Blue Devil Insight

November 22, 2015 - Duke University Men's Basketball is a widely recognizable brand. That kind of happens when your current head coach, Mike Krzyzewski has won five national championships at the Durham, NC domiciled school, the last coming in 2014-15, and the program being seen as both beloved/media darling and reviled, entitled villain . In short, Duke is known, being supported and hated.

G'Town takes on Duke today at 1p EST in 2k Classic championship play. Click here for our real time, in-game chat thread - a great interactive options for fans - broadcast and series history information.

But what about this year's crop of Blue Devils, a crew that lost multiple players from last year's 'chip team? Are they again, talented? Generally, how does Krzyzewski and his crew generate points and manufacture stops?

Who better to pose those and other questions than Brian McLawhorn, Publisher of DevilsIllustrated.com, the number one internet space for Duke sports coverage? The talented and knowledgeable leader of Rivals.com's Duke franchise, McLawhorn consented to answer a few questions regarding this year's Blue Devil group.

Below are excerpts. See Premium Court for the full offering:

With the departure of the freshman All American center (Jahlil Okafor, how has Duke manufactured an inside game? What keys the offense at this time?

"This Duke team isn't really geared toward an inside game...so the offense is generated through.."

Are the Blue Devils primarily playing man to man?

Yes. Coach K has always been a man-to-man guy, with some zone scattered in on occasion. He has implemented zone..."

Has Allen really developed an outside threat?

Grayson Allen entered Duke with a reputation as a shooter. And the skill-set that earned him that reputation is very present...He's still learning how to play as the No.1 offensive option and how..."

Has (Amile) Jefferson developed offensive threats, or is he still an uber smart, tough player that defends, rebounds and makes key non-scoring plays primarily?

"...He is somewhat more assertive getting to the basket and looking to score around the rim..."

How is Duke on the boards?

"Duke has been good, but can be better. They are averaging...Jefferson has been outstanding on the glass and he's received a lot of help from..."