Elite Eight: DaPillCaper vs. Miamigregory

Well, as a Maryland Terrapin fan I would definitely say that Duke is our greatest rival. We may not be THEIR biggest rival (See, North Carolina Tarheels), but I think that helps us hate them more. The fact that every year Duke doesn't give us the respect we deserve angers us. They truly are one of the easiest teams to hate. However, even from my perspective, there are things I admire about them.

Take Coach Krzyzewski for example; since he has started coaching for Duke he has amassed a 730-208 win/loss record. That means since his arrival in 1980 the Blue Devils have won 77.8 percent of their games. That's quite an amazing feat in itself, and then you throw in the ACC Tourney championships (10), ACC regular season championships (11) and national championships (3). Most would agree those high caliber accomplishments would be certainly enough to lock in a Hall of Fame induction, but wait there's more. He has an unprecedented 68 wins in the NCAA tournament, which ranks first all time.

Why does he get all those wins? Well, simply because he is an expert recruiter. Every year I follow Duke hoping they lose a ton of games, and every year my wish fails to come true. The passion he shows is both immense and intense (This part of his personality can probably be traced back to the fact that he was an apprentice of Bob Knight). And though I truly hate to say it, I do respect, and admire, Duke Basketball because of Coach K.

How good was that essay? Well, the best word to describe your essay, DaPillCaper, would be godly. Certainly, your best essay in this whole entire member mayhem. I know I've been saying that repeatedly since the first round, but it's only because your quality of essay writing is getting exponentially better each and every round. But what really set the bar this time around, was your clarity. The spaces between your three main points make it extremely easy on the eyes. As well, as your knowledge of YOUR rival, Duke's very own record breaking head coach, Coach Krzyzewski. Congratulations on making it this far into the Member Mayhem and hope you continue to exceed against the competition and reach the final round.

Earlier this year, I went to the Miami Hurricanes' game versus <st1:state w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> North Carolina</st1:place> </st1:state> . The Hurricanes' stayed in for most of it, but the game ended with <st1:state w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> North Carolina</st1:place> </st1:state> prevailing 98-82. I admired many things about <st1:state w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> North Carolina</st1:place> </st1:state> that day, the first and foremost being their teamwork.

<o:p>  </o:p>

While I was watching, I was in awe of the ball movement the Tar Heels employed. The player with the ball always had at least two options, and the players’ movement was constantly creating holes. The ACC-leading 14.8 assists per game prove just that. Even though they have players that can single-handedly take over a game, they play with a team-first mentality.

<o:p>  </o:p>

Another thing I admired about the Tarheels is their ability to control the tempo. The ability to make the other team play your game. Right when you think your team is controlling the tempo, the Tarheels turn it around. This is something my Miami Hurricanes’ lacked, as they were unable to change the pace of the game until the last 5 minutes against <st1:place w:st="on"> <st1:state w:st="on"> Texas</st1:state> </st1:place> .

<o:p>  </o:p>

I could go on and on about things that I admire and respect about <st1:state w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> North Carolina</st1:place> </st1:state> . They truly are one of the best teams in the country. A large part of that is due to their ball movement and their ability to control  the tempo.

<o:p>  </o:p>

Thanks!

GO CANES!!

<o:p>  </o:p>

--Miamigregory

Thanks for viewing this thread and hopefully voting for me!!

--miamigregory

Vote goes to MiamiGregory. He represents the heart of my beloved Miami Hurricanes.

DA U!!!!!!!!!!!!!