ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings - College Basketball
9. Duke
After the way last season ended -- a loss to 15th-seeded Lehigh -- you would expect the Blue Devils to get a bit defensive. And that's just what coach Mike Krzyzewski wants. Duke finished 10th in the 12-team ACC last season in scoring defense and field goal percentage defense, inexplicable numbers for a program where D has been a hallmark. Senior guard Seth Curry said his team this season must think more about getting stops than scoring. But the latter should also be helped by a more balanced attack led by senior forward Mason Plumlee. Duke also adds some size on the perimeter with 6-4 McDonald's All-American Rasheed Sulaimon, plus 6-8 freshman Amile Jefferson. Quinn Cook, Tyler Thornton and Ryan Kelly also return. --Robbi Pickeral
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