Someone pointed to Quinn upthread as a reference point for DT. I hope we get senior Quinn next year instead of Sophomore Quinn. Otherwise I'm with you that DT as our starting PG next year isn't reassuring. I was surprised we didn't target a true PG in the 2016 class and don't appear to have prioritized one in 2017. Frank appears a combo guard but perhaps he'll make do in a pinch.
Back from DC....my observations
- Thread starter BlazerBB
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If i say "ingram is a stud and i'd take him over simmons" that gets no conversation. But i say "i'm not sure if Thornton can be a championship caliber pg because of his shot passing and feel". A lot of conversation. You choose to only see my criticism. This year there is a lot of criticism because it's clear we're not even close to a championship caliber team. That's the standard duke and k have built for me. Not that you must win a championship for success, but you should be a championship caliber team and have a good chance.
I agree with this. Others state franks best position isn't at pg and i agree. Buttttt, you find a way to get the best players on the court. Coaching is important, but talent wins consistently. To me, frank has steve francis potential and may be one of the 5 best next year for duke.
I think he may definitely fit that description of amongst our best 5 GN, and K has a way of getting that group on court...
You're just negative more often than not, that's all. That's the beauty of having an ignore button here
And I'll bookmark this thread for next year. Jackson is my fav recruit coming in, buts he's not near running a point, especially considering the adjustment he'll have (look at his HS competition - frank is in for a consistent surprise even with his AAU experience). Thornton won't need to score in bunches, he will need to distribute and play D, things he's quite capable of.
On point analysis, Kirby. I've also noticed Brian Kersey laughing in response to K talking to him throughout other ACC games. I think Kersey is a good official, but I also think he is arrogant. He rubs me the wrong way at times.
Anyone who doesn't see the strides Derryck has made in season after having no Summertime on campus has obviously not played basketball at a high level before. We will see a lot of improvement by next year.
The ones that have him nor starting and riding the pine alot more in the acc tournament?
Agree with all of this except the distribute part. He's not very good at passing. He definitely has an advantage with a year under his belt, but he has to make big improvements in my mind. His d has been really good though.
The offense isn't built for a PG to distribute, it is more of an isolation offense. I have seen little that concerns me with DT being able to distribute.
A few posts up you say he's going to need to play d and distribute. This years team is isolation built because we don't have a pg or anyone that breaks down defenses and gets open shots for others. Grayson does it the best and he's not great at it. Dukes best teams have had players that can break down the d and distribute, good passing teams. Dukes poor teams have been isolation focused lacking the pg, the floor General.
Just to bring this thread full circle since I started it....I was in no way trying to put a negative spin on Derryck's game. I actually think he can be great. My point was simply that he would be a ton better if he developed consistency from behind the arc. There have been instances where you can see that he can basically get to the middle anytime he decides too but seems hesitant to do it unless the shot clock is running down. If he gains a little confidence and works on his 3 ball.....he is going to be special IMO. I hope we don't get Kersey in Rhode Island this week!!
Even if his shot doesn't improve drastically if he can greatly improve his feel for driving that would be HUGE! His hesitancy ( i see it as well) imo comes from his lack of feel for the game when he drives. He doesn't have a good feel when he goes to the middle if he should take a floater, go the entire way and finish, dish it, or keep his dribble alive. Much more bad outcomes have happened with him driving than good ones. I think that's shaken his confidence a good bit to break his man down and drive at any point in the shot clock.
Guess you missed where we were discussing next years team. THIS years team is built for isolation with GA, and BI; Thornton doesn't need to distribute now.
It has been an uphill battle for DT ever since early November.
It is pretty clear that when teams zone us, they close out on everyone except for DT.
I, however, have been pleased with the progress DT has made.
He isnt there yet, but he has the "ingredients" to be a dominant true PG for Duke, maybe even next year.
His defense is great, as he seems to be the only guy on this year's squad capable of getting steals in the open floor.
The shooting I'm not worried about, I believe he will be "good enough" next season. And he finishes excellent at the rim.
I also believe that having true post players next year, will make life on DT easier.
It is pretty clear that when teams zone us, they close out on everyone except for DT.
I, however, have been pleased with the progress DT has made.
He isnt there yet, but he has the "ingredients" to be a dominant true PG for Duke, maybe even next year.
His defense is great, as he seems to be the only guy on this year's squad capable of getting steals in the open floor.
The shooting I'm not worried about, I believe he will be "good enough" next season. And he finishes excellent at the rim.
I also believe that having true post players next year, will make life on DT easier.
Look at Grayson most of last year. He played too fast/didn't let the game come to him, hurried his shots, etc. Most freshman do this, except for the very, very best. Heck, look at Ingram early. I am in the camp that expects good things from Thornton next year. His D should be great his second year in the system. I also think he is not that far away offensively. He will need to be solid next year on O. A little improvement in each area, not a complete transformation, and he will be just that. And, that team will not need him to be great.
If Frank Jackson is indeed good enough to start next year, then look out!
If Frank Jackson is indeed good enough to start next year, then look out!