It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

No, I’m not talking about the rapidly approaching Christmas season. College basketball season officially tipped off this week, and it is king in my sports world.

The road the the Final Four is already off to an interesting start. With college football seeing so many early upsets this season - the biggest shocker coming the opening week at Michigan - it shouldn’t be too surprising to see some “upsets” early on the hardwood where far more parity exists. Perennial Big 10 powers Ohio State and Michigan State decided to go ahead and get an early start, before the season even began, by losing exhibition games to Division II schools.

Then, the first major regular season upset (which some are comparing to Appalachian State’s September win in Ann Arbor) occurred at Rupp Arena, where another small school from North Carolina played giant killer. Granted, Kentucky wasn’t a top five team like Michigan’s football team was, but with all the hype surrounding Billy Gillispie’s arrival in Lexington, Kentucky fans certainly had to be shocked as they watched their beloved Cats lose a game by 16 points to Gardner-Webb at home. Apparently, G-W took control early in the game and kept it until the end. No reason, of course, for Kentucky to panic, but apparently they’re a little on edge if they’re booing the new coach in only his second game. (Yes, that’s right - UK fans were booing.) I have to think Tubby is in Minnesota having a really good laugh right now.

A new era begins for Arkansas tonight as Wofford comes to Fayetteville. I’ve mentioned before that I’m pretty excited that John Pelphrey has come to town to coach the Hogs. I’ve thought for several years now that Pelphrey would be at a major program before long, and with the Hogs returning talent, I think Pelphrey’s team is set up to have a great year. I understand they’ve been picked to win the SEC West. And, although I think Tennessee is the favorite for the SEC overall, I think by season’s end Arkansas will be challenging them for that title. February 13th will be an important game for both teams in Knoxville.

And, of course, the one that matters the most - the Duke Blue Devils. Coach K and the boys tip off their season tonight at home against North Carolina Central, and I’m pretty excited about this year. After a “down year” by Duke standards (22-11 is a pretty good year for most schools), I anticipate a much-improved Duke team. Despite the loss of their primary inside threat in Josh McRoberts, and the fact that they are still young (mostly freshmen and sophomores), they have added one of the best freshmen in the country in 6′9″ forward Kyle Singler, who is expected to be their best player this year. It’s not often you hear people mention Larry Bird in describing a player, but Singler has had that honor. That’s a lot to live up to, but all signs early on seem to be pointing to him being a pretty special player. He won’t be Larry Bird special (who is?), but apparently he’s something to watch, and I can’t wait to see him play.

As for everyone else, Gerald Henderson, I hear, has improved his shot significantly, which will make him very dangerous. Henderson showed flashes of greatness last year, but his performances were inconsistent, and especially his shooting. If that indeed has changed for the better, he should be set to really shine this year. Freshmen Taylor King and Nolan Smith are expected to contribute a lot as well, and sophomore Lance Thomas’ inside play will be key, as will fellow sophomore Brian Zoubek’s (although he’s probably still not quite ready for prime time.) If upperclassmen Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson can remain healthy, Duke should disappoint a lot of people who reveled in what they believed to be their imminent demise last year.

Carolina should still rule the ACC this season, and NC State is going to be very strong as well. Both of these teams will be a test for Duke’s primary concern this year - post play, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. However, I believe as March approaches, Duke will be right there with them at the top of the ACC. And that’s the way it should be.

We’ve won a lot of ballgames here and a lot of championships. I would not be coaching here if I didn’t feel like we could still do that. But we need to earn it every year.   - Mike Krzyzewski

Time to start earning it. Be Blue. Go Duke!