clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2018 NCAA Tournament: A Look At Duke’s Move To Zone Defense

No one said anything here but we can’t help but to think back to Tark’s Amoeba defense and how effective that was for UNLV during their great run at the beginning of the ‘90s.

By JD King

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

Iona v Duke
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils blocks the shot of E.J. Crawford #2 of the Iona Gaels during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Here’s one we missed about Duke’s move to zone and what it’s meant for Duke’s defense and title hopes.

Former UConn assistant Tom Moore, with Rhode Island until a day or two ago and now possibly headed back to UConn with Dan Hurley, said this: “I was in the Big East for 13 years. Syracuse always had big zones, but this team covers a ton...[Wendell Carter has] the same trait that [former UConn center] Emeka [Okafor] had. He’s so big and long and he realizes that he doesn’t need to be quick off his feet. He can let you leave your feet and go up for your shot and he still has time to affect it.”

Syracuse of course will be playing zone as well. Here’s a great headline we wish we had thought of first.

If you're going to shop Amazon please start here and help DBR
Check out our October '17 t-shirt! || Drop us a line

More From Duke Basketball Report