Quotes & Notes - March 1
vs. Virginia Tech, vs. NC State
After every game I do three things: watch the press conference, read the quotes, and study the box score. Quotes & Notes is my wrap-up of the most recent games of the Duke season, including postgame quotes, stats, and other thoughts.
Quotes
“It has been really important for us. Throughout the years, whether it was injury, whether it was adversity with a loss or a setback, we just kept saying ‘stick together, stick together, let’s be our best when it really matters.’ I give these guys a lot of credit because they haven’t pointed the finger and they continue to work. Each of them has gotten better. We spend a lot of time in practice working on individual work. Individual player development, which I think you can see the growth that our guys have made throughout the course of the season and, of course, understanding who you are playing with and how to play to each other’s strengths. I thought that was evident tonight.” - Coach Scheyer on Duke’s recent play after the Virginia Tech game
“What a special night in Cameron. The crowd was absolutely incredible and really proud of our team for the growth that we’ve made this season, their perseverance. NC State is a really good team. They’re explosive offensively. I thought our defense was the key to the game. It’s been really what we’ve hung our hat on all year long. Dereck [Lively]’s job on [D.J.] Burns. Tyrese [Proctor] with [Terquavion] Smith. We were fortunate too. They missed some shots. Collectively, I thought we played a great defensive team and down the stretch, Jeremy [Roach] really made some key plays. I think he scored six of our last 10. Pressure free throws with Tyrese, with Jeremy. We can handle that situation better, but also, they’re throwing up some big-time shots. That’s what they do. So, really proud of this team. Proud of going undefeated at home. To represent Cameron Indoor Stadium this way is a big deal. Get refreshed and focused for one more game.” - Coach Scheyer on the win against NC State
Stats
Duke played in two very different games but was able to come away with two wins. As Coach Scheyer mentioned above, that speaks to the team's growth and perseverance. Credit to NC State’s defense for making it difficult all night, resulting in Duke’s lowest assist percentage of the season. The Wolfpack pressed all game, forcing Duke to use clock bringing the ball up which limited assist opportunities for the Blue Devils. However, Duke also had some great connecting passes and simply missed on good looks, including 2 out of 19 from 3-point range. I was proud of the defensive effort for Duke in both games. The Blue Devils continued to rebound well for a combined +20 on the glass (+11 Va Tech, +9 NCSU). As of Sunday, Duke ranked 3rd in DI rebounding margin.
Notes
I love Duke going undefeated in Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. Although it was not something he talked with the team about during the year, after the State game Coach Scheyer called the achievement “really special”, thanked the Crazies, and talked about his love for Cameron dating back to his first recruiting visit in 2005 (Redick went for 38). Scheyer is the only first-year coach in ACC history to lead his team to an unbeaten record at home and it’s the first time for Duke since 2014. Since 1980, Duke has gone undefeated 12 times in Cameron. Here’s the list: 1986, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2023.
My thoughts are with Terry Holland and his family after he passed away Sunday evening. Holland coached Virginia to two Final Fours in 1981 and 1984, and led the Cavaliers to the NIT Title in 1980. In 1976, Holland and Virginia defeated three ranked teams (#17 NC State, #9 Maryland, and #4 North Carolina) to win the school’s first ACC Tournament crown. Coach Holland played at Davidson College under Lefty Driesell and got his start in coaching at his alma mater before being hired by Virginia in 1974. After retiring from coaching in 1990, Holland would serve stints as the Athletic Director at Davidson, Virginia, and East Carolina. Terry Holland is an ACC legend and the University of Virginia had a great article to honor his memory.
Thanks for reading, Go Duke!
Sources