Duke Class is

Showenuff

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dukehokie

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It's great on paper, that's for sure. Now it's time to be great on the court too.

This. Let's not forget the shortcomings we mentioned when we felt Bolden was going to UK. His conditioning and work ethic are going to need to take a step up. And he's got some trust building to do. I'm just glad he can do it in the friendly confines of Cameron.
 

Showenuff

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I worry about his footspeed. He's gonna play hell trying to keep up with this roster. Gotta get up and down the court faster for sure.
 

Showenuff

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But I like him once he gets in the paint, the defensive help just went through the roof.
 

DukeDenver

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It's great on paper, that's for sure. Now it's time to be great on the court too.
These guys have to go out and earn it every year. We may at some point start 4 frosh.

You could take away 5 guys, and we still have the talent to beat the bottom 4 teams in the ACC easily.

Frank/Matt
Grayson/Luke
Tatum/White/Robinson
Giles/Chase/DeLaurier
Amile/Bolden/Vrank
 

Laettner15

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Foul trouble should not be an issue at all this year! This team has the chance to play and exceed in so many different styles
 
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aah555

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While Bolden was not a must have, his size does allow us to match up, as needed, against bigger teams and minimize the impact of any short or long-term frontcourt injuries. Pre-Bolden, the one thing that did concern me about our roster was that, like last-year, we were one frontcourt injury away from being in serious trouble.

With regard to style of play, you'd hope we play fast and aggressively. It's been a very long time since Coach K has had this kind of talent across the board. Our top 9 consists of 9 McAA, 7 former 5* recruits, and 2 former 4* recruits who are now seniors. And, for good measure, we have a 10th guy who was a top 40 recruit. As others have said, the real challenge will be getting this team to play cohesively and unselfishly. We're not going to face a single team next year that has more talent.
 

gottagonow

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While Bolden was not a must have, his size does allow us to match up, as needed, against bigger teams and minimize the impact of any short or long-term frontcourt injuries. Pre-Bolden, the one thing that did concern me about our roster was that, like last-year, we were one frontcourt injury away from being in serious trouble.

With regard to style of play, you'd hope we play fast and aggressively. It's been a very long time since Coach K has had this kind of talent across the board. Our top 9 consists of 9 McAA, 7 former 5* recruits, and 2 former 4* recruits who are now seniors. And, for good measure, we have a 10th guy who was a top 40 recruit. As others have said, the real challenge will be getting this team to play cohesively and unselfishly. We're not going to face a single team next year that has more talent.

Don't forget we have to face Big Luke Maye at least twice next season:)
 
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What Would Jesus Do?

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National Championship.

It's a lock.

Sure, UK has a great class, too, but they don't have the same caliber of returning players.

The big question is whether K retires on this high note. Or does he wait until #6?
 

twdukefan

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I mean at this point the team lacks a true point guard. With that said, it'll be up to the players and coaching staff to work their way around that hole and produce the best product possible with this roster.
 

TheLaettnerStomp

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National Championship.

It's a lock.

Sure, UK has a great class, too, but they don't have the same caliber of returning players.

The big question is whether K retires on this high note. Or does he wait until #6?


It's never a lock. We thought it was a lock in 99 as well. We lost to Cincinnati early on in the Alaska Shootout and didn't really get tested until we played UConn, who was simply more battle-tested.

Now, the ACC is a lot more challenging these days. And for this Duke team, this is a good, good thing. Still, take nothing for granted... even with this amazingly-stacked roster. We still have to go out and earn it.
 
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National Championship.

It's a lock.

Sure, UK has a great class, too, but they don't have the same caliber of returning players.

The big question is whether K retires on this high note. Or does he wait until #6?
Championships are never a lock. On paper, 2017 duke looks a lot like 2015 uk (maybe a little worse) and 2017 uk looks a lot like 2015 duke (perhaps a little better).

Congrats on the class, though.
 

Get Nasty

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Agreed. I think our best style will be a fast paced game, but whenever Bolden is in that may have to change. We'll see.
Bolden runs the court and finishes better than any 5 we've had in a long time.... Now hes not doing it for 30 minutes a game, but it's there.
 
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dukehokie

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magtownhog

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Great Class. I am so glad Coach K got Bolden and not Kentucky. Next year should be fun to watch.
 

TheLaettnerStomp

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https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/was-bolden-just-scared.193329/

Ummmmmmmm yeahhhhhhh these guys are delusional! . I'm glad the second poster understand it...


Laughable. Now, he will not be a "player" in the NBA? Literally, this was the kid their fanbase was salivating over hours ago. And now, suddenly, he's garbage.

I get it. They're attempting to rationalize his decision and coping with it by lashing out at the kid for what they perceive as a slight.

The problem with this logic is that (seemingly) many UK fans have an expectation that they, like precious little princesses, deserve all things which they covet. When someone doesn't pick them, "BURN THEM!"

Behavior such as this isn't an acceptable response for an adult, or for that matter, a semi-rational child.

Learn to deal with disappointment in a mature manner. Deal with it. Sack up.
 

twdukefan

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Laughable. Now, he will not be a "player" in the NBA? Literally, this was the kid their fanbase was salivating over hours ago. And now, suddenly, he's garbage.

I get it. They're attempting to rationalize his decision and coping with it by lashing out at the kid for what they perceive as a slight.

The problem with this logic is that (seemingly) many UK fans have an expectation that they, like precious little princesses, deserve all things which they covet. When someone doesn't pick them, "BURN THEM!"

Behavior such as this isn't an acceptable response for an adult, or for that matter, a semi-rational child.

Learn to deal with disappointment in a mature manner. Deal with it. Sack up.
So does that mean if Marcus and Isaiah return, they'll be Demarcus Cousins and John Wall reincarnated? Jeez...