YouTube Gold: First Day Of Practice For Duke!

Basketball practice started up around the country Wednesday and thanks to Duke Basketball’s social media team, which is the best in the nation, bar none, we have this really outstanding and revealing video that gives us several insights.

First, Coach K says a few things and as usual, he’s concise and insightful.

When the cameras turn to the actual practice (and here’s a great question: what kind of cameras are they using? Are they just cell phones, which are now nearly cinema quality cameras? Or something more high end?), we see a number of revelations.

First, Matthew Hurt has indeed put on significant muscle. It’s not that he muscles people around here - it’s a bit early for that - but you can tell he’s more powerful. He’s not massive but he’s certainly not a twig anymore and can take care of himself.

Second, speaking of someone who can take care of himself, Henry Coleman certainly can. In the immortal words of R. Crumb, he’s a rough tough creampuff. He’s going to surprise some people with his power.

Third, there’s no question that DJ Steward can shoot. And we don’t doubt his toughness. But we’re not sure he’s big enough to physically assert himself. He has a beautiful shot but it may take him longer than we thought to have a complete game.

And fourth, while Mark Williams looked like a gawky teenager in his high school mix tapes, he’s come a long way quickly. We’re not sure just yet how much he’s going to play but there’s no doubt he’ll play. We’re not sure Duke has had a guy like that since Shelden Williams.

Anyway, it’s a fun preview of a team that should be a blast. Enjoy.