Odd man out of starting five....

[jcdevilfan]

Good post hart. Sorry it has turned into such an attack and humor fest (lmao)! . But back to your subject, it is hard to really come up with a starting line-up until roster is settled, but for my part, Bolden will have to come out smokin' at the beginning and not let up, or he would be pickin' splinters for the rest of the year. I am beyond disappointed in him from last year, and especially not seeing Javin and Vrank get any more time.
I really hope Bolden comes out on a mission and just destroys everything in the paint, because there won't be any question about Carter being on the floor, he will start.
Hard to imagine and really looking forward to Duval on the point, with Grayson and Trent or Jackson (if he returns) on the wings (WOW). Knox would just be icing on the cake. We should have the depth that "K" said he wanted, and good luck trying to game plan for this group! Pick your poison on which player you think you need to stop, and Good Luck!
Go Duke!
OFC

 

[hart2chesson]

Good post hart. Sorry it has turned into such an attack and humor fest (lmao)! . But back to your subject, it is hard to really come up with a starting line-up until roster is settled, but for my part, Bolden will have to come out smokin' at the beginning and not let up, or he would be pickin' splinters for the rest of the year. I am beyond disappointed in him from last year, and especially not seeing Javin and Vrank get any more time.
I really hope Bolden comes out on a mission and just destroys everything in the paint, because there won't be any question about Carter being on the floor, he will start.
Hard to imagine and really looking forward to Duval on the point, with Grayson and Trent or Jackson (if he returns) on the wings (WOW). Knox would just be icing on the cake. We should have the depth that "K" said he wanted, and good luck trying to game plan for this group! Pick your poison on which player you think you need to stop, and Good Luck!
Go Duke!
OFC

Excellent post JC, liked the logic behind your thoughts....No problem w/humor, sarcasm- comes w/territory....Guys like you Denver, Mac, etc on this thread make it really interesting and thought provoking....

OFC

 

[Dattier]

***MICROAGGRESSION ALERT*** Your comment is insensitive to those who have passed and everyone who's grieving from the loss of a loved one.

The very term "microaggression" is a microaggression.

 

[DukeDenver]

The very term "microaggression" is a microaggression.

Aren't microaggressions inevitable? Should the strategy be to just roll our eyes at microaggressions and not try and stop them? These are certainly questions for a lineup thread.

 

[Dattier]

Aren't microaggressions inevitable? Should the strategy be to just roll our eyes at microaggressions and not try and stop them? These are certainly questions for a lineup thread.

Calling them microaggressions is what makes a lot of people roll their eyes. We'd probably get much further saying, "Hey, I know you didn't know this, but Dave's mom was murdered by a panda bear, so when you say 'pandemonium'..."

 

[Mac9192]

Calling them microaggressions is what makes a lot of people roll their eyes. We'd probably get much further saying, "Hey, I know you didn't know this, but Dave's mom was murdered by a panda bear, so when you say 'pandemonium'..."

Dave's mom should have been more careful

 

[hart2chesson]

My five pending Duval/Knox committing, and Frank leaving:

Duval
Allen
Knox
Carter
Bolden
w/K playing Trent 6th man at 2 and 3. I think Javin is a 4, but has potential to slide to 5 or even 3 if he improves shot.
Vrank at 5 for backup, and Jack White for back up at several spots..,,

OFC

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

I will be shocked if white is in the rotation...just don't understand why some think he will all the sudden be in the rotation

 

[hart2chesson]

I will be shocked if white is in the rotation...just don't understand why some think he will all the sudden be in the rotation

I just sense that kid works his butt off in off season and steps up his game. He might be someone we see in first half of many games, and perhaps doesnt play 2nd half...I'm sure you've noticed K do this w/some kids in the past... OFC

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

I just sense that kid works his butt off in off season and steps up his game. He might be someone we see in first half of many games, and perhaps doesnt play 2nd half...I'm sure you've noticed K do this w/some kids in the past... OFC

Yea but if that's what he does I don't consider that being in the rotation

 

[christophero]

With Frank
-Duval
-Frank
-Knox
-Carter
-Bolden
(Grayson best 6th man in the country)

No Frank
-Duval
-Grayson
-Knox
-Carter
-Bolden
(Trent best 6th man in the country)

Agreed.

 

[hart2chesson]

Yea but if that's what he does I don't consider that being in the rotation

It depends on what else happens...Suppose someone isnt playing up to potential, or if he just goes "Luke" this summer and his play has to be rewarded. Also K talked more about "developing a bench" after SC loss- no one knows for sure....We agree to disagree VaD...

OFC

 

[VaBlueDevil33]

It depends on what else happens...Suppose someone isnt playing up to potential, or if he just goes "Luke" this summer and his play has to be rewarded. Also K talked more about "developing a bench" after SC loss- no one knows for sure....We agree to disagree VaD...

OFC

Nothing to disagree about...we won't know until we are how much and when he plays to see if he gets rotation minutes or garbage minutes

 

[hart2chesson]

Nothing to disagree about...we won't know until we are how much and when he plays to see if he gets rotation minutes or garbage minutes

No worries.,.I only meant our opposite... speculative differrences.,,,OFC

 

[Dattier]

Yea but if that's what he does I don't consider that being in the rotation

If he's consistently getting a first half shift, he's an end-of-the-rotation guy. If he plays a fair amount one game, none the next, then no.

I agree that there is not much evidence to indicate he will suddenly see regular minutes. Bolden is the only returning player I'm 99% sure will see a huge increase in minutes. If Javin or Jack does get that regular first half shift, that'll be encouraging as far as their growth goes.

 

[Showenuff]

 

[sheyduke]

With the possibility of Knox coming and adding Duval.
I think that leaves
Duval
Allen
Knox/ Trent Jr
Carter
Bolden
That's Javin, White, Big V, O'Connell and Goldwire on the bench. If we add Knox then move Trent Jr to the bench with Trent Jr and Javin being first off the bench followed by Big V and White that's nine players with two seeing spot up minutes throughout the season being Big V and White. That takes you down to K's traditional seven players. If he meant what he said after the South Carolina loss you see nine but highly doubt it.

 

[Duke1783]

Next year's roster looks tough on paper but man I'd love to see more sophomores and juniors. That experience goes along way especially in March

 

[Dattier]

With the possibility of Knox coming and adding Duval.
I think that leaves
Duval
Allen
Knox/ Trent Jr
Carter
Bolden
That's Javin, White, Big V, O'Connell and Goldwire on the bench. If we add Knox then move Trent Jr to the bench with Trent Jr and Javin being first off the bench followed by Big V and White that's nine players with two seeing spot up minutes throughout the season being Big V and White. That takes you down to K's traditional seven players. If he meant what he said after the South Carolina loss you see nine but highly doubt it.

Somewhat ironically, we might have a longer bench if we miss out on one of our remaining targets. We know not only that K will have high standards for including an 8th guy, he's willing to roll w/ just 6, too. Starting 5 plus Knox/Trent? If there's a big drop-off after that, it'll be 6. Without Knox (or Duval), there's little difference between the next 2, so maybe they both play.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I believe that the ceiling of our team hinges on landing both Duval and Knox. If for some reason we don't get either (highly unlikely) than it may be a miracle if we get out of the 1st NCAA weekend.

I don't think it needs to be stated again the importance of having a true PG on the roster who can start from day one.

Knox is a very important recruit too though, due to his versatility. He seems like he can play anywhere from 2-4 (ala Tatum, Winslow, Hood) which will give us so many options as to what style to play. Can go big or small with Knox.

Without Knox though, we don't really have a single guy who can play multiple positions. I guess Carter can play 4 or 5, but I wouldn't call that versatile. And Grayson can technically play some PG, but I'd rather not go through that experiment again.

 

[hart2chesson]

I believe that the ceiling of our team hinges on landing both Duval and Knox. If for some reason we don't get either (highly unlikely) than it may be a miracle if we get out of the 1st NCAA weekend.

I don't think it needs to be stated again the importance of having a true PG on the roster who can start from day one.

Knox is a very important recruit too though, due to his versatility. He seems like he can play anywhere from 2-4 (ala Tatum, Winslow, Hood) which will give us so many options as to what style to play. Can go big or small with Knox.

Without Knox though, we don't really have a single guy who can play multiple positions. I guess Carter can play 4 or 5, but I wouldn't call that versatile. And Grayson can technically play some PG, but I'd rather not go through that experiment again.

 

[hart2chesson]

I believe that the ceiling of our team hinges on landing both Duval and Knox. If for some reason we don't get either (highly unlikely) than it may be a miracle if we get out of the 1st NCAA weekend.

I don't think it needs to be stated again the importance of having a true PG on the roster who can start from day one.

Knox is a very important recruit too though, due to his versatility. He seems like he can play anywhere from 2-4 (ala Tatum, Winslow, Hood) which will give us so many options as to what style to play. Can go big or small with Knox.

Without Knox though, we don't really have a single guy who can play multiple positions. I guess Carter can play 4 or 5, but I wouldn't call that versatile. And Grayson can technically play some PG, but I'd rather not go through that experiment again.

Perhaps Trent can play 2 and some 3 as well in certain situations, where K chooses to go really small.....OFC

 

[DukeDenver]

Perhaps Trent can play 2 and some 3 as well in certain situations, where K chooses to go really small.....OFC

Just nitpicking here; I don't view a lineup of Frank, Grayson, Trent, Carter and Bolden as "small" at all. Even replace Bolden with Javin or Knox, and that's still solid length with enough firepower to justify having no center on the floor. Rebounding is less about height and more about boxing out, wingspan and mobility.

Side note: Bolden will only be as useful as his running the floor will allow. See contributions from Kennedy Meeks and big Luke Maye for evidence that plodding bigs are only as good as their positioning and transition game. Bolden needs to improve his cardio and rebounding instincts. If he does that, the dunks and blocks will follow.

 

[sheyduke]

If Bolden improved his conditioning and works on boxing out more he will be hard to keep off the floor.

 

[Dattier]

We might be wise to recall that pre-injury Bolden was expected to challenge for a starting position. K said that after practice had started, so we might be going too far in criticizing his conditioning and heart.

 

[df64]

Really never understood the intense criticism of guys who were hurt who did not contribute what was magically expected of them and of K for not playing guys who were hurt. Then again, many criticized the hell out of Grayson who played his heart out while hurt.

 

[timo0402]

Really never understood the intense criticism of guys who were hurt who did not contribute what was magically expected of them and of K for not playing guys who were hurt. Then again, many criticized the hell out of Grayson who played his heart out while hurt.

Emotions get the best of fans more often than not. Things you wouldn't do, say or expect from yourself or your kids you somehow expect of others. Many times without knowing the whole story.

I think folks that are butt hurt about Knox having not made a decision are doing exactly that. Do I like it? Not particularly but truthfully what difference does it make? None. If he announces today tomorrow, a month from now or he announced two months prior nothing changes other than when you know. So if he popped today for Duke, cool we know one day sooner than if he popped tomorrow.

 

[hart2chesson]

I think folks that are butt hurt about Knox having not made a decision are doing exactly that. Do I like it? Not particularly but truthfully what difference does it make? None. If he announces today tomorrow, a month from now or he announced two months prior nothing changes other than when you know. So if he popped today for Duke, cool we know one day sooner than if he popped tomorrow.

I know I wasnt "butthurt" about the delay, only the bigger than life, bigger than the program, bigger than the institution process its become in some cases. The announcement to give the "announcement date" was laughable IMO....So be it, just my two cents....With Kevin, I hope we do hit "Fort Knox!" lol OFC

 

[HuffyJB]

Pending any unforeseen issues, like injury (we are due for a year free of those), there are a few names I think you can write in the lineup in pen: Duval (should Duke get him), Allen, Carter, and probably Bolden.

Things get interesting if all the balls in the air fall in Duke's favor in regards to Duval, Knox, and Jackson. If lightning strikes and Duke gets them all, I tend to think we are looking at a group of:
Duval
Jackson
Allen
Carter
Bolden

Knox would be the first guy off the bench as a swiss army knife of a sub, who can come in for literally anyone. He will get starter's minutes. Trent will be right there as well.

 

[christophero]

Pending any unforeseen issues, like injury (we are due for a year free of those), there are a few names I think you can write in the lineup in pen: Duval (should Duke get him), Allen, Carter, and probably Bolden.

Things get interesting if all the balls in the air fall in Duke's favor in regards to Duval, Knox, and Jackson. If lightning strikes and Duke gets them all, I tend to think we are looking at a group of:
Duval
Jackson
Allen
Carter
Bolden

Knox would be the first guy off the bench as a swiss army knife of a sub, who can come in for literally anyone. He will get starter's minutes. Trent will be right there as well.

I agree. If we get those two (Duval and Knox) and Jackson stays in the draft, which is my guess(not my hope), then it's Delaurier and Vrank after those 6. And Jack should earn some minutes IMO. I think K does expand his bench this year. But who really knows....

 

[sheyduke]

If Bolden improved his conditioning and works on boxing out more he will be hard to keep off the floor.

I'm not bashing him well aware of him starting prior to injury. Just saying his conditioning was not where it needed to be post injury or his boxing out. He improves over the summer there is no reason he sees his time expanded on the bench. Like stated earlier. Don't see the kid coming back to Duke if he thought he'd be seeing a repeat of this past season.

 

[timo0402]

I'm not bashing him well aware of him starting prior to injury. Just saying his conditioning was not where it needed to be post injury or his boxing out. He improves over the summer there is no reason he sees his time expanded on the bench. Like stated earlier. Don't see the kid coming back to Duke if he thought he'd be seeing a repeat of this past season.

I agree. Hopefully this lit a fire under his *** and I hope he is angry and takes that approach throughout the summer workout program. He was slated to start before he got hurt so the talent is there. Hopefully this sparks him to a big big year.

 

[Mac9192]

I'm not bashing him well aware of him starting prior to injury. Just saying his conditioning was not where it needed to be post injury or his boxing out. He improves over the summer there is no reason he sees his time expanded on the bench. Like stated earlier. Don't see the kid coming back to Duke if he thought he'd be seeing a repeat of this past season.

Agree Shey about Bolden, but Duke has quite a few guys that don't expect to sit. There in lies the concern from a lot of fans. If any one of the players aren't happy with playing time, it could ruin the team. See 15 and Sulaimon. The team was made better by subtraction. Not saying this team will have someone like him or Bolden, but we have seen it before.

 

[timo0402]

Agree Shey about Bolden, but Duke has quite a few guys that don't expect to sit. There in lies the concern from a lot of fans. If any one of the players aren't happy with playing time, it could ruin the team. See 15 and Sulaimon. The team was made better by subtraction. Not saying this team will have someone like him or Bolden, but we have seen it before.

You said it yourself- "not that this team will have someone like that"- seems like you're making yourself unnecessarily concerned about a situation that could or couldn't happen. Even if frank comes back and we get Knox we are only looking at 7-8 guys. If we are worried about playing time for that amount then I'm not sure what we can do about it.

 

[hart2chesson]

Agree Shey about Bolden, but Duke has quite a few guys that don't expect to sit. There in lies the concern from a lot of fans. If any one of the players aren't happy with playing time, it could ruin the team. See 15 and Sulaimon. The team was made better by subtraction. Not saying this team will have someone like him or Bolden, but we have seen it before.

Valid point in sense if Frank comes back we're looking at 7 potential starters who are all looking at minimum 30-35 mins perhaps. (This is also provided Knox/Duval commit).

While its the BEST POSSIBLE COLLECTION OF TALENT SCENARIO, the PT ASPECT of keeping all of them AND THEIR PARENTS HAPPY could be an issue K is forced to deal with.

OFC

 

[Mac9192]

You said it yourself- "not that this team will have someone like that"- seems like you're making yourself unnecessarily concerned about a situation that could or couldn't happen. Even if frank comes back and we get Knox we are only looking at 7-8 guys. If we are worried about playing time for that amount then I'm not sure what we can do about it.

Unless I'm mistaken sir, that's what we do on a message board. If not why go worry about what is said on THR thread and post their idiotic comments, or have the threads on our site here? Simply put, it's good conversation, which most all here do.

 

[timo0402]

Unless I'm mistaken sir, that's what we do on a message board. If not why go worry about what is said on THR thread and post their idiotic comments, or have the threads on our site here? Simply put, it's good conversation, which most all here do.

It was simply an observation man, jeeze.

 

[DukeDenver]

I'm about ready for a Javin DeLaurier summer workout video with some slow motion dunks where he hits his head on the backboard. That ought to get us speculating wildly!

 

[hart2chesson]

It was simply an observation man, jeeze.

Hey T, I honestly only believe Mac was merely making an "observation" as you noted...Happy Friday sir! OFC

 

[skysdad]

I can't wait to see how this board reacts to pt especially if we are fortunate to land both Knox and Duval. I'm just trying to imagine what player or players are being screwed by Coach K and the transfer rumors. Gonna be interesting. OFC