Coach K returns as No. 21 Duke hosts Pittsburgh (Feb 04, 2017)
DURHAM, N.C. -- Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski returns to the Duke bench after missing about a month and he'll probably notice some differences Saturday afternoon against Pittsburgh.
The No. 21 Blue Devils (17-5, 5-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) seem to have rounded into full health and they're coming off a pair of road victories.
That isn't to say it hasn't been turbulent in Krzyzewski's absence, which resulted from surgery on his lower back Jan. 6.
In seven games since then, Duke went 4-3 and saw the absence and return of senior Amile Jefferson, who sustained a bruised foot and missed two games during that stretch.
Assistant coach Jeff Capel, who filled in on an interim basis during Krzyzewski's absence, said there have been signs that the Blue Devils are gaining traction.
"We're growing up. We're becoming more together," Capel said. "I think we're understanding each other. ...
"We've had such a disjointed season (because of injuries). We've become tougher, more together, understanding how much we need each other. We've had to learn these things in the fire, which is the ACC."
Krzyzewski, who turns 70 later this month, is the winningest Division I men's coach. His return for this weekend's game falls in line with the projected recovery time of about four weeks following the surgery. It also comes one game before the first showdown of the season with rival North Carolina next week.
While Jefferson at times hasn't been as crisp as prior to the injury despite rating fourth in the ACC with 9.3 rebounds per game, the continued emergence of freshman Harry Giles has helped Duke in the post.
Versatile forward Jayson Tatum has become more productive, with the freshman supplying a double-double for the first time in Monday night's victory at Notre Dame.
"He's learning how to become a really good player and he has the potential to be a great player," Capel said of Tatum.
Last-place Pittsburgh (12-10, 1-8) is coming off a two-point loss at first-place North Carolina in what was the first of three straight road games for the Panthers.
"Let's not take any comfort (in the close loss at North Carolina)," said Pittsburgh coach Kevin Stallings, whose team has lost seven games in a row. "Our margin for error is very thin. ... Those things (such as gaining confidence) are more difficult by nature when you don't have results."
Pittsburgh has the top two scorers in the ACC in Jamel Artis (20.9 points per game) and Michael Young (20.3).
"At times, they've both been spectacular," Stallings said. "The problem for both them and for us, a lot of nights they both have to be great in order for us to really have a chance."
The Panthers don't have much of a post presence. Stallings said there is a chance to try a few different combinations.
"Our situation dictates that we do so," he said. "There are some cases where guys haven't had a lot of opportunity to be productive. We're going to keep trying to give those guys opportunities."
The top three scorers in the ACC will be on the court because Duke guard Luke Kennard checks in at 20.2 points per game. This will be Duke's first home game since a stunning 84-82 loss to North Carolina State on Jan. 23.
