tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25571040666241103952024-02-19T07:29:39.000-06:00Mr. DukeBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-72692351210108492372013-08-20T19:56:00.000-05:002013-08-20T22:10:12.665-05:00Don't Call It A Comeback: Mr. Duke Blog Comeback<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It’s been almost 2 years since I made the full time move
over to stobblog.com. While I’ll still contribute to stobblog.com, I’m back to
being Mr. Duke.</div>
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Not sure how different Mr. Duke will be from the first run,
but I can tell you what my plan is this time around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, don’t read this blog is you’re looking for breaking
news on the sleezy recruiting battles of college basketball. Don’t read this
blog if you want to read about what Jabari Parker ate for lunch, and other
breaking news. Don’t read this blog really if you are looking for breaking news
of any type. “News” in any form may come at a premium here. I’ll comment,
analyze and force my opinions on you from the news, sure, but breaking it or
reporting it isn’t my job. There are plenty of other outlets for that, but only
one Mr. Duke (blog…I suppose there are other Mr.Duke’s out there).</div>
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90% of the time I won’t even be watching the Duke games I
write about live, I have a kid now. Even prior to having a kid, I realized that
my time was valuable, and wasting my time watching commercials is stupid. I can
just watch the game when I want to, minus commercials. You’ll get your game
analysis from me, just maybe not as quick as some other outlets, don’t worry
though, mine will be better. You’ll think it’s worth the wait, and really don’t
we all need to slow down?<o:p></o:p><br />
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Second, if you think the only thing Mr. Duke talks about is
Duke, you’re wrong. I’ll maybe touch on everything from NBA, <s>NHL</s>, <s>MLB</s>,
Egypt, Sacramento, beer, Tuscaloosa, politics and even why you should try the
pizza at this place I may write about some time. The overall theme will be
Duke, don’t fear, but I also don’t want you to be shocked when Duke isn’t
mentioned in a post. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Third, new color scheme starting now, you may have noticed, things are a bit black and white around here. As is the picture on this post. It may not work, and may be dropped quickly...but if it works, I think it could be pretty cool. Does it make sense with a Duke blue team that I lean towards? No.</div>
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Finally, Mrs. Duke and little Duke Jr. will be referred to
here at times. Mrs. Duke is my beautiful wife of now 5 years, she is the best.
Duke Jr. is all of 9 weeks old as of writing this and is now the focus of
everything I do in my life. If you’re wondering why there hasn’t been a post in
a week or two on Mr. Duke, I’m probably busy with these two much bigger parts
of my life. I’ll be back though. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of being back, it’s good to be. Give me a read,
we’ll get to business very soon and follow me on Twitter:<o:p></o:p></div>
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@MrDukeBlog<o:p></o:p></div>
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Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-65983495795574441862011-11-15T22:00:00.000-06:002011-11-15T22:00:38.687-06:00Read Mr. Duke on STOB!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Mr. Duke (or Ben as he is known for STOB'ers) will be doing all of his Duke write ups on <a href="http://www.stobblog.com/">http://www.stobblog.com/</a> for the time being. If you like what you got from Mr. Duke last Blue Devil's season, then make sure you check out STOB for Ben's post game write ups and more on the Duke Blue Devils in his "Blue Devil's Corner" pieces.<br />
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Mr. Duke will still be around and may fire right back up someday, but for now find his content on STOB blog. <br />
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I thank you for your understanding and support.<br />
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Go Duke!<br />
</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-13990725011281823022011-11-11T23:11:00.000-06:002011-11-11T23:11:18.807-06:00Mr. Dukes Reactions to Dukes 77-76 Win Over Belmont<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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Duke has played Belmont before, and it was a game much like today's. A scrappy Belmont team took on a talented Duke team and stuck with them and refused to go away. In the end Belmont had a chance to win, but Duke pulled out a 1 point victory, just like their previous meeting in the 2008 NCAA tournament. Coach K got his victory #901, 77-76 and Duke has to quickly rebound for a game tomorrow afternoon against Presbyterian.<br />
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<strong><u>Quick Takes on Tonight's Game -</u></strong><br />
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<strong>- Mason Plumlee played big.</strong><br />
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Mason looked aggressive, showed inside moves with his back to the basket. Played a complete game, passing the ball, making good defensive plays and not making as many of his usual mental mistakes. Mason's final line of 13 pts, 14 rbs, 6 asts is something all Dukies are hoping to see night in and night out. Also, don't look at this line and think that Mason was just taking advantage of a small school, Belmont has legit players and an even more legit defensive system. <br />
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<strong>- Tyler Thornton could be the leader.</strong><br />
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Duke is a team that has had leaders in the past that aren't always the top scoring player on the team. Thoughts of Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek, Greg Paulus and Wojo all come to mind as players who weren't the most gifted on the team but were the leaders. Thornton fits this mold, as a defensive minded, smart ball control point guard who isn't going to possibly ever lead the team in scoring in a game, but will lead them in smart and hustle plays. Tonight Thornton didn't start, but came off the bench and Duke just looked more comfortable with him in the game on both ends of the court. It will be interesting to monitor how Coach K continues to use Thornton and if K takes a more talented player out of the starting lineup to get Thornton on the court for his intangibles.<br />
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<strong>- It was a first game for sure.</strong><br />
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This was a bit of an ugly game. Multiple reasons for that though, not only was it the first game for Belmont and Duke but Belmont's style of scrappy, hard pressing defense also brought out the sloppiness. While it wasn't pretty, it was a good learning lesson for Duke as they got a good fight from a tournament ready team. Duke looked a bit lost in the final minutes on offense, and this was to be expected after losing Nolan Smith, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer in the past two years. Hopefully Duke will start to learn who should have the ball at the end of the game, and how to run their offense as best they can to protect leads. Tonight they got lucky by a great Andre Dawkins' three at the end of the shot clock, obviously Dawkins hitting a three isn't surprising as he is a mid 40% shooter from deep, but that entire possession was ugly and Seth Curry almost travelled while tripping prior to passing it to Dawkins. In the post game Coach K said, "We grew up a lot tonight." That will be the biggest take away from this game.<br />
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<strong>- Austin Rivers will shoot a lot of free throws.</strong><br />
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The kid is electric, he seems to have the ball on a string when going through traffic and that allows him to get defenders in bad positions which then leads to the inevitable foul. In the end he went 8-10 from the line but in the first half when he was more aggressive, he went 7-8. Rivers attacks the basket with reckless abandon, and as he learns and gets more of a feel for the college level game he will start converting the fouls into more "and one" plays and kicking the ball out to open shooters. Another thing Rivers will need to learn and something that will be interesting to monitor, is his reactions to fouls called on him. He repeatedly threw his hands in the air, showing disgust and shock after being called for fouls. I don't see Coach K allowing this behavior all season, nor should he. <br />
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<strong>-Overall.</strong><br />
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Good win. Probably won't be looked at as a good win by casual fans who don't know that Belmont is a serious threat to making a run in the tournament. I admit, I didn't realize how good they were, but quickly by watching the game you see how well coached this team is. Some nice bright spots for Duke to take from this game, and definitely some spots that they know they'll need to improve. </div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-50917234892841607022011-11-02T06:41:00.000-05:002011-11-02T06:41:04.137-05:00Mr. Duke's 2011/2012 Duke Season Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mason Plumlee will need to step up for Duke to be a contender.</td></tr>
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With the season just around the corner, it's time for a Duke Season Preview. I'll be breaking down all the players, the teams strengths and weaknesses, the key games on the schedule and then giving my prediction for what the season holds for this version of the Duke Blue Devils. Haters, lovers and indifferent college basketball fans all should find at least one nugget of either info or opinion that they can take into this season in a near 4,500 word preview.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Player Breakdowns - </span></strong><br />
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<strong><u>Freshman -</u></strong><br />
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<strong>0 - Austin Rivers (G - 6'4" 200lbs)</strong><br />
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We start with the most talked about player on Duke's roster and he is a freshman yet to play his first regular season game for the Blue Devils. Depending on the recruiting site or outlet you check Austin Rivers is probably the top or very near the top recruit in the 2011 class. He is the son of NBA head coach and ex-player Doc Rivers, and with all of that combined with an "I know I am better than everyone else on the court" attitude makes Rivers a target for a lot of attention. Rivers is looking like he'll become the most hated Dukie since Greg Paulus and by being much more relevant on the court, probably the most hated since JJ Redick by Duke haters. <br />
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Rivers has amazing scoring abilities. <br />
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His best asset is an amazing array of one on one moves to get all the way to the bucket and finish or pull up with his unstoppable floater. He has a quirky looking jumper that is streaky, when it gets going though Rivers is unstoppable. In China and Dubai, Rivers showed flashes of greatness but in general looked like a freshman. He tried to do too much leading to large amounts of turnovers and plays that you know he heard about later from Coach K. A few months of work with K and Rivers should be more under control for the start of the season. Rivers will carry Duke offensively at times this year, but the key to Duke and Rivers being great will be if Rivers uses his athletic abilities to focus on the defensive end of the court.<br />
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<strong>2 - Quinn Cook (PG - 6'0" 175 lbs)</strong><br />
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Cook comes in and joins sophomore Tyler Thornton as the only other true PG on the roster for Duke. Out of Oak Hill Academy, Cook has a great ability to get his teammates the ball in positions to score. He also has the ability to get to the rim and finish, while his outside shot lacks some consistency. Duke has enough scoring elsewhere that Cook's main role will be as a creator of offense for others this year. He wasn't able to play in the overseas trip due to an injury, so his development maybe a bit behind Duke's other freshman that were able to play during that exhibition play in August.<br />
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<strong>12 - Alex Murphy (F - 6'8" 220 lbs)</strong><br />
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Alex Murphy comes to Duke a year early, much like Andre Dawkins a few years ago. Murphy is a swiss army knife basketball player much like Kyle Singler. Not to put expectations on Murphy's career at the level of Kyle Singler's shining four years at Duke, but not only due to his number but due to his body type, size and his movements you will be rubbing your eyes questioning if Singler somehow is playing with a 5th year of eligibility (especially if you don't have an HDTV). Murphy has three point range, nice athleticism, and ability to do it all offensively. He will need to add some strength but I see Murphy making improvements all year and looking like a serious contributor at the end of this year.<br />
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<strong>13 - Michael Gbinije (G/F - 6'7" 235 lbs)</strong><br />
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Gbinije is another smart, all around sound player to be paired with Alex Murphy. Michael will be able to play at three different positions for Duke this year, the 2, 3 and 4 positions. He is solidly built, looks to always make the smart play, can score in any way possible, but isn't amazing at anything while being pretty good at everything. Gbinije will be a security blanket off the bench for Coach K as he will know that Michael will go in and not hurt Duke while having the ability to really help in any aspect of the game.<br />
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<strong>40 - Marshall Plumlee (F - 6'11" 225 lbs *looks bigger than 225 now*)</strong><br />
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The 3rd Plumlee has arrived but don't expect huge things, barring injuries to other front court players, from Marshall this year. Duke, unlike many years in the past, actually has a lot of depth with their stable of big men this year and it will be tough for Marshall to carve out many minutes behind his brothers (Miles and Mason), Ryan Kelly and Josh Hairston. Once Marshall starts seeing the court, expect a player that is very mobile and athletic much like his elder brothers. Marshall also plays with a great intensity, has a nice hook and turnaround with great hands. Marshall should be an impact player for Duke on the practice court this season if he is possibly red-shirted, working hard on Miles and Mason and forcing them to get better. <br />
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<strong><u>Sophomores -</u></strong><br />
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<strong>3 - Tyler Thornton (PG - 6'1" 195 lbs)</strong><br />
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Tyler Thornton was thrust into a more prominent role last year as the back up PG to Nolan Smith after Kyrie Irving went down with his toe injury. He showed himself to be a great on ball defensive player and energy guy off the bench. Thornton will probably back up Seth Curry at the PG position this year, battling Quinn Cook for that position. Thornton will get more minutes when Duke takes on teams with offensively gifted opposing PGs. Thornton offensively will look to defer to his teammates for scoring while making the smart decisions and controlling the ball, but will hit open threes and can, if needed, get to the hoop and finish.<br />
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<strong>15 - Josh Hairston (F - 6'7" 235 lbs)</strong><br />
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Hairston didn't get a ton of playing time in his freshman campaign. His sophomore year won't look a ton different. Hairston is still going to be behind both the elder Plumlees and Ryan Kelly this year. But the Plumlees get in foul trouble as often as Lindsey Lohan breaks her probation so Hairston will get his playing time. When on the court Hairston is a hustler, who will work his but off on the defensive end and on the boards. Offensively, Hairston will look to crash the boards and kick it back out, his only shots will really be put backs and an open mid range jumper after the defense forgets about him to try to cover the other offensive threats.<br />
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<strong>51 - David Mayer (G - 6'4" 200 lbs)</strong><br />
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Mayer is a great clapper, this season he will be looking to improve his focus in time outs. Last year Mayer could be seen watching time out on court festivities and watching the arena big screen. With a lot of work in the summer though I see Mayer improving on this greatly. His towel waving skills following big plays may still be lacking though, he lacks the aggressiveness of a Casey Peters type that Duke has won with in the past. Fun fact - he plays the ukulele.<br />
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<strong><u>Juniors - </u></strong><br />
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<strong>5 - Mason Plumlee (F - 6'10" 235 lbs)</strong><br />
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Is this the year? Many thought Mason would have his breakout season last year as a sophomore and really after a huge game against Marquette and a building repoire with Kyrie Irving early in the season it looked like it maybe coming true. But then Kyrie went down, and Mason moved back to being greatly talented but frustratingly irrelevant. The middle of the three Plumlees, he has the highest upside still but needs to get the game figured out in between his ears if he is to reach that potential. Mason makes many mental errors, and at times looks to lack interest in becoming great and only perks up when a wide open dunk comes his way. Coach K is focusing on getting his big men more involved this year, hopefully the increased looks on the offensive end will perk up the rest of Mason's game and we will start seeing more of what we saw against Marquette last year.<br />
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<strong>20 - Andre Dawkins (G - 6'4" 200 lbs)</strong><br />
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Dawkins, much like Mason, has had his up and downs throughout his career at Duke. A tragedy marred his freshman campaign with the death of his sister as she travelled to see him play. His sophomore campaign was at times very promising but at other times it seemed Dawkins couldn't get out of Coach K's doghouse as he lacked consistent effort defensively. Dawkins is arguably the best shooter on the team with Seth Curry and Ryan Kelly, which then makes him arguably the best shooter in the country. He is always ready to shoot and has the range to pull it from anywhere over half court. Dawkins has looked to improve other aspects of his offensive game on top of hopefully not being a defensive liability. If Dawkins can play good enough defense to stay on the court, I see him having a break out season. He is my favorite player on the team, so I'll be rooting for him to bring the rest of his game closer to the his elite shooting prowess.<br />
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<strong>30 - Seth Curry (G - 6'2" 180 lbs)</strong><br />
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Actually in his fourth year at the D-1 level after his transfer from Liberty, Seth Curry looks like he will be the leader of this Duke squad. Not only will he possibly lead in points per game, he needs to step into the role left void after the graduation of team leaders Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler as the vocal leader and leader by example. His first year as a Dukie (playing, not sitting out his transfer year) was up and down. At times he took over game <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjhRnIqLlc">(hello home UNC game) </a>and at other times he faded into the background. Nolan Smith had his breakout season in his junior campaign, Duke and it's fans are hoping that Curry has the same light bulb moment. <br />
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Curry will have the ball in his hands as he will be the starting PG for Duke come the November 11 opener against Belmont. I expect Curry to be much like Scheyer in his senior year, bringing the ball up the court but then passing it off to then run off screens and play much more like an off guard in the half court. Curry made big strides last year defensively and should be a solid on ball defender even at the point guard position. Seth should be the leading scorer for Duke this season, unless Rivers is even better than we thought he was.<br />
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<strong>34 - Ryan Kelly (F - 6'11" 230 lbs)</strong><br />
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Last season was a bit of a coming out party for Ryan Kelly. He showed just how good of a shooter he could be when in a two game stretch he didn't miss a shot and approached a record for consecutive makes. From the looks of things during the overseas trip for Duke, Kelly is ready to build off of his sophomore campaign and have an even better junior season. Kelly was Duke's leading scorer on the trip, and after losing some weight in the off season looks trim and athletic. He is moving around the court with and without the ball much better than last year and it showed in those preseason games as Kelly was slashing to the hoop and making more athletic scoring plays. Adding this element to an already outstanding shooting game for Kelly makes him a lethal weapon whether he is in Duke's starting lineup, as he should be some, or coming off the bench.<br />
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<strong>52 - Todd Zafirovski (F - 6'9" 240 lbs)</strong><br />
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Todd is Duke's only player with a "Z" in his name, and being the overachiever that he is, he actually has two "Z's". Was born in Edina, MN. Minnesota is the home of STOB, so we love Todd.<br />
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<strong><u>Senior - </u></strong><br />
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<strong>21 - Miles Plumlee (F - 6'10" 245 lbs)</strong><br />
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Miles Plumlee is the lone senior on Duke's roster this season. With that comes an assumed leadership role, and again I'll refer to the overseas trip Duke took in August and say that Miles looked to be taking on that role quite nicely. Miles outplayed all of the other big men, outside of Ryan Kelly, and looked much more decisive in his play. Throughout his career, and so far in Mason's as well, the Plumlees at times look lost and seem to be thinking far too much on the court instead of letting their excellent athleticism take over. Getting past that trend is key for both, and possibly Marshall as well but I can't judge him yet, if they are to reach their potential. Miles though looked to be on the right path in August and hopefully will build off of those good performances and be a better player for Duke inside in his final season with the Blue Devils.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Duke Strength's - </span></strong><br />
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<strong>Shooting -</strong> Duke has a plethora of options when it comes to shooting the three. Not that this should come as a surprise as Duke for years now has been built on a great outside shooting. This year's best shooters are: Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, Ryan Kelly, Austin Rivers, Alex Murphy, Michael Gbinije, Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton in close to that order. Going down from knock down snipers, to streaky shooters, to guys that can hit it when left open. <br />
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<strong>Athleticism -</strong> This could be one of Duke's more athletic teams in a few years. The Plumlees are amazing athletes for their size, and the incoming freshman class doesn't have an athletic dud in the bunch. While Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins aren't Gerald Hendersons they both are quite athletic and Dawkins more so though we don't always see it as he looks to shoot the three rather than attack the rim.<br />
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<strong>Coaching -</strong> Duh.<br />
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<strong>Depth -</strong> Duke has capable back up players at every position on the court. Within that depth is a nice mix of youth and veterans. As we have learned in the past few championship winning teams, freshman make splashes and nice stories, but veterans leading the way (Kemba, Scheyer, Hansbrough...) with a mix of freshman sprinkled in (Lamb, Mason, Andre and Ed Davis) win titles.<br />
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<strong>Inside Play -</strong> What? Yeah I said it, Duke has inside play and Coach K agrees with me, "Our strength right now is our big guys." K told SI.com. This is a nice statement, and I believe it could be true if what we saw in China/Dubai continues with Miles Plumlee and Ryan Kelly stepping their game up and Duke making a concerted effort to work the ball inside.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Duke Weaknesses/Question Marks - </span></strong><br />
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<strong>Point Guard Play -</strong> While moving SGs to PGs has worked well for Duke the past two years with Nolan Smith last year and the title winning year with Jon Scheyer, it isn't guaranteed that Seth Curry will have the same success. Curry up to this point has been best coming off screens to get his shots, Duke showed that a player like that can be successful though as Scheyer was this type of player and had success. In Seth Curry's player breakdown above we get into this more. Look for Quinn Cook to take the starting role over if Curry struggles at the point and for Tyler Thornton to continue to be the defensive specialist/energy player off the bench.<br />
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<strong>Post Play -</strong> Wait...didn't I just say...yes I did, but until we see it I still have to list this as a question mark for Duke. While I know that Ryan Kelly can score from the outside, whether or not he has good post moves is still yet to be determined. The Plumlees are yet to prove they have any inside offensive moves other than open dunks. So while I agree the potential is there for this to be a strength, until I see it I still will list it as a question mark.<br />
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<strong>Defense -</strong> While Coach K stresses defense and his teams historically have been great on that side of the floor, you can see with this team why there maybe some concern. Austin Rivers and Andre Dawkins are two potential starters who are yet to show they want to be good on the defensive side of the ball. Seth Curry is now going to almost exclusively be guarding point guards, whether he has the quickness and strength to stay in front of the country's elite is a question that will be answered. While the Plumlees have shown the ability to make spectacular defensive plays, it has been the routine plays they at times struggle with. Whether it's picking up silly fouls 30 feet away from the basket or being slow on defensive rotations the Plumlees need work to be on the level of a Lance Thomas or Brian Zoubek. Surprisingly Duke's bench maybe better defensively than it's starting 5, with Tyler Thornton, Michael Gbinije and Josh Hairston all being hard headed defensive players. I think by the end of the season, Coach K will have Duke playing it's normal style of defense, but watch to see if Duke struggles early in their season on that side of the ball.<br />
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<strong>Leadership -</strong> The past two seasons Duke has never had to worry about leadership. With Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler playing lead and other lesser known players like Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek also adding leadership. This year though, Duke has upper classmen used to having built in leaders like those already listed, and a freshman coming in that seems possibly eager to take that role on. It will be an interesting dynamic to see if Seth Curry and Miles Plumlee take on the role of leader or if Austin Rivers steps in and is the leader as a freshman. So far in preseason play, it seems Curry has the role locked down but it still is a question mark.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Schedule Highlights -</span></strong><br />
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<strong>November 15 vs. Michigan State -</strong> Just the third game of the season for Duke they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the Spartans. Last year Duke took care of Izzo's boys at home led by Kyrie Irving, after that Michigan State stumbled the rest of the way. Look for the Spartans to try to use this early season game to prove they are ready to bounce back from their down year last season. I think Duke comes out on top, as Austin Rivers has a small coming out party on the national stage of Madison Square Garden.<br />
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<strong>November 21 vs. Tennessee (Nov. 22 vs. Michigan or Memphis and Nov. 23 vs. UCLA, Chaminade (lol), Georgetown or Kansas) -</strong> Three real good tests in three days, unless Duke somehow ends up taking on Chaminade in one of the match ups at the Maui Invitational. Tennessee is scrappy but Duke should get by them, Memphis and Michigan are both tough teams on the rise. Duke will have a battle in store with either, and if they get by them then look for UCLA or Kansas to be on the way and again the Devils will have their work cut out for them. I see Duke making through this unblemished, with the best chance of a loss coming from the Memphis Tigers in the second round. This trip will be huge for the growth of this team, and even if they take their lumps, actually more so if they take their lumps and lose a game or two they will learn a ton from this three day stretch. You learn more from a loss than a win and an early season loss isn't going to hurt Duke at all as they are playing for March not November.<br />
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<strong>November 29 @ Ohio State -</strong> And here is where Duke's NCAA tournament simulation in November comes to an big end with a game that will be as tough, if not tougher, than a NCAA Title game. I look at Duke's November like the NCAA tournament: 2nd round - Mich State, Sweet 16 - Tennessee, Elite 8 - Memphis, Final Four - Kansas, Title Game - Ohio State. All of that in the matter of two weeks. If you can simulate a NCAA tournament run any better in November, I am not sure how. Going into Buckeye country will be an amazingly tough task. Sullinger is back and will test the Plumlees and the rest of the front court players, while William Buford and Aaron Craft frustrate our back court. Craft vs Curry will be one of the many match ups to watch. If the great defensive sophomore Craft shuts down Curry, Duke will be in for a long day as they will need the junior to keep the rest of the team calm in the road atmosphere. I don't see Duke winning this game, but I see them learning a ton about themselves that will help them be much better prepared for this type of elite team come March.<br />
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<strong>December 10 vs. Washington -</strong> Another trip to MSG, this time to take on a very athletic team in the Washington Huskies. The Huskies are young and will probably be led by the young PG Tony Wroten Jr. who will give Seth Curry another great test at the PG position. I think Duke comes out on top in this one, but yet again it is a great non conference match up. Derrick has predicted a Washington win.<br />
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<strong>January 4 @ Temple -</strong> Last year the Temple Owls came into the Cameron and left defeated, but they were impressive. They will be looking for payback this year as Duke heads to their house. Returning 3 of last year's 4 top scorers in Ramone Moore, Juan Fernandez and Scootie Randall, Temple is a veteran squad that will be dangerous at home. Duke will need this win as a confidence builder in their last game before they go into ACC play. Duke will pull this one out as they will just have too much depth and fire power but don't be surprised if Temple gives Duke all they can handle.<br />
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<strong>January 28 vs. St. John's -</strong> It will be a while until I forget the dismantling that St John's laid on Duke last January in a 93-78 beat down at MSG. This year Duke invites the Red Storm to Cameron, and it will be a very, very young team coming into the hostile Crazies house. Seven freshman round out the Red Storm's roster, I think Duke will win as St John's gets a bit rattled by the venue, but this is a very dangerous game.<br />
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<strong>February 23 @ Florida State -</strong> If you are a Duke fan, you need no explanation as to why this game would be circled as a possible loss. Florida State just brings it when Duke comes to town. This year will be no different as Florida State will be looking to prove that the ACC isn't just a two horse race.<br />
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<strong>February 8 @ UNC and March 3 vs. UNC -</strong> Of course we round out the list with North Carolina, the #1 team in all the land this preseason. It may not even be close, UNC has everyone back and adds great freshman into the mix as well. To beat UNC you have to stop one man, Kendall Marshall. If Duke can slow Marshall down, they will have a chance. If they don't, nobody has a chance against the Tar Heels as Marshall has too many options to get the ball to, who can all score at will. A split is welcomed, a sweep is dreamed of, being swept isn't embarrassing if they keep them close and battle. If Duke does well enough in their super tough November run, the February game might be huge between a #1 and anywhere from #2 to #5 team. Can UNC go undefeated this year? They have to go through Duke at least twice and probably three times first, and I don't see that happening.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Where does Duke's season end? -</span></strong><br />
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After all of this is looked at where will the Devils end up? Duke's expectation is probably a Sweet 16 to Elite 8 team. I think they can do more. Am I just a fan, blinded by the Duke blue haze I see the world in? Yes. But let me explain: The preseason #1 team has only won the title 6 times in the last 25 years, just look at Duke last year for example. So Duke being ranked 6th isn't a bad thing, heck UConn wasn't even ranked preseason last year. I think Duke could win it all because of the mix of veterans and youth they have, as well as the balance of inside players and outside players. They should be able to play almost any type of game an opposing team throws at them. Fast paced, slow paced, inside, outside...whatever it is they have players that can play that type of game. I think Duke more than likely doesn't win it all, but I think there is a chance if things fall right, players play up to their potential (looking your way Plumlees) and we stay away from major injuries. <br />
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<strong>I predict Duke makes the Final Four and loses there.</strong> That is what I will write not to get ripped too bad by those that will call me a lunatic, but you know in my heart I think Duke will win it all this year...and for that I won't apologize.<br />
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<em>Find more of my work on <a href="http://www.stobblog.com/">Sports Tears in our Beers.</a></em></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-85471042348992321202011-08-23T16:58:00.002-05:002011-08-23T17:07:46.503-05:00Reactions to Duke's Sweep Completing Win Over China Monday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/600/SM/SMFCDAQFJPDNCFV.20110822180028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" qaa="true" src="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/600/SM/SMFCDAQFJPDNCFV.20110822180028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><div closure_uid_dhmj3n="101">Duke won again 93-78 on Monday over the Chinese Junior National Team, and I have finally got around to looking at the game on the DVR. I came away with some positives and some negatives...let's take a look.</div></div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><a name='more'></a><div closure_uid_s2xf0q="102"><br />
</div></div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Positives -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Miles Plumlee -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><div closure_uid_dhmj3n="102">Played well, looks like he is maturing in the two televised games. Both games he got into double figures and played with a better head on his shoulders in both games than he has in most of his Duke career. 14 pts 13 rebs is a line that Duke would love to see a lot from Miles this year.</div></div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Ryan Kelly -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">The kid just looks confident right now. Understandably the Chinese team is a nice matchup for Kelly, he doesn't have to try to guard or be guarded by freak athletes. Yet, he is playing with great confidence and the variety in his offensive game is very impressive. Kelly continued looking like the most improved player on Duke Monday with another 20 pt performance.</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Tyler Thornton -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">2 pts doesn't seem like it would put you in the positives, but Thornton is a role player that played his role perfectly Monday. He was pestering ball handlers and getting in passing lanes on defense causing turnovers. He also was under control (unlike someone...cough RIVERS cough...) and ran the offense well when he was in.</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Alex Murphy -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Didn't score a ton or really do anything amazing, but showed a lot more confidence in this game than Thursdays. He only had 6 points, but his movement with and without the ball was with more assertiveness even if the shots didn't always fall. I like what we saw from Murphy in this game and have to hope he can build off this game in Dubai and in the rest of preseason practice.</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Negatives -</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Austin Rivers - </div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Ok, we know Austin is super talented and at times this year will carry Duke. Yet, from what we've seen of Austin so far he doesn't look as polished as Kyrie Irving did last year. Kyrie played fast, but was under control, right now the same cannot be said for Rivers. Rivers again seemed to be trying to do too much, he was only credited with 2 turnovers but if you watched the game it felt more like last Thursday's game in which he had 9. I think Austin will settle down when he realizes, unlike his high school days, he doesn't have to do it all or force the action as much and can let the game come to him more. K will help with that in practice prior to the first game.</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Seth Curry - </div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><div closure_uid_dhmj3n="103">While he did start off on fire and then also caught fire in the second half, Curry disappeared in between these two portions of the game. Last year this was very much the same story, Curry would go off for 8 straight points then you would have to wait 15 minutes for him to make another play. I think Curry needs to find a way to be a more consistent contributor for Duke to be great. Like everyone on Duke this year though, he is adjusting to a new role and that will hopefully come with time.</div></div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">Mason Plumlee in the 1st half - </div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103">He ended the game with 14 pts on 7-8 shooting and was very effective in the second half. But the first half and the entire game Thursday it looked like old Mason. Mason needs to go see if coach Capel has any of the pixie dust that he sprinkled on another freak athlete, Blake Griffin, while at Oklahoma. </div><div closure_uid_w7h0ix="103"><br />
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</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-71525052806448650162011-08-18T16:16:00.002-05:002011-08-18T16:21:15.594-05:00Reactions to Duke's win over China on Thursday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/600/QK/QKVOSYDKLUYGBVC.20110818171358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" qaa="true" src="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/600/QK/QKVOSYDKLUYGBVC.20110818171358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_f8tw2a="111">So, I got the chance to watch the second game for Duke in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">China</place></country-region> vs. the Chinese Junior National Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div closure_uid_f8tw2a="111"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_f8tw2a="111">Here are my reactions –</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_ffxtu9="120" closure_uid_xu2zqe="123" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="123" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="126" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Austin Rivers –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You can tell he is super talented; the kid is going to be amazing and will be battling Seth Curry for the spot as the “leader” of the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think right now Curry is the leader, but you can see that Rivers is used to being the leader and may take that role over after some games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today Rivers didn’t play great, he turned the ball over 7 times and 2-3 of them came as Duke was trying to hold onto their double digit lead with only a few minutes left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Coach K will get in his ear tonight, as he did today during the game, and hopefully Rivers will correct this wildness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can’t wait to see Rivers continue to grow under K this year, he will be amazing once he learns to harness all of his talent.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="129" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Ryan Kelly –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I said he is my vote for most improved from last year, and in the first two games in China the kid hasn’t done anything to make me rethink this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday Kelly had a double double with 14 pts and 13 rbs and today he put up 20 pts with 8 rebounds on 9-11 shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb pointed out many times that Kelly has shed 10-15 lbs this off season and you do notice him being more agile on the court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly mixed in the three point shot, mid range game, pull up off the dribble, left hand sweeping drive and back to the basket in this game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Kelly’s confidence continues to grow, much like his new beard, he will be very tough to stop at 6’10 with ball handling skills and able to score from anywhere on the court.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="130" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Andre Dawkins –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Looking much more confident in today’s game from last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks like he knows his role and is ready to take it and run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started the game with Seth Curry and Austin Rivers in the backcourt and from the start was aggressive on the drive and with no fear of pulling the trigger from three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While is shot was off today from downtown (2-7), we all know the kid can shoot and that shouldn’t worry anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is more the aggressive drives and style of play that should bolster Duke fan’s hopes of a huge year out of the junior.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="131" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Alex Murphy –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Ok, we get it he is a Kyle Singler type player, but wholly crap does he also need to wear #12 and look exactly like Singler from a distance on the court (especially in the disgusting ESPNU non-HD broadcast, c’mon ESPN get HD for ESPNU already).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Murphy looks like a nice player and once comfortable will be a nice weapon off the bench for Duke at 6’9 with an inside outside game…well…much like Kyle Singler’s.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="132" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Defense –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As a team, Duke fought through the horrible calls all game by the international (and in fear of being jailed for life by the Chinese government) refs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They played great defense and kept the Chinese scoreless for much of the first quarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again the free throw discrepancy was +20 with the Chinese shooting 32 and Duke 10, yesterday it was 40-15.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="133" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Miles Plumlee –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_xu2zqe="134" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Miles had a great second half of this game today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had TWO count ‘em TWO post moves that were actually successful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have watched Miles through his career you know what an accomplishment this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As was mentioned during the telecast, Duke is hoping for a “Zoubek like light bulb moment” from Miles in his senior year and the second half was hopefully the start of that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Not too much to speak of from this game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be giving you breakdowns of what I saw in the remaining two games on Aug 22 and Aug 25<sup>th</sup> for Duke on their overseas trip.</div><div closure_uid_xu2zqe="122"><br />
</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-68241287695360144502011-08-17T15:54:00.000-05:002011-08-17T15:54:39.057-05:00College Basketball in August: What I hope to learn about Duke's overseas trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_yen6rb="115" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/400/RW/RWMMUOYBTFJNCRV.20110817181344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187px" qaa="true" src="http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics32/400/RW/RWMMUOYBTFJNCRV.20110817181344.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_yen6rb="115" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_yen6rb="115" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Duke has already played one game in <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">China</country-region></place> as I write this; they won 77-64 over the Chinese Olympic Team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the sounds of things, Austin Rivers led the team scoring 18 points on 8-15 shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andre Dawkins added 15 points with 4 three pointers, Seth Curry had 13 points and Ryan Kelly had a double double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this is very nice and I am happy to hear they played well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to see it though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in luck, ESPNU will be showing three of the Duke games overseas and I can’t wait to see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_yen6rb="115" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How good is Austin Rivers going to be for Duke?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I know he is talented and I know how good he was in high school, but as all Duke fans saw (with great glee…for a while) last year Harrison Barnes, also talented with a great high school past, struggled initially with UNC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot of pressure on freshman coming into huge programs, and with more attention being paid to these recruits prior to them enrolling in college the pressure seems to be increasing every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will get a good look in the three televised games at Rivers and how he is fitting in with his Duke teammates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far so good with the untelevised 18 pt effort in his first game with Duke Wednesday.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">What is the backcourt going to look like?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_yen6rb="119" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We all know that K likes to change things up mid-season and just because one guy is starting early in the season at this position doesn’t mean he will be there come March.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I am excited to see the crowded backcourt and how K will be managing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who starts at PG?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tyler Thornton, Quinn Cook (will be out with a bum knee until September), Seth Curry and Austin Rivers could all get a chance at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the games overseas we will get a good look at who is looking the best as the main ball handler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you have the issue of the wings, who starts if you put Cook (when healthy) or Thornton at PG?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andre Dawkins, Seth Curry and Austin Rivers all would start at 98% of other schools, so who is the odd man out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins seemed neck to neck last year in Coach K’s eye on whom deserved more playing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into the year I’d say Curry had the lead over Dawkins but you just never know…tune into ESPNU I guess and hopefully we’ll get a clue.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Plumlees…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Talk about a bunch of talent in the trio of brothers Plumlee, from oldest to youngest Miles, Mason and Marshall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will their playing time be handled?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason has the highest upside at this point with <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Marshall</place></city> a close second and many believe Miles to be a bit further back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times last year you would see flashes from both Miles and Mason, but consistency is one thing you cannot attribute to the Plumlees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How has their offseason gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they going to be more consistent this year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More aggressive offensively?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make less bone headed plays? If they can put it together Duke can make a run to the title, if they (Miles and Mason) continue to play erratically and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Marshall</place></city> follows suit, then Duke will be good but not great again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Who will be the most improved?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I know it will look like I am cheating on this answer after Ryan Kelly’s double double performance, but I would’ve predicted Kelly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed huge improvement last year and I expect him to continue that improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kid is the classic Duke player that anti-Dookies hate, he isn’t that good looking of a kid, has the preppy prick look down and isn’t NBA crazy talent yet will kill on the court with smart plays and good shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly will be driving anti-dookies crazy again this year I think and will start taking even more time from the Plumlees unless they step up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will he be a starter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure, looking forward to seeing where K is starting with that question overseas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I know there is much more to look at in these games, and as a Duke fan I am really excited to get his very early preseason look at my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most fans will still be waiting until Midnight Madness in mid-October at their campuses to have some of their questions answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many things I think are answered can change after the trip is complete and Duke goes back to work getting ready for the NCAA season, but this early look into Duke Basketball 2011-12 will answer some questions and if nothing else give us an early college basketball appetizer for which I am very hungry for.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">TV Schedule of Duke Games on ESPNU and ESPN360.com:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">August 18 – 8 am vs. <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">China</country-region></place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">August 22 – 8 am vs. <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">China</place></country-region></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">August 25 – 1:30 pm vs. <country-region w:st="on">United Arab Emirates</country-region> in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Dubai</city></place></div><div closure_uid_yen6rb="114"><br />
</div></span> </div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-64276201934396825612011-08-01T08:54:00.000-05:002011-08-01T08:54:50.419-05:00Duke Prepares for China: K's Contact with Recruit Poythress Under Scrutiny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_90ykkq="137">As reported <a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6821223/mike-krzyzewski-contact-recruit-came-events-source-says">here</a> by Andy Katz, the Duke NCAA compliance office is in talks with the NCAA on whether rules were broken when Coach K accepted a call from 2012 recruit Alex Poythress. It would only be a secondary offense if found to be a rules violation for K and the Blue Devils. So no need for Duke fans to be sweating too much about this situation, especially since Duke is being active in telling the NCAA's about the situation and looking for a clarification.</div><div closure_uid_90ykkq="176"><br />
</div>The more exciting news is that Duke is preparing for their preseason trip to China and Dubai on August 14th. This will be a huge opportunity for Duke to bond and get some time to play and get used to each other prior to the season. Some small things for Duke will be able to be worked out overseas, as well as weaknesses found that will then be able to be worked out prior to the first game of the year. <br />
<div closure_uid_90ykkq="131"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_90ykkq="130">Mr. Duke will keep you up to date on all the things happening overseas. College basketball is just around the corner and Mr. Duke is coming out of his summer vacation slowly to get back to full speed for the season.</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-59737072822171629052011-06-08T14:15:00.000-05:002011-06-08T14:15:41.064-05:00Ex-Duke Captian Thomas Emma Found Dead of Apparent Suicide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-athleticfigure-fatal">http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-athleticfigure-fatal</a><br />
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You can see the full story above from Yahoo Sports.<br />
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This is some terrible news for the Duke Basketball family and all Duke fans. It is sickening to think about the pain Mr. Emma must have been in to, as it seems, take his own life. Most everyone has been affected at some point by a friend or member of their own family that is battling with depression. Unfortunately each and every story like the one above is just another stark reminder to do our best to help anyone who is struggling with this disease. <br />
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the Emma family.</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-50574993847271968362011-06-06T11:17:00.004-05:002011-06-06T11:50:38.073-05:00DeAndre Daniels, Jeff Capel and Some Thoughts on Off Season Duke Goings On...So it's the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">off season</span>, in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">off season</span> of college basketball things can get a little sleepy for a Mr. Duke. Luckily I've been keeping busy over with my boys on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">STOB</span></a>, but I need a Duke fix. Since it's been a while let's just cover some of what has been going on at Duke since my last post, oh so long ago, and I'll offer up some opinions.<br /><br /><strong>Jeff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Capel</span> is back! -</strong><br />The man who brought Oklahoma Sooner fans Blake Griffin and an Elite Eight appearance is now back at Duke after being fired. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Capel</span> will now be an assistant coach with Duke taking over the spot on the bench of another ex-player (as all the assistants are for K) Nate James. James isn't leaving but taking on "a different role" for the team.<br /><br />This is a huge win for Duke. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Capel</span> may need a few more years of seasoning prior to becoming a head coach again at a major university. Yet, one thing he proved he could do at Oklahoma was recruit. Now give Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Capel</span> the Duke name to sell and I foresee big things, and recruits, happening as long as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Capel</span> stays around Durham.<br /><br /><strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DeAndre</span> Daniels Saga-</strong><br />Unfortunately this "Saga" continues on. The ever indecisive freshman to be forward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DeAndre</span> Daniels is still mulling over his decision. At this point Duke is now a long shot after just a few weeks ago being the top dog in the Daniels Sweepstakes. Kansas and Texas have emerged as the front runners with Oklahoma State also being mentioned.<br /><br />Until there is some confirmed news that Daniels is still interested in Duke this maybe the last Daniels related post until he actually announces something. Even if it's just what he had for lunch yesterday. Imagine being behind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">DeAndre</span> in line at McDonald's! "Welcome to McDonald's. How can I help you?" "Um...not sure if I am ready...oooo..Burger King is across the street!...Oh wait though there is a Wendy's a block over and I do love their new fries!...Is there a Red Robin around here?" McDonald's Lady, "I am not sure sir. Would you like to try one of our value meals?" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">DeAndre</span>, "Well I am just thinking if there was a Red Robin, I could kind of take my time...no pressure of a line and all...I could sit in seclusion at my booth and really mull over my burger selection." You in line, "................". He'd have no chance.<br /><br /><strong>Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Paulus</span> Hired by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">OSU</span> -</strong><br />Now 3 major Universities (Duke, Syracuse and Ohio State) showing love for Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Paulus</span>. This kid must have something to him even though a ton of people (including Duke fans) can't stand the sight of him. As Video Coordinator for Ohio State's basketball program Greg is on his way to, he hopes, being a D-1 head coach. Keep an eye on those tattoo parlors there Greg!<br /><br /><strong>Getting Pumped for Duke Basketball in China and Dubai -</strong><br />Duke fan's are excited that they get to see the team a little earlier than most fans this year. This August the team will be traveling to China on August 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> and playing their first game August 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span>. On August 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">th</span> Duke will be playing in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. It's then off to Beijing on August 22 for their third game in China. Finally the squad will finish it's foreign tour in Dubai on August 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span>.<br /><br />It should be exciting to see this young team play and get some early time to start meshing prior to the season. The added <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">camaraderie</span> gained from this trip in August may very well go a long way in making the team better in March.<br /><br />That's a quick wrap up of what is going on with Duke. I'll try to be back as soon as some new Duke news comes in.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-41049361599823115232011-05-24T11:09:00.001-05:002011-05-24T11:10:43.134-05:00Kyle Singler: Buckets 2.0<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We all saw 1.0 and now Singler takes this act to new heights...literally. Will this help to impress an NBA GM to make Singler a 1st round pick in June's NBA Draft?<br />
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<a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Kyle-Singler-8217-s-latest-trick-shot-video-is-?urn=ncaab-wp2975">Buckets 2.0</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-75855781199787120962011-05-19T09:19:00.002-05:002011-05-19T09:23:18.413-05:00DeAndre Daniels Decision...Today?....Maybe?"@DaveTelep Just in, DeAndre Daniels decision pushed back to tomorrow morning. Can't make this stuff up"<br /><br />ESPN's Dave Telep announced this yesterday. So the drama continues with DeAndre and his decision.<br /><br />I hear that he is leaning Texas, but really with this kid I am not sure he knows which way he is leaning.<br /><br />Hey DeAndre I have an incoming freshman post to make, and I'd appreciate you making a decision so I can post that..thanks!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-23877007537449510822011-05-17T14:56:00.002-05:002011-05-17T17:47:01.791-05:00Dear PJ Hairston, We're Sorry. Sincerely, Mr. Duke<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Dear TJ Hurstring,<br /><br />Hi, Mr. Duke writing you on behalf of all Duke fans. We are sorry that the <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/UNC-recruit-P-J-Hairston-Duke-couldn-8217-t-?urn=ncaab-wp2870">University in which we cheer didn't get your name correct in recruiting mailings</a>. We are sorry that you chose to attend UNC over Duke in your final decision. <br /><br />Here is the thing though AJ, we really don't care.<br /><br />Mr. Hairspray, you wouldn't have seen much court time at Duke next year, that's the big thing. Duke landed Austin Rivers and any way you spell it...he is better than you PJ Stonhair. So while your a good SG (Rivals #13 2011 prospect), Duke got the best SG (and overall) prospect. Work on your defense there CJ so you can, if you get in to games while Rivers is in, attempt to slow him down.<br /><br />RJ, you also wouldn't have seen the court because Duke prior to landing Rivers already had Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins fighting for the starting spot at SG. So BJ, while I understand your frustration with the recruiting mailings not spelling your name right. I am guessing the fact you wouldn't play much played into your decision more.<br /><br />A little advice for you Mr. Durston, make sure you stretch your shoulder and arm next year prior to handing out Gatorade to Zeller and Harrison. After a long game on the bench I'd hate for you to pull something trying to help out the Tar Heels that will actually matter next year.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Mr. Duke</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-46670679636301715342011-05-06T14:46:00.001-05:002011-05-06T14:49:09.330-05:00Sweat Maryland Sweat? - Gary Williams Retires<span style="font-family:arial;">Gary Williams, 66, is done at Maryland after 22 seasons at his alma mater and bringing and end to a 33 year career. Though he says he still feels he could coach, he has a craving to do something else while he still can. What will that be? Who the heck knows…maybe hyper-sweating disorder research? One thing I do know is Gary Williams was a great coach for Maryland, leading them to a National Title in 2002 and winning more games than any other coach in Maryland history. <br /><br />Here is a quick list of possible replacements for Gary at Maryland, a highly regarded job that could draw high profile candidates. Frank Martin the coach at Kansas State could be a fiery replacement for a fiery coach in Williams. Tubby Smith is a guy that seems to always be brought up for every job opening across the country and it has been rumored Maryland maybe his dream job. A long shot could be Sean Miller who is currently the head coach of the Arizona Wildcats. It’s always a tough call and those are just some big names that could be interested even though they are running quality big programs already.<br /><br />Another thing, I have to wonder about the timing of this announcement. Gary Williams has always, it seems, run a clean program. With that in mind I should just take this as Gary Williams deciding, “I am done I don’t need this anymore.” Yet with college basketball being what it is these days with recruiting and academic infractions always in the news, I am forced to wonder. Wonder if the bit odd timing of this announcement could be a bad omen of things to come for Maryland basketball. Could Gary have some info on an upcoming investigation on possible violations and now decided to go “Calipari” on it and get out ahead of it? I hope not, and again I have no reason to believe this other than the current “Calipari” sleaze laden college basketball scene that exists and forces a person to always wonder when something seams off.<br /><br /><strong>Effect on Duke –<br /></strong><br />Positively, depending on the replacement, you have to think that trips to College Park could be less intimidating without a great coach like Williams waiting for you. Maryland with Williams has been a thorn in Coach K and Duke’s side year after year. Depending on the hire again, if Maryland takes a step back it will be one less big time challenger for Duke to fight for recruits and the top of the ACC.<br /><br />Negatively though, the ACC has already it seemed become more weak and the loss of Gary Williams seems to continue that trend. A weak ACC will take away from the RPI strength and national respect for Duke’s wins within the conference. Even if UNC and Duke continue to be great as they have been, with less quality in conference games it could affect chances at high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. <br /><br />In the end it’s a bit of a bittersweet announcement for Duke fans. </span>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-84811183975085451002011-05-05T08:11:00.001-05:002011-05-05T08:13:26.215-05:00DeAndre Daniels Decision by May 18thPer Rivals.com analyst Jerry Meyer DeAndre Daniels will decide between Duke, Kansas and Texas by May 18th. <br /><br />Fingers crossed Duke fans!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-64610468251312730502011-05-04T15:19:00.003-05:002011-05-04T15:23:53.064-05:00#1 Overall Pick in 2011 NBA Draft: Not Kyrie Irving?If the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a 25% chance of winning the NBA Lottery on May 17th, indeed get the #1 overall pick for the first time in franchise history, STOB thinks they will not take Kyrie Irving. Thoughts are that Ricky Rubio will already be filling the spot of rookie PG on the Timberwolves, by signing with the team prior to the June 23rd NBA Draft. <br /><br />Read the whole story here: <a href="http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/2011/05/ricky-rubio-to-sign-with-timberwolves.html">http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/2011/05/ricky-rubio-to-sign-with-timberwolves.html</a>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09737094183318250800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-78262724433753332942011-05-01T12:31:00.007-05:002011-05-01T16:54:35.192-05:00Waiting on DeAndre Daniels...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xrg-0ZNjCiWhIQkFzB9BWwaETnH2V8jbx0uaP3N9GGA4zarJUAzTcxu9hVijhDopkkwOi05c6PsR3LghuNha-v0yaXeoplgp-ZHSxTlwUECPCboERdDJsUa_jiPBWH8wnxTnYcvIwdM/s1600/NBPA_DeAndre_Daniels101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xrg-0ZNjCiWhIQkFzB9BWwaETnH2V8jbx0uaP3N9GGA4zarJUAzTcxu9hVijhDopkkwOi05c6PsR3LghuNha-v0yaXeoplgp-ZHSxTlwUECPCboERdDJsUa_jiPBWH8wnxTnYcvIwdM/s320/NBPA_DeAndre_Daniels101.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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I'd Like to write up a post on the incoming freshman class for Duke in the 2011-2012 season, but one prospect is yet to make up his mind. DeAndre Daniels is still mulling over his decision on which school to attend. His list of schools includes:<br />
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Duke<br />
Kansas<br />
Kentucky<br />
San Diego State<br />
Texas<br />
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If you read every "expert's" opinion, they would have Duke as the leader of the pack to sign Daniels. It's now been 2 weeks since Daniels visited Durham and still no word. Since his visit though Daniels pulled out of an All Star game appearance and has gone silent due to the death of his Grandfather. <br />
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Daniels is ranked as 10th best overall prospect by <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-DeAndre-Daniels-83314">Rivals.com</a> and 3rd best SF in the 2011-2012 class. His addition to Duke's already top 3 recruiting class would be just what Duke and Duke fans need to wipe away the bad taste of having Irving declare and UNC's Harrison Barnes decide to stay. <br />
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So until Daniels decides, I will wait to post the freshman preview. <br />
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Check out STOB for all other sports needs. The podcast we completed on Friday is on the sidebar..<br />
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</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-29185998854268295912011-04-21T12:29:00.000-05:002011-04-21T12:29:25.218-05:00Duke Post Season Player Evaluations 2010-2011 – Forwards/Centers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Continuing our evaluations, let’s head inside the paint and take a look at the forwards and centers.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#5 Mason Plumlee -</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 7.2 PPG, 1.6 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 BPL, 0.9 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mason Plumlee has shown flashes of being great; the issue is his talent level makes flashes of greatness a little disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of other times were Mason looked lost and passive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Athletically we all know that Mason has every tool needed to become a great presence inside for Duke, but it is the mental part of the game that Mason needs to find this off season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add a consistent mid range game, a go to back to the basket move, and some strength and Mason will be a huge contributor for Duke next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – Starting at the 5 position</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Back to the basket move, overall basketball awareness, mid range jumper and FT%. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#12 Kyle Singler– </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 16.9 PPG, 1.6 APG, .321 3P%, 6.8 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Kyle Singler took a step back in all statistical categories other than FG% (43%) and FT% (80%).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of this could be due to Nolan Smith and for 11 games Kyrie Irving’s emergence as big time scoring options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet you cannot blame that for Singler’s big drop in 3P%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were still a lot of times where Singler would take a game over for Duke and rose up to the #3 spot on the all time Duke scoring list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Singler had one of the greatest careers in Duke History and still had a great season this year even if it wasn’t up to his potential. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – NBA Reserve</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Consistent outside shooting, foot speed and strength</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#15 Josh Hairston – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 1.4 PPG, 0.1 APG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Josh Hairston didn’t get much playing time this year, and may not again next year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With only Singler leaving the 4 position and possibly 3 new freshmen (Alex Murphy, Marshall Plumlee and possibly DeAndre Daniels) coming in that can play that position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet when you see Hairston play, you can see a very Lance Thomas-ish style of player that could develop over a 4 year career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hairston may not give Duke much next year, but I think we will hear a lot from him before his career with Duke is over.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – 4<sup>th</sup> forward off the bench.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Strength, offensive and defensive game</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<strong>#21 Miles Plumlee – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 4.8 PPG, 0.4 APG, 4.9 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Much like his brother Mason, you only see flashes of what Miles could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Miles those flashes are less flashy and less frequent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elder Plumlee would disappear for weeks at a time this year, then have a nice game…then go back to irrelevance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going into his senior season Miles will have a lot of competition for playing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's hoping that the competition makes Miles better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – Possible back up at the 5 position</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Consistency, back to the basket move, FT% and awareness</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#34 Ryan Kelly – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 6.6 PPG, .8 APG, .319 3P%, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Ryan Kelly was one of the most improved players on the Duke team last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was probably the most consistent big man on the team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would never know what you would get from the Plumlees, but when Kelly was out there you knew you’d get open shots falling, solid defense and solid rebounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly isn’t going to blow anyone’s doors off with moves or athleticism but he will knock down an open shot and give all he has defensively and on the boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kelly looks like he will be a great contributor for his last two seasons at Duke. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – With DeAndre- backup Without DeAndre- possible starter at the 4 spot</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement –Strength, 3P% and work on low post game.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Next week I’ll take a look at the incoming freshman class that continues to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeAndre Daniels is expected to announce his decision within the next week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will post after his announcement.</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-20777819288350803702011-04-19T21:18:00.001-05:002011-04-22T10:06:01.202-05:00Alex Murphy to Enroll at Duke in 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A great recruiting class for Duke next year just got better, 5 star recruit (#2 rated SF in 2012) has met his academic requirements to attend Duke in 2011. <br />
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Whether or not Murphy plays next year will be decided at a later date, as he maybe redshirted if it is found he won't see much playing time.<br />
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Will this affect the decision of DeAndre Daniels, another 2011 SF who just visited Duke this past weekend? We will have to wait and see.<br />
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Here is more info from Scout.com:<br />
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<a href="http://duke.scout.com/2/1065768.html?refid=400">http://duke.scout.com/2/1065768.html?refid=400</a><br />
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More to come on this and all the incoming freshman in the coming weeks on Mr. Duke.<br />
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</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-49330167404912920232011-04-19T18:36:00.001-05:002011-04-19T20:55:11.619-05:00Harrison Barnes Returning to Chapel Hill: The Mr. Duke Reaction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If, like me, you are a fan of a NBA team that is in the lottery for the NBA Draft this June, you’re going to want your team to get one of the top 2 picks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reason being, after the first two players’ (Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams…pretty much a lock) the impact players are hard to come by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guy who could have made the impact players “duo” a “trio” in this year’s draft announced April 18<sup>th</sup> that he would be returning to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Harrison Barnes took more time in his announcement to the basketball world than his teammates Tyler Zeller and John Henson did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All 3 had high first round draft outlooks and now all 3 will be returning to <place w:st="on">Chapel Hill</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Barnes being predicted to be taken in the top 3, he by far was the most likely to jump to the NBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end though, the draw of a possible championship run combined with a run at Player of the Year at UNC was greater than the draw of instant millions as a top 3 pick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UNC now will be voted, by most, as the preseason #1 and favorite to win it all and Barnes voted as a Preseason Player of the Year candidate for the ACC and NCAA.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_831437656"></span>In a previous post on STOB<span id="goog_831437657"></span></a>, we predicted (way too early) the NCAA preseason top 10; this announcement will not change my predictions at all:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. UNC</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Ohio</placename> <placetype w:st="on">State</placetype></place></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Duke</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Texas</place></state></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Kentucky</place></state></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Syracuse</place></city></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Memphis</place></city></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Louisville</place></city></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Michigan</place></state></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Cincinnati</place></city></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Predicted Final Four – Duke, <city w:st="on">Louisville</city>, UNC and <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Michigan</place></state></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Predicted Champion – UNC</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Possible Issues even with Barnes - </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With Barnes back it would be easy to say that UNC will just coast through and dominate their way to a championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, even with all the scoring that UNC will have inside, their outside shooting will still be a bit suspect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The addition of the sniper freshman PJ Hairston (#4 ranked SG) will help, but UNC will need consistent three point shooting from last year’s inconsistent shooting Barnes (34%), Dexter Strickland (25%), Leslie McDonald (38%), Kendall Marshall (37%) and Reggie Bullock (29%).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Defense is an area that UNC always, it seems, only focuses on from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lack of engagement on the defensive side of the ball could definitely throw a detour on the road to the championship for UNC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ability to play good defense is there with the talent on the floor, but defense isn’t about skill, it’s about “want to”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roy Williams will need to instill a commitment to defense if UNC is to reach its championship potential.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Barnes started slow last year, but consistently got better and better throughout the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he can continue this growth, he very well could be the best player in college basketball next year on the best team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like a pretty good incentive to stay in school and put off millions for just one more year, I guess Barnes agrees.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a Duke Fan –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How does a Duke fan not take this as bad news?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyrie Irving, who also was a lock as a top 3 pick like Barnes did jump to the NBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UNC will return its entire starting five, while Duke’s starting five will look very different with (when everyone was healthy) 3 of the 5 headed to the Association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poor little Duke has no chance next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could it get any worse?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where will you find a positive light that you can take and shine on this decision by Harrison Barnes?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s take a little look at a couple teams minus team names whose situations, match up very well with Duke and UNC this spring.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Team A – </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Team will be coming off of a National Championship and returning 2 leading scorers and best players after they decide not to go to the welcoming NBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the upcoming season Team A will be bringing in a top recruiting class to add to an already impressive list of returning players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team A is chosen as the preseason #1 after the announcement of its final player, a 6’8 SF, considering the NBA Draft that he is coming back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Team B – </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming off a disappointing season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A season that at most schools, would be considered good or acceptable, is not near the expectations that this school has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arch rival, Team A, is coming off a better season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team A is now announcing the return of their best players, while also bringing in more great recruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team B has some hope though; they are adding the #1 recruit in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A player everyone says could go to the Association from High School if rules allowed such a move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other great recruits are also coming with the #1 recruit, and offers hope.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">End result?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are all smart…you have by now figured out that Team A is Duke last year at this time and Team B was UNC last spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke (Team A) had a nice season with the preseason hype, but finished their year behind UNC (Team B) in the ACC regular season standings and didn’t last as long in the NCAA Tournament (Duke – Sweet 16, UNC – Elite 8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think if you compare the two it’s amazingly similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke will be young and inexperienced next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be led by a much hyped Austin Rivers, just like Barnes led UNC last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also like UNC last year, I think it will take some time for Duke to find its roles and how to work together to be the best they can be this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think like Duke last year, UNC will come out firing from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing as the core of the team is returning that has already learned how to play together is returning, and only the freshman will need to figure out their roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d say that this time last year, UNC was actually in a worse situation than Duke is now, when looking strictly at the rivalry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will it end up just like last year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will UNC max out its potential and not continue to improve all year and end up behind a Duke team that starts slow and improves all year in 2011-2012?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are question for which the answer can only be found in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, if you are a Duke fan, this is the hope that currently I can find in a situation that in all ways is pointing towards “The Rival” having the upper hand in the upcoming season.</span></div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-85898038206119190032011-04-14T22:02:00.002-05:002011-04-14T22:02:57.820-05:00Duke Post Season Player Evaluations 2010-2011 - Guards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Now that the season is wrapped up and Kyrie Irving has made his decision, what is left to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well let’s take a look back at the players who played this year and review their performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also let’s take a look at the players and what I think they need to improve for next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First up this week: The Guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#1 Kyrie Irving -</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 17.5 PPG, 4.3 APG, .462 3PT%, 3.4 RPG, 0.5 BPL, 1.5 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In just 11 games Kyrie Irving did enough this year at Duke to possibly be the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one knows how good this Duke team could’ve been if <city w:st="on">Irving</city> hadn’t hurt his toe against <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 3 games in the tournament it was obvious that Duke was still trying to figure out how to work <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> back into the flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> was the best player on the team in the first 8 games this year and his playmaking ability was missed while he was out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a great year, even if it was way too short.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – NBA Starter</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Strength and defense </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#2 Nolan Smith – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 20.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, .350 3P%, 4.5 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.2 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">ACC Player of the Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his 4 years, Nolan Smith improved and improved and improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By his senior year he was arguably the best player on the team (Irving?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nolan Smith improved his 3 pt shot from last year and overall outside shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took over after <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> went down with his injury and led Duke to a 1 seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Austin Rivers will have big shoes to fill in trying to replace Nolan Smith next year as “the guy”.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – NBA Reserve</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Playing PG and outside shooting</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#3 Tyler Thornton – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 1.6 PPG, 1 APG, .267 3P%, 0.6 RPG, 0 BPG, 0.5 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tyler Thornton came into this year behind Kyrie Irving and as a freshman wasn’t expected to play much at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he played much more than expected after <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> went down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Thornton</place></city> developed into a defensive minded energy guy for Duke and even earned starts in the middle of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving forward <city w:st="on">Thornton</city> gained some great experience this year, which could be the silver lining in the <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Irving</city></place> injury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – Battling Quinn Cook for starting PG position</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Strength and offensive skill set</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#20 Andre Dawkins – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 8.1 PPG, 0.6 APG, .427 3P%, 1.9 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 0.6 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Andre Dawkins was tough to figure out this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would be great, then disappear for a week or two…then come back and be huge for Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coach K was down on Dawkins at times this year due to a lack of interest on the defensive end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dawkins found himself on the bench even more after Seth Curry’s coming out party against UNC in the rivalry’s first matchup this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dawkins will again be battling a lot of other great players for playing time again next year with 2 (possibly 3 with DeAndre Daniels) wing players in Gbinije and Rivers coming in.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – Possible starter or sniper off the bench</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement – Defensive focus, strength and variety of offensive skills</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>#30 Seth Curry –</strong> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Season Review – 9 PPG, 2 APG, .435 3P%, 1.8 RPG, 0.1 BPG, 1.4 SPG</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It took a little while, but once the UNC game came around, we finally saw it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curry showed us his game changing offensive ability and took the game over with Nolan Smith to get Duke the victory at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curry now needs to add to his shooting and improve his offensive variety much like Dawkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end though the future is very bright for Seth Curry at Duke, and I for one can’t wait to see his improvement next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Expected Role Next Year – Possible starter or sniper off the bench</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Needs Improvement –Strength and variety of offensive skills</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Next week I’ll take a look at the big men and forwards. </div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-11475928142928848972011-04-07T19:00:00.000-05:002011-04-07T19:00:08.114-05:00Reaction: 11 Great Games and Kyrie is Gone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So the announcement has been made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyrie Irving is done at Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Irving back, as stated before, Duke would’ve been a title contender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now without Irving, Duke is still a contender but even younger in leadership than they would’ve been if a would be sophomore with 11 games of experience had come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke will more than likely now be lead by freshman Austin Rivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rivers will be the main scorer and with what I’ve seen of his maturity he will also be the main vocal leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is a discussion for later on; let’s focus on Irving right now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have two reactions to this expected announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Fan Reaction:</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As a fan I am not happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish he’d come back and given us all the thrill of seeing Irving and Rivers paired up in the back court together next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish Duke would’ve again been the favorites to win it all next year, even though in the past decade the favorite preseason rarely wins it all in the postseason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could’ve seen more than just 11 games, 8 healthy and 3 not quite 100%, of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> in a Duke uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end though that is me being a selfish Duke fan, and isn’t really fair.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Big Picture Reaction:</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you are a guaranteed top 3 pick, like Irving is, you go pro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no reason to risk dropping in the draft and losing as much as 4 million in just a few picks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> had another great year, didn’t get injured and led Duke far into the tournament, he still may not be top 3 next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New prospects come into the NBA sights and more of your flaws are shown the more you play as a prospect, and the “experts” out there would start picking on Irving for not having as much upside as some other freshman phenom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s the right move for Irving to be moving on if I look at his situation without letting my fandom enter into my opinion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Coming soon, we’ll look at the future of Duke next year more and move on from the players who will never suit up for Duke again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Also, podcasting coming soon on <a href="http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/">STOB</a>.</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-85026715436206512802011-04-06T22:07:00.000-05:002011-04-06T22:07:02.179-05:00Kyrie Irving Going Pro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6301656">The news is out</a>, Kyrie Irving is done after 1 year at Duke. <br />
Can you blame him? No.<br />
<br />
Am I worried about Duke competing for a title next year? No.<br />
<br />
Do I think Irving made the right choice? <a href="http://mrdukesthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/04/kyrie-irvings-decision-either-way-good.html">As stated here before</a>, he wouldn't have made a bad choice either way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Those are my very quick reaction's to Irving's announcement, much more to come tomorrow.</strong></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-33937735822659581662011-04-05T17:34:00.001-05:002011-04-05T17:54:10.748-05:00With a Champ Crowned: What does the future hold? Irving? Barnes? Plumlee? Lockout?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you aren’t a fan of UConn, today you maybe wondering what to do until college basketball starts up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a UConn fan, you are probably continuing to<a href="http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/5/couch-burned-car-overturned-in-uconn-celebration/"> burn down <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Storrs</a></place></city> to show…how happy you are?!?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Duke fan I have a few things I’ll be keeping my eye on closely over the next few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some decisions that will be made in the upcoming weeks will greatly affect the outlook of the 2011/12 season.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Kyrie Irving’s Decision – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As discussed ad nauseam here, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> is weighing his decision on whether or not to go pro after 1 injury robbed year at Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we know? He is in most people’s mind the #1 selection if he leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NBA lockout sounds imminent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has unfinished business at Duke after getting bounced in the Sweet 16 and missing most of the year with an injury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyrie has tweeted (he announces a lot via Twitter. Not on Twitter? Follow him on Mr. Duke) he will make an announcement in the next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he comes back, Duke will battle arch rival UNC for the top spot in preseason polls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Harrison Barnes’ Decision – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Monday it was announced Barnes would announce his decision to stay at UNC on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As this post was written that announcement hadn’t come to fruition, but an <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/04/harrison-barnes-north-carolina-john-henson-nba-draft/1?loc=interstitialskip">announcement</a> saying that Barnes’ announcement would come in the next week has been announced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So like <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city>, we can only speculate, and speculate we will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see Barnes returning, he has definitely given stronger signals that he is leaning that way than his pal <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city> has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Irving</place></city>, if Barnes returns his team will then become a favorite next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>DeAndre Daniels’ Decision –</strong> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">DeAndre Daniels is a top SF recruit that, in most <a href="http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1207111">“expert’s”</a> opinion, has Duke as his most likely destination next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 6’8, Daniels seems like a very nice replacement for Kyle Singler at the SF/PF (PF maybe a stretch with his slight frame) flex player for Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniels is lean and will need to add some strength this summer, but with a great shooting stroke and ability to score in a lot of ways, Daniels could be the cherry on top of Duke’s already great recruiting class sundae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniels is scheduled to visit Duke April 15<sup>th</sup>, an announcement regarding his decision could come soon after.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>Mason Plumlee Decision?! – </strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">At the beginning of this year I was worried that Mason would possibly jump to the pros after his sophomore year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following a mildly disappointing season for Mason, I wasn’t expecting to hear he was still considering it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet he is because the NBA loves long and athletic big men who play at big schools, because of this Mason has some NBA scouts loving his upside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a very weak draft class only getting weaker as big men like Jared Sullinger decide to stay in school, it is possible Mason sees an opportunity to get drafted higher than he probably should this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Although I think it’d be a mistake by a NBA team to take Mason, I would not be entirely shocked by Mason making the decision to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mason again isn’t going to be a focal point of the offense next year, in fact he maybe even less of a focal point as he will have more competition for minutes and inside touches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshall Plumlee is said to possibly be the best of the Plumlees, and with him coming into the fold in 2011/12, Mason may actually be a little overshadowed and lose NBA value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep an eye on Mason, I hope if anything he just tests the NBA waters and gets some tips on improving and gauging his value without jumping into the draft in full by hiring an agent early.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>NBA Lockout Talk –</strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There will be draft this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question is when will those drafted be able to play?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NBA insiders are making it sound like the owners will be making some demands that will be very tough for the player’s association to accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, the insiders are thinking it is almost a lock that the lockout will continue into the regular season and cause the NBA to miss a month or two of games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does this matter to a college basketball fan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the talk of a lockout continues to be pessimistic in tone, college basketball players with NBA hopes will be more prone to stay in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more quality players staying in school, the better the college product next year and hopefully we don’t have to relive the Butler-UConn championship game next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In fact there is a lot of talk that coming from the labor negotiations a 2 or 3 years in NCAA play requirement maybe agreed upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meaning that if you commit to play in college, you will have to play 2 or 3 (whichever is agreed upon) years prior to being able to play in the NBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rule already is in affect in MLB and the NFL and would improve the college game greatly by creating teams that stick together longer than one year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine some of the super teams that would have been playing in this years NCAA tourney had all the kids who have left early in the past 3 years been required to stay in school until after their junior year…wow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">College bball is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A champion has been crowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the intrigue within the college basketball world is anything but over, in fact <a href="http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/2011/04/super-way-too-early-2011-2012-ncaa.html">STOB is already looking forward to next year</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned.</div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2557104066624110395.post-64233947023601604962011-04-04T14:47:00.000-05:002011-04-04T14:47:39.002-05:00NCAA Championship Game: UConn vs. Butler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Well we’ve finally made it to the destination all college basketball fan’s (including me of course) wanted their team to be, in the title game Monday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately if you are not a fan of UConn or <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city>, your team’s season has ended in disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you are a fan of UConn or Butler, one of you will also be just as disappointed as the rest of us as you lie your head down tonight for some restless sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which fan base will be disappointed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well I’ve already made <a href="http://mrdukesthoughts.blogspot.com/2011/03/final-four-coaching-rankings-and-final.html">my pick</a>, and since I got lucky and predicted the semi-finals correctly there is no need for me to make another prediction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question is; why do I think <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> will win?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> will win simply because better than anyone else in the past two years (including Duke), they play as a team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Defensively and offensively they play together like no other team has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of ways, outside of <city w:st="on">Hayward</city>’s half court heave that barely missed, that <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> could be defending their championship and not just trying to avenge their loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Duke has been the only team in the past two years now that has actually been able to beat <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> in the tourney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Like Duke, UConn without argument has more talent on their team than <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Duke, UConn is led by a coach with multiple championships to his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time though, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> has been here before and you could see on Saturday night there is a determination to their play this year that they will not be denied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">How to deal with Kemba?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Ronald Nored is the best perimeter defender in the nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be assigned the unenviable job of trying to slow down Kemba Walker tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The great thing for Nored is that he will have a lot of buddies ready to help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> plays amazing team defense and the problem for UConn is that, outside of Walker and Jeremy Lamb, they are short on offensive threats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have made it to the championship game with only two scorers, but I think they have now run into their kryptonite in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Nobody in the past two years (again, including Duke) has been able to get <city w:st="on">Butler</city> to play any game other than the game <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> wants to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same cannot be said for teams playing <city w:st="on">Butler</city>, they always, unwillingly, begin playing the exact game that <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> wants them to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on">Butler</city> will not allow Kemba to do what he usually does, and outside of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Provo</city>, <state w:st="on">Utah</state></place> no team relies on one guy to do what he does in order to win more than UConn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once off of their game, UConn will begin to fold and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> will pull out the victory.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I look forward to tonight’s game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love watching Brad Stevens coach and I am hoping he will get the ultimate award for his hard work these past two seasons with a title.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Butler</place></city> 62 – UConn 57 </div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16505091708683571425noreply@blogger.com0