will get better...but will continue to be behind UNC and Duke as long as Ol' Roy and Coach K are in the mix. Next year, NCSU adds three McDonald's All-Americans to the mix, but don't forget that Larry Drew III was one of those too...

Anonymous said...

Alabama a football school? Who knew Goofried...NCSU is a football school too...should have known that...NCSU beats UNC and Duke in football, but not b-ball...not this year or next...Look at the bright side they can beat WCU and UNCC.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha rebuilding year and Dook's still in the Top 5 and will probably beat Carolina yet again. Ridiculous...

Anonymous said...

UNC-CHeat walmart fans are out in force today! CHEATERS!

Anonymous said...

Duke doesn't rebuild. No NIT runner-up banners or 8-20 seasons in Durham!!

Anonymous said...

Wal-Mart sells stuff people buy...that's why you won't find Duke stuff there...nobody wants it, but their dorky fans...Lol..

Anonymous said...

UNC OWNS DOOK...more NCAA Championship/Final Four's/ACC wins...the list goes on and on...we will AGAIN go further in the NCAA's this year...FINAL FOUR...ALL TIME wins UNC 131 DOOK 102...enough said....losers

Anonymous said...

As a Duke alum, I have to agree with the above comment. We did beat UNC this year and should have lost, and will in a few weeks I must say.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone see the Coach K rat photo? That thing is AWESOME! Lol...Also check out the new book Duke Sucks...New York Times BEST SELLER...can be found at Wal-Mart too....ha! ha!!

Anonymous said...

K 4
Dean 2