Matt Jones...

[dbav]

I thought Matt took a pretty big leap forward last year from his freshman year. You can see it in the highlight clips from last season. He had much more confidence, especially in his shot, and really came up big for us a number of times.

I'm hoping to see an even bigger leap forward this year. He will be looked at for leadership and I have no doubt the kid can handle it. I can't wait to see how much he improves and how big he can be for this team in the coming season.

 

[timo0402]

His leadership is going to be big. His work ethic and demeanor will carry a lot of weight with the younger guys this off-season for sure. I'm looking for him to be a vocal leader this summer and really connect with the new guys coming in. One thing about playing (starting) a huge role on a national championship team, you instantly get respect and credibility, b/c you've proved you can do it. If the younger guys come in like our freshmen did last year and use the upper classmen for their knowledge and experiences, we'll be in great shape. It also takes a keen leader to be able to get through to them and I think Matt has those tools instinctively.

On the court, I expect Matt to have a big year. He's our best overall perimeter defender and sets the tone. He'll be even more vocal on the court and i expect his overall shot to continue to improve. I see him working on his midrange and driving game. He'll have a really good year.

 

[DukeDenver]

I feel he's had a tough time adjusting to his man self. He went from kid to man in the last 2 years, having to adapt to being a heavier guard. Just look at the difference in his body from 18 to 20:

6'4 180 (Rivals)

6'5 210 (Duke)

 

[Jake1985]

Matt should have a tremendous impact on and off the court. Great kid with a great attitude and work ethic.
Dukes guards will all be solid physically next year. From the two most recent articles I've read on Grayson and Luke is they are both at 200lbs now. Grayson at 6-4 and all that athleticism and Luke at 6-5.5 and the ability to do it all. Add in DT who is the slightest at 180 but he is super quick and has the ability to be a stud defender.

 

[timo0402]

Matt should have a tremendous impact on and off the court. Great kid with a great attitude and work ethic.
Dukes guards will all be solid physically next year. From the two most recent articles I've read on Grayson and Luke is they are both at 200lbs now. Grayson at 6-4 and all that athleticism and Luke at 6-5.5 and the ability to do it all. Add in DT who is the slightest at 180 but he is super quick and has the ability to be a stud defender.

I think the first word that jumps to my head about next year's roster is Versatility. We'll have so many different lineup options to throw out there that can match up with any team out there and what they do.

 

[DukeDenver]

I think the first word that jumps to my head about next year's roster is Versatility. We'll have so many different lineup options to throw out there that can match up with any team out there and what they do.

...and the coach that does this the best.

 

[NYCNole_rivals208338]

Jones will be the typical sophomore role player who becomes a star as a junior. K just churns these players out regularly, simply amazing.

 

[dukiejay]

I think Matt makes a pretty big jump next season too. Whether it's as a scorer or not I don't know, but he made huge strides from his freshman to sophomore year....I'd be surprised if he didn't score around 10ppg and wasn't this team's best defender.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

i think maybe this season we will have a glut of guys round the 10-15ppg