Javin DeLaurier: Coach K's Enthusiasm Has Rubbed Off On the Team

Krzyzewski seems to be enjoying this year's team

Defense has been the emphasis for Duke in the early going this season, as captain Javin DeLaurier pointed out in his meeting with the media.

“Really, we’re just working on trying to maintain our identity that we’re starting to build as a young team,” he said, “especially, really, just playing hard for 40 minutes, being together, playing great defense. For us, that’s where it gets started, on the defensive end. Everyone’s bought into that. We’re going to continue trying to take opponents out of what they do.”

The idea of team defense is a change from last year’s team, which relied on the individual talents of a few players.

“The biggest change is we are forced to rely on each other a lot more than we were last year,” DeLaurier said. “Whereas last year, we had guys who would individually take over games more often than not. We really have to work as a team and as a unit and be together out there on the court.”

Coach Mike Krzyzewski seems to be enjoying the approach of this year’s team.

“I don’t know if fun is the right word,” DeLaurier said of his coach, “but there’s definitely enthusiasm that’s rubbed off on the entire program. Everybody’s excited to get to work every day. The same thing applies when we step up there for games. What you guys are seeing is that enthusiasm rubbing off.”

DeLaurier, who went through the NBA evaluation process prior to this year’s draft, has a list of personal defensive improvements. “Really to try to defend ball screens,” he said. “That’s something that’s huge on the next level. And eliminate foul trouble. Getting rid of unnecessary fouls. That’s the biggest thing.”