Here's a salute to Duke. I know there is an anti-Duke mentality out there -- many people feel the same way about the Blue Devils as they do about the Yankees in baseball and Notre Dame in football.

	Duke forward Shane Battier was named ESPN.com's 2000-01 Player of the Year.

Let me tell you something: There is a lot to be jealous of. Nine Final Fours in 16 years. Five straight ACC championships. This is a program that has become the standard in college basketball.

What's not to like about kids like Shane Battier? He is a flat-out winner, both on and off the court.

This team plays as a unit. It understands the team concept and finds a way to win, even when it's not playing its best.

Battier and Jason Williams form the best 1-2 punch in America. Just when you think you have them stopped, they keep firing and wear you down.

The duo combined for 58 points against Missouri, 58 against UCLA and 48 versus USC. That's leadership and the ability to step up in pressure situations.

You have to love the effort of the supporting cast. Mike Dunleavy, Nate James and company are very important. Chris Duhon has shown improvement and has the ability to make the big shot. His 3-pointers against UCLA were very important.

Think about this: Coach K has lost three championship games by a total of 10 points. If the Blue Devils had won those contests, where do you think he would rank among the game's elite? He is already one of the premier coaches in America -- and rightfully so.

This Duke team will have a great challenge in its fourth battle against Maryland. It won't be easy, but the Blue Devils are determined.