Derryck Thornton Is Going To Give Me An Ulcer

[Mark Gastineau]

Too many rushed/risky passes. Too many ill-advised three-pointers when there is still plenty of time on the shot clock. He has all the tools to be great, but he's driving me crazy with how erratic his play has been this season. I wish he would just slow down and not try to rush everything.

I personally hate calling out one of our players, but this has been driving me insane for weeks.

End of rant.

 

[duhondukie]

Too many rushed/risky passes. Too many ill-advised three-pointers when there is still plenty of time on the shot clock. He has all the tools to be great, but he's driving me crazy with how erratic his play has been this season. I wish he would just slow down and not try to rush everything.

I personally hate calling out one of our players, but this has been driving me insane for weeks.

End of rant.

I agree with what you are saying but we need to remember he should still be playing high school baketball

 

[Anon1738705013]

He is Young should be playing high school ball. Give him time is will be a good one.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Fully aware that he should still be in high school. Also fully aware that he missed summer training while he finished up his high school credits. Still doesn't explain how consistently erratic he's been this season. I thought he had turned a corner after our games against VCU and Georgetown, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Hopefully he gets things straightened out before long.

 

[CatcherForLife6]

I agree Mark, I feel like the big "pressure" games get to him and rattle his cage if things aren't going Duke's way.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

he is 17 MG...he did hit a big 3 and attacked the rim strong which should have been an and 1....the ball is dominated by others and he turns into essentially a shooting guard....i think one thing he has to learn is that in high, he makes a flashy move and the kid becomes a spectator but in college they stay w/ the play and he gets blocked a lot from behind.....what if we didnt have him this year to get ready for next year????.....he is still averaging about 9ppg..#growingpains

 

[Mark Gastineau]

he is 17 MG...he did hit a big 3 and attacked the rim strong which should have been an and 1....the ball is dominated by others and he turns into essentially a shooting guard....i think one thing he has to learn is that in high, he makes a flashy move and the kid becomes a spectator but in college they stay w/ the play and he gets blocked a lot from behind.....what if we didnt have him this year to get ready for next year????.....he is still averaging about 9ppg..#growingpains

Again, fully aware of his age and the fact that he should still be in high school. I just wish he would slow down and make safer passes.

 

[topps coach]

we got spoiled with last years freshmen"s class. Very few young players come in with their level of talent and poise.To expect that is unrealistic.Also Have to take into account that we no longer have a senior calming influence ala Quinn, this year

 

[germantondevil]

He is going through some growing pains and I believe most everyone expected that but we all hoped he would develop quicker than he has but when he committed we were gloom and doom because of Tyus bolting so it's still better than no PG at all. If he turns the corner before March Duke will be a team no one will want to play, if not he will be more prepared for next year and I already love the sound of Thorton and Jackson piloting the ship

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

Too many rushed/risky passes. Too many ill-advised three-pointers when there is still plenty of time on the shot clock. He has all the tools to be great, but he's driving me crazy with how erratic his play has been this season. I wish he would just slow down and not try to rush everything.

I personally hate calling out one of our players, but this has been driving me insane for weeks.

End of rant.

He drives me crazy sometimes too but I realize he is a freshman and at time i think he plays very good defense on the ball

What drives me crazy is Plumlee and his brick hands...someone throws him a good pass and he just fumbles it away time after time....just drives me crazy.

Honestly I don't know why we ever throw to Plumlee in the post because he can do nothing with the ball positively when he gets it unless he is right under the basket for a dunk.

 

[Anon1728003274]

Thornton and Chase are both 5 stars, and DT is LIGHT YEARS ahead....If he gives you an ulcer, Jeter provokes what???

 

[Mark Gastineau]

Jeter provokes what???

I try not to think about our bench at this point. Too disappointed in Jeter/Obi.

 

[DukeJim99]

Derryck is not 17, he's 18, and he's turning 19 in May. He's exactly the right age for a college freshman. Chase Jeter is four months younger than Derryck.

Derryck had classified to graduate a year late, then reclassified to graduate on time. Let me repeat - he is not young for a freshman.

He did, however, miss summer training while completing his high school credits, so that's a fair point.

 

[dukiejay]

Thanks, DukeJim. A lot of people don't realize that Derryck is actually older than both Brandon and Chase. While he could be in high school this season, it should also be pointed that he reclassified to his original graduating class....which was 2015.

But yes, Derryck has had his frustrating moments this season. He's still trying to find his speed, IMO. He's much quicker than Tyus, but Tyus just had better instincts and just saw the game so much better. And that's not meant to be a knock on Derryck, it's just that Tyus was way beyond special for an 18-year-old. Derryck has all of the tools to be really good, but he's being asked to grow up fast and lead the premier college basketball program in the country at their most vital position.

To be honest, it's talked about that we lack depth, size and are young. And while those are all true, we're suffering a great deal because we don't have that really good PG right now. Matt is playing there out of necessity and Derryck isn't quite where we need him to be. When you watch this team, to be successful we need to be scoring on straight-line drives from Grayson and Brandon. We have to do well playing one-on-one or we're in trouble. Miami did a good job negating our big advantage.

My advice is to continue supporting this team. If you think you're feeling down, how do you think these kids and the staff are feeling? They're invested much more than any of us. We knew there were going to be bumps in the road. Unfortunately, some of those bumps have turned into obstacles. It will be much easier on each and every one of you when you realize this team is what it is....very talented and capable, but also young, inexperienced and still fighting every night.

 

[DukeDenver]

I think Thornton is better than Quinn was at this age. That bodes well. Even so, I too have ulcers from watching Duke. I can't stand losing 4 of 5.

 

[HuffyJB]

^ I was about to post the same thing. People are incorrect with the "he should still be in high school" stuff. He played four years of high school ball and is the same age as every college freshman in the country.

There have been so many games or moments where it really looked like he was about to fully turn the corner, then there would be another step back. The good news is that it has been there in flashes (as opposed to not at all).

 

[stanleyduke]

DT struggles at times, but I like our offense better with him running the point, mainly because I think the other guards are more effective starting off the ball.

 

[Laettner]

With last years triumph this season is not angering me. Maybe I'm getting soft in my old age.

DT just isn't ready due to age, nothing we can do about that.

Each elite program has experienced a hiccup season or two, just our turn.

 

[crazyduke3]

Yeah save me the should be in high school crap. He chose to be here, is 18, has been given a great chance. Seize the moment. The kid will get it in time, we just have to bear with the current growing pains. Don't give up on the kid, I know he's rough to watch sometimes, but the talent is there. Had some really good spots last night.

Also, I hope this is a clear image to those who beg for every single freshman to get more PT every year what happens sometimes. Ours are getting all they can handle and you seeing the results.

 

[Mark Gastineau]

My advice is to continue supporting this team.

Obviously that's never going to change. I just wish he would slow down. I think it would make a huge difference.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

i stand corrected on his exact age

 

[JCColsCane]

Good point on DT, he drives me crazy also, but so does the rest of the team! I really like DT and wouldn't trade him for anyone, it's just like Mark said, he plays too fast at times. With a little time and the help of Coach K, he will learn to let the game come to him.
I like to think of the positives that he has shown; he is "fearless"; he will take the big shot; and he will challenge anyone! I think I can ride out his mistakes, along with the rest of this team, and I am pretty sure the results will be good.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[SwlaDukie]

Everyone has made good points, that being said at least Duke won it last year. DT has so much pressure to excel not only being a first year pg, but he has to fill the shoes of two great pgs in Tyus and Quinn. All the great Duke teams have had a guard with experience to keep a calming factor and overall leadership for the team. This year Amile brought that type of leadership, and without him on the floor it has a serious lack of leadership. It's Matt's first year in that role, but next year his experience from this campaign will serve him well win Duke wins it all again.

 

[Willcampbell]

Fully aware that he should still be in high school. Also fully aware that he missed summer training while he finished up his high school credits. Still doesn't explain how consistently erratic he's been this season. I thought he had turned a corner after our games against VCU and Georgetown, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Hopefully he gets things straightened out before long.

Mark,
"Consistently erratic" would seem, at first blush, to be a contradiction in terms. But I can't think of a better description.
OFC

 

[DevilDJ]

Appreciate the info on Thornton. Didn't know he simply "reclassified" to graduate on time. Anyway , I'm a fan. He's skilled , fearless and I'll take mistakes of aggression over mistakes of being timid any day of the week. We got spoiled with Tyus. AND , lest we forget , Duke also had a bad-azz senior ( Cook ) who could run point. Helluva backcourt and those don't come around too often. I like having Matt out there for his experience but he ain't no ball-handler/facilitator. Thornton's much more comfortable doing it. If a team puts back-court pressure on Duke? I'd rather have Thornton. Kid'll be nice next year...plus Duke has Alexander comin' in too.

 

[Willcampbell]

Appreciate the info on Thornton. Didn't know he simply "reclassified" to graduate on time. Anyway , I'm a fan. He's skilled , fearless and I'll take mistakes of aggression over mistakes of being timid any day of the week. We got spoiled with Tyus. AND , lest we forget , Duke also had a bad-azz senior ( Cook ) who could run point. Helluva backcourt and those don't come around too often. I like having Matt out there for his experience but he ain't no ball-handler/facilitator. Thornton's much more comfortable doing it. If a team puts back-court pressure on Duke? I'd rather have Thornton. Kid'll be nice next year...plus Duke has Alexander comin' in too.

I missed something. Who is Alexander?
OFC

 

[DukeDenver]

I missed something. Who is Alexander?
OFC

Think he meant Frank. He was only 9 letters off.

 

[pisgah101]

I just wish Tyus stayed and while he's playing in the D league I bet he wishes he woulda stayed too.,,

On another note with PG being an issue now do any of y'all think that'll be a problem next year as well? Will DR be up to speed to handle what could be a truly great team or will Frank be ready to take over day 1?

 

[dukiejay]

I think there's a big maturation process from freshman to sophomore year. So yes, I think Derryck will show significant improvement. On top of that, Frank at least gives us another option.

 

[Get Nasty]

My biggest concern/fear that would prevent Thornton from ever being an elite player is his shot. His has next to no rotation, you don't need a ton of rotation (curry) but you still need to some to be accurate. He shoots like a shot put at times. The announcers even commented on his knuckle ball shot. Duke has had some extremely talented players limited by shooting form (Demarcus Nelson). Hopefully Thornton can improve his shot. With that shot he's just not comfortable driving to the lane. Do you go the entire way, pull up, pass, floater, etc. That's the other area he needs to work on big time. Defense is really solid, solid handle, not afraid to take a big shot, and he's obviously learning a lot. Next year will be really interesting to see how the PG situation pans out.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

DT is shooting 40% from 3, and that's bad?

 

[pisgah101]

DT is shooting 40% from 3, and that's bad?

He should be at least 50%

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Yeah, he's struggled at times, but everyone on the team has too. He's not Tyus Stones, never will be, but he's still pretty good...and is adjusting.
Also the season isn't over yet...plenty of time for Derryck to make more improvement.

OFC

 

[Get Nasty]

DT is shooting 40% from 3, and that's bad?

and 40% from the field overall so what's that tell you? Luke is shooting 30% from 3 but 42% overall. Who do you think is a better shooter? I believe with Thornton's form as the sample gets larger the % will keep decreasing like it slowly has been.

I'll break my thoughts down a bit more clearly. He's obviously shown the ability to hit an open 3 similar to Matt Jones, Demarcus Nelson, and many others despite poor form. What he can't do and with his current form will always struggle at similar to matt jones, demarcus nelson, and many others is make a contested shot. Remember the last few games when he took shots that weren't completely wide open? Airballs, backboard first from the 3, etc, similar to matt jones at end of games and other contested shots he's taken.

If thornton doesn't improve his form, he is going to be limited offensively at the 3 point shot and even his mid range jumpers that he takes. He can still become a really good player with his quickness if he improves finishing in the paint. Good shooters make shots with hands in the face, thornton isn't near that level of a shooter.

Thornton has a lot of characteristics you can't teach, but getting to the level where he could play in the NBA won't happen without improving his form. He will just be too limited from a shot standpoint to make it. I know a lot of people talked about Thornton has being a 2 year player, right now with his shot, I see 4 year player.

 

[Get Nasty]

He should be at least 50%

Nice value add

 

[Crank_it_loud]

and 40% from the field overall so what's that tell you? Luke is shooting 30% from 3 but 42% overall. Who do you think is a better shooter? I believe with Thornton's form as the sample gets larger the % will keep decreasing like it slowly has been.

I'll break my thoughts down a bit more clearly. He's obviously shown the ability to hit an open 3 similar to Matt Jones, Demarcus Nelson, and many others despite poor form. What he can't do and with his current form will always struggle at similar to matt jones, demarcus nelson, and many others is make a contested shot. Remember the last few games when he took shots that weren't completely wide open? Airballs, backboard first from the 3, etc, similar to matt jones at end of games and other contested shots he's taken.

If thornton doesn't improve his form, he is going to be limited offensively at the 3 point shot and even his mid range jumpers that he takes. He can still become a really good player with his quickness if he improves finishing in the paint. Good shooters make shots with hands in the face, thornton isn't near that level of a shooter.

Thornton has a lot of characteristics you can't teach, but getting to the level where he could play in the NBA won't happen without improving his form. He will just be too limited from a shot standpoint to make it. I know a lot of people talked about Thornton has being a 2 year player, right now with his shot, I see 4 year player.

First you compare the 3pt % above to an overall %, and compare him to Luke Kennard, a totally different style of player. Then you claim you'll "break things down more clearly" yet you don't. Rather, you take a small sample size of situations where he hurried shots and claim he can't shoot. How about I just pull up a HS YouTube practice video of him nailing 3 after 3, and claim he's the best pure shooter in basketball? That would make as much sense as you have here. He's a freshman who is developing late (overcoming an arm injury to this day), yet now he's a 4 year player. Makes sense.

 

[Get Nasty]

First you compare the 3pt % above to an overall %, and compare him to Luke Kennard, a totally different style of player. Then you claim you'll "break things down more clearly" yet you don't. Rather, you take a small sample size of situations where he hurried shots and claim he can't shoot. How about I just pull up a HS YouTube practice video of him nailing 3 after 3, and claim he's the best pure shooter in basketball? That would make as much sense as you have here. He's a freshman who is developing late (overcoming an arm injury to this day), yet now he's a 4 year player. Makes sense.

You really think he has a good shot? I brought up luke's % because everyone that watched a duke game or either of them shoot would say Luke is a better shooter but his % is 25% less. Point being, since i need to help you out even more, %'s with small sample sizes can be misleading. Case in point with Thornton, he doesn't have a good consistent shot that you can rely on, he's getting away with it because he's not asked to do much on offense. He's throwing up knuckleballs, you see it in warmups, in games, you hear it from announcers. I'm not stating something that's difficult to understand, he needs to work on and get some rotation. You don't need grayson's rotation but some goes a long way to being accurate. There's a reason baseball, football, basketball are all thrown with rotation typically the tighter the better for more accuracy. Hopefully we don't need a physics lesson. This is a THornton thread, I see a lot of potential with him, but his shot really concerns me. College is pretty late in the game to make major form changes on your shot. Hope he can do it though. It's part of the reason I think Frank can come in next year and take over. His shot is so much better.

I've tried my best to explain, hope it helped.

 

[dukiejay]

One of the main areas where Derryck is going to have to improve is with his shot. I don't think that's unfair to say.

 

[Get Nasty]

First you compare the 3pt % above to an overall %, and compare him to Luke Kennard, a totally different style of player. Then you claim you'll "break things down more clearly" yet you don't. Rather, you take a small sample size of situations where he hurried shots and claim he can't shoot. How about I just pull up a HS YouTube practice video of him nailing 3 after 3, and claim he's the best pure shooter in basketball? That would make as much sense as you have here. He's a freshman who is developing late (overcoming an arm injury to this day), yet now he's a 4 year player. Makes sense.

I also brought up 3p% vs overall % because you should always have a higher overall % than 3p unless you're having a JJ season or Kyle Korver. It's a bit alarming that his fg% is the same as his 3, same with Matt.

 

[Willcampbell]

I also brought up 3p% vs overall % because you should always have a higher overall % than 3p unless you're having a JJ season or Kyle Korver. It's a bit alarming that his fg% is the same as his 3, same with Matt.

Get Nasty,
It's pretty obvious that Crank just doesn't like you. Try posting that the sky is blue, and I'll bet he finds some way to argue. Let it slide.
OFC