D Thornton

[GabeM1234]

At times I wonder why he does not try to break down the defense and attack the rim. Not sure if he's not asked to, does lack a bit of size and maybe strength but appears to have the quickness. What are your thoughts?

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

He's been rejected a few to many times. I'm sure K hasn't told him not to break his man down. DT needs to use his body and rim to protect the ball, he will put it together. Kid quietly does some nice things. Needs to value the ball and understand time and score much better tho

 

[Anon1728003274]

Kid stuck a HUGE SHOT yesterday to notch a 3pt lead we never lost 2nd half. So good for him to "see that ball go thru the hoop" (trendiest announcers term since "score the ball") after facing some adversity of late losing starting pg role....

That fg was on road in hostile environment, and is potentially a MAJOR BOOST for DT LONGTERM...

 

[2004Audi]

Kid stuck a HUGE SHOT yesterday to notch a 3pt lead we never lost 2nd half. So good for him to "see that ball go thru the hoop" (trendiest announcers term since "score the ball") after facing some adversity of late losing starting pg role....

That fg was on road in hostile environment, and is potentially a MAJOR BOOST for DT LONGTERM...

The thing is even if that shot doesn't go in, it was a good shot in the flow of the offense. Where he has been frustrating is the shots that aren't in the flow. I'm sure over time he will figure all of this out and then be able to use his penetration to score or set other players up.

 

[Dukesince90]

He's got all the tools to be great: quick, good handles, great shot, good defense and much more. Once he gets the mental part of the game down, he's going to be special. I wish he could spend some time with Quinn Cook.

 

[Dattier]

The thing is even if that shot doesn't go in, it was a good shot in the flow of the offense. Where he has been frustrating is the shots that aren't in the flow. I'm sure over time he will figure all of this out and then be able to use his penetration to score or set other players up.

Yep. One reason Luke has played through shooting slumps is b/c he takes much smarter "team" shots. Derryck tries to make too many great individual plays. What stood out to me about his improved play (of late) @ NCSU was that he let it come to him more. It's not yet his role on the team to be the most aggressive shooter.

 

[Get Nasty]

He's got all the tools to be great: quick, good handles, great shot, good defense and much more. Once he gets the mental part of the game down, he's going to be special. I wish he could spend some time with Quinn Cook.

I agree with all except the great shot. He has a long ways to go on his shot imho. As spoken about in this thread he needs to keep working on taking smarter shots. About his driving, he doesn't have a good feel for how to score in the paint in half court sets yet. But he's our best defender against other teams pgs. Keep working kid.

 

[JCColsCane]

DT is still learning the College game. In HS he played fast and his ability allowed him to get away with some things that won't happen at this level. All he needs to do is let the game come to him, and I wouldn't want anyone other than Coach "K" to be his mentor. He is making a lot of errors and turning the ball over, but it goes with the territory. I really like the way "K" is handling him, and soon everyone will see the finished product (probably next season).
Let's keep in mind the things he does very well right now, including very good defense, not afraid to challenge anyone, and will without a doubt take the big shot!
Be patient guys, we have a very good PG in the making.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[Rook#32]

He's been rejected a few to many times. I'm sure K hasn't told him not to break his man down. DT needs to use his body and rim to protect the ball, he will put it together. Kid quietly does some nice things. Needs to value the ball and understand time and score much better tho

 

[Rook#32]

I think if he works on a floater, he could be effective breaking down defenses.

 

[hallside]

I think DT will be a huge asset NEXT year. From what I see, he has the highest defensive potential of any PG we have had in quite some time once he adapts to the college game. Offensively, he just needs to pick his spots better. Somewhat erratic when he takes it to the rim this year with all the blocks he's received. But he is a good shooter, ball handler, and defensive player. Once his playmaking catches up, he will be a standout PG for 2-3 yrs to come.

As for this year if he can give us 15-20 minutes of defense and hit a couple of shots with less TOs, I'm a happy camper.

 

[ScottB59]

Personally I'd like to see him work more on assists versus driving into the lane and getting his shot swatted away. Has he had a game with 7 or more assists? His playing time would soar if he turned into true PG with a stat line of 8 PPG, 6 APG, 2 steals while playing good D. I really feel he could achieve those numbers right now with a different mindset.

 

[jamsession3]

He reminds me of Quinn. This is the type of playing time Quinn needed freshman year. Derryck is going to be very good next year. Let him make mistakes, but don't pull him. This is great group of wing guys.