By ESPN.com | ESPN.com
Every weekday, some of our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. How significant -- and worrying for Louisville -- is the suspension of Chris Jones?
Andy Katz: This is a troubling situation. Louisville has had a few issues this season with behavior. If the Cards are to reach their potential, they must get back to completely buying in to coach Rick Pitino's plan.
John Gasaway: Is this a Zach Auguste-variety "suspension" that's going to be over so fast we forget about it? Or is it something more troubling? We don't know, but any time missed by Jones puts a great deal of pressure on Terry Rozier. On paper, Jones is an ineffective shooter, but in Louisville's dual-lead-guard system, replacing even an ineffective shooter who's also the co-point guard and a strong defender is no small matter.
Myron Medcalf: The suspension is a concern but not simply because of its possible length (as the others mentioned, he could be back in the mix after the Syracuse game). It's also a concern because Pitino hasn't found a consistent leader. Montrezl Harrell removed himself from his captain's post earlier this season. A program that produced Peyton Siva, Francisco Garcia, Russ Smith and other leaders can't seem to find one. That's not a problem you want with less than a month to go until Selection Sunday.
2. What is the biggest key for Duke against North Carolina?
Katz: The Blue Devils have to continue to establish Jahlil Okafor in the post and feed the position. Perimeter shooting could be a difference-maker. The Blue Devils do have more options.
Gasaway: The Blue Devils have to limit Carolina to one shot. It's no secret that UNC is one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the nation, and thus far in ACC play, Mike Krzyzewski's team has been just average on its defensive glass. The Tar Heels' offense relies on second chances for a large share of its production. If Duke can keep Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks from getting offensive boards, it will be huge.
Medcalf: The Blue Devils have struggled against athletic guards in past matchups. Quinn Cook and Tyus Jones must play solid defense against J.P. Tokoto and Marcus Paige and avoid the penetration that could make Okafor vulnerable to early foul trouble if he's playing cleanup man in the paint.
3. What is the biggest key for North Carolina?
Katz: The Tar Heels have more options inside, but those bigs must produce. Paige needs help, too. A player like Tokoto could be a difference-maker with his size and length. His defense could be a factor if he can be effective.
Gasaway: Assuming Duke plays man-to-man for some or all of the game, Carolina must attack Jones and force him to play defense on every possession. Jones' defense is a work in progress, and at times this season, Duke's opponents have been far too content to take the ball at other Blue Devils defenders instead. Make Jones prove he can keep the ball out of the lane.
Medcalf: It's obvious that the Tar Heels have to limit Okafor. But it goes beyond minimizing his points. They have to deny entry passes and limit his touches if possible. That's hard to do because he's so strong. But the Heels also can't get lost by focusing 100 percent of their attention on the big man. Duke shoots 38 percent from the 3-point line.
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