North Carolina State University Athletics
When Passion Meets Passion
1/17/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Herb Sendek are excellent tacticians and teachers, but above all else, they stress playing with maximum effort all of the time. It has to be that way. Neither the Wolfpack nor the Blue Devils could be among the nations best man to man defensive teams without playing hard.
When I was a member of the Duke radio crew, I heard Krzyzewski talk about the importance of playing hard a zillion times. Nothing really changed when I arrived at NC State. Sendek constantly reminds his team that playing hard is the only option.
Winning at Cameron Indoor Stadium is one of the single most difficult tasks in all of sports. The Blue Devils have talent, great coaching and some of the most fervent fans in all of college basketball.
In order to have a chance on Wednesday, the Pack will have to find away to match Duke's intensity. But that's just a small part of the equation. Just as important are poise, toughness and confidence.
The Blue Devils will make their runs on Wednesday, and when they do, the Pack must keep its composure stay together as a team. Last year at Cameron, NC State suffered a major meltdown when it turned the ball over 29 times in an 89-69 loss.
The few visiting teams that have managed to walk out of Cameron with victories expected to win before they ever set foot in the building. If NC State's players feel, with conviction, that they do belong on the same floor with Duke, then they'll have a chance to succeed. It doesn't hurt that the Wolfpack is coming off its most impressive performance of the season.
In Sunday's 76-56 win over Wake Forest, NC State had the look of a serious ACC title contender. The Wolfpack must now prove it can carry that same look on the road.
The Pack can take a cue from its opponent. Duke, which is already 3-0 in ACC road games, always relishes the opportunity to win big games away from home. Those who dread playing in hostile environments are doomed.
At stake is a share of first place in the ACC standings. A national television audience will be watching. What a perfect opportunity for the Pack to show the world that it is indeed back.
Getting back to the top takes hard work, guts and-passion.
