I think Cory (Maggette) was the last one to leave, to declare for the NBA draft. Chris, Nate and I got together, and we knew from that day that people would be predicting our downfall, saying that Duke is dead. We took that personally, and just among ourselves we said that we were going to do everything in our power to maintain the high level of play that Duke is and the high level of excellence that Duke stands for. We initiated a meeting at coach's house right after he had his surgery and we said things may look down now, but you have three leaders who are going to do anything to maintain Duke basketball, and I think that really set the tone for the whole year.
Shane Battier
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