Black Is Thriving In McCallie's New System At Duke

By Doug Feinberg, Associated Press

DURHAM, N.C.-- Duke's Chante Black is flourishing in the system new coach Joanne P. McCallie has installed.

After scoring in double figures in only 13 games as a sophomore and missing all of last season with a knee injury, Black is averaging 12.9 points. She seems to touch the ball on almost every possession.

"Chante has been pretty amazing, considering she has been out a year,'' McCallie said. "What I can't get over as a coach is she always plays hard. A lot of kids when they come back are looking around a lot how do I do this, how do I do that. They almost talk themselves into a slower pace.''

The 6-foot-5 junior center had a career-high 21 points in a loss at Penn State, going 10-for-16 from the field for the 15th-ranked Blue Devils.

"I believe in her totally because she possesses intangibles. She is a great shooter, has great moves around the basket and is developing more moves with her back to the basket,'' said McCallie, who came from Michigan State to replace Gail Goestenkors. "Chante has the work ethic, the willingness to compete and the willingness to prepare in practice.''

Black's improved shooting makes her more of a threat on the offensive end. She's hitting 48.6 percent from the field and 71.4 (25-for-35) from the free throw line.

"That has been critical because she is so mobile, quick and confident,'' McCallie said. "On top of that, she knows she can shoot and she is always looking for her shot. She can step to the outside and the defense has to be as intense as they would be in the paint. That makes her a difficult match up for a lot of other teams.''

Black Is Thriving In McCallie's New System At Duke

Players Mentioned

Chante Black

Duke information

Black Is Thriving In McCallie's New System At Duke

Players Mentioned

Chante Black

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Duke information