5 Dukies in first round

Willcampbell

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Not much for silly early predictions, but CBS Sports has Tatum, Giles, Bolden, Kennard and Allen in first round (in that order).
OFC
 

Kingbluedevil

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When Meeks arrived on campus he could grab a quarter off the top of the back board and leave 2 dimes and a nickel. I don't know what Roy done to him. He want get drafted now that he lost his bounce.
 

youngman42

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Surprised that list has Kennard ahead of Grayson! Can't see that at all. (esp. with Grayson's athleticism). I think Grayson is better suited because defense actually does count in the NBA and I think Grayson's athleticism and driving ability put him ahead of Kennard. Kennard is a super heady player whom I totally love to watch play; and he has a very good shot (though not better than Grayson, imo), but I'm not sure his game translates to the NBA as well.
 

GTHC_ GTH!

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Surprised that list has Kennard ahead of Grayson! Can't see that at all. (esp. with Grayson's athleticism). I think Grayson is better suited because defense actually does count in the NBA and I think Grayson's athleticism and driving ability put him ahead of Kennard. Kennard is a super heady player whom I totally love to watch play; and he has a very good shot (though not better than Grayson, imo), but I'm not sure his game translates to the NBA as well.

It doesn't. He has Grayson around 22 or so. Kennard is 29th
 
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gottagonow

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When Meeks arrived on campus he could grab a quarter off the top of the back board and leave 2 dimes and a nickel. I don't know what Roy done to him. He want get drafted now that he lost his bounce.
The only bounce Meeks has ever had is his laundry room fabric softener.
 

jnastasi

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I question whether can guard in the league. No doubt about his offensive game though. Maybe, subconsciously, I just want him to stay all four years.
 
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Duke-23

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Klay Thompson is pretty good.i don't question kennards athleticism. He can throw a football with his opposite hand and dunk fine.he also rebounds the ball better then Grayson . I like Luke's shot a little better also,especially his mid range game.He just knows how to get his own shot in an controlled smooth way without taking a beating.His ball handling is better also.His passing is a little better/court vision.i think he has the (ability) to be a better defender then Allen. I think he goes before Allen I think he goes this draft also. Nobody can deny Allen has the explosion part beat though/toughness.my god kid is relentless with how he just puts his body out there every night. Can he do that and stay healthy in the NBA? I think so, having a great shot helps him.Kennard can't say that.Although he knows how to get to the FT line.i just think kennard has just a little more upside and we all know the NBA loves that.is it just me or does Grayson struggle more against better competition?
 
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Dukesince90

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When Meeks arrived on campus he could grab a quarter off the top of the back board and leave 2 dimes and a nickel. I don't know what Roy done to him. He want get drafted now that he lost his bounce.
I must of heard the wrong story. I heard he could grab a quarter pound cheeseburger off the top of the backboard and leave 2 fries and a nugget. He kept coming back for those fries and nuggets, that's what's caused him to loose his bounce.
 

Liftee

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Seriously, Meeks has remade his body in his 4 years at UNX. I admire that. Wish I could do that.

There is a category of player that is a great college player and maybe doesn't fit as well in the NBA. Kennard may be like that. Lack of quickness and he releases his shot low. Klay Thompson is not a good comparison on both qualities. But what I have learned in 40+ years of following basketball is there is no way to predict who will transform their game in the NBA. Look at JJ.
 
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Jake1985

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Luke- although he is having such a good season and has played he way into the NBA draft discussion, I believe he will remain at Duke and follow the 3 year path towards graduation. I have not read anywhere that Luke has said that, so take it as an opinion. And I've been wrong many times before.

Bolden- the NBA is about getting players with potential to be developed into NBAers. Bolden meets the eye test for NBA scouts and his injury won't necessarily scary NBA teams away. This might come down to if Bolden jumps on the fast path towards his dream or if he wants show the scouts his true potential injury free. I think he goes.

Grayson, Giles, & Tatum- there is no question they are gone.

Frank- this is the true unknown because he has had games of brilliance and others where he was good, but not great. He has parts of his game that definitely need developing yet there's no arguing his athleticism, his scoring ability and his size/strength. Another year would ideally be best, but that's not the world we live in.
 

DukeJim99

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Klay Thompson is pretty good.i don't question kennards athleticism. He can throw a football with his opposite hand and dunk fine.he also rebounds the ball better then Grayson . I like Luke's shot a little better also,especially his mid range game.He just knows how to get his own shot in an controlled smooth way without taking a beating.His ball handling is better also.His passing is a little better/court vision.i think he has the (ability) to be a better defender then Allen. I think he goes before Allen I think he goes this draft also. Nobody can deny Allen has the explosion part beat though/toughness.my god kid is relentless with how he just puts his body out there every night. Can he do that and stay healthy in the NBA? I think so, having a great shot helps him.Kennard can't say that.Although he knows how to get to the FT line.i just think kennard has just a little more upside and we all know the NBA loves that.is it just me or does Grayson struggle more against better competition?

He does. He's a bit too predictable. Well-coached teams with athleticism and length give him lots of trouble. His "put his head down and drive all the way to the basket with his right hand" thing doesn't work against the elite teams who have length and athleticism.

Whereas Luke is sneaky. He stops his drive before he gets to the basket. Spins. Headfakes. Stops and starts. Finds a seam and a shot. Or passes. He almost never forces a shot.

I'm not trying to knock Grayson. I love watching the kid play and I do think he's a first round pick who will have some NBA success. I wish him the best and am very thankful he stayed and will graduate. But I'm just saying, your observation is 100% in line with what I've seen.
 

dukiejay

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Luke- although he is having such a good season and has played he way into the NBA draft discussion, I believe he will remain at Duke and follow the 3 year path towards graduation. I have not read anywhere that Luke has said that, so take it as an opinion. And I've been wrong many times before.

Bolden- the NBA is about getting players with potential to be developed into NBAers. Bolden meets the eye test for NBA scouts and his injury won't necessarily scary NBA teams away. This might come down to if Bolden jumps on the fast path towards his dream or if he wants show the scouts his true potential injury free. I think he goes.

Grayson, Giles, & Tatum- there is no question they are gone.

Frank- this is the true unknown because he has had games of brilliance and others where he was good, but not great. He has parts of his game that definitely need developing yet there's no arguing his athleticism, his scoring ability and his size/strength. Another year would ideally be best, but that's not the world we live in.

I think you could almost add Bolden to the list of guys where there's no question.

I'd like to think Frank comes back for one more season, but he's going to likely be a first-round pick so that may be hard to turn down. On the other hand, as a guard, he'd be in the unique position where I see his stock potentially improving. With Bolden, I'm not sure that is the case.

Luke would be a pleasure to have around for four years. I don't think it will happen, but he would break some records if he did. In fact, J.J.'s scoring record, and even Hansbrough's ACC record would be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, I don't think he's around long enough.
 

BluePhil

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I think you could almost add Bolden to the list of guys where there's no question.

I'd like to think Frank comes back for one more season, but he's going to likely be a first-round pick so that may be hard to turn down. On the other hand, as a guard, he'd be in the unique position where I see his stock potentially improving. With Bolden, I'm not sure that is the case.

Luke would be a pleasure to have around for four years. I don't think it will happen, but he would break some records if he did. In fact, J.J.'s scoring record, and even Hansbrough's ACC record would be in jeopardy. Unfortunately, I don't think he's around long enough.


At his point I am praying for a Junior year. Though a championship this year makes the idea of a mass exodus a bit more palatable.
 

Duke-23

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I don't think bolden has to prove he can remain injury free..Lol..He has to prove he can play!! Imo he has the best chance to be here next year .Hes been god awful this far.whether that's from not practicing or what idk, but as of right now he'll be here next year .Could he change that yes.plenty of time.
Jackson imo is back next year as of now..this could change also .its just way to early to predict these 3 guys.i think a lot will weigh on whether we win the title .Or maybe a little anyway.Its win win for us! Lol.
Imo I think there's a small chance Allen comes back.
 

dukiejay

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I don't think bolden has to prove he can remain injury free..Lol..He has to prove he can play!! Imo he has the best chance to be here next year .Hes been god awful this far.whether that's from not practicing or what idk, but as of right now he'll be here next year .Could he change that yes.plenty of time.
Jackson imo is back next year as of now..this could change also .its just way to early to predict these 3 guys.i think a lot will weigh on whether we win the title .Or maybe a little anyway.Its win win for us! Lol.
Imo I think there's a small chance Allen comes back.

Bolden is a first-round pick based on his size alone. For big men, especially, you almost have to take the money when it's there. Besides, don't think Bolden doesn't take his injury into account when making a decision.
 

dukehokie

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I must of heard the wrong story. I heard he could grab a quarter pound cheeseburger off the top of the backboard and leave 2 fries and a nugget. He kept coming back for those fries and nuggets, that's what's caused him to loose his bounce.

HOF post.
 

Duke-23

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I don't think boldens a first round pick as of right now. Just my opinion though.I hope he ends up a top 10 pick! That would almost mean something really good!! Lol
 

Jake1985

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With Carter coming in, Chase, Vrank and Javin here, the 4/5 spot has bodies. Not sure I would think quality outside of Carter, but players do develop. Interested in seeing how Javin makes that step from Fr to Soph.

I do think Bolden is gone. If (and it's a huge if) he does return the 4-5 starting positions would be totally nasty. But if Bolden returns I think that Duke loses out on both Bamba and Knox
 

twdukefan

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With Carter coming in, Chase, Vrank and Javin here, the 4/5 spot has bodies. Not sure I would think quality outside of Carter, but players do develop. Interested in seeing how Javin makes that step from Fr to Soph.

I do think Bolden is gone. If (and it's a huge if) he does return the 4-5 starting positions would be totally nasty. But if Bolden returns I think that Duke loses out on both Bamba and Knox
Why Knox?
 

dukephysics

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That's six in the first round. I just can't imagine a scenario where Grayson/Luke/Frank ALL put up numbers to get drafted at the end of the first round. If they do, well this is going to be a fun ride....
 

Duke-23

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Why would that have anything to do with Knox? Bolden back year 2 vs bamba..I'd take bolden lol