Derryck Thornton Appreciation Thread

[denverexpat]

I hate to see this even though DT struggled at the end of the year. He was a young freshman and reclassified to join the team. To me that would seem like he was persuaded to come early due to our loss of Tyus. I think he was overwhelmed at the end due to his youth - college classes, college ball, pressure etc...so his end of season was disappointing. I would like to have seen him return with a year of experience under his belt, an off season to improve and a chance to get better.

Most good teams have a leader at PG...think of this years Final 4...experience at that position was key to all 4 teams. This is why i am concerned about next year..the talent is amazing but as they say ( with a sight change) old age and experience will beat youth and exuberance any day.

 

[pisgah101]

I thought Tyler was better than Derryck. Derryck wasn't the pass first point guard you seem to believe and he couldn't score. At least now we'll have a offensive threat at all times 1-5. That's what I want. And believe me Grayson,Frank,Luke,Giles,Tatum can absolutely break down a D

 

[dukehokie]

No offense but that does nothing to support your stance lol

It doesn't?

 

[Duke It Out]

We have plenty of experience, even in the backcourt. A senior Matt Jones and junior Grayson Allen are fairly experienced. Matt didn't live up to the expectations the fan base had for him this season, but he was still no slouch and should be vastly improved once he is 100% healthy. Luke played a large role last season, and he will be more experienced that your typical sophomore imo. And our last title came via a freshman PG so I feel good about it.

Villanova won the title this year, and who was their PG? They didn't really have one, they had a group of good guards. If you had to pick one player out of that group and say that guy was that PG, it would be Jalen Brunson, who was a freshman.

 

[jnastasi]

I think this is a really bad loss for us. I've mentioned it before but every Duke championship team has had great pg play (Hurley, Williams, Schyer, Jones). Yes Schyer developed into a great point guard that year and lead in the nation is assist to turnover ratio. I think DT is going to develop into a really good college pg. I'd much rather him come back than have Bolden. We will have a chance to win it next year but it definitely just got a lot harder.

 

[denverexpat]

We have plenty of experience, even in the backcourt. A senior Matt Jones and junior Grayson Allen are fairly experienced. Matt didn't live up to the expectations the fan base had for him this season, but he was still no slouch and should be vastly improved once he is 100% healthy. Luke played a large role last season, and he will be more experienced that your typical sophomore imo. And our last title came via a freshman PG so I feel good about it.

Villanova won the title this year, and who was their PG? They didn't really have one, they had a group of good guards. If you had to pick one player out of that group and say that guy was that PG, it would be Jalen Brunson, who was a freshman.

er...Villanova PG - the MVP of the Final 4 maybe?
15 Ryan Arcidiacono Guard SR

 

[Showenuff]

Insinuating we won't be able to handle the press next season is pretty damn laughable. With Giles , Tatum or Jefferson out in the middle for help? Just sayin'. I also see people acting like K pushed Derryck out so we could land Bolden. That's stupid. There is a lot going on with the Thornton situation, his family, his location, incoming competition the list goes on. K did NOT run him off. This was he and his families decision.

 

[Showenuff]

Damn man. You guys are scaring me, we've got a class coming in that looks like heaven on earth and we're trying to figure out how we're gonna get killed next season? Heads up men, we are gonna rock this season.

 

[aah555]

I think this is a really bad loss for us. I've mentioned it before but every Duke championship team has had great pg play (Hurley, Williams, Schyer, Jones). Yes Schyer developed into a great point guard that year and lead in the nation is assist to turnover ratio. I think DT is going to develop into a really good college pg. I'd much rather him come back than have Bolden. We will have a chance to win it next year but it definitely just got a lot harder.

I think you're playing a bit of a semantics game there. Was Scheyer a very good / great player as a senior? Yes. Was he a great PG? No, absolutely not. Even as a sr. he only averaged 4.9 assists despite running point for 37 minutes per game. Scheyer was a great player who did a serviceable job handling the ball and getting the team into is basic offensive sets. But, as a pure PG, he was nothing special. Ultimately, that team succeeded b/c it was a cohesive team that had 3 guys who could collectively create offense for the entire team. It was not b/c Scheyer suddenly emerged as a PG savant.

As for the larger point, while I do agree it hurts, the fact that this team may not have quite the PG play it had in past championship years hardly makes me want to hit the panic button. Reality is that, if Giles is healthy, this team will have size, athleticism, length, and depth that it's really never had before -- at least since the late 90s. A frontcourt of Tatum, Giles, Jefferson/Bolden would be the biggest, longest and most athletic frontcourt that Duke has ever fielded. And, while we don't have a true PG, Allen, Kennard, and Jackson certainly give us more than enough perimeter firepower to win a championship. Will next year's Duke team be different from Duke championship teams of the past? Sure. But let's not ignore that it has a lot of strengths that most Duke teams of the past never had.

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

We have the greatest incoming freshman class to go with some very experienced players, and the best coach and staff in the country....relax they have a plan.

 

[dukehokie]

I think you're playing a bit of a semantics game there. Was Scheyer a very good / great player as a senior? Yes. Was he a great PG? No, absolutely not. Even as a sr. he only averaged 4.9 assists despite running point for 37 minutes per game. Scheyer was a great player who did a serviceable job handling the ball and getting the team into is basic offensive sets. But, as a pure PG, he was nothing special. Ultimately, that team succeeded b/c it was a cohesive team that had 3 guys who could collectively create offense for the entire team. It was not b/c Scheyer suddenly emerged as a PG savant.

As for the larger point, while I do agree it hurts, the fact that this team may not have quite the PG play it had in past championship years hardly makes me want to hit the panic button. Reality is that, if Giles is healthy, this team will have size, athleticism, length, and depth that it's really never had before -- at least since the late 90s. A frontcourt of Tatum, Giles, Jefferson/Bolden would be the biggest, longest and most athletic frontcourt that Duke has ever fielded. And, while we don't have a true PG, Allen, Kennard, and Jackson certainly give us more than enough perimeter firepower to win a championship. Will next year's Duke team be different from Duke championship teams of the past? Sure. But let's not ignore that it has a lot of strengths that most Duke teams of the past never had.

We win a title with Scheyer. I'd call what he did a little more than serviceable. Scheyer had a great senior season whether you want to pigeonhole him into a position or not.

Position less basketball is coming fellas. Strap in or get out of the way.

 

[crazyduke3]

Can we ditch this thread now. He doesn't want the duke jersey?good riddance.

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

I agree, good times are coming and DT isnt. Good luck young man, but you blew a good thing. I liked the kid but most people talked smack about him all year.

 

[aah555]

We win a title with Scheyer. I'd call what he did a little more than serviceable. Scheyer had a great senior season whether you want to pigeonhole him into a position or not.

Position less basketball is coming fellas. Strap in or get out of the way.

I think you misunderstood my point. I'm not saying Scheyer was seviceable as a player. He was an excellent player who was a critical piece of our national title team. My point is that he wasn't a true PG; nor did he suddenly morph into a great, pure PG as a Sr. As you acknowledge, IMO, the 2010 year proves you don't need an excellent pure PG to win a national title. We won that year b/c we had 2 excellent combo guards and a star wing that played well off of his other. I think Jackson, Allen, Tatum, et al. should be able to do the same thing next year -- even if none of them really qualifies as an elite PG.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

So because Frank can score, you seriously think he is incapable of passing a basketball? What is YOUR point? I was trying to debate this with civility but if you're going to condescend I have no time for it and I'll just calmly let it all play out. I don't need to defend Frank Jackson to you or anybody else. Not even a little bit.

Dude relax I am not condescending to you at all buddy; hence the purpose of LOL. I honestly don't get the 1959 quote and just found it funny. It is absolutely nothing personal, just a laugh.

I am not asking you to defend Frank as I have stated clearly he is a stud SG. No debate there. I am saying, however, that he IMO will struggle running a D1 offense, as a Freshman, as a PG. I know, Duke can get away with not having a true PG based on talent alone, but it certainly hurts their ability to adapt as the season progresses. Frank is a freak athlete, and a hell of a shooter, but he isn't a strong breakdown-and-dish guy, a guy that again IMO, the offense next year would flourish around.

On another note, Derryck's uncle is pretty pissed:

https://twitter.com/MEdwardsBball?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Insinuating we won't be able to handle the press next season is pretty damn laughable. With Giles , Tatum or Jefferson out in the middle for help? Just sayin'. I also see people acting like K pushed Derryck out so we could land Bolden. That's stupid. There is a lot going on with the Thornton situation, his family, his location, incoming competition the list goes on. K did NOT run him off. This was he and his families decision.

Oh goodness, and who gets the ball in bounds and gets it to the release valve?

And I haven't really seen many people saying DT was pushed out......especially for Bolden. That makes zero sense from a positional standpoint alone.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

We win a title with Scheyer. I'd call what he did a little more than serviceable. Scheyer had a great senior season whether you want to pigeonhole him into a position or not.

Position less basketball is coming fellas. Strap in or get out of the way.

The same position-less, isolation basketball that got Duke smacked by Oregon in the Sweet 16, or 10 other losses? Was it the sole reason for their losses? Nope, but it was a good part of it.

 

[Showenuff]

Haha, Jesus dude. You really are just an argumentative idiot. You just keep crying til next season, I'll wait and see how it pans out. LOL.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Haha, Jesus dude. You really are just an argumentative idiot. You just keep crying til next season, I'll wait and see how it pans out. LOL.

Will Sean Obi be our starting Center next year? LOL

Argumentative? That's a cop-out when you don't have an answer. Comical,

 

[pisgah101]

If y'all haven't looked up his uncle you need to.. Literally clueless sounding. If I hadn't watched Thornton play I woulda though his nephew was Michael Jordan

 

[Crank_it_loud]

If y'all haven't looked up his uncle you need to.. Literally clueless sounding

just posted his Twitter. He makes some interesting comments, that is for sure.

 

[pisgah101]

just posted his Twitter. He makes some interesting comments, that is for sure.

Yeah... It's starting to seem to me his fam thought he was some special all-world talent and shoulda been in the role Ingram played. I think they have unrealistic expectations and they're gunna get bit wherever they end up

 

[Laettner]

IMO, Twitter is laugh out loud dumb & people who think it is a legitimate news source are morons.

 

[Showenuff]

His family has considered him the second coming long before Duke. They are a big part of the problem.

 

[pisgah101]

His family has considered him the second coming long before Duke. They are a big part of the problem.

I'm seeing it... Kinda scary they believe the stuff they are saying

 

[dukehokie]

If y'all haven't looked up his uncle you need to.. Literally clueless sounding. If I hadn't watched Thornton play I woulda though his nephew was Michael Jordan

It's not even his blood uncle. One time basketball trainer and family "friend".

 

[dukehokie]

The same position-less, isolation basketball that got Duke smacked by Oregon in the Sweet 16, or 10 other losses? Was it the sole reason for their losses? Nope, but it was a good part of it.

The same that got an otherwise irrelevant Oregon team a game away from a Final Four yeah. Just watch a Warriors game. I know coaches who tell kids the mid-range jumper is pointless and waste of time. College coaches.

 

[DukeDenver]

His family has considered him the second coming long before Duke. They are a big part of the problem.

He says Duke coaches lied, but doesn't say what they said. He's just placing blame because his nephew struggled on the big stage, and likely didn't like being a Duke student. It's fine. Anyone who suggests playing for Duke is like being in chains is clueless. They couldn't handle the high expectations. Derryck was given the shot he was promised. He wasn't ready. Hard work doesn't guarantee anything but respect. But sounds like respect wasn't good enough.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

The same that got an otherwise irrelevant Oregon team a game away from a Final Four yeah. Just watch a Warriors game. I know coaches who tell kids the mid-range jumper is pointless and waste of time. College coaches.

Dude, you're really comparing the Warriors to the Devils? Even conceptually? It'll be interesting watching Bolden, Jefferson, or Jeter bringing the ball up the court.

Duke isn't changing much next year in terms of concept: guards/wing/4 man who can 'bring it up the court'. The talent and depth changes, although I would argue Duke won't have anyone as good as Ingram was (Tatum would be closest). Teams that pressure Duke next year (with athletes) will cause problems. A true PG would help offset that.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

DT got a ton of playing time, so if he didn't turn into the kind of player his family expected...it's pretty much on Thornton himself.

Whatever happened to being respectful, and keeping your mouth shut. And I'm not saying that for the benefit of Duke, and Coach K. Just say it didn't work out, you didn't fit, and move on. Because one day (especially if DT is a borderline NBA prospect) he may need a nice resume enhancing plug by K. Not that I would think K would sabotage DT...but it makes it easier to say good things about someone when they leave under more friendly circumstances.

OFC

 

[dukehokie]

Dude, you're really comparing the Warriors to the Devils? Even conceptually? It'll be interesting watching Bolden, Jefferson, or Jeter bringing the ball up the court.

Seriously?! With statements like this I have no time. I'm done dude. Watch or don't watch next year I could care less. I will gladly bow out.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Seriously?! With statements like this I have no time. I'm done dude. Watch or don't watch next year I could care less. I will gladly bow out.

I'm trying to understand your point. Duke isn't, even conceptually, (nor Oregon) playing like the Warriors. 1-4 can be fluid, but it doesn't take away the fact that need a ball-handler against defensively aggressive teams (something the NBA lacks if I may add).

You, and a couple others here, appear to feel that Duke is clearly the best team next year with a great chance at 6. I disagree. Duke needs a PG to be flexible, but they can still be very successful, it'll just be with less room for error. Hell, we don't even know where Giles will be from a health standpoint.

Anyway, good BSing with you, I'll just respectfully disagree and we can bring it up again next year if Duke struggles without a true PG.

 

[dukehokie]

I'm trying to understand your point. Duke isn't, even conceptually, (nor Oregon) playing like the Warriors. 1-4 can be fluid, but it doesn't take away the fact that need a ball-handler against defensively aggressive teams (something the NBA lacks if I may add).

You, and a couple others here, appear to feel that Duke is clearly the best team next year with a great chance at 6. I disagree. Duke needs a PG to be flexible, but they can still be very successful, it'll just be with less room for error. Hell, we don't even know where Giles will be from a health standpoint.

Anyway, good BSing with you, I'll just respectfully disagree and we can bring it up again next year if Duke struggles without a true PG.

Done.

 

[diehardDUKIEnKY]

Thinking I may catch some flack for this post but I'm ready for it, I'll miss DT I will but I can't deny the fact that I'm both sad & glad he's leaving us. Sad for all the obvious reasons, glad because our squad needs as many players concerned with the good of the team as opposed to the good of each individual (remember the fist). If DT is truly only leaving to be closer to home I sincerely wish him well, but if he's leaving due to potential decline in pt or any other selfish reason then I'm eventually going to be ECSTATIC he's leaving.

 

[skysdad]

A lot has been said already and I really can't add a lot to it other than my own thoughts. First and foremost I really appreciate Derryck's year at Duke. I really don't know how successful our season would have been without him after all the injuries to Amile and Matt although Matt played through his and that proves he was a warrior. I know he left high school early to help at the pg position and one again I'm grateful. But we've discussed this many times on this board as to the fact that all Duke recruits know the deal when they come to Duke that they aren't the only recruit coming and competition for pt will be tough. This notion by some that Coach K recruited Thornton just to get Duke through this season is about as stupid as a theory can get. I guarantee if Thornton during the off season and pre season as the top pg then he would have been in the #1 position. But we should know by now when things like this happen Coach K will get the brunt of critics who simply are jealous of his and Duke's success and are only are not getting the players they feel they should get but he's the best there is and top notch kids want to play for him. I also can't help but think that Derryck has a lot of people telling him the wrong things. But Thornton has made that decision and we will move on. I sure some lucky program out there will pick up a wonderful basketball player and young man. And yes there may be others transferring and if so Duke will deal with that. It's either bust your butt and take your position, take what playing time you have earned and await your opportunity or go elsewhere. I know one thing for sure. Every things gonna be alright OFC

 

[K-oach Q]

Man..reading that Twitter from his uncle is really sad.

It makes you wonder what it must have been like with his father and even possibly trying to coach Thornton for K and the staff.

When you air that stuff out on social media it really shows your colors. Good ridince to that situation...no coach needs that.

 

[skysdad]

It's not even his blood uncle. One time basketball trainer and family "friend".

This isn't the first time a relative has questioned the way Coach K decided to play their boy and it won't be the last. OFC

 

[dbav]

As i said in the other thread, thank you Derryck. You wore the jersey and had some great contributions this season. I'm sorry you decided to move on, but I wish you well in your decision. I also look forward to watching you develop over the next few years.

 

[Laettner15]

My opinion not that anyone cares or it matters.... The situation sucks, plain and simple... Do we all wish he could have stayed absolutely! I'm one of the people that tried to defend him, but it was his choice to leave. Arguing or calling him out or anything else is useless at this point. It was a fit that didn't match. It's time to move on with the squad we have for next year. I have no I'll towards DT at all and i wish him nothing but the best in the future..

Now for those Kentucky fans that are saying we pushed him out for bolden.. if you paid attention to this board, there was a plan in place for scholarships to have both of the in Duke uniforms! And Kentucky fans should be the last to talk... Must i bring up Kyle Wiltjer... Must I bring up the Terrance jones recruitment where after he announced he was going to UW, Cal called him and ironically he changed his mind? UNC fans that are doing it too (if they are I don't care to read their board) I am not even going to waste my time typing there stuff out.

One player will not define this program, not in the past, not in the present and not in the future.

 

[pisgah101]

It's not even his blood uncle. One time basketball trainer and family "friend".

Good to know Hokie that makes more sense

Dude, you're really comparing the Warriors to the Devils? Even conceptually? It'll be interesting watching Bolden, Jefferson, or Jeter bringing the ball up the court.

Duke isn't changing much next year in terms of concept: guards/wing/4 man who can 'bring it up the court'. The talent and depth changes, although I would argue Duke won't have anyone as good as Ingram was (Tatum would be closest). Teams that pressure Duke next year (with athletes) will cause problems. A true PG would help offset that.

And crank I think youve seriously missed out on understanding how good this next year class is... Ingram was great but to say we won't have anyone as talented as him next year is just silly. I'd venture to say we'll have 3 players of equal or better talent and possibly 4.