Potential/Expected Duke Weaknesses this Year

[Get Nasty]

I think we all agree this team SHOULD be awesome this year, but no team is perfect, so I'm curious as to what we think our weaknesses will and could be.

1. We don't have a true PG, and the best player to fill the role IMHO is a true Frosh. Now I think Frank will do awesome this year, but I have concerns when he is out who runs the show (I think Luke is 2nd best option) and who guards the oppositions PG. Other than Frank, I don't think we have anyone on our team that can guard a good PG.

2. Interior Post play (i think this will be a strength at times and a weakness at others).
Amile will get play at the 5 and he is savy and will do solid, but he is undersized and can get taken advantage of on the defensive end. Our other 2 options at the 5 are an inconsistent soph and a true frosh. Now I think Chase will be improved and I think Bolden has huge potential, so there is opportunity for this position to be a strength, but i'm not confident yet.

3. When Giles is back you really have up to 10 players that IMHO can play big time bball. I expect Javin to not get a ton of minutes, and I think Jones minutes be 20 or under. The weakness is K hasn't done well with expanding his bench. It could be really difficult to manage this amount of quality unless we're blowing teams out. I hope duke attacks offensively, defensively, and on transition constantly to wear teams down and use their depth, but we shall see.

As you can see, I don't think we have huge holes, but if I was the opposing coach, i would be attacking at the PG spot when frank is out, and I would go after the interior post of duke until it's proven.

 

[dukiejay]

I'm more worried about the PG position from an offensive standpoint than I am defensive. Frank is an accomplished defender and I think both Grayson and Luke are vastly underrated defenders. The makeup of last year's team just wasn't conducive of good team defense. No one looked good.

And my worries from an offensive point at the position is that all of Grayson, Luke and Frank are score-first kind of guys. They're not traditional distributors. Luckily, I think we're talented enough that it won't be a glaring weakness, but at times a weakness, nonetheless.

And while it's maybe not a weakness, I do think one could argue that Giles integrating himself into the lineup could be a concern. Now, I know, this might be a bit of a stretch. All signs point to this unit being extremely close and tight. That said, Harry hasn't really meshed in much yet on the court. Like I said....not a weakness, but maybe a mild concern.

All in all, we clearly have an abundance of talent and I would say as much or more talent that anyone in the country. Sometimes the biggest dilemma one faces with this much talent is keeping everyone happy and focused on the ultimate goal. I'm looking for watching this team come together and potentially do something very special.

 

[Showenuff]

Good stuff guys. I really like Grayson, Luke, Amile, Tatum,and Bolden in there together. Thats all the leadership and length you could ever hope to have out there at one time. Luke and Grayson on the perimeter is just ridiculous to have the way they can light up the 3 ball so quickly. I was locked in for Grayson to be our main guy this season but in my heart, I think he scores much more but Amile is the key to our success. Amile will be a man in the middle this year. His confidence is through the roof, it's boiling, you can see it in his eyes. He wants to win it all this season badly. He's leading by example, his hustle. His voice. It's going to be absolutely brutal for the opposition if Giles lands in the middle of all this ready to play in 6 or 7 weeks. I'm like a kid at the candy store window right now. This looks really good.

 

[Get Nasty]

A last one that I'll add. Physicality, when you are clearly a more talented team it's easy to rely on your talent and not play physical. The college game is so physical with good teams. I don't think effort will be an issue, but effort and physicality are two different things. I could see settling for 3's instead of driving as an example.

 

[Showenuff]

Yep, and I'm with you on the Matt issue, I just like Luke out there better than I do Matt. Yes, Matt plays some good D but he scares me when he penetrates , its like I can see the ball leaving our position as soon as he drops his head. I think we'll deal with opponents physicality beetr this season, the young guys play through contact pretty well and we're just older and stronger now.

 

[dukiejay]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned....youth. And I'm glad it hasn't. There's this perception we're an incredibly young team when that couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, we have an elite group of freshmen that, at times, we will lean on, but the veteran core of Matt, Amile, Luke (even as a soph) and Grayson is pretty elite in its own right. This team has a really nice blend of veteran talent to go along with those freshman.

 

[dukephysics]

I see a few things a little differently. As for the PG position, I don't think it's an issue offensively. Even without Frank, I think Grayson does a nice job handling the ball and he did average quite a few assists last season (more than almost every other SG in the conference). As others have said, Luke can fill in here and even Matt has played that role before. Defensively, I do think Grayson is a bit of a liability. I don't want to be hyper-critical of him, but I did see quite a few possessions last year where I felt he just took the play off and his man got into the lane for a good shot or assist. I think we will see him improved on defense, but it's a liability if he doesn't improve. His offensive workload decreasing should help here too.
I'm worried about our front court play. Amile is solid and I think he is going to be huge for this team. Harry is hurt, Bolden is unproven, and we are counting on Chase being much better than he was last year. To me, there is a ton of uncertainty there. I think we have enough experience with Grayson, Luke, and Matt to have a really nice backcourt even if Frank isn't ready to play. We really need Bolden to be ready or we need Harry to get fully healthy this season.

 

[chov1125]

I haven't found anything above that I really disagree with. What stands out to me is that our weaknesses can all be corrected/minimized with an all-in attitude. Last year we had a huge personnel issue, which couldn't be masked with any amount of coaching or effort. This year we have the depth and talent to overcome any obstacle if we play for the name on the front of the jersey.

Offensively- pg play could be an issue, but with the amount of players who can create their own shots (Grayson, Luke, Jayson, Harry (when healthy)), big bodies who can help set up shots (amile, marques, chase) and the player who can spot up from 3 (Matt), I just don't envision a scenario where points will be hard to come by this year.

Defensively- This is where we need to be all-in. Defense, IMO, is the toughest to teach a young player, who is coming out of the AAU circuit. The opposing players are now bigger, faster and more polished where team defense is the only thing that will keep points off the scoreboard. I have heard that defense has been the focal point of early practices to date and I couldn't agree more if true. The most important games of the year will be won or lost based on our ability to get stops and recover the ball off the glass. This is where we struggled last year and a lot of it was personnel based. There is no excuse this year.

The guy- There is no debate that this team could be the most talented group ever at Duke, even more than 2014-2015. The question then becomes who is going to be the shotmaker down the stretch. Who is the Tyus Jones on this team? Without a shadow of doubt Duke does not win a championship with Stones on the roster. March runs can most times be attributed to the guy on a roster who steps up and makes shots/plays down the stretch. All the talent in the world is great to have, but it is the guts that made the 14-15 team so special and that is my biggest question going into this year.

 

[dbav]

And while it's maybe not a weakness, I do think one could argue that Giles integrating himself into the lineup could be a concern. Now, I know, this might be a bit of a stretch. All signs point to this unit being extremely close and tight. That said, Harry hasn't really meshed in much yet on the court. Like I said....not a weakness, but maybe a mild concern.

This is my only concern, however, I would think that K would ease him in to avoid disrupting something that is hopefully working at the time. I trust the coaches to make that work. Perhaps Giles simply doesn't start for a while. But I agree with you, all Chamionship teams have chemistry and hopefully he is integrated quickly enough to make that a non-issue.

 

[dukiejay]

The guy- There is no debate that this team could be the most talented group ever at Duke, even more than 2014-2015. The question then becomes who is going to be the shotmaker down the stretch. Who is the Tyus Jones on this team? Without a shadow of doubt Duke does not win a championship with Stones on the roster. March runs can most times be attributed to the guy on a roster who steps up and makes shots/plays down the stretch. All the talent in the world is great to have, but it is the guts that made the 14-15 team so special and that is my biggest question going into this year.

Good post....and by that I mean the entire thing, but I cut out this specific part.

While I think we have a multitude of guys who can be the "guy" on any given night, I still think this is ultimately Grayson's team. He lives for the big moment and the big shot. He showed that in the national championship game two years ago as the least heralded freshmen in that great class. Grayson will likely see his scoring numbers diminish this season but it hardly means he's a lesser player.

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Biggest problems I see for duke
1. The health of Giles sure he will miss the first few games but how much of a mental effect will his injuries have on him. I have no doubt he will play hard but how much is he willing to risk with the chances of hurting himself again and hurting his draft stock.

2. True pg I know you have Allen and frank but they are serviceable pgs not true pgs neither would play point at the next level but can handle th duties in college. Thornton would of been beneficial to you guys big time this yr.

3. Will the players buy in? You have a ton of guys who are used to being the man with the ball in their hands especially the veterans like Allen. Tatum will take no less than 20 shots a game and when Giles comes back he will have to sacfrice even more. In college guys are less willing to share as much. Will it cause issues if guys that are used to be the man be willing to sacfrice for the better of the team. I'm 2015 we were lucky to have most guys back that had already bought into the team concept and having kat who had no problem scoring ten a game as long as we got the win made that team even stronger.

4. Center I know you have Jefferson but he's also coming back from injury and besides bolden those are the only 2 guys you have willing to play center. Giles has already said he won't play center so there will be times you have to go small. Btw bolden will be atleast a 2 yr player and the idea they have him as the 7th overall pick right now is a joke. I would say the same thing if he was at uk. At best he's a late first round pick he will play at most 15 mins a game this yr. next yr will be his time to shine but you will have Wendell carter and I'm sure that's not the only big you will have competing against bolden.

Overall, you guys will be very good it's just a matter of guys buying into the team concept and sharing the ball especially with Allen who loves nothing more than to shoot he actually has to play as a pg this year rather than a pg with a shooting guard mentality. It will take time but I think by January you guys will be able to put it together and be more complete. It will just take some time for some guys to figure out their roles and what they need to do to contribute for the better of the team

 

[gottagonow]

Boogie you are much more concerned about some possible things than many of us are. For example the center position will be very good for us this year and if Tatum takes 20 shots a game K will sit his butt on the bench. Also I have little doubt the players will buy in as Coach K will see to that also.

 

[timo0402]

Boogie you are much concerned about some possible things than many of us are. For example the center position will be very good for us this year and if Tatum takes 20 shots a game K will sit his butt on the bench. Also I have little doubt the players will buy in as Coach K will see to that also.

I laughed at the 20 shots a game. Not sure what planet he's on thinking that, but he's 1. trolling and 2. buying into this narrative of Tatum won't pass because they saw a few all star games.

As for the buying in part? This team is already a very close knit team and many of that thanks is due to the incredible leadership we have from Amile, Matt and Grayson. Amile has a very "shanesque" quality about him when it comes to those intangibles and that is saying a lot. It also helps when your three captains happen to all be National champs and played big roles on that team.

 

[Jake1985]

Positionally, I think Duke has players that are more than capable of handling each role. My concerns are:
PG- decision making in facilitating the offensive & defending opposing PGs
C- foul trouble, getting put backs and rebounding

When I truly look at this team several questions come to mind:
Offensive patience- will the mentality of each player allow them to move the ball and share the shots so that Duke takes good shots. All of these players have been first options to score and now they need to accept their roles of scoring/shooting when it's the best option.
Defensive chemistry- are the guys a unit that acts as one and willing to do the work of the defensive side of the ball. Taking away drives, closing down on shooter, boxing out, getting steals, forcing turn overs etc...This is a key component when adding so many young guys into the mix.

 

[chov1125]

Biggest problems I see for duke
1. The health of Giles sure he will miss the first few games but how much of a mental effect will his injuries have on him. I have no doubt he will play hard but how much is he willing to risk with the chances of hurting himself again and hurting his draft stock.

2. True pg I know you have Allen and frank but they are serviceable pgs not true pgs neither would play point at the next level but can handle th duties in college. Thornton would of been beneficial to you guys big time this yr.

3. Will the players buy in? You have a ton of guys who are used to being the man with the ball in their hands especially the veterans like Allen. Tatum will take no less than 20 shots a game and when Giles comes back he will have to sacfrice even more. In college guys are less willing to share as much. Will it cause issues if guys that are used to be the man be willing to sacfrice for the better of the team. I'm 2015 we were lucky to have most guys back that had already bought into the team concept and having kat who had no problem scoring ten a game as long as we got the win made that team even stronger.

4. Center I know you have Jefferson but he's also coming back from injury and besides bolden those are the only 2 guys you have willing to play center. Giles has already said he won't play center so there will be times you have to go small. Btw bolden will be atleast a 2 yr player and the idea they have him as the 7th overall pick right now is a joke. I would say the same thing if he was at uk. At best he's a late first round pick he will play at most 15 mins a game this yr. next yr will be his time to shine but you will have Wendell carter and I'm sure that's not the only big you will have competing against bolden.

Overall, you guys will be very good it's just a matter of guys buying into the team concept and sharing the ball especially with Allen who loves nothing more than to shoot he actually has to play as a pg this year rather than a pg with a shooting guard mentality. It will take time but I think by January you guys will be able to put it together and be more complete. It will just take some time for some guys to figure out their roles and what they need to do to contribute for the better of the team

This is just a regurgitation of what others have said previously filled in with some ultimate trolling. Take your act to THR where they love making opinions based on their own selfish desires without any credible facts to back anything up.

 

[chov1125]

I have yet to see a player come into Duke and display a me-first attitude throughout the year and continue to see the court. Until that happens I am not going to view a surplus of talent as a bad thing or even a concern. The players that take bad shots or don't play for the team will be on the bench, period, end of story. Even if I accept the premise that any of our recruits are at Duke to serve their own personal agenda (which I don't because nothing to date supports that notion), we have enough veteran leadership to control the locker room and remove that situation before it ever surfaces. And lastly, as previously stated, if that type of play ever does surface on the court, it will be handled by the GOAT and that player will ride the pine for as long as necessary.

 

[Wall2Boogie]

This is just a regurgitation of what others have said previously filled in with some ultimate trolling. Take your act to THR where they love making opinions based on their own selfish desires without any credible facts to back anything up.

Dude it's not trolling it's making a point. I guarntee you some of the ESPN talking heads will say the same thing

 

[skysdad]

Dude it's not trolling it's making a point. I guarntee you some of the ESPN talking heads will say the same thing

Why are you even interested in posting here. Whether you are trolling or not you're still just trying to get a reaction out of us to be confrontational. If I did this at thr it would be trolling. Believe me no one takes you serious over here. OFC

 

[dukiejay]

Dude it's not trolling it's making a point. I guarntee you some of the ESPN talking heads will say the same thing

No. You're just not smart.

 

[dukehokie]

I have yet to see a player come into Duke and display a me-first attitude throughout the year and continue to see the court. Until that happens I am not going to view a surplus of talent as a bad thing or even a concern. The players that take bad shots or don't play for the team will be on the bench, period, end of story. Even if I accept the premise that any of our recruits are at Duke to serve their own personal agenda (which I don't because nothing to date supports that notion), we have enough veteran leadership to control the locker room and remove that situation before it ever surfaces. And lastly, as previously stated, if that type of play ever does surface on the court, it will be handled by the GOAT and that player will ride the pine for as long as necessary.

I'll say Josh and Austin weren't necessarily locker room favorites, but they also weren't totally selfish as it was implied.

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Why are you even interested in posting here. Whether you are trolling or not you're still just trying to get a reaction out of us to be confrontational. If I did this at thr it would be trolling. Believe me no one takes you serious over here. OFC

I'm just giving an opinion like everyone else not trolling and I hate unc just like you

 

[skysdad]

I'm just giving an opinion like everyone else not trolling and I hate unc just like you

You thing I need to clear up is I don't hate unc or anyone. I have disdain for them but not hate. Hate is a powerful and negative thing. And I thought for sure you were an unc fan. OFC

 

[Wall2Boogie]

You thing I need to clear up is I don't hate unc or anyone. I have disdain for them but not hate. Hate is a powerful and negative thing. And I thought for sure you were an unc fan. OFC

Can someone decipher this for me please. How would I be a unc fan with a handle like mine? I respect your program as well as the board here. We have a lot of homers on our board and it's interesting to see what non homers think. I'm just looking at your team and seeing what might be a deficiency, just like I do with mine.

 

[skysdad]

Can someone decipher this for me please. How would I be a unc fan with a handle like mine? I respect your program as well as the board here. We have a lot of homers on our board and it's interesting to see what non homers think. I'm just looking at your team and seeing what might be a deficiency, just like I do with mine.

Dude I'm sorry I thought you were an unc fan. I won't forget any more. It's what you call an OFC moment. Someday maybe you will understand. OFC