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Triple S Threat: The Dynamic Trio Behind Duke’s 2010 National Championship Glory
The 2009-2010 Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team is one that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of college basketball fans, especially those loyal to Duke University. This remarkable season culminated in the Blue Devils’ fourth national championship under the legendary leadership of Coach Mike Krzyzewski. At the heart of this historic achievement were three players who, together, formed one of the most formidable trios in recent college basketball history. Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith, and Jon Scheyer – collectively known as the “Triple S Threat” – were the driving forces behind Duke’s successful championship run.
This trio didn’t just stand out for their individual talents but for their ability to synergize and complement each other on the court, blending versatility, scoring, defense, and leadership in a way that made Duke nearly unstoppable. Their journey to the national championship is a tale of perseverance, growth, and ultimate triumph. Let’s dive into the story of each of these players and how they together achieved greatness.
Kyle Singler: The Versatile Star
Kyle Singler was one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball during his time at Duke. Standing at 6-foot-8, Singler’s versatility was one of the primary factors that made him such an integral part of the Blue Devils’ success. His ability to play multiple positions, including forward and guard, allowed Coach K to use him in a variety of roles, depending on the needs of the team. This flexibility gave Duke a significant tactical advantage in every game they played during the 2009-2010 season.
Singler’s college career was marked by a constant evolution of his game. He arrived at Duke in 2007 as a highly-rated recruit, already known for his scoring ability and his basketball IQ. Over his four years at Duke, Singler refined his game, becoming a more complete player. By his senior season, he had developed into a consensus first-team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, a testament to his immense contribution during the championship run.
Throughout the 2009-2010 season, Singler played a central role for Duke. His scoring was crucial, but it wasn’t just about putting up points. Singler was an exceptional rebounder, a skilled passer, and a smart defender. He had a well-rounded game that made him one of the most difficult players to guard in the nation. Whether he was driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jump shots, or stretching the floor with his three-point shooting, Singler was always a threat. His leadership on the court also helped to elevate the play of his teammates, and he was the glue that held the team together throughout the season.
In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, Singler was at his best, averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His poise in critical moments, especially in the national championship game against Butler, made him an indispensable asset. Singler’s leadership and performance were vital to Duke’s success, and he left a legacy as one of the best players in Duke history.
Nolan Smith: The Dynamic Point Guard
While Singler was the versatile leader, Nolan Smith was the fiery, dynamic point guard who brought energy, athleticism, and clutch performances to the table. Smith’s journey to becoming a key player for Duke was not without its challenges. As a high school star, Smith had been highly touted, but early in his career at Duke, he struggled with consistency. However, his perseverance paid off as he developed into one of the best point guards in the country by his senior season.
Smith was a tremendous scorer and playmaker, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. He was a speedy guard with a knack for getting to the rim, and he had the ability to hit the mid-range jumper or three-pointer when needed. But it wasn’t just his scoring that made him indispensable for Duke; it was his leadership and ability to take over games in clutch moments.
One of the defining moments of the 2010 season came during the Elite Eight matchup against Baylor. Smith was instrumental in leading Duke to a victory with a stellar performance, scoring 29 points and helping his team secure a trip to the Final Four. Smith was the type of player who could carry his team when needed, and his ability to score in bunches helped take the pressure off Singler and Scheyer.
In the NCAA Tournament, Smith averaged 19.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, proving himself to be one of the most well-rounded guards in college basketball. His combination of speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In the national championship game, Smith finished with 9 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in Duke’s 61-59 victory over Butler.
Smith’s impact on the 2010 national championship team went beyond his stats. His leadership on and off the court was crucial in guiding the Blue Devils through tight games, and his tenacity and drive were infectious, inspiring his teammates to give their all. Smith’s contributions to Duke’s success were undeniable, and he left an indelible mark on the program.
Jon Scheyer: The Steady Leader
While Singler and Smith often grabbed the headlines for their scoring, Jon Scheyer was the steady force who provided balance and consistency to the team. Scheyer, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, was known for his excellent shooting, basketball IQ, and ability to make plays in critical moments. He was a player who rarely made mistakes and was always in the right place at the right time. His calm demeanor and clutch performances earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
Scheyer’s journey to becoming one of Duke’s all-time greats was a bit under the radar compared to Singler and Smith. While his freshman and sophomore seasons were marked by flashes of brilliance, it wasn’t until his junior and senior years that he fully blossomed into the player we saw during the 2010 championship run. Scheyer’s shooting ability was key to Duke’s success, as he was one of the best three-point shooters in the nation during his time at Duke. He could score in bunches, but his primary role on the team was to facilitate and be a steadying presence on the floor.
In the 2010 NCAA Tournament, Scheyer was one of the team’s most consistent performers. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, playing a crucial role in both the offense and defense. Scheyer’s ability to hit clutch shots, especially in the tournament’s later rounds, made him one of the most important players for Duke. In the national championship game against Butler, Scheyer finished with 15 points, including key free throws in the final minutes, to help seal the victory.
Scheyer’s ability to be both a scorer and a playmaker was crucial for the Blue Devils. He was often the one running the offense, setting up teammates for easy baskets, but he also had the ability to take over games when needed. His leadership and steady play were vital to Duke’s national championship run, and his contributions in both the tournament and the regular season will never be forgotten.
The Synergy of the Triple S Threat
What made the “Triple S Threat” so deadly wasn’t just the individual brilliance of Singler, Smith, and Scheyer, but the way they played off each other. The trio complemented each other perfectly, with each player filling a different role, but all working toward the same goal: a national championship. Singler’s versatility allowed him to adapt to any situation, while Smith’s explosiveness and scoring ability provided the team with the energy it needed. Scheyer’s steady leadership and clutch performances kept the team grounded and focused during the most critical moments of the season.
This balance of strengths was key to Duke’s success. Coach K was able to build an offense that took full advantage of their collective skills. Singler was used as a stretch forward, capable of pulling defenders out of the paint and creating space for Smith and Scheyer. Smith’s ability to drive to the basket and score in transition opened up opportunities for Scheyer, who could knock down open shots or facilitate the offense.
Together, the “Triple S Threat” was nearly unstoppable. They could beat teams in a variety of ways, whether it was through fast breaks, half-court sets, or clutch shot-making. Their chemistry and understanding of each other’s games were evident from the start of the season all the way through to the national championship game.
The Road to the National Championship
The 2009-2010 Duke team’s journey to the national title was marked by their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. The Blue Devils were tested time and time again throughout the season, but the leadership of Singler, Smith, and Scheyer helped them navigate through difficult stretches. They finished the regular season with a 29-5 record and were poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
In the tournament, Duke proved themselves time and again. They overcame strong competition, including a gritty victory over Baylor in the Elite Eight and a hard-fought Final Four win over West Virginia. In the national championship game against Butler, Duke faced a tough opponent that played excellent defense and kept the game close throughout. But the Blue Devils’ leadership, particularly from the “Triple S Threat,” proved to be too much.
In the end, Duke’s 61-59 victory in the national championship game was a fitting conclusion to a season of hard work, determination, and unity. Singler, Smith, and Scheyer had carried the team to glory, and their legacy as one of the greatest trios in college basketball history was cemented.