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Published Fri, Oct 16, 2009 07:42 AM
Modified Fri, Oct 16, 2009 07:48 AM

Devils adds size, speed in frontcourt

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By KEN TYSIAC - STAFF WRITER

Duke sophomore forward Miles Plumlee exudes a lot of confidence for a guy who averaged just 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds and didn't even play in 13 games last season.

"I know there's no one faster than me at my size," said Plumlee, who has undergone a significant offseason transformation.

Along with his brother, freshman Mason Plumlee, Miles was named as a likely frontcourt starter for Duke on Thursday by coach Mike Krzyzewski. Miles has added about 15 pounds to his 6-foot-10 frame and increased his standing vertical jump from 32 inches to 36 inches.

He now has the highest vertical jump on the team. He also said that along with his brother and senior Lance Thomas, he gives Duke unusual speed at the forward positions.

"I don't think people realize how fast we are," Plumlee said. "We're going to be able to keep up with everyone in the open court. We're big, long and athletic."

The starting lineup Krzyzewski described has the Plumlees at 6-10 apiece and 6-8 Kyle Singler on the floor in an unusually big alignment for the Blue Devils.

Duke also has just three guards on scholarship. But Krzyzewki said the Blue Devils still are going to try to push the ball up the floor to get easy baskets more often than last season.

Senior guard Jon Scheyer sounds optimistic that it will work.

"Even though we're a bigger team, we can really run," Scheyer said. "With Miles and Mason inside, they can really run the floor. They can jump. They're long. So even though we're bigger, we're just as athletic."

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