clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Pitino Hearts Duke

This year’s team anyway.

By JD King

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Duke v Louisville
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 31: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski (R) of the Duke Blue Devils greets head coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals before playing each other during the Midwest Regional Final round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 31, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Duke fans are understandably excited for this season. There is a lot of talent on campus, so much that Duke could overcome the absence of Harry Giles if he takes longer than expected to get back on the court (particularly after Monday’s surgery).

You have to take what other coaches say with a grain of salt because there are a lot of motivations for whatever they might say. Dean Smith was the absolute best at this. HE’d say something that sounded nice and only later would you realized what a cutting remark it actually was.

That said, Rick Pitino has said more than once lately that he thinks this Duke team has the potential to be special. Here are his latest comments on that subject.

More From Duke Basketball Report