Duke Blue Devils WiretapMay 2015 Duke Blue Devils Wiretap

GMs Cite Steep Learning Curve On Defense For Duke Players Coming To NBA

Nov 23, 2015 1:20 PM

Duke players who come to the NBA often have a big adjustment to make in terms of defense due to how Mike Krzyzewski teaches that side of the floor.

Jahlil Okafor came to the NBA with questions about his defense and he has predictably struggled.

"I have had several GMs who have drafted young Duke players tell me that the learning curve between the sort of defense Coach K teaches at Duke and what they're required to play at the NBA level is pretty steep," wrote Chad Ford.

Chad FordESPN

Tags: Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia Sixers, Duke Blue Devils, NCAA, NBA, NBA B-Ball IQ

Discuss
Harry Giles Commits To Duke

Nov 6, 2015 12:50 PM

Harry Giles has committed to Duke, picking the Blue Devils over Kentucky, Kansas and Wake Forest.

Giles suffered a partially torn right ACL this week and had previously torn the ACL in his left knee.

Giles is rated as the No. 1 recruit in the 2016 class by ESPN.

Giles will have the chance to play with Jayson Tatum, who is ESPN's No. 2 recruit.

"We were roommates in USA Basketball this past season," Tatum told ESPN. "When you spend over 30 days together, you either grow closer or apart. We got closer."

 

Jeff Capel was key in the recruitment of Giles.

"Jeff built a great relationship with Harry and that was key," Oak Hill assistant coach Cory Alexander said.

Paul Biancardi/ESPN

Tags: Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils, High School, NCAA, NBA, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General, NCAA Commitment

Discuss