1. Since 1993, all national champions in college basketball have made it to their conference tournament semifinals, highlighting its significance.

1. Duke basketball's defeat to NC State in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals marked their absence from this trend, raising concerns about their readiness for March Madness.

1. The lackluster performance of Duke, particularly in energy and communication, indicated a team unprepared for a deep tournament run.

1. Despite NC State's own errors, Duke's performance suggested they were on track for a significant loss had it not been for these mistakes.

1. Coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the disappointment of the loss and the team's desire to make a tournament run but emphasized the need for a competitive mindset in postseason play.

1. The loss likely impacted Duke's seeding in the NCAA Tournament, potentially dropping them to a No. 4 seed or lower.

1. Scheyer emphasized the need for the team to refocus and prepare for the upcoming tournament despite uncertainties about their seeding.

1. The challenge lies in motivating a team that appeared disinterested in competing at the required level for success in March.

1. The urgency to improve and adjust strategies is heightened given the proximity of the NCAA Tournament.

1. Despite the coach's determination, there are doubts about whether Duke can effectively shift gears and perform at a higher level in time for the tournament.