Don't Call It A Comeback: Mr. Duke Blog Comeback

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.

Not sure how different Mr. Duke will be from the first run, but I can tell you what my plan is this time around.

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).

Read Mr. Duke on STOB!

Mr. Duke (or Ben as he is known for STOB'ers) will be doing all of his Duke write ups on http://www.stobblog.com/ 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.

Mr. Duke will still be around and may fire right back up someday, but for now find his content on STOB blog. 

I thank you for your understanding and support.

Go Duke!

Mr. Dukes Reactions to Dukes 77-76 Win Over Belmont

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.

Quick Takes on Tonight's Game -

Mr. Duke's 2011/2012 Duke Season Preview



Mason Plumlee will need to step up for Duke to be a contender.


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.

Reactions to Duke's Sweep Completing Win Over China Monday

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.

Reactions to Duke's win over China on Thursday

So, I got the chance to watch the second game for Duke in China vs. the Chinese Junior National Team. 

Here are my reactions –

College Basketball in August: What I hope to learn about Duke's overseas trip

Duke has already played one game in China as I write this; they won 77-64 over the Chinese Olympic Team.  From the sounds of things, Austin Rivers led the team scoring 18 points on 8-15 shooting.  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.  All of this is very nice and I am happy to hear they played well.  I want to see it though.  I am in luck, ESPNU will be showing three of the Duke games overseas and I can’t wait to see it. 

Duke Prepares for China: K's Contact with Recruit Poythress Under Scrutiny

As reported here 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.

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. 

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.

Ex-Duke Captian Thomas Emma Found Dead of Apparent Suicide

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ap-athleticfigure-fatal

You can see the full story above from Yahoo Sports.

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. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Emma family.

DeAndre Daniels, Jeff Capel and Some Thoughts on Off Season Duke Goings On...

So it's the off season, in the off season of college basketball things can get a little sleepy for a Mr. Duke. Luckily I've been keeping busy over with my boys on STOB, 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.

Jeff Capel is back! -
The man who brought Oklahoma Sooner fans Blake Griffin and an Elite Eight appearance is now back at Duke after being fired. Capel 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.

This is a huge win for Duke. Capel 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 Capel the Duke name to sell and I foresee big things, and recruits, happening as long as Capel stays around Durham.

DeAndre Daniels Saga-
Unfortunately this "Saga" continues on. The ever indecisive freshman to be forward DeAndre 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.

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 DeAndre 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?" DeAndre, "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.

Greg Paulus Hired by OSU -
Now 3 major Universities (Duke, Syracuse and Ohio State) showing love for Greg Paulus. 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!

Getting Pumped for Duke Basketball in China and Dubai -
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 14th and playing their first game August 17th. On August 19th 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 26th.

It should be exciting to see this young team play and get some early time to start meshing prior to the season. The added camaraderie gained from this trip in August may very well go a long way in making the team better in March.

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.

Kyle Singler: Buckets 2.0

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?


Buckets 2.0

DeAndre Daniels Decision...Today?....Maybe?

"@DaveTelep Just in, DeAndre Daniels decision pushed back to tomorrow morning. Can't make this stuff up"

ESPN's Dave Telep announced this yesterday. So the drama continues with DeAndre and his decision.

I hear that he is leaning Texas, but really with this kid I am not sure he knows which way he is leaning.

Hey DeAndre I have an incoming freshman post to make, and I'd appreciate you making a decision so I can post that..thanks!

Dear PJ Hairston, We're Sorry. Sincerely, Mr. Duke

Dear TJ Hurstring,

Hi, Mr. Duke writing you on behalf of all Duke fans. We are sorry that the University in which we cheer didn't get your name correct in recruiting mailings. We are sorry that you chose to attend UNC over Duke in your final decision.

Here is the thing though AJ, we really don't care.

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.

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.

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.

Sincerely,

Mr. Duke

Sweat Maryland Sweat? - Gary Williams Retires

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.

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.

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.

Effect on Duke –

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.

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.

In the end it’s a bit of a bittersweet announcement for Duke fans.

DeAndre Daniels Decision by May 18th

Per Rivals.com analyst Jerry Meyer DeAndre Daniels will decide between Duke, Kansas and Texas by May 18th.

Fingers crossed Duke fans!

#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.

Read the whole story here: http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/2011/05/ricky-rubio-to-sign-with-timberwolves.html

Waiting on DeAndre Daniels...

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:

Duke
Kansas
Kentucky
San Diego State
Texas

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. 

Daniels is ranked as 10th best overall prospect by Rivals.com 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. 

So until Daniels decides, I will wait to post the freshman preview. 

Check out STOB for all other sports needs.  The podcast we completed on Friday is on the sidebar..

Duke Post Season Player Evaluations 2010-2011 – Forwards/Centers

Continuing our evaluations, let’s head inside the paint and take a look at the forwards and centers.

#5 Mason Plumlee -

Season Review – 7.2 PPG, 1.6 APG, 8.4 RPG, 1.7 BPL, 0.9 SPG

Mason Plumlee has shown flashes of being great; the issue is his talent level makes flashes of greatness a little disappointing.  There were a lot of other times were Mason looked lost and passive.  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.  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.

Expected Role Next Year – Starting at the 5 position

Needs Improvement – Back to the basket move, overall basketball awareness, mid range jumper and FT%.

#12 Kyle Singler–

Season Review – 16.9 PPG, 1.6 APG, .321 3P%, 6.8 RPG, 0.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Kyle Singler took a step back in all statistical categories other than FG% (43%) and FT% (80%).  Some of this could be due to Nolan Smith and for 11 games Kyrie Irving’s emergence as big time scoring options.  Yet you cannot blame that for Singler’s big drop in 3P%.  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.  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.

Expected Role Next Year – NBA Reserve

Needs Improvement – Consistent outside shooting, foot speed and strength

#15 Josh Hairston –

Season Review – 1.4 PPG, 0.1 APG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 SPG

Josh Hairston didn’t get much playing time this year, and may not again next year.  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.  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.  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.

Expected Role Next Year – 4^th forward off the bench.

Needs Improvement – Strength, offensive and defensive game

#21 Miles Plumlee –

Season Review – 4.8 PPG, 0.4 APG, 4.9 RPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG

Much like his brother Mason, you only see flashes of what Miles could be.  With Miles those flashes are less flashy and less frequent.  The elder Plumlee would disappear for weeks at a time this year, then have a nice game…then go back to irrelevance.  Going into his senior season Miles will have a lot of competition for playing time.  Here's hoping that the competition makes Miles better.

Expected Role Next Year – Possible back up at the 5 position

Needs Improvement – Consistency, back to the basket move, FT% and awareness

#34 Ryan Kelly –

Season Review – 6.6 PPG, .8 APG, .319 3P%, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Ryan Kelly was one of the most improved players on the Duke team last year.  He was probably the most consistent big man on the team.  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.  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.  Kelly looks like he will be a great contributor for his last two seasons at Duke.

Expected Role Next Year – With DeAndre- backup Without DeAndre- possible starter at the 4 spot

Needs Improvement –Strength, 3P% and work on low post game.

Next week I’ll take a look at the incoming freshman class that continues to grow.  DeAndre Daniels is expected to announce his decision within the next week.  I will post after his announcement.

Alex Murphy to Enroll at Duke in 2011

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. 

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.

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.

Here is more info from Scout.com:

http://duke.scout.com/2/1065768.html?refid=400

More to come on this and all the incoming freshman in the coming weeks on Mr. Duke.

Harrison Barnes Returning to Chapel Hill: The Mr. Duke Reaction

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.  Reason being, after the first two players’ (Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams…pretty much a lock) the impact players are hard to come by.  The guy who could have made the impact players “duo” a “trio” in this year’s draft announced April 18^th that he would be returning to school. 

Harrison Barnes took more time in his announcement to the basketball world than his teammates Tyler Zeller and John Henson did.  All 3 had high first round draft outlooks and now all 3 will be returning to Chapel Hill.  With Barnes being predicted to be taken in the top 3, he by far was the most likely to jump to the NBA.  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.  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.

In a previous post on STOB, we predicted (way too early) the NCAA preseason top 10; this announcement will not change my predictions at all:

1. UNC

2. Ohio State

3. Duke

4. Texas

5. Kentucky

6. Syracuse

7. Memphis

8. Louisville

9. Michigan

10. Cincinnati

Predicted Final Four – Duke, Louisville, UNC and Michigan

Predicted Champion – UNC

Possible Issues even with Barnes -

With Barnes back it would be easy to say that UNC will just coast through and dominate their way to a championship.  Yet, even with all the scoring that UNC will have inside, their outside shooting will still be a bit suspect.  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%). 

Defense is an area that UNC always, it seems, only focuses on from time to time.  This lack of engagement on the defensive side of the ball could definitely throw a detour on the road to the championship for UNC.  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”.  Roy Williams will need to instill a commitment to defense if UNC is to reach its championship potential.

Barnes started slow last year, but consistently got better and better throughout the season.  If he can continue this growth, he very well could be the best player in college basketball next year on the best team.  Sounds like a pretty good incentive to stay in school and put off millions for just one more year, I guess Barnes agrees.

As a Duke Fan –

How does a Duke fan not take this as bad news?  Kyrie Irving, who also was a lock as a top 3 pick like Barnes did jump to the NBA.  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.  Poor little Duke has no chance next year.  How could it get any worse?  Where will you find a positive light that you can take and shine on this decision by Harrison Barnes?

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.

Team A –

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.  In the upcoming season Team A will be bringing in a top recruiting class to add to an already impressive list of returning players.  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.

Team B –

Coming off a disappointing season.  A season that at most schools, would be considered good or acceptable, is not near the expectations that this school has.  Arch rival, Team A, is coming off a better season.  Team A is now announcing the return of their best players, while also bringing in more great recruits.  Team B has some hope though; they are adding the #1 recruit in the country.  A player everyone says could go to the Association from High School if rules allowed such a move.  Other great recruits are also coming with the #1 recruit, and offers hope.

End result?

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.  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). 

I think if you compare the two it’s amazingly similar.  Duke will be young and inexperienced next year.  They will be led by a much hyped Austin Rivers, just like Barnes led UNC last year.   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.  I think like Duke last year, UNC will come out firing from the beginning.  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.  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.

Will it end up just like last year?  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?  These are question for which the answer can only be found in time.  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.