Jan. 8
Just take a look at the polls, baby! I can hear the cries already about the Dukies -- that's right, Duke is No. 1 in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today rankings.

I can't wait to go to Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium with my broadcast partner, Dan Shulman, and see the Blue Devils (9-0) take on the Georgetown Hoyas (8-1) on Wednesday night (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET). This will be the first time this season I've seen Duke in person.

	Duke freshman J.J. Redick employs his talent as well as sleight of hand.

Think about it: How many people thought Duke would be No. 1 in January 2003 after losing star underclassmen Jay Williams, Carlos Boozer and Mike Dunleavy to the 2002 NBA draft? It's amazing to lose three big-time stars and achieve that kind of success, but this young team didn't blink. There are only two unbeatens left in Division I -- Duke and Wake Forest (and Duke hosts Wake on Sunday night).

How many teams would lose three stars and come back with an unblemished record as the nation's No. 1 team six months later? Not many, my friends.

Duke being No. 1 is nothing new. Coach Mike Krzyzewski pulled magic after losing Elton Brand, Corey Maggette and William Avery early in the 1999 NBA draft. Those three helped the Blue Devils to the national title game in Tampa before losing to Connecticut with Richard Hamilton and Khalid El-Amin.

The next season, Duke was in contention with Williams, Boozer and Dunleavy among the keys. The Blue Devils went 15-1 in the ACC, won the league tournament and finished 29-5, losing to Florida in the Big Dance. That Duke team was No. 1 by the end of the regular season.

Duke faces an experienced Georgetown team that coach Craig Esherick is really excited about this season. The unranked Hoyas' only loss came in a tough battle against Virginia. Otherwise, Georgetown has obliterated the competition. Can they post a win on the road against a quality opponent like Duke?

The Hoyas have tons of talent, led by one of the nation's premier power forwards in Mike Sweetney. Gerald Riley, Wesley Wilson and Tony Bethel could give the Dukies trouble. If Georgetown can execute in its half-court game and get the ball to Sweetney, it could be an interesting night.

This season has demonstrated Krzyzewski's Hall of Fame ability and the power of the Duke name. They simply reload, the names change, but the jersey stays the same. It all means one thing -- winning!

This year's team is different than most, lacking the dominant superstar. But the Blue Devils have loads of talent, versatility and depth. Duke is capable of playing in various combinations that can wreak havoc.

Right now, I firmly believe there are 20 teams with a legitimate shot at winning the national title.

Freshman guard J.J. Redick has stepped up and shown great range as a shooter. Chris Duhon has not lived up to his expectations as one of the premier point guards in America. He has been a bit up and down, but we know about his talent and winning experience. Dahntay Jones is a defensive dynamo, a veteran slasher with superb quickness in transition. Casey Sanders has shown his experience as a rebounder and shot blocker. Nick Horvath is another veteran contributor.

A vital element of this team is its youth. Blending experience and diaper dandies is not easy. Redick, Shavlik Randolph, Shelden Williams and company have helped get the Blue Devils atop the rankings.

Will Duke be No. 1 when all is said and done? When you look across America right now, I firmly believe there are 20 teams with a legitimate shot at winning the national title and cutting down the nets in New Orleans. There's no doubt the Dukies are among that 20. Cameron Indoor Stadium should be rockin' and rollin' on Wednesday night!