Ryan Kelly becomes second player from Trianglehoops era to win NCAA National Championship

Thursday April 22, 2010

Last season we highlighted Justin Watts, who became the first player covered by Trianglehoops.net to win the National Championship.  Watts dons the Carolina blue, while Kelly sports a darker shade of blue.  When the clock turned to all zeros on Monday April 5th and Gordon Hayward's desperation three-pointer fell short, the 08-09 co-MOPY was on the floor celebrating with his Blue Devil teammates.  Duke capped a 35-5 season with the 61-59 victory over Hayward and the Butler Bulldogs. 

Kelly did not see action in the final game, but did see the floor enough to average 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds this season.  Next season Kelly will be looking to play a more prominent roll, as the Blue Devils look to repeat.  At this point, Kelly is expected to play behind Kyle Singler and the Plumlee brothers in the front court again next sesaon.  However, with seniors Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek departing, it would be natural for Kelly to see the court more.  As a sophomore, Kelly will also be competing for time with highly touted incoming freshman Josh Hairston.  With his development as the season progressed this year, we think a promising future is on the horizon for the Ravenscroft grad.

Kerry Smith

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