"G" hires an agent

Gerald Henderson has hired an agent, basically bringing his Blue Devils career to an end. This is disappointing, but not a big surprise. With the upside Gerald has to his game, he should mature into a fine NBA player. I just wish he would have decided to stay for his senior season, potentially lead the Dukies to a possible National Championship, and probably have his jersey raised to the rafters of other Duke greats. None of that was guaranteed, and neither was his stock in a pro career. The NBA call was too great to leave on the table and wait for another year. I don't blame him for jumping, and he'll be missed.

All the best to G and thanks for the memories!

Gruden to join the booth for Monday Night Football

Jon Gruden to replace Kornhieser. I'm somewhat stunned by this. Jon has such a hunger to coach football that I have to wonder how long this will last. He's probably my favorite coach of all time despite how things finished up with the Bucs. Maybe he's ready to settle down and spend more time with the family. His work ethic is legendary and you know he'll be prepared. The dude knows his football. I just may have to watch more MNF next season.

Bad Manny, Banned!

News hit the wire today that Manny Ramirez has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for using a performance enhancing drug. All I can say is WOW! I am floored by this, but not shocked. Another thing is I'm happy there's that gaping hole in the Dodger lineup and not the Red Sox.

Another Youte Steps Up

Jonathan Van Every! Wow!

The outfielder was filling in for JD Drew last night against the team that signed him years ago. All he did was contibute in a big rally to help the Sox come from behind to tie a game they appeared out of earlier. Then, he smacked the game winning 420ft. home run in the 10th inning to pull out a clutch win for the Red Sox. All I can say is wow. He's a great story, and I'm really happy for him. These young guys are really showing off the farm system depth, aren't they?

Now its off to Tampa to take on the Rays. 

Turned up to Eleven!

The Red Sox moved their win streak to 11 last night with a solid win over Cleveland. What was more spectacular was their dismantling of the Yankees over the weekend. Now the Gotham press is going nuts, especially after all of the cash laid down for their collection of individuals. From Boston Dirt Dogs:

Hey, not sure if you saw this from the Jimmy Fallon show, but here's a clip from his interview with Larry Fitzgerald about the Madden 2010 game coming out in August. Its pretty funny.

They call it a streak, so bring on the Yanks

Its been a very productive week for the Sox, winning all the games since returning home, with sweeps of the O's and a doubleheader with the Twins. Thats a seven game win streak, folks! Now the team has a well deserved day off to prepare for the Yankees visit over the weekend. 

Here's a great post from the Pocklock blog yesterday with a 12 step program to become a Red Sox fan. Its mainly for any of those folks looking to free themselves from the darkness of the Evil Empire, but its a good read for anybody looking to join Red Sox Nation, and a blank filler for others. 

 

Sox take broom to Orioles

What a difference a weekend makes. After Wakefield's near no-no, the Sox brushed the orange birds out of Fenway with a four game sweep. Solid pitching and hot hitting returned to form for the team, complete with a fill in performance by Masterson today with Dice-K on the DL and some "keep-the-line-movin'" hitting by the line up. Even Big Papi woke up today for a multi-hit game, including a triple! Nice 12-1 victory early on Patriots Day.

Now, we have the Twins coming in for a quick two game visit, then the Yanks over the weekend. Its a good time to get hot!

Good things to come in Wake's wake?

There almost has to be after such a strong outing from the old...er....veteran. (Can't pick on him to much, he's not that much older than me). It'd been nice for him to pitching a no-no, but hey, he went the distance, and that is what the team needed most. 

Now, the guy are FINALLY back home. The O's are coming in. Lets take it to them.

Dice-K hits the DL

Dice-K was placed on the DL today and Hunter Jones was brought up from Pawtucket. I was thinking this could be an opportunity for Clay Bucholtz to see some action, but discovered he pulled a hammy during a workout. I think we're due for something positive to happen. Good time to start is ASAP today in Oakland.

What's next on "As the Red Sox turn?"

Whats with all the drama?! What is this "General Hospital"? Should I alert my Me-Ma that there is a new 'story' on for her to watch and track. I guess since I've only been following the Sox for 6 years now, maybe I'm just not quite used to it.....still. 

We've got Beckett on suspension whether its valid or not, its there. Pedroia and his spat with the home town folks. Lowrie's on the DL with his wrist, and he was already filling in after Lugo was hurt in Spring Training. Big Papi is still stuck in last season like his wrist is bothering him. Drew's play has been suspect since he was having back issues early on. And now.....Dice-K was pulled last night after giving up a buttload of runs to the A's and apparently has 'arm fatigue' after pitching so much, so early in the WBC.

Man, its been a long road trip. Time to bring the boys home and get things turned around. It would be nice to get a win this afternoon behind Wake and at least leave Cali on a good note.

Beckett suspended 6 games pending appeal

This is some BS fall out from Sunday incident in Anahiem with Beckett being charged with throwing at Abreu. MLB is suspending him for 6 games of which he is appealing, and should, and an undisclosed fine. Some of the Angels were fined and their hitting coach got suspended for 1 game. All of this and the guy the umpires didn't kick out of the game, and who were actually there, gets the stiffest penalty. Something wrong with that picture.

The appeal should allow Josh to make his turn in the rotation Saturday versus the Orioles, then we'll see. I think it will likely be reduced, it almost has to be. There weren't even any punches thrown. 

The Sox play late again in Oakland and Dice-K is on the mound vs. Eveland. Its time to start turning this thing around and getting some wins under our belt.

Egg laying by more than the Easter Bunny

The Sox have lost consecutive series to the Rays and Angels now. The pitching has been mediocre, and the hitting hasn't been able to come through in the clutch just yet. Its a long season, way to early to panic. Besides the Sox haven't taken a regular season series in Anahiem since 2006 so it isn't like they don't play us tough out there. Rays and Yanks square off this coming week, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out for the first time this season.

I missed much of yesterdays game with it being Easter and my father-in-laws birthday, so I had to catch the maylay in highlights later on. JB wasn't throwing at Abreu and all that nonsense from Scoscia that the league office ought to look into it is all a bunch of horse hockey (to quote Colonel Potter of MASH 4077th). Like one of the Red Sox interviewed said, there was a lot of emotions in this series due to the tragic accident the other day, so something was bound to pop sometime. 

Now we head off to Oakland to matchup with Billy Beane's Bunch of A's. Another late start on the left coast which hopefully will go smoother than it has been of late. Good time to get the bats working, and for Lester to show up strong.

160 to go

Its a long season and last nights game, no matter how bad the strike zone calls went against the Sox, is just one of many. Bob Davidson, who everybody knew was behind the plate thanks to the ESPN Wednesday Night coverage, made some extremely awful strike calls to help Kazmir out on the mound, and frustrate the Sox hitters. Granted the Rays played solid and plenty enough to win, but you hate to see calls that consistently BAD! Anyway, Dice-K on the mound early this afternoon vs. Garza. Lets take the series and head out to West Coast for the week.

BTW- Breaking news about the starter for the Angels last night being killed in a car accident over night. Nick Adenhart was only 22 and was filling out the rotation for the Halos after a solid Spring Training. Too young and too soon thanks to some hit and run driver running a red light. A second person was killed as well as two others in the hospital. Very sad, and my heart goes out to the family, the organization and the fans. 

Way to get it started

The Red Sox won yesterdays season opener over the Rays with quality pitching from Beckett and solid hitting including homers by Pedroia and Varitek. Okie relieved JB and struggled, but Masterson came in to bridge the gap to Paps. Solid performance all around I think. Now lets get a roll going. Tonight Lester against Kashmir on the Duece.

As for the end of college basketball season, let's just end it with this.



Super Dunk!!!!! Funny Show - video powered by Metacafe

Well, theres always tomorrow

Press release via MLB.com:

Today's Red Sox Opening Day game postponed

Game to be made up on Tuesday, April 7 at 4:05 p.m.

BOSTON, MA -- Today's Red Sox 2009 Opening Day game at Fenway Park has been postponed due to the forecast of heavy rain throughout the afternoon and evening. The game is rescheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at 4:05 p.m. to better accommodate fans who must reschedule. Opening Day festivities now will take place on Tuesday. Gates will open at 2:05 p.m.

The forecast provided by the Red Sox weather service, Meteorlogix, indicates heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms will begin during the early afternoon hours and continue throughout the evening.

"After consulting with our weather service and other professional meteorologists, it became apparent it would be extremely unlikely, if not impossible, that we could get a complete game in today so the decision was made to postpone until Tuesday," said Larry Lucchino, President/CEO. "Our fans look forward to this unofficial Red Sox Nation holiday each year, and we want to make sure that they are able to enjoy the full experience including both the special pregame ceremonies and a full nine innings of play. We reserved an alternate rain date for tomorrow for just such adverse circumstances as present themselves today."

It marks the first Red Sox home-opening postponement since 2003, when the game was called because of rain.

Tickets for Monday's opener will be good on Tuesday, April 7.

NESN, WEEI and SBN (WWDJ 1150 AM) will carry the rescheduled 4:05 pm game.

The Red Sox and Rays are scheduled to play the second game of the series on Wednesday at 7:10 pm at Fenway Park.

Commander Kick-Ass is ready to go!

Josh Beckett didn't have the best of showings yesterday against the Pirates in his last tune up for the regular season, and you knew how he would respond. Tito calmed him down. The guy is our Ace and he's really maturing into the role. Looking forward to seeing him on the mound for real next week.

An interesting Duke transfer, and 7 days til Opening Day

Word is that Seth Curry, the brother of Stephen Curry and leading Freshman scorer this season for Liberty, is transferring to Duke. This is quite a news nugget since he would be a great addition for the Dukies as a slashing PG, and a scorer to boot. With Carolina losing all of their talent, that was initially planned to leave last year but the NBA wouldn't take them, I'd say the Dukies would be front runners in the ACC next season. Now, if we can get UNC to choke it up again this year and send the baby blues home crying, all the better.

Oh, and in case your MLB season countdown clock need an update or new batteries, we're down to 7 days until opening day. Beckett will be the opening day starter.

Now...its baseball season

Your two leading scorers can't go 4 for 32 and expect to win. That about sums it up. Wildcats win it by what....20?

I held off posting until the Dukies ended their run. Call it superstition, or whatever. Welp, it ended tonight. Villanova took it to them. Superb in your face man to man defense, and some crappy run and too tight offense by Duke. They played too scared much of the time. There will be plenty of smack talk out there by the Duke haters. Heck, I already got a pass on message from a friend of my son's asking me about those Wildcats. It happens. Clemson blew us out on one of those crappy shooting nights and they didn;t go all that far in the tourney did they.

Villanova is better than the Tigers though. They'll be a hard out for Pittsburgh, who I have picked to win the whole thing. I think it was a good year for the Dukies and now we move on. Here's to the out going Seniors, Greg Paulus and the like, and welcome to the incoming Freshmen. Message to G- Don't even think about turning pro ok? Come back and lead us next year. You just might get your jersey in the rafters.

For now, salute, and let the Banner play, and LET'S PLAY BALL!!!!!!

Youk back from WBC too

Kevin Youkilis is back from the WBC early with a slight ankle problem. He'll just rest it for a few days. Now if we can keep Dice-K from pitching too much, I'll feel alot better post-WBC. Pedroia looks to be fine and might play some tomorrow. Bard is gone, so I guess Kottaras will be good to go with Wake. With some work and continued playing time, could he be our catcher of the future?

Oh, and there's that tournament starting up with that ball through the hoop thing. Dukies got a late slot tomorrow so we'll see how they show to tip it off.

Holy Sh*t Dukies! Oh Sh*t, Pedie!

The ACC Tournament is down to two teams with the Dukies taking on Florida State tomorrow. After dispatching a tough B.C. squad of "Hey look at me!" A-holes last night and beating a valiant Marylard Turtles this afternoon for a third time this season, the Blue Devils are up to their usual business. With solid defense and decent 3 point shooting, we'll see where they go from here.

Now, from the WBC, words comes out that Dustin Pedroia is on his way back to Ft. Myers to have his left oblique checked out by Red Sox doctors. There's more info here as well. We'll see what the docs say and hope for the best. Shooting pain is never a good thing I would think.

Comcast dropping NFL Network?? Hmmm...

The NFL has been the poster child in recent times on how to promote a league, build up a successful product and generate lots of cash. In most circles, the NFL is the 'she-it', and the other sports aren't even close. One thing I've always thought was the NFL screwed the pooch when they launched the NFL Network. They believed too much of their press and hype, and asked for too much of the moon. They found it hard to find takers to negotiate up to the level they felt they were due for a new channel launch. They had to take their NFL packages into space with DirectTV, and thought fans would be in such an uproar when they took late season games away with their own network coverage. I haven't heard much about that lately.

Now, word is Comcast is going to drop them when their deal expires in April. Note this is on the heels of MLBN launching earlier this year with 50 millions subscribers from the get-go on most cable systems digital tiers, and NBA-TV making arrangements to increase their coverage in a similar way. The NFL would be stupid not to come down off their high horse and settle something to continue to expand their product, instead of looking like greedy bastards. (Oh, sorry, Jerry Jones is their network committee chairman, so scatch that). 

Anyway, the NFL probably would be best served to pitch their NFL package to the cable companies after 2010 (when the DirectTV contract expires) and negotiate with the broader cable companies for coverage. If its good enough for baseball and basketball, it should be ok for the NFL. Otherwise, just go away. 

Pedie at the WBC

I wasn't all that excited about the WBC, but it has been drawing me in some. Its hard to not be thrilled at the sight of competitve baseball being played, and players giving a damn. Dustin Pedroia is keeping a blog during the WBC, which is cool. Insight from within is always a good read. I wasn't aware Dustin hadn't homered opposite field before in his career which made his long drive last night even more impressive, though it fell just short. Seems dude is getting locked in and showing some power already.

The Dukies lost again to the rival Tar Heels, 79-71. It was a pretty tight game throughout with the score seperation remaining under 7 points until the final minutes. The Blue Devils played rather well considering, but couldn't quite matchup enough to pull off the upset when the game got late. Now its off to the ACC Tournament this coming weekend. The Dukies go in as the #3 seed behind UNC and Wake Forest. We'll see if the team can keep improving, get healthy, and get ready for the Big Dance the following week.

Man-Ram the idiot!

Word is Manny Ramirez is turning down the Dodgers latest offer of 2 yrs/$45 mill. The offer is only $25 million first year, with the player option of $20 million on the second. You have got to be kidding, right? First off that is a ridiculous amount of cash that in this day and age, and economy. Secondly, isn't it enough to survive on and go out a play baseball everyday? That would be the second highest salary next to A-Fraud. With such high costs to attend games (see: new Yankee stadium although the Sox aren't very cost friendly either) and pay these guys, something has to change. They need to be woken up to reality. This seems like as good of a place to start as any. Let him sit.

Getting to be about that time

March Madness is right around the corner. Schedules are out for the different conference tournaments starting the next two weeks. I've kept the inclusion of The Dagger blog in my sidebar listing, despite their percieved anti-Duke bias, but they do carry some good information on college basketball....sometimes. They've got a good article with Christian Lattner and Rick Pitino re-visiting the Duke-Kentucky 1992 East Regional game. That was most likely the best college basketball game ever with probably the most famous game winning shot ever. 

Hit to the gut

The Bucs let some veteran's go today including one Derrick Brooks. Dunn, Galloway, June, and Hillard were some of the other cuts. Brooks is the tough one for me to take. I wasn't too thrilled when the Bucs dropped John Lynch a few years ago, but Brooks is my son's favorite Buccaneer. I still have a coloring sheet that he printed out years ago off the Bucs site of ole #55. Big AD colored it finely in Red and Grey for me, matching the home unis. Its hanging here in my cube still as I type this. I guess it was inevitable, and had to happen sometime, but still, that one hurts. Even the guys are Buc 'Em are shocked. Guys, I know how you feel.

Geez! How are the Bucs going to look next year? This looks like a helluva youth movement.

Re-Upped for the start of it all

And so it begins. The Red Sox take on the Twins in an split squad game from the Grapefruit League tonight while Commander Kick-Ass gets some work in against Boston College this afternoon with the other half of the team. I just re-upped as a member of Red Sox Nation, re-newed my audio subscription on MLB.com, and I'm ready as can be. Let 'er rip!

Wednesdays this time of the year are tough already. The Dukies, and most of the ACC slate, play mid-week and that tends to interfere with the Fedurary sweeps on popular TV programs. Tonight is even more of a issue with the Sox playing. Baseball on radio at 6:05, Life and Ghosthunters at 8, Dukies @ Maryland at 8:05, CSI:NY at 9. Sure, I normally pull Life off the DVR, since I can watch it online later on, to watch the Blue Devils play, but thats getting old. Its not the same experience. Two more weeks though and it won't be a worry. 

Speaking of worry, this week has been especially tough. With the economy and the line of work I'm in, there's been the constant concern about layoffs. Thats nothing new really. I was "co-sourced" to an overseas company years ago to do the same job locally that I had done for the mother company for years. Thats helped keep me protected from alot of the corporate sector issues. This week has been very tough as the layoffs cut deeper into the employee pool that I used to be apart of. It's serial as people that have been around for a long time were let go without any heads up or severence. 

I'm reminded of the episode from "Band of Brothers" where Easy Company is holed up in a church listening to the church choir singing, having just survived hell on earth. The camera pans across the exhausted troops as the First Sgt. voice overs who they've lost for various reason. One by one, guys fade away and disappear as he talks about them. Thats what its been like. These people are no longer here.

Now those that are left, have to fight the battle still. No matter what the outside world is doing, or how stupid our leaders may be, we've got to keep plugging along. Eventually, and hopefully, it will all work out. The Prez says its going to get worse before it gets better. Well, I hope it doesn't get much more worse. These ideas he has better work, thats all I'm sayin'. I'll keep hanging on hoping my time doesn't come up to disappear and be gone. For the meantime, we've got Red Sox baseball and Blue Devil basketball to help take are minds of it all. Just in time before we lose it.

Maz calls the Sox BORING

What is it with these media types? Is the team supposed to apologize for not have a scandal or controversy in Spring Training? And suddenly Red Sox Nation is tired of their team because their bored with them. Give me a break! There's a recession going on and people can't front up the money for the high cost of season tickets like they used to. Sure there's still some available, but I bet they're gone by gameday. What a load of crap!

Bucs say "C'ya!" to Garcia

The Bucs informed Jeff Garcia that they will not look to retain his services at quarterback next season. Luke McCown was just re-signed to a 2 year contract, and Lord knows, Gruden left us with plenty of QBs to work with. Jeff did pretty good for us, but I won't miss him a bit.

Bums Court Rushing

Yeah, so I've been a Duke fan for over 20 years now, and I've seen the Dukies whip teams in the ACC over and over every year for awhile. I've also been a college basketball fan for just over those 20 some odd years and I don't think I've ever seen so many court rushes over the course of the same season happen for an upset win over a team that is NOT ranked #1. There was Wake Forest, Clemson, and now Boston College that stormed the court after beating Duke this season.

Go ahead, you can say that just because I'm a Duke fan, and these poor teams have suffered so long that they deserve it. I'm sure you can also plunk down the excuse that Duke is so hated by the basketball community that they need it thrown into their faces until the dirt is ground in, that they have it coming to them. Take that jealousy and bitterness aside, and some might contend that would be just kids having fun and celebrating their teams hard fought win over a typically better opponent.

Whatever, you want to say, I say its a lame excuse. Its unsportsmanlike and not the way it should be allowed to carry on. Its a travesty really that there is so (too) much of this negativity towards the Blue Devils and their success that no one is harping on this in the media. I guess I'm old school where when you are successful, you do it with class and dignity for yourself and your opponent. You behave like you've been there before. It isn't like these schools just showed up yesterday. You only bring out the trash talk if its brought down on you first. So, F all you college basketball posers and jealous panty-wastes. The Dukies are still here to take all comers. Remember just because you may have gotten the best of us this time, we've been there before.....and we're not leaving anytime soon.

Dukies go down

The Blue Devils lost tonight to Handsb and the Baby Blues by 12 or so points. Sue me for not documenting the actual, precise score. The boys seemed to run out of gas late and the poor shooting cost them. I'm not one to lament these days on losses too long. Life is too short. You root like hell for your team, and win or lose you want them to show intergrity and pride in their performance. The Dukies did that tonight against a team of shlubs the NBA rejected during the past off season. Oh, but not to sound too bitter, the Heels played to win tonight. I give them the credit. They brought out some defense in the second half to pull it out. We'll have to see what happens in the last conference game of the season at their place. Maybe the Dukies can deal Handjob a loss on Senior night.

Now I'm starting to get alittle pumped!

What the Dawn of February brings

Pitcher and catchers report this week which is exciting in itself, but for now, its the first matchup between the Tar Heels and Blue Devils smack in the middle of the conference season. I haven't had alot to say lately despite the last second loss to Wake Forest over a week ago, and a blowout loss by the Dukies to Clemson last week. Those were bumps in the season's journey. Now we're seeing how the Blue Devils respond and grow from those losses. The close call vs. Miami over the weekend did little to reassure fans that these Dukies will be able to come around and make a run deep into the conference tourney, or to be hopeful of a ride further into the Big Dance.

Much of that nervousness can be put aside (at least for the time being) with a good showing, and a win over the rival Tar Heels tonight. Here's a good breakdown from both sides on the matchups. It amazes me that the Baby Blues have won 3 straight at Cameron and I look for the Crazies to be in top form tonight to get the Dukies rolling. The focus on the 3s of late is a cause for concern, but we'll need it tonight. It will start and end with the defense. If the shots aren't falling, which has been the case for a couple of weeks now, it will be the defense that will have to keep the game close. It'll be a battle, as they always are.

First Public Response from Chucky

Jon Gruden finally commented in public since his dismissal from the Bucs Head Coaching job. I'm glad he did after taking some time off with his family. He's considering some opportunities which are sure to come along. Like he mentioned, he's a coach and he loves it. He has that passion and love for the game of football that I admire. The fact a few panty-wastes (read: Simone Rice, Michael Clayton, and Jeff Garcia) came out in the press lately slamming him and his way of doing things just shows you can't make everybody happy. Besides, those guys aren't exactly model football citizen's themselves and are already known for creating waves elsewhere in their past and/or for talking out of their asses anyway. The fact Jon leaves the Bucs as the winningest coach in the franchises' history with over 100 wins proves he must have been doing something right.

Paps and Javy re-upped

Jonathan Papelbon and the Red Sox agreed to a 1yr/$6.25 million contract today to make Paps the highest paid arbitration-eligible closer in history. In addition, the Soxs re-signed Javy Lopez for a 1yr./$1.35 million contract. Here's the news, and hopefully they'll be able to work out a longer term next time.

No word on the Captain yet after John Henry visited him in Atlanta last week.

Gruden is Gone

I fought off the pressure to post early Saturday morning when I saw the news that my Buccaneers had fired Jon Gruden. I didn't have the same feeling about Bruce Allen, but it all was too serial for me to deal with rationally. I can't say I was all that shocked, but I was surprised. Even so, the main feeling was numb.

When I swore my allegiance from the Cowboys to the Bucs in the mid nineties, Tony Dungy had taken over and was beginning to build the Bucs up from the crap-pile that Hugh Culverhouse had left them in. After drafting Dilfer and almost making the Super Bowl with Shaun King, Dungy was replaced by the high strung Jon Gruden. Lo and behold, the Bucs won the Super Bowl title the following year. The honeymoon last 7 years, with a losing record after that first year, and the Glazer ownership had enough.

Now we have Raheem Morris taking the reins. I was worried how I would accept this change in the guard. I was excited about the Dungy to Gruden change because I was already a Gruden fan before he came aboard. With Morris, I basically know nothing. I knew he was interviewed for some other jobs, but most coaches don't just rise up from the shadows and take the top job just like that. I guess its more previlent than it used to be, but still.

So, after sifting through my thoughts over the weekend to make sure I would be able to maintain my loyalty to the Bucs, I'm now looking forward to seeing what we got. I'm ok, Gruden will be ok, and all will continue forward. Now, lets get a good offensive coordinator to get our offense moving, and strive to continue to win.

Man vs. Food (Hey, its Youk!)

I came across this on Surviving Grady today with a clip of a recent episode of Man vs. Food from the Travel Channel. They snipped it down to mainly the part where Kevin happens to be munching nearby. Good to see him..."The Greek God of Walks". The MLB Network reported Youk and Paps are up for arbitration. I guess we'll see how that works during the next few weeks.



Afternoon Update: The Red Sox and Youkilis agree to a long term deal (4yr./$41mil w/$13 mil option after) this afternoon which will keep Youk around a while. Yea!

Something New

New Year. New Red Sox. New inside presence for the Blue Devils. Two new losses for the Tar Heels. And....a new Mayne Street:



And a new Red Sox Hall of Famer:



The Dukies have been playing well. Henderson has been asserting himself (FINALLY) and Zoubek has been playing strong in the middle. Here's some top plays courtesy of Blue Planet from the win over Florida State this past weekend. (Note the slam by G and the hustle defense that always keys the Duke runs):