Kansas showdown

[WI#1Dukie22]

I see Conversations on multiple threads regards to the showdown..... Figured we shall get a thread.

I'm not one willing to accept losing this one, it's a gift of the sport the blue bloods play each other, gotta take advantage and win!! Duke isn't Duke because we're "ok" with losing heavyweight bouts!!!! No excuses, as I'm sure K will preach. We have more then enough talent.

Let's get this.....

 

[timo0402]

Thanks for starting the thread. I understand the sentiment, but one of the things about being a blue blood and having the tradition we've had, especially under K, there are bigger fish to fry this season. I certainly don't want to lose the game, but I try and keep it in perspective. I don't anticipate us winning this game with 3 of our top 4 guys being out, and with the fact that KU is coming off a tough loss. They will be hungry.

One thing that might help is that they're coming back from Hawaii to NYC in rather short order. That ain't easy.

 

[HuffyJB]

It blows my mind that Duke could be short three lottery picks and still have enough to win this game, but they definitely do. It will be extremely tough and they need big games from their top guys as I see a two man bench for this one.

 

[NYBlueDevil]

In order for Duke to win this game, Frank, Luke and Grayson will all have to be clicking. Jeter will have to play smart and bang with their bigs and someone is going to need to lock down Mason. I'm hoping Amile can prove to be the X factor in this one.

 

[pisgah101]

Hopefully we see very little Matt jones

 

[Quavarius]

Kansas isn't as deep and we could've overwhelmed them with our depth. Without 3 players, it will be even. We'll see how far K goes into his bench. Jackson is a lockdown defender and Mason is a bulldog. It will be a close one. Not confident Duke will win. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Get Nasty]

Hopefully we see very little Matt jones

I hope in a month this is the case because we have the 3 frosh back. He's playing 30 minutes in this game and needs to hit some 3s, play good d, and rebound.

 

[sheyduke]

I think we have enough if the players come to play. Grayson and Luke will have a target from jump ball to be stopped and Jackson as well.
I see Javin and Big V getting some minutes because Amile is gonna do his thing but I look for KU to try and get him and one of either Grayson or Luke as well. Take away Dukes Offense and Like stated above make the rest of the team beat them.

 

[pisgah101]

I hope in a month this is the case because we have the 3 frosh back. He's playing 30 minutes in this game and needs to hit some 3s, play good d, and rebound.

If he'd do that!! The drop off at guard after Grayson, Luke, Frank is scary! Lol

 

[Whutadrag2]

Mason is the key no matter who we suit up. If we slow him down(calling mr Jackson)and rebound with passion, it's a W.

 

[TRU CANE]

Hopefully we see very little Matt jones

I did not have your courage. I love his passion, enthusiasm and leadership but I would like to see him play the "settle the team down" role. Jackson and Allen are the clear game changers needed to get the lion share of minutes IMO.

 

[timo0402]

I'd like to see Matt cause problems for Mason. He's our best on ball defender. He won't spend the whole time on him I'm sure but he can body him up and wear him down potentially.

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

Matt is tough to gauge, he's a really good defender at times and avg at times. If I had to guess I'd favor Frank all around, but ya wouldn't want to make a habit of betting against a K sr captain on the big stage. I think we're all guaging Matt more on last year vs Now...... This is Matts time. It will tell us all a lot IMO

 

[Get Nasty]

Matt is tough to gauge, he's a really good defender at times and avg at times. If I had to guess I'd favor Frank all around, but ya wouldn't want to make a habit of betting against a K sr captain on the big stage. I think we're all guaging Matt more on last year vs Now...... This is Matts time. It will tell us all a lot IMO

He's had a poor start to the season shooting at the first friendly shooting gym of Cameron vs weak competition. Grayson has as well but not as bad. Defenses focus more on Grayson and he at least finds other ways to score. Matt doesn't get to ft line much so he needs to hit shots.

 

[HuffyJB]

Gotta keep KU guards out of the lane. Grand Canyon's PG #10, who evidently is their 2nd string, had some success at times off the dribble. KU's backcourt is light years better.

 

[dbav]

I like us in this one. Matt goes for 20 and plays defense that makes Mason cry. Allen, Kennard, and Jackson do what they do and Chase surprises everyone with a better-than-solid showing on the defensive end. Amile is the rock and leader we need and helps Jeter dominate the defensive glass.

Keep fighting fellas.

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

"Poor" is strong for me. He hasn't been what I hoped in a small sample but he has showed some good stuff as well. I'm not so sure we should be demanding big offense from him opposed to just "solid" all around play. I can handle a bunch of good misses, but sloppy turnovers and getting blown by up top on D drive me NUTS!!!

Matt just needs to dig deep and lead with experience and emotion!

 

[hart2chesson]

Matt goes Gonzaga and we win by 6-8 pts...

OFC

 

[Showenuff]

Just do me one favor, if we lose this one, please, spare me the "seasons over" comments and all the other jazz that normally follows our first loss of the season. It's early, we're definitley not playing our anticipated lineup and we have 3 lottery picks watching from the bench.

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

As a board and fan base we need to quit with the "3 lottery picks" on the bench stuff as well. I've already heard that line many times and it appears the wait is far from over.

Although it MAY be true its not an excuse.

Win with who we got!!!!

 

[dukehokie]

And then Matt goes 5-8 from three with 5 assists and holds Mason under 20. What happens then? Do we still want him only getting garbage minutes?

Don't get me wrong, I know what the guys who want to see less out of Matt are saying, I think maybe the more positive outlook is that Matt can become more efficient with the shots he does get while the freshmen, Grayson and Luke dominate the majority of the baskets and floor time because they've shown that they can. I do get it.

 

[timo0402]

Just do me one favor, if we lose this one, please, spare me the "seasons over" comments and all the other jazz that normally follows our first loss of the season. It's early, we're definitley not playing our anticipated lineup and we have 3 lottery picks watching from the bench.

I don't think we have the posters here that will say seasons over but the inevetiable "X should have gotten more minutes," or "i don't understand why Y didn't play more".

 

[dukehokie]

Exactly. As much as we say it doesn't matter in November it's still going to sting and one or two of these kids is going to be a scapegoat.

I guess the biggest thing to understand is that right now, honestly, KU is more talented than what we can put on the floor. That's the bottom line with this game on Tuesday. It's going to take a concerted team effort and some guys who don't usually produce highly to produce highly. That's how you beat a better team.

 

[pisgah101]

I want him in garbage time. We have more talent than him.. He had had three full seasons to improve and he looks the same or worse to me.

 

[dukehokie]

I want him in garbage time. We have more talent than him.. He had had three full seasons to improve and he looks the same or worse to me.

We do have more talent than him, but not much more maturity and that is what has made K successful with his version of the one and done. Mix the talent with the experience. I'm not claiming Matt is our best player. I am saying he is and will be very important ON THE COURT for this team to reach its full potential. If he's only getting garbage time, there is a problem and it doesn't necessarily only lie with Matt.

 

[hart2chesson]

I want him in garbage time. We have more talent than him.. He had had three full seasons to improve and he looks the same or worse to me.

Pisgah I know what you are saying....I keep thinking he will really blossom when we have our full complement of guys down the road.Matt I think is at his best when not counted on to do so much, and can play his overall steady game we know hes capable of having...l would like to see him giving us maybe 20 mins or so per game in that role.

OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Just do me one favor, if we lose this one, please, spare me the "seasons over" comments and all the other jazz that normally follows our first loss of the season. It's early, we're definitley not playing our anticipated lineup and we have 3 lottery picks watching from the bench.

Not a problem, but you really think some of those talking heads on ESPN can do the same??? Lol

OFC

 

[sheyduke]

I want him in garbage time. We have more talent than him.. He had had three full seasons to improve and he looks the same or worse to me.

Who? KU will already be focused on stopping Grayson and Luke. We are forgetting Frank is still a freshman headed into the Mecca of basketball to play good talent. So my question is, if. It Matt who goes into play in the back court? White?Robinson? Both are small forwards, what happens if early foul trouble? I just don't see Matt being gauged as bad and the rest good, except for Grayson given Dukes first two games were against Marist and Grand Canyon. Not exactly power houses to gauge a players performance against.

 

[pisgah101]

Who? KU will already be focused on stopping Grayson and Luke. We are forgetting Frank is still a freshman headed into the Mecca of basketball to play good talent. So my question is, if. It Matt who goes into play in the back court? White?Robinson? Both are small forwards, what happens if early foul trouble? I just don't see Matt being gauged as bad and the rest good, except for Grayson given Dukes first two games were against Marist and Grand Canyon. Not exactly power houses to gauge a players performance against.

He shoulda dominated against these teams then going by your reasoning. We have 3 years to gauge Matt and two games so far he has t changed my mind. As for Kansas I expected us to win but I also expected Bolden and Tathm to play.

 

[timo0402]

He shoulda dominated against these teams then going by your reasoning. We have 3 years to gauge Matt and two games so far he has t changed my mind. As for Kansas I expected us to win but I also expected Bolden and Tathm to play.

Matt isn't shooting a great percentage thus far in two games. He played pretty good defense both games, and his per game stats are 11ppg, 4.5boards, 3 steals, 3 assists and 1.5TOs. What exactly are you expecting from him?

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

It appears Duke could have an uphill battle against Kansas without our 3 freshmen studs. Still, it's been a long time since I've felt that Duke would lose a game, and I don't think this one will be a loss either.

The guys we've got available are pretty dang good. We're at Madison Square Garden (usually a positive environment for us), and K almost always has his teams playing well early in the season. And KU may have Mason, but we've got Grayson.
I'll take Duke.

OFC

 

[Dukesince90]

Most of the posters that are down on Matt must just watch the ball.
Matt has played good in all aspects of the game except shooting the ball. It's only been 2 games, he'll find his stroke.

 

[KellenPatrick]

It blows my mind that Duke could be short three lottery picks and still have enough to win this game, but they definitely do. It will be extremely tough and they need big games from their top guys as I see a two man bench for this one.

Two lottery picks, just ask the morons at RR and THR. Anytime Bolden is mentioned as a lottery pick they laugh it off as utterly ridiculous. More 'o the sour grapes....

 

[topps coach]

Exactly. As much as we say it doesn't matter in November it's still going to sting and one or two of these kids is going to be a scapegoat.

I guess the biggest thing to understand is that right now, honestly, KU is more talented than what we can put on the floor. That's the bottom line with this game on Tuesday. It's going to take a concerted team effort and some guys who don't usually produce highly to produce highly. That's how you beat a better team.

Need to remember that this is still November if we lose a game now it is no big deal.If our guys are still hurt in February I will join you out on the ledge

 

[chov1125]

Tyus Jones was the exception not the rule. Come March I will take the kid who could be playing his last few games of meaningful ball any day and twice on Sunday. I love the talent we have but there is something about that sense of urgency that comes with a 4 year player that seems to surface in big spots. More Matt jones please

 

[Get Nasty]

Most of the posters that are down on Matt must just watch the ball.
Matt has played good in all aspects of the game except shooting the ball. It's only been 2 games, he'll find his stroke.

His rebounding has been better this year than last for sure, he definitely looks in better shape (he has a dunk in a game and another in exhibition, only of career).

But I think we are handcuffed when he's running the point, we slowly walk the ball down the court, and he gets us into a high half court offense. No play making abilities.

 

[sheyduke]

He shoulda dominated against these teams then going by your reasoning. We have 3 years to gauge Matt and two games so far he has t changed my mind. As for Kansas I expected us to win but I also expected Bolden and Tathm to play.

Matt got his first start in three years last year. He saw good minutes last year and he played injured most of last year. He came in as a shooter and has worked on the defensive end. If he is scoring 11 ppg, then he has improved from where he started his college career at Duke. Some want him to break out and dominate with 20ppg and ten rebounds and ten steals. It's the little things he does well and helps the team. Hos scoring is a plus. By your logic, your basically saying place the only other senior who has a championship ring on the bench in hopes that someone else can bring his knowledge and leadership to the court. If that was the case, K would have already did that.

 

[Mpm277]

I see this being a tough game but us ultimately losing. I think this game will certainly tell us more about Frank Jackson. It sucks for Kansas, too, because if they lose its even more embarrassing for them and if they win, pundits will spend the rest of the season delegitimizing their win once we're healthy and a different team.

 

[dukehokie]

His rebounding has been better this year than last for sure, he definitely looks in better shape (he has a dunk in a game and another in exhibition, only of career).

But I think we are handcuffed when he's running the point, we slowly walk the ball down the court, and he gets us into a high half court offense. No play making abilities.

No consistent play making I'll agree with, but he's generated quite a few fast breaks and threw a nice lob to Javin, our only one thus far in the regular season I believe. Which means he's able and willing to do so.

Matt has done just fine in a role he may or may not keep. I'm not sure how much more we want from him in these two games. Sure more efficiency on his jumpsuit would be nice, but 3 assists to 1 turnover I'll take and the leadership he's brought is invaluable.

We have this obsession in thinking one guy has to dribble up and pass the ball around and that's just not how the game is played anymore. Luke is typically the third person to touch the ball in a non-quick hitter possession and he leads the team with 4 assists per. On the season we have 33 assists for 62 made field goals. I don't care about level of competition, that is assisting on over 50% of our made buckets. That is the epitome of efficiency. All of that without some world beating Bobby Hurley/Jason Williams hybrid.

So yes, we do have more talent than Matt that is sitting on the bench in polo shirts. And there are three guards currently playing that have more physical gifts than Matt. And yes Matt hasn't transformed himself into some NBA All-Star. But what he has done is steadily become a leadership presence who offers the guys who will draw the opponents best defenders a solid secondary option and an exceptional teammate. On top of that, he is pretty talented at basketball himself.

So we know who he is at this point, great. As tumultuous as this season has been with injuries and "who is going to do what when whoever is on the floor", it's beneficial to have at least one steady presence is it not? That's how NBA squads are set up and if it's not obvious that K is setting his one and done teams up the same way, then I don't know what is at this point.

 

[dukehokie]

I see this being a tough game but us ultimately losing. I think this game will certainly tell us more about Frank Jackson. It sucks for Kansas, too, because if they lose its even more embarrassing for them and if they win, pundits will spend the rest of the season delegitimizing their win once we're healthy and a different team.

I don't know that they'll totally delegitimize the win if it happens. I think as with most media outlets, when they need to say the win was worthless they will. But when they need to have a puff piece on how good Kansas is, a Duke win sounds good no matter what.

I say let's not even give them the chance.