By most accounts, Chris Duhon has found his way to the top. His solid performance on the court has earned him credit within the NCAA community, his drive to win landed him the role of sole captain on one of the nation's traditional powerhouses, and his potential made him a clear choice for ACC Preseason Player of the Year. But in spite of all this added responsibility and expectation, Duhon is trying to shoulder the burden and continue to improve; to those closest to him, it doesn't seem to be too much of a long shot.
Not only does the point guard have a commanding physical presence on the court, but he is within striking distance of adding his name to Duke's all-time top-10 list for three-point field goals, three-point attempts, assists and steals -- all after only two seasons.
But in the remaining two seasons, not only will Duhon be faced with the pressure of fulfilling his own potential, but he will be doing so in the midst of the void left by standout Jason Williams. As a top seasoned veteran, he also will have to nurture the rest of his team.
"He's going to get better and better and better the more comfortable he becomes as a leader," Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "It demands more."
Duhon is finding ways to adapt to the pressure and use the responsibility to solidify the Blue Devils' morale -- a task that is made even greater by the youth of Duke's team and the intensity of its coach.
"It doesn't have anything to do with our basketball," Duhon said. "It's just me being able to come out everyday. It don't matter if I got an F on this test or my cat is sick or my girlfriend doesn't like me. [I need] to be there for the guys. That's pretty tough."
But luckily for Duke, so is Duhon. He is aware of the obstacles he will need to overcome this season, and is the first to recognize the distance he has to go before he can consider himself at the top.
"I'm learning a lot," Duhon said. "But [Krzyzewski] knows so much. I feel like I should bring a tape recorder when we have sessions. I don't want to miss anything."
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