Notes from today's access:
- Coach Tubby Smith said that x-rays of Trevor Mbakwe's hand came back negative, showing only bruising. He had the wrap on for practice. He's expected to play Thursday.
- Smith said he liked what he saw from the second unit and the performance was what he'd been waiting for: "That is exactly what I'm looking for from the guys that come off the bench – give us that type of spirit, that type of energy and that type of ethusiasim," he said. "Seeing Andre Ingram dive on the floor for a loose ball, working so ferociously; Oto getting in there and fighting and ripping rebounds out guy's hands; Elliott Eliason, at least he's trying to screen. He got an offensive foul, but he was looking to screen guys… So yes, I thought they gave us just what I was looking for."
- Smith said he is encouraged by things Rodney Williams is doing away from the ball – while acknowledging that it's taken a while for the great athlete to make those strides. He pointed out that Williams led the team in deflections – which includes blocks, steals and specific defensive touches – for the first time. "I don't know if that was the first time – I think he might have just said that," Williams said, grinning. "It shows that I was out there playing hard. And it shows that you don't only need to be scoring the basketball to help your team."
- Smith said he saw on TV last night Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski get his 903rd win, enough to lift him above Bob Knight for the most wins in Division I history. "I couldn't be happier for him" Smith said. "He's a great guy, a class act. He's run his program the way most of us in college basketball want to run our program. Great kids, talented players. He's done it the right way, and I'm honored to be in the same profession."
