Until a couple of years ago, really, no one outside of this state was particularly aware of Gardner-Webb.  That changed when they upset Kentucky, and they had some close games against major teams since then, but fundamentally, really, that was their moment of glory.   And what a moment it was.

This season is a different story so far. G-W has lost to UNC, Western Carolina, UNC-A, and Charlotte, and only Asheville was even close.

Their best players are point guard Grayson Flittner (6-0) and big man Auryn McMillan (6-8), both seniors.

Against UNC, Flittner shot 10-19 including 9-16 from three point range, so he’s a dangerous opponent.  The rest of the team combined however only hit 17 baskets, and they were outrebounded 50-28.

Duke may have some issues, however.  Kyle Singler may not play after spraining an ankle over the weekend.  Nolan Smith banged up his knee at Wisconsin and that’s slowed him somewhat, and Mason Plumlee is still working his way back.  On top of that is Andre Dawkins, who took some time off after his sister died in an auto accident just ten days ago.  Basketball is so secondary to what he’s gone through that having expectations of him right now is almost obscene. 

On the other hand, it’s an opportunity for other players to step up and for younger players to make a case for bigger roles:  think either Plumlee, or Thing One and Thing Two as we like to call them, Olek Czyz, and Ryan Kelly, guys who all could become bigger contributors.  And of course Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek – they’ve all been through it all before.

After G-W, Duke plays Gonzaga in the Garden, and they’ll want everyone together for that obviously as Gonzaga is no day at the beach.

Our guess is that between exams and injuries there might be a few rough spots in this game, but that Duke will prevail without too much trouble.

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