No, really.  HELP!  "Duke is done."  "Duke dominance is dead."  These were many of the proclamations made after Duke's first round exit in the NCAA tournament last year.  Last year, Duke lacked depth and did not look like the Duke of old.

But they're not dead. Far from it.  Coach K restocked the shelf and also learned a new system thanks to his experience this summer with team USA.  Duke looks good, they look like the Duke of old.  Depth.  Desire.  Dedication.  Duke.

Now, I know the Duke haters are now vomiting.  I realize why people despise Duke.  In reality, probably because they once ended your favorite team's magical season.  I also fall victim to that, circa 1992. 

Led by senior DeMarcus Nelson and junior Greg Paulus, Duke is currently ranked #3 in both polls.  They were down 45-36 last night to N.C State and then steamrolled the Wolfpack in the second half.  Paulus couldn't miss.  Nelson did a little bit of everything.  Freshman Kyle Singler showed his all around game.  When freshman Nolan Smith gets minutes, he opens eyes.  David McClure, Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer and Lance Thomas are all showing significant improvement. 

Duke travels to UNC Wednesday to renew the best rivalry in college basketball.  If UNC wins, don't bury Duke.  This Duke team could be the first Duke team since 2004 to make the Final Four.  It could be the first Duke team to win a national championship since 2001. 

Duke is not dead.  They are alive and well.  Right now, they're as smart as a pick as any to cut down the nets in San Antonio.

AND NOW,  I PRESENT THE DUKE HATERS: