Louisville Game Recap

[dukiejay]

Well, the talk since back in December centered around the current stretch of games we're in now....feels good to get the win tonight heading into Saturday vs. Virginia.

Grayson screwed up tonight. I think he knows that now and it's water under the bridge. But he must be smart(er). He was a non-factor after that play. We can't afford that. Derryck showed signs of being really good again tonight, but he has to avoid those mental lapses. He had another two-minutes or so stretch tonight that left me scratching my head.

Brandon was outstanding. Where the heck has that assertiveness been late in earlier games? He took it upon himself tonight. That must continue. He played with a chip on his shoulder. Matt, while still struggling offensively, made life a living hell for Lee tonight. Good game from him on that side of the ball. And Marshall....what can you say? I know I never really anticipated this kind of play from him. He's been great.

 

[tilador]

hey dj,
how ya doing? the team looked good tonight from what i saw of the game.

 

[WI#1Dukie22]

Agreed all the way around. I think I've said it multiple times but I've just never lost faith in this group. Yes they are limited but damn they've got fight. The margin for error is small but it's opening up a bit I feel. You look at last night and Duke did everything it takes to win on the big stage, that's encouraging as there was a TON of game pressure after a nice lead slipped away: big time stops, rebounds, shots and free throws. And really a great job of handling the press all night. It's fun for me to think that Louisville got us rolling last year, and things seem to be lining up slowly again this year.

As for a few player breakdowns:
Marshall- He's having a special season, he's become consistent and is fight is off the charts. Little doubt a locker room leader and a voice on the floor. He made a few plays last night that I'll be you tubing in 5 years.

Gray- little slip up last night which non of us liked to see but he will learn from it. It got to him but he's the least of my concerns. Damn he goes hard.

Luke- might just be the x-factor, 2 games in a row he's nailed cold hearted deep balls to keep Duke above water. Effecting the game all over. Can just see him getting more and more comfortable. I trust that kid in any spot.

DT- ohhhhh Derryck lol, I really enjoy watching him, really appreciate the good he does. Which is a lot of things but I just never quite trust him yet. Some bad bad stretches lately but they don't out weigh the good by any means. His on the ball D is extremely effective and is making our D tougher and tougher!

Brandon- we as fans gotta be careful to not overlook such a special young man. Watching him last night really left me falling in love with the kids game, demeanor and fight. Beast mode boards then brings it up and calls his own number. Cool under fire at the line. Pretty scary to think he's getting better all around each game. Love how K uses him..... Everywhere lol. BI is becoming a favorite of mine.

It's only one win on paper but it's left me feeling good! Truly an enjoyable game to watch, what Duke and Cameron is all about!!!!

Keep the intensity up and real good things are gonna happen

GO DUKE

 

[df64]

Agree 100% with everything.

Just hit me that Ingram's play, role, etc. is a real nice recruiting plug. How can any3/4 not drool at the possibility of being allowed that freedom/opportunity. Marshal is also doing his part to refute the big man nonsense. Mason and Marshal really, really improving their Sr. yrs, and Big Jah doing what he did as a one and done, has to look pretty good for any big looking at Duke.

 

[Laettner]

Grayson's trip was bush league & with my kids watching had to explain that's how NOT to basketball.

Kennard is going to be one of my all time fav's.

 

[Get Nasty]

This game against a good team you saw the potential of every player and also the weakness or mental lapse of every player. Every player made some awesome plays and contributed, and each player made some horrendous plays and had mental lapses (mostly second half). Derryck is growing and that's crucial for this team to have a chance against the best teams, but like DJ said, he has a few minutes in a row where his brain shuts down and it goes to street ball, you can see it coming from a mile away, he just starts rushing and doesn't seem zoned in.

Huge win. Honestly i'll be really disappointing if we don't beat Virginia at home. We shoot the 3 and almost always get to the line so well at home it will nullify some of their tough D. Also the team will be well rested and mentally sharp.

At UNC then at Ville will be really tough. At Ville i expect them to press the living crap out of this team. It's hard to press on the other teams home court but at Louisville i'd be shocked if they don't try to wear us into the ground.

 

[Wojoman]

Grayson's trip was bush league & with my kids watching had to explain that's how NOT to basketball.

Kennard is going to be one of my all time fav's.

Mine too Laettner. He kinda reminds me of Scheyer (who is my all time favorite). REALLY excited about seeing what he can do the next few years

 

[jibip]

Good game, glad we got the win.

Grayson's game still has a fair amount of immaturity. Hated to see the trip, as I was watching the game with my 8 year old son, and had to tell him how wrong that was. But that aside, when Grayson drives just to drive, it shows weakness in his game. Similar to the Kentucky and Utah games. His second half was pretty poor on offense. Loved to see his fight on D while he struggled on the other end though.

DT - that kid is a roller coaster ride. And I suppose we should just expect it. crazy turnovers, those 2 missed FT's at the end of the game were gut wrenching. He also made that great shot as the shot clock wound down, but then on the other end of the court gave piss poor effort on D and his man hits a three. Still glad he's here though. I expect good things throughout his career. Really want to see him become much more of a facilitator next year, given the offensive talent around him.

Luke - I know he wants to hit 10 3's every game, but man i love it when he puts the ball down and drives. I want lots more of that. His early season struggles were tough to watch, but I'm really excited watching his maturation.

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

Loved that drive where Luke stopped on a dime and the defender flew over him. He's got a scorers mentality and is going to light it up for us the next few years. He could end up a Top 5-10 all time favorite guy for me.

I thought Chase had some good minutes too. He's so much smoother than Marshall on the offensive end and I think with a little confidence, he could take another step. Wish he got some 2nd half burn though.

 

[Anon1728003274]

I know its early to say this, but coinciding with these 3 straight wins are a nice little run for Chase...If memory serves its a bucket in all three, and tonite in limited minutes pulled 3 caroms.Pulling hard for this kid, he really looks engaged in the action from the bench!!

 

[Laettner]

I know its early to say this, but coinciding with these 3 straight wins are a nice little run for Chase...If memory serves its a bucket in all three, and tonite in limited minutes pulled 3 caroms.Pulling hard for this kid, he really looks engaged in the action from the bench!!

Chase is key b/c Marshall will get in foul trouble & we'll need serviceable minutes.

 

[Anon1728003274]

Chase is key b/c Marshall will get in foul trouble & we'll need serviceable minutes.

Amen Laettner!!

 

[Kingbluedevil]

The biggest change the last week or so is Ingram bringing the ball up more. He is a tough man to guard all over the court and it takes pressure and decision making away from DT. Every Duke game that Jason Williams is involved in he gives a younger age for DT. He will be 16 by the end of the year.

 

[twdukefan]

Agree 100% with everything.

Just hit me that Ingram's play, role, etc. is a real nice recruiting plug. How can any3/4 not drool at the possibility of being allowed that freedom/opportunity. Marshal is also doing his part to refute the big man nonsense. Mason and Marshal really, really improving their Sr. yrs, and Big Jah doing what he did as a one and done, has to look pretty good for any big looking at Duke.

And they got Giles on the way. Jeter will get better no doubt. Wendell and Mohamed Bamba may well be in line to be the next great Duke bigs