Who we get? I want Kessler
https://www.google.com/amp/s/balldurham.com/2019/04/09/duke-basketball-lure-walker-kessler/amp/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/balldurham.com/2019/04/09/duke-basketball-lure-walker-kessler/amp/
2020
- Thread starter pisgah101
- Start date
BJ Boston pretty much a lock I believe, but I said that with Brian Antoine also. Lol. Don’t know much about Jalen Johnson though
I'm hoping we get K for a 41st year.
I wouldn't be sad if our class included Jeremy Roach, Brandon Boston, Jalen Johnson, and Walker Kessler.
K comparing Kessler to Laettner has me excited about him. If I remember right, that Laettner kids career at Duke was solid.
Last edited:
Interesting that Laettner's name still resonates with HS kids. I mean, Kessler was probably born 10 years after Laettner graduated from Duke. Guess "the shot" has been replayed a few thousand times. I just can't imagine myself getting overly excited if a college coach said my game compared to Adrian Dantley or Tate Armstrong.
Luke Kennard grew up a big uk fan also
NBA is starting to really focus on securing 2022 as the moment the age restriction moves back to 18. I think the top schools that have focused on the OAD need to start diversifying their strategy well ahead. The 2020 and 2021 classes must contain multi year players that can be starters and main cogs on contending teams. There will be far fewer immediate impact guys to fill holes year to year. If the strategy doesn’t start now teams like UVA will he well ahead of Duke, UK, Kansas, etc
Laettner was a "unicorn" before "unicorn" was a thing.
Hairline says Kentucky, jumpshot says Duke.
At 1st. I thought this thread was. " Hawo. I'm Baba Wawa and dis is twendy twendy. "OFC
Not sure if you’re from up this way or not, but word around the area is that he loves Duke. He and Trevor Keels both are keen on Duke.
Not saying he won’t go elsewhere, anything can change.
I can’t make myself get on the Walker Kessler bandwagon. He’s painfully soft. Doesn’t back his man down to attack the rim, just shoots turn-around fades from the paint area over 6’6” kids. That’s not going to translate well into college. He likes to hang out on the perimeter offensively as a subpar shooter. Very poor ball control so hanging out on the perimeter makes his size pointless offensively.
He’s only a junior though, things can change in a year.
He’s only a junior though, things can change in a year.
Similar to how I feel about Matthew Hurt. He can shoot, but that’s about it, IMO. I’m concerned he’ll get eaten up in the college game.
I’m in Leesburg. I hope your right. I always point to my Duke hat when I see him
I think everyone will appear unathletic next to Zion lol, his vertical is like 4th highest all time in a list of NBA players
I’m seeing the same thing as you.. he’s going to have to become a bully in the paint or become an elite shooter in the next year..
Roach's sister (who is a fantastic player in her own right) played at the college I coached at for 15 years in 2017. Supposedly she is playing again this year so he is sure to be around the gym some. Would it be normal for a 49 year old to go full Duke uniform to a girl's D3 game?? Asking for a friend.
I don’t think so anymore. Being a paint bully can make you elite (Cousins, etc.) but Kessler has some serious footwork and skill. The kid is good. I’m just glad he’s not reclassifying.
Yes.....EMU in Harrisonburg. Rest assured if I see the family in town I do still remember how to recruit!!
Kirby she played a couple years on my travel team. Glad to hear she is playing again after her great freshman year
Last edited:
Pretty much how I was looking at it. His shooting really that bad? I saw his stats were like 56% FG but he looks pretty comfortable out there shooting it long range. Of course, being that big and the size of his competition his % should prob be much higher. He looks kind of quick for his size, which is nice. Not assertive on the boards yet but I’m sure that will change.
I think he fits exactly what Duke is looking for off the court given what I read. Amazing kid. Also, he’s a multi-year guy. A lot can change but I would think the expectations would really need to be tampered if he were to select us and come in. Beautiful thing about recruiting - trusting K on this one because the staff sees something.
Imagine Walker and Hurt in the front court 2020 - interesting. Something kinda humorous about two near 7 footers on the perimeter. A lot of driving lanes would open up.
I think the hardest position to scout in high school is the 5 spot / center. The lack of height at that level can make them so much better than advertised. I’m not saying that every center is overrated in high school, not at all. I just think the possibility is higher than other positions because of the height factor. I think it hits even harder with the more slimmer built guys too, the lack of physicality doesn’t really matter at that level. I just don’t think Kessler is tough and if you can’t be tough inside, you better be strokin’ it outside in D1 college. He’s ok outside the arc, but I don’t like the idea of him sitting out there if he’s a so-so shooter. 56% FG isn’t bad, you’re right. I can’t remember his exact 3PT% but it was in the 20’s. That just doesn’t cut it, IMO.
Matt Hurt wants to be a one-and-done, so I don’t think we will see him in 2020. Of course what he wants and what will actually happen can be two separate stories. After this past season I think we all as fans are drooling to see some good shooting next year and in the further future, but Hurt/Kessler at 4/5 spots will make us a pure 5-out offense. I don’t want our team to live and die out there. Too risky if you ask me. It’s not bad in the NBA, but their playoffs also aren’t single elimination. Even prolific shooting teams like Golden State have horrible losses from poor shooting.
I’m rooting for Kessler to get stronger and better, especially if he’s coming to Duke... A lot can change in a year. We’ll see. You’re right that he must have something special about him if K is all over him.