ESPN Motion: J.J. Redick on Duke's success and Coach K 

Jan. 22, 2005
Who would have ever believed that Duke would be undefeated deep into January? Come on, seriously, did you have the Dukies going perfect to this point?

After an 88-56 blowout over Florida State on Saturday, Duke is now 15-0 (5-0 ACC). In their previous game, Wednesday's 92-83 road win against an improved Miami-Florida program, the Blue Devils showed that they know how to find a way to respond to challenges.

Duke's next game is Wednesday at home vs. Maryland (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET).

	Duke big man Shelden Williams averages a double-double (15.9 ppg, 11.1 rpg).

There is no doubt that Duke buys into the team concept under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Think about what happened last season in the NBA, when the Detroit Pistons won the NBA title under coach Larry Brown. It's all about the T-E-A-M.

What about the Patriots and the way they play as a team. Coach Bill Belichick has them aiming for a third Super Bowl ring in four years. Sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy did a fabulous job in a recent Boston Globe article discussing the team concept that works in Foxboro.

Krzyzewski is a winner, and he has a great way of getting the most out of his people.

I'm surprised the Dukies are still unbeaten, but am I shocked that they've been successful again this season? No, because Coach K is a brilliant leader and motivator who is able to guide his team through adversity.

That's what coaching is all about. Duke has seen Shavlik Randolph sidelined with mono. DeMarcus Nelson missed time at the start of the season. People questioned Duke's depth, but through it all the Blue Devils have been perfect.

It hasn't been the easiest road. Duke has beaten nonconference foes Michigan State, Oklahoma and Temple. Add to that ACC road wins over Miami and NC State. You know that those teams were looking to score a big W and end the unbeaten streak.

Featuring three big-time players, Duke has gotten the most out of its talent. Senior Daniel Ewing and junior J.J. Redick are stars on the perimeter, and junior Shelden Williams does it all in the post.

Maryland coach Gary Williams told me recently that this is Krzyzewski's greatest coaching job.

Ewing is one of the most underrated players in America, while Redick is automatic on the foul line (95.3 percent).

Williams blocked nine shots in a game recently and had 30 big points against the Hurricanes.

Maryland coach Gary Williams told me recently that this is Krzyzewski's greatest coaching job. That comes from a fiery guy and an ACC competitor singing the praises of Coach K.

The Terps and Dukies hook up next Wednesday (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET), and I'll be there to broadcast the action. I'm also calling the Illinois-Wisconsin game Tuesday (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

All those squads believe in the team concept. It's about shot selection, playing together as a unit and playing to your strengths to reach your potential. Duke is doing a great job of that so far this season.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question to Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.