It's not easy being Duke

Criticism follows Duke like street sweepers follow a parade.

When your coach is a commercial pitch man who rivals Peyton Manning for air time, when opposing fans are convinced the referees are in your pocket, when you’ve become college basketball’s version of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s easy to understand why the Blue Devils the nation’s most cussed and discussed team.

After a lousy (by Duke standards) season that saw the Blue Devils bounced from the 2007 NCAA Tournament in the second round, coach Mike Krzyzewski’s team has bounced back with a vengeance.

Despite lacking an inside presence on offense or defense, Duke spent much of the season chasing a No. 1 seed and finished second in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“We’re not this big, physical team, but we have pretty good athletes and a lot of interchangeable parts,’’ Krzyzewski said.

DeMarcus Nelson, a 6-4 guard/forward, is the team’s only senior. Kyle Singler, a 6-8 freshman, is the only starter who could be called a forward or center but he spends most of his offensive time facing the basket.

“We have a lot of players who can play multiple positions and we can use that versatility to exploit other teams,’’ Nelson said.

Krzyzewski is the United States national team coach and Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antonio has been an assistant on that team. Duke has adopted some of the Suns’ offensive schemes.

Duke gets off the bus firing 3-pointers. Junior point guard Greg Paulus is the most prolific scorer and is one of three Blue Devils who make 40 percent or more from behind the line.

With players like Singler, Duke can create match up nightmares for the other team. The Blue Devils try to spread the floor, drive to the basket or pass to an open 3-point shooter if the driving lanes are closed.

To compensate for the lack of size, coach K has utilized a deeper roster by emphasizing pressure defense. The Blue Devils average 10 steals per game. Forced turnovers help fuel Duke’s offense and keep opposing post players from getting the ball.

“If we force a turnover, that means we don’t have to play post defense or there’s not a shot where the (opponent) can use their strength against us," Krzyzewski told The Greensboro (N.C.) News & Record.

Brian Zoubek, a 7-foot sophomore, is the only “big man” on Duke’s roster. He doesn’t fit in to the team’s fast-paced style of play and he’s missed most of the season with foot injuries. Zoubek is healthy, now, and he at least gives Krzyzewski an option of playing a lineup with a pure center.

“Brian is an asset, and now we know he’s going to be with us,’’ Krzyzewski said. “His foot has responded to the last two weeks, so now we have to put some things in where he gets some touches.’’

This Duke team lacks a star -- a Laettner, a Hill, a Redick.

“This is an interesting team -- all guys who have upside, no one who started the year established,” Krzyzewski said. “It’s been a really unique team for me … in that we really don’t have that All-American, at least not yet. They all can get better.”

The critics? They scoff that a team with no low post scoring threat can’t survive March Madness. They say that the Blue Devils are three-(point) trick pony.

“If Duke shoots poorly from the perimeter, or does not guard the ball effectively and force turnovers, it can and will get beat,’’ said Duke grad and ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas. “They’re not the best team in the country, but can beat anyone on a given day. Shortcomings and all, what Duke has done this season has been remarkable.”