Countdown to Craziness, Duke’s now traditional kickoff to the basketball season, is Friday night and that’s great news.
In the old days, we’d look forward to seeing not just the new players, but how the returning players had improved. You might see Nick Horvath flexing after going from a skinny freshman to a powerful upperclassman, or Alaa Abdelnaby ready to accept leadership as a senior.
It’s a bit different this year. Duke has almost an entirely new roster, so we’ll get to know the new guys. Almost everyone has the potential to have a huge impact on any particular night.
We’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen on video from Tyrese Proctor, who looks ready to step up and be a vocal leader.
Festivities start at 3:00 in Krzyzewskville, so don’t be late. It should be a fun afternoon and evening for Duke fans. Walking into Cameron Indoor Stadium is always a treat.
And for those who can’t go, CTC is on The ACC Network.
Also, Duke is doing its bit to help those devastated by the recent floods in Western North Carolina. This is from GoDuke.com:
In an effort to bring relief to those impacted by recent flooding and hardships as a result of Hurricane Helene, Duke Athletics will collect items that will be sent to flood victims. The Blue Devils are partnering with Two Men and a Truck to help those in need.
Two Men and a Truck will be on site for Countdown to Craziness on Friday, Oct. 4, located in Tribull Plaza to collect items directly in their truck.
In addition, donations will be accepted at the Duke Athletics Ticket Office in Scott Family Athletics Performance Center (110 Whitford Drive) during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) through Friday, Oct. 11.
As an extra incentive, along with the goodwill of helping those in need, for every five items donated from the list below, fans can purchase one ticket to either of the following packages: $25 for one east reserved football ticket versus Virginia Tech (Nov. 23) and one reserved women’s basketball ticket against Belmont (Nov. 21); or $45 for one general admission (standing room only) men’s basketball ticket versus Seattle (Nov. 29) and one general admission women’s basketball ticket against Belmont (Nov. 21).
Items in need from the community include the following: non-perishable food, bottled water, contractor-size trash bags, blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers and baby clothes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, shovels, brooms, gloves, coolers, flashlights, batteries and fans.
We thank you in advance for your generous donations.
Look around your home before you go. Odds are there are plenty of things you aren’t using that you could donate. Please give generously.
