Dominant. The word describes Duke’s basketball team, the powerhouse that makes Cameron Indoor the place to be on game day. The team’s stellar play electrifies the Cameron Crazies and leads to the blur of blue and white chanting in the stands. No atmosphere in sports compares. But the atmosphere does not make this team. The players do.

Seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler provide leadership and are the heart of this team. Even without point guard Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have actually added someone to successfully replace him. Kyrie Irving, the freshman prodigy, brings a willingness to drive to the hoop, something Scheyer lacked. Plus they have the best coach in the nation in Coach K.

They have also improved in the post, with the Plumlee brothers improving and power forward Ryan Kelly earning a starting position.

They have developed depth as well, with a bench that includes guards Andre Dawkins, a three-point specialist, and Seth Curry, the brother of the former star point guard for Davidson.

With all this in mind, what could possibly keep Duke from cutting down the nets once more?

The best of the rest

UCONN, led by the nation’s best point guard Kemba Walker, looks much improved with young guns running the table under Calhoun. Michigan State uses their terrific balance and experience to win challenging games. With Tom Izzo back for another season, this team seems bound for greatness. And Pitt’s backcourt, led by Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker, creates mismatches and provides a spark of intensity for the aggressive Panthers.

There are plenty of other teams that should perform magnificently as well, like Ohio State, Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor. With teams improving and “PTPers” emerging, this season should leave fans desperate for more.