The Devil's Den: A Duke Athletics Podcast

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to offseason which saw seven players from Duke's 2023-24 roster enter the transfer portal. They talk about the fits of Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell on Baylor and Missouri respectively, as well as what it means to lose promising players like TJ Power and Sean Stewart. They discuss the difficulties of maintaining fan engagement in an era of ludicrously high turnover. They debate what Duke's roster-building strategy should look like in this new climate. Next they turn their eye to Duke's transfer portal commitments, Maliq Brown of Syracuse and Mason Gillis of Purdue. How will these players fit on the roster and how can they help next year's team? Where should they play positionally? Who should start? Lastly, they talk about whether Duke will add anyone else in the portal. What is the area of biggest need? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Raul are joined by Brendan Marks of The Athletic. First they discuss the 2023-24 season for Duke and for the ACC as a whole. How did Duke's season stack up against the lofty expectations? What led to UNC's turnaround from missing the tournament to a 1-seed? What do NC State and Clemson's tournament runs say about the health of the conference? Then they turn their attention to the 2024-25 season. What do Tyrese Proctor's and Caleb Foster's returns mean for Duke? What kind of player(s) should Duke add in the portal? What will Duke's starting lineup next year be and what will the product look like on the court? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul go through the over/under picks they made for various team and player stats at the beginning of the season. They react to their guesses and discuss why a player or the team fell short or exceed their predictions. A winner is announced and gets nothing but bragging rights. Note: this episode was recorded before Mark Mitchell entered the transfer portal and before Tyrese Proctor announced he'll return back to school for his junior season. Another podcast will be released next week discussion this and any other developments in the coming days. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul look back at Duke's 2023-24 Season. Topics discussed include: What it means for Coach Scheyer to make the Elite Eight in his second season How much differently they would feel if Duke had made the Final Four Missed opportunities Favorite games and moments from the season Biggest pleasant surprises (players, aspect of team play, coaching) Biggest disappointments Potential departures and returnees for next season Who Duke needs to return to be a contender To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul are joined by Brian Geisinger of 247Sports to preview Duke's matchup with the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen. They talk about the keys to a Duke victory and pitfalls to avoid. Topics discussed include: Containing Jamal Shead's off-the-dribble game Limiting Houston's offensive rebounds and winning the field goal attempts battle Avoiding live-ball turnovers when Houston blitzes the ball screen Filipowski as a pressure release valve when the guards are blitzed Houston's backside help principles and rim protection Mark Mitchell as a baseline cutter Tyrese Proctor's as a hit-ahead passer and movement shooter Duke's baseline out-of-bounds and after-timeout plays Jared McCain in flex action Empty side ball screen with Jeremy Roach Roach's ability to attack the middle of the paint Other actions Duke can run (DHOs, split action, inverted pick and roll) to avoid the blitz altogether Then Raul gives his prediction for the outcome and score of the game while Josh and Dustin dodge the question altogether. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul give their immediate, unfiltered reaction to Duke's wins over Vermont and James Madison to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Topics include: Kyle Filipowski's unselfish play against the double teams of Vermont Mark Mitchell's aggressiveness as the roll man Jared McCain's historic shooting versus James Madison Using McCain as pick-and-roll ball handler to take advantage of his gravity Jeremy Roach's gritty performance despite a dislocated finger against James Madison Mitchell's defense on Terrence Edwards The overall play of the backcourt Solid bench minutes vs. JMU from Ryan Young, Sean Stewart, and TJ Power They also talk about the overall performance of the ACC in the tournament so far. Lastly, they briefly glance ahead to their Sweet Sixteen matchup. [Note: the winner of Houston/Texas A&M wasn't known at the time of this recording. There will be a more extensive preview of Duke-Houston later in the week.] To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul are joined by John Watson of thedevilsden.com to react to Sunday's NCAA Tournament bracket reveal. They talk about Duke receiving a 4-seed in the South. Was this a fair seeding by the committee or should Duke have been seeded higher? They react to Duke's 1st round draw of 13-seed Vermont. What are some challenges the Catamounts present? Do they expect Duke to advance? And if Duke does win, who will they face in the Round of 32? How do they match up with their potential opponents? Then they zoom out to look at the tournament at large before each giving their Final Four and National Champion picks. Lastly, they spend far too long assessing the 2024 season and Duke's looming offseason. Why did this team fall short of expectations? How deep a run would it take to make good on those expectations? Who will leave this offseason and who will stay? Will Duke hit the portal? If Duke experiences a mass exodus, does it mean they need to reexamine their developmental and recruiting model? Will the incoming freshmen provide something that the previous two classes have not? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Dustin react to Duke's quarterfinal loss in the ACC Tournament to NC State. They talk about Duke's recent two-game skid and what it says about the team as a whole. They discuss Duke's struggles with late-game execution as well as the poor play of the backcourt. Lastly, they talk about this loss's impact on Duke's tournament seeding. Does this loss put them on the 4-seed line now? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to Duke's demoralizing 84-79 loss to UNC on Senior Night. What does it mean for Duke to get swept by a UNC team that wasn't significantly better than them by metrics or record? Why did Duke fall so far behind in the first half yet again? How was a role player for UNC able to have a huge night in both games? Was the game plan to shut down RJ Davis a mistake? Then they look back at the regular season as a whole, grading it against their preseason predictions and overall expectations. Lastly, they look ahead to the ACC Tournament, assessing Duke's side of the bracket as well as which teams could challenge UNC. They make their predictions for who will win the tournament. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul are joined by friend of the pod Kelly Rowe. They start by talking about the recent commitment to Duke of Khaman Maluach, a 7'2" center out of Africa in the class of 2024. They discuss what he'll bring to an already loaded team next season. Then they recap Duke's 79-64 road win over NC State. Topics include: Duke's composure and resilience after NC State started the game 9-0 The contributions of the bench, and especially the recent play of Sean Stewart Offensive rebounding The steady guard play Duke's strategy of single coverage on DJ Burns The pivotal 10-1 run in the second half that allowed Duke to pull away for good Next they turn their attention to the main event, Duke's matchup with UNC on Saturday. They talk about various scenarios where Duke could win the ACC regular season title with a win. Then they debate keys to a Duke victory. Will Duke be able to keep UNC's role players in check? Can they limit points off of turnovers and compete on the glass? Then they each give their predictions for the outcome of the game. Lastly, they reminisce about their favorite Senior Night memories before rambling for another 10 minutes about various topics (Coach Scheyer's first two seasons, Caleb Foster's injury, Justin Robinson's practice battles with Javin DeLaurier, etc, etc.) You can find Kelly Rowe at https://twitter.com/KellyRowe910. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to Duke's decimation of Virginia in Cameron. They analyze the offensive and defensive game plan that allowed Duke to roll to a 73-48 victory. Topics discussed include Quick postups by Kyle Filipowski Big-to-big passing Virginia's decision to guard the 3pt line rather than double the post Mark Mitchell's tone-setting defense Tyrese Proctor's excellent play since returning from concussion protocol Duke's ability to get into the lane Valuable bench minutes from Sean Stewart and TJ Power Potential tournament rotations Electrifying dunks from Stewart and Filipowski Then they preview NC State. They talk about how Raleigh has been a difficult place to play over the last 15 seasons, and whether the game being later in the season than usual will benefit Duke. They also debate how Duke should guard the two DJs -- Horn and Burns. Should they double the post? Lastly, they check in on Duke's NET ranking and assess what it means for Duke's potential NCAA Tournament seeding. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Raul speak with Jonathan Levitan, Sports Editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume. They explore what it's like to cover Duke Athletics -- and more specifically, Duke Men's Basketball -- from the student perspective. Topics discussed include: Jonathan's roots as a Duke Basketball fan How he became involved in writing for The Chronicle Favorite memories of covering the team The transition from Coach K to Coach Scheyer Coach K's last game in Cameron The locker room atmosphere after tough losses How this year's team has progressed throughout the season Jared McCain's special connection to the Crazies The uniquely intimate atmosphere of Cameron Indoor Stadium Fan engagement in the Jon Scheyer era Jonathan's work can be found at https://www.dukechronicle.com/staff/jonathan-levitan. You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JonathanLevitan. You can follow The Chronicle's coverage of Duke Basketball at https://twitter.com/dukebasketball. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Raul are joined by Jordan Mann and Conor O'Neill of The Big J and Little J Show to talk about Duke's 83-79 loss at Wake Forest. They discuss how Hunter Sallis was able to carve Duke up for 29 points on 11-13 shooting. They also break down the late-game execution. Was this a game that Wake Forest won or was this a game that Duke lost? Is Duke's 2-5 record in close games a cause for concern? Lastly, they talk about the court-storming that led to Kyle Filipowski being helped off the court after a collision with a Wake Forest fan. What can and should be done about court-storming to ensure player safety? Then they zoom out and assess what this loss means for Duke as a whole. How do Jordan and Conor see Duke finishing the last four games of the regular season? And what seed line will they end up on? You can find Jordan Mann on Twitter at @jmannstakes and listen to The Big J and Little J show at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-j-little-j-show/id1619562584. You can also subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@JMann_ for detailed breakdowns of Duke basketball. You can find Conor O'Neill on Twitter at @ConorONeill_DI or read his writing at Devils Illustrated and Deacons Illustrated at rivals.com. He also cohosts The Big J and Little J Show. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to Duke's blowout road win of the Miami Hurricanes. They dissect what might have been Duke's most complete performance of the season, a 84-55 domination that saw five players score in double figures. They talk about Duke's stifling switching defense, impressive dunks from Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski, and how Roach's senior campaign stacks up against Duke legend Quinn Cook. Then they look at the ACC Standings and talk about whether Duke can still win the league. Lastly, they give their predictions for Saturday's big matchup at Wake Forest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to Duke's 76-67 win over Florida State. They talk about Jared McCain's offensive explosion. How was he able to take and make so many threes? They also highlight some other positive performances: 17 points from Jeremy Roach; steady ball-handling from Caleb Foster; solid defense from Mark Mitchell; and bench energy from Jaylen Blakes and Sean Stewart. Then they address some negatives: the recent trend of increasing turnovers as well as a poor showing from Kyle Filipowski. Are either something to be worried about going forward? Next, they turn their attention to the bracket reveal from the NCAA selection committee. They discuss Duke's draw as a potential 3-seed were the season to end today. They also talk about the NET rating system, and share their philosophical and practical gripes with the system as a whole. Lastly, they turn their attention to Duke's Wednesday matchup with Miami. What are some areas of concern and what does Duke need to do well to win? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul are joined by Brian Geisinger, writer for 247Sports and cohost of the Buzz Beat Podcast. They do a deep dive into the Wake Forest game -- which Brian was on press row for -- and also survey Duke's season as a whole. Topics include: Kyle Filipowski's versatile pick-and-roll coverage Drop defense vs. switching Mark Mitchell's offensive explosion Jared McCain as a movement shooter Duke's halftime adjustment to attack Wake Forest's aggressive trapping Tyrese Proctor's sophomore "struggles" Jeremy Roach's mastery of pick-and-roll offense They finish by previewing the Florida State game and talking a bit about the new-look Charlotte Hornets. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh and Raul give their immediate takes on Duke's 80-65 home win over Boston College. Topics include: The defensive gameplan to limit Quinten Post First half offensive lull Recent struggles with 3pt shooting Second half defensive dominance Mark Mitchell's offense A bounce-back performance from Kyle Filipowski Sean Stewart's increasing role Jared McCain's rebounding Then they preview Monday's matchup with a dangerous and well-balanced Wake Forest team. What does Duke have to do to get a win against one of the best teams in the conference? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul react to Duke's 71-53 win over Notre Dame. Topics include: The solid defense and energy from the tip The offensive lull after taking a 20-5 lead Some mental mistakes at the end of the half Early minutes for the bench Sean Stewart's highlight block and dunk Jared McCain's hot streak continuing Mark Mitchell's post play Possible causes for struggles of Kyle Filipowski Then they preview Boston College. They focus on the difficulties Quinten Post causes for an opposing defense. Lastly, they give their predictions for the game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul talk through what went wrong in Duke's 93-84 loss to UNC. They talk about the live-ball turnovers, Armando Bacot's big night, and Harrison Ingram's five three-pointers. Why were the Blue Devils unable to match UNC's effort and hustle? They highlight some bright spots, including the performances of Jared McCain and Jeremy Roach. Lastly, they grade the performances of the sophomores. Then they look ahead to a rematch with Notre Dame. What do they want to see in response to the UNC loss? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh, Dustin, and Raul are joined by Josh Cox of the Section 17 Podcast and Duke Report. They preview Saturday's top 10 matchup between Duke and UNC in Chapel Hill. Topics include: Who guards RJ Davis How UNC defends Kyle Filipowski Keeping UNC out of transition and off the glass Mark Mitchell's role Mismatches Duke can hunt Then they reminisce about some of Duke's best performances in the Dean Dome before they each give their predictions for the game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices