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, Staff Writer
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DURHAM -
It's the same message this season: The Duke Blue Devils want to run.That didn't go as planned when Duke went 22-11 in 2006-07. And even with three freshmen, this team has a similar makeup.So what has changed that makes the Blue Devils think they can play uptempo basketball?Three things: They're healthy. They're more athletic. They're deep in the backcourt."We have more good players, and they're older and healthier," said coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is seeing competitive practices for the first time in a year.Injuries to guards Greg Paulus, Martynas Pocius and Gerald Henderson slowed Duke last year, but all three are healthy. Paulus and Henderson have played quicker, with Henderson rising well, in exhibition games.Duke added athleticism with freshman guard Nolan Smith and freshman forward Kyle Singler to go with Henderson and senior DeMarcus Nelson. All four run, and Singler, at 6 feet 8, plays fluidly near the hoop to draw fouls.Also, six of Duke's seven guards are expected to contribute.Smith plays aggressively in the open court. Paulus and freshman Taylor King are the best threats to make 3-pointers on the break. Nelson is the best rebounder, but Henderson and Jon Scheyer also keep moving on the glass, tipping passes, grabbing loose balls, and forcing turnovers.Still, Duke's fast break will falter, like it did last season, if the Devils don't disrupt the opponent's ballhandlers. Smith and Paulus must push teams away from the hoop and key the break.Turnovers are key, but it shouldn't matter who directs the break. The team wants to stay fluid, so every guard must handle the ball in transition. Paulus, Smith, Nelson, Henderson and Scheyer all can do that.The Devils are salivating at the thought of running instead of executing halfcourt plays, a habit from the J.J. Redick era that lingered last season."I feel very confident I can be that guy and how the team will set me up," Henderson said. "But most of our guys feel that way. ... Hopefully it will be a lot of fun."
luciana.chavez@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-4864
