Derryck Thornton

[youngman42]

This kid is quite an impressive player. While Grayson is getting tons of pub and is the best player on the team right now, Thornton has really been a steadying force for the offense in the past two games, imo.

Would like to see him get a few more assists as he matures.

But, his ball handling is really solid and what I like even more is his poise. For a young kid (18) and a freshman, I really like what I see from him. We have three really young players (even younger are Jeter and Ingram). And while they all have talent, but Thornton really has shown a great deal of maturity.

Hasn't flashed the magic of Tyus Jones but we can't really make that comparison (unfair at this point). However, he's a really solid PG. If he stays two years - which I think is a good chance - we could really have a special team next year.

 

[timo0402]

His play is a very good sign for this team. He's not even close to scratching the surface on how good he can be- which is a great great thing for Duke going forward. He'll be here next year- look out.

 

[crazyduke3]

I think his handle has been a little loose actually.

Love the kid though and the way his game progresses.

 

[pisgah101]

I see no chance of him leaving this year which is exciting

 

[HuffyJB]

Without him as the secondary scoring option this weekend, Duke would have been in real trouble. Smallish sample size, but the offense just looks so much more fluid when he is on the floor. He is still not quite the facilitator that he will be, but he is the best Duke has by far, and he is another scoring threat they desperately need.

 

[Crank_it_loud]

My new favorite Duke player - already showing leadership skills, and he can get his own basket by driving. Pretty impressive for a HS SENIOR lol.

 

[Showenuff]

Yep, he's heading in the right direction, for sure. Man what a team building for next season, Jesus.

 

[SwaggerJacker]

Make no mistake; on the floor he is in charge. He runs the team, not just the point. He's talking every huddle, and appears to be giving advice and direction. He looks confident, and he brings great energy. He also keeps his head up if he makes a mistake. He will also own that mistake. Then he moves on. Love that kid!

 

[jibip]

Yep, he's getting there. It'll be an up and down road for him this year. But I've enjoyed watching him start to get settled. Would like to see him actively put his teammates in positions to score, but that'll come. Also would like to see more dribble penetration from him. Not sure if that is his game, but with this team, I think if he can get into the paint it'll really help our shooters like Matt and Luke and Brandon.

 

[skysdad]

For us to go really far this year he may be the most important tool we have. OFC

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

He's made a world of improvement since the exhibition games. His confidence is starting to take off.

OFC

 

[JCColsCane]

Thornton is gaining the confidence now that he probably would have already had, had he come in earlier. Really love his attitude and the pride he takes in how he plays! He has made a big difference since he started seeing more time, and I don't think we have seen anywhere near his best yet. Can't wait to watch him grow under Coach K.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[Kingbluedevil]

Make no mistake; on the floor he is in charge. He runs the team, not just the point. He's talking every huddle, and appears to be giving advice and direction. He looks confident, and he brings great energy. He also keeps his head up if he makes a mistake. He will also own that mistake. Then he moves on. Love that kid!

I am impressed with his leadership no longer than he has been on the floor. He is talking to players pumping them up and I know coach K loves that. He looks a little quicker than Tyus.

 

[jamsession3]

He is showing a lot of emotion, even yelling at his teammate. He plays like a leader and once he gets a better feel for college he will be real nice.

 

[TRU CANE]

Thornton has been phenomenal considering the circumstances with how late he came in. It seemed apparent that K's plan was to bring him along slowly but the kid had other ideas and used his play to change the plan. I just hope the kid is conditioned and can stay healthy; if so, he improves this team dramatically.

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

Pretty telling to me that K was set to take him 37-40 mins in a championship game! Kids gonna get as many minutes as he can handle.

I'm extremely excited to watch him grow

 

[jamsession3]

Thornton has been phenomenal considering the circumstances with how late he came in. It seemed apparent that K's plan was to bring him along slowly but the kid had other ideas and used his play to change the plan. I just hope the kid is conditioned and can stay healthy; if so, he improves this team dramatically.

Key...Health. This team needs him. The team will go as far as he goes.