Thoughts after three

[TheDude1]

No particular order…

Love the way Jack White rebounds strong and with two hands, and shoots. It would be interesting to see him on another team where he is like the first or second option.

The thing that has impressed me the most about Zion? His body control around the basket, especially when laying the ball up, and also his willingness to dive for the ball.

I thought there were one or two times Bolden should’ve gotten a pass. But I’d like to see more out of him.

Barrett can really score the basketball, and I generally hate that phrase. But he scores the basketball real good . Just makes an absurd number of contested lay ups.

I really like Jordan‘s game. Solid, quick, and a decent shot from three.

Three of our best six players were out. A good chance to see other faces.

The Tank does what he can do... if you don’t ask too much of him, he will be fine for some minutes.

Javin has really been good... very long and tall and quick, never gives up on the play, plays his role, good at dirty offense rebounds and scores… He is pleasing me with his play!

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

More than anything like most would say, just hoping that Bolden figures things out! He shows potential at times, but most of the time he looks lost. As long as he’s wearing Duke Blue, I’m not giving up on him. Just hoping he figures things out. We are going to need him.

 

[Duke937]

Excited about Rj and Zion. Goldwire looked pretty good, and Jack White looked like he could fill what roll he’ll have nicely.

I know it’s very early and Tre, Cam, and AC was out. But there was a lot that concerns me. 30% from 3 can’t happen on a consistent bases. Inside game was atrocious at best.

Just concerned there will be a lot of times like last year. Where we were always the better team. Just now there isn’t a senior captain to save the day.

They’ll get better. In the goat I trust.

 

[IPSYCHOSIS]

Bolden needs some touches, no excuse they didn’t run a couple of plays for him.

No

 

[DukeDenver]

We are rough around the edges right now, but we can trot out 5 creative playmakers this year. None of Bagley, Carter, Allen, Duval and Trent were better at passing than RJ or Zion. With Cam and Tre we should be capable of Warriors style play. The great passing and confidence on the break seems to be rubbing off of Goldwire and White.

 

[2 skerz 3_rivals208847]

Bolden needs some touches, no excuse they didn’t run a couple of plays for him.

 

[LouisiAaron]

We are rough around the edges right now, but we can trot out 5 creative playmakers this year. None of Bagley, Carter, Allen, Duval and Trent were better at passing than RJ or Zion. With Cam and Tre we should be capable of Warriors style play. The great passing and confidence on the break seems to be rubbing off of Goldwire and White.

Yea Tre was definitely a better passer than both of them.

 

[pisgah101]

Zion is going to be the GOAT

 

[jnastasi]

Outside of gelling and defense my biggest concern is this teams shooting. Which two guys will we be able to count on when we need a three???

 

[dukehokie]

Bolden needs some touches, no excuse they didn’t run a couple of plays for him.

A strong presence in the post doesn’t have to ASK for touches. He demands them with his size, play, and work. Bolden HOPES that he gets the ball. He doesn’t demand it. That’s the problem.

 

[dukehokie]

Outside of gelling and defense my biggest concern is this teams shooting. Which two guys will we be able to count on when we need a three???

At times, I think any of them are capable of hitting a big three point shot, but I think you’ll see Jack, Alex and Cam as the big shot makers. If Tre has been working on that shot at all, he may have the...stones to hit a big shot or two.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I agree the outside shooting could be a concern. However....we were literally missing our 3 best outside shooters, so really hard to put any weight into our shooting woes over the weekend.

Cam can light it up once he gets hot.
Tre isn't a great 3 pt shooter, but he isn't a liability either.
Alex is Alex, if he's wide open it's going in.

 

[DukeDenver]

Outside of gelling and defense my biggest concern is this teams shooting. Which two guys will we be able to count on when we need a three???

I trust RJ, Cam, Zion, AOC, Goldy, Tre, Baker and Jack to hit that shot.

 

[skysdad]

The season is still a few weeks away. Lot's of things can happen. Injury free, better defense and team chemistry will determine how good or even great this team will be. I still believe Bolden will contribute but if he doesn't we'll deal with it. J.D. and even Vrank can help out in the paint. Once again I feel we can win the natty but things have to go well at the dance. OFC

 

[dukehokie]

I trust RJ, Cam, Zion, AOC, Goldy, Tre, Baker and Jack to hit that shot.

This. They aren’t going to be the 2001 team, hitting 407 threes in a season (I didn’t realize Nate scored 12.3 a game, almost as many Dunleavy at 12.6). Duke does have shot makers though, and this team is designed to take high efficiency shots (kick out threes, drives, free throw line extended mid range shots, draw shooting fouls, etc). I think people see the Warriors and Houston, but they have anomalies. They have guys that can just pull up wherever from kick outs to threes off the dribble. That’s not the direction of basketball, because no one else can duplicate that.

The “new renaissance,” so to speak, is taking high efficiency threes from interior dishes or getting to basket off the spread. This team can absolutely do that, so the “can they shoot” narrative is a little skewed.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

This. They aren’t going to be the 2001 team, hitting 407 threes in a season (I didn’t realize Nate scored 12.3 a game, almost as many Dunleavy at 12.6). Duke does have shot makers though, and this team is designed to take high efficiency shots (kick out threes, drives, free throw line extended mid range shots, draw shooting fouls, etc). I think people see the Warriors and Houston, but they have anomalies. They have guys that can just pull up wherever from kick outs to threes off the dribble. That’s not the direction of basketball, because no one else can duplicate that.

The “new renaissance,” so to speak, is taking high efficiency threes from interior dishes or getting to basket off the spread. This team can absolutely do that, so the “can they shoot” narrative is a little skewed.

The 2001 team hit 407 three's in a season???? Jesus.

 

[dukebluesTX]

I remember how excited I was when Bolden declared for Duke....... I trust he will figure it out.

 

[dukehokie]

The 2001 team hit 407 three's in a season???? Jesus.

It was the NCAA record at one point. They broke 1993-1994 Arkansas’s record.

 

[Liftee]

The overplaying defense was reminiscent of some of Duke's best defensive teams.

Except we don't have Battier to play help side against the inevitable back doors we will see again and again. That will be a point of emphasis I'm sure.

 

[bullettoothtony]

The 2001 team hit 407 three's in a season???? Jesus.

God that team could score. I vividly remember in the ACC Championship game that year... it was tight early, and Dan Bonner had just made a comment about how we were in for a heckuva game, and then we just exploded and blew the Cheats off the court the rest of the half.

Such a good team. We easily had the two best players in college basketball that year.

 

[bullettoothtony]

I remember how excited I was when Bolden declared for Duke....... I trust he will figure it out.

Same here. And how excited his mom was when he announced.

 

[Dukeprodigy22]

My take from the scrimmages! Zion is a grown Man to keep it simple! The ability to dribble the ball so low like he is a 6'0 guard really what stood out was his handle on the fast break and decision making. Willing passer and shot creator if teams decide to double and triple team....

Add in Cam with the ability to attack and shot and I really do expect Tre Jones to rack up on assists the talent around him will fit perfect. Bolden and Javin will player better when they have a point guard getting them easier looks on drive and dump downs.

GO Duke 2018-19 Season will be one to remember!!

 

[DukeDenver]

God that team could score. I vividly remember in the ACC Championship game that year... it was tight early, and Dan Bonner had just made a comment about how we were in for a heckuva game, and then we just exploded and blew the Cheats off the court the rest of the half.

Such a good team. We easily had the two best players in college basketball that year.

I was there for every home game and the ACCs that year. The mechanics on Battier's or Nate's corner 3 were beautiful. I feel like the rim was rarely touched on made threes. 5 guys with beautiful 3-balls: Batt, Nate, Duhon, Mike D, and J-Will and a big Alaskan Bear with soft paws in the middle. That was basketball at its finest. That and 1991, 1992 was so sweet. We still haven't seen the ball fly around like that since. 2010 was clunkier and efficient in a different way. 2015 had a moment, but nowhere near the fluidity of 2001.

 

[Showenuff]

I guess the sad part of this story is, we haven’t seen our team yet. So in all reality, it’s all speculation right now. The only thing we can clearly comment on is individual talent. God knows we have some of that. But none of us know how we look right now. I don’t know how to feel about Bolden, I thought he would come out like a man possessed, instead, he’s been invisible. Will it hurt the team though? I think not. I feel Javin should be option A. He’s more mobile and much faster and this team is going to be fast break city. All Bolden does in that scenario is clog the middle. We’re going to be finishing with dunks, a lot. The addition of Tre and Cam won’t change that. If those two get healthy, I think this could easily be one of our higher scoring teams ever. One thing is for sure, it’s gonna be a ton of fun to watch.

 

[oldschooldevil53]

No particular order…

Love the way Jack White rebounds strong and with two hands, and shoots. It would be interesting to see him on another team where he is like the first or second option.

The thing that has impressed me the most about Zion? His body control around the basket, especially when laying the ball up, and also his willingness to dive for the ball.

I thought there were one or two times Bolden should’ve gotten a pass. But I’d like to see more out of him.

Barrett can really score the basketball, and I generally hate that phrase. But he scores the basketball real good . Just makes an absurd number of contested lay ups.

I really like Jordan‘s game. Solid, quick, and a decent shot from three.

Three of our best six players were out. A good chance to see other faces.

The Tank does what he can do... if you don’t ask too much of him, he will be fine for some minutes.

Javin has really been good... very long and tall and quick, never gives up on the play, plays his role, good at dirty offense rebounds and scores… He is pleasing me with his play!

I love how Zion can create his on shot off the dribble. Defenses cannot scheme to stop him like they did Bagley. Zion can take the ball all the way to the basket and finish strong.He ground on his second jump as quick as Marvin too. Having Zion at the free throw line against a zone will be devastating.

 

[oldschooldevil53]

My take from the scrimmages! Zion is a grown Man to keep it simple! The ability to dribble the ball so low like he is a 6'0 guard really what stood out was his handle on the fast break and decision making. Willing passer and shot creator if teams decide to double and triple team....

Add in Cam with the ability to attack and shot and I really do expect Tre Jones to rack up on assists the talent around him will fit perfect. Bolden and Javin will player better when they have a point guard getting them easier looks on drive and dump downs.

GO Duke 2018-19 Season will be one to remember!!

You nailed it!

 

[oldschooldevil53]

Zion is going to be the GOAT

You may be right. He has the it factor. He always seems to rise to the moment , or is the type of player that can. Nothing scares him. He could be MJ as a Marvel comic character ZION!

 

[2 skerz 3_rivals208847]

Outside of gelling and defense my biggest concern is this teams shooting. Which two guys will we be able to count on when we need a three???

So besides chemistry, making shots in the basket, and not allowing other teams shots to go in the basket, we will good? Sweet, thanks!

 

[nets on nets on nets]

https://www.theringer.com/college-b...-devils-zion-williamson-rj-barrett-highlights
GOOD READ.

"It may not even your father’s Duke team, or your own Duke team from a few years back. This is shaping up to be the Duke team of Generation Z—fast, high-flying, and engineered to create viral videos."

 

[jamsession3]

https://www.theringer.com/college-b...-devils-zion-williamson-rj-barrett-highlights
GOOD READ.

"It may not even your father’s Duke team, or your own Duke team from a few years back. This is shaping up to be the Duke team of Generation Z—fast, high-flying, and engineered to create viral videos."

I totally agree. This team will probably not shoot a lot of threes. This is a team that attacks the basket.

Also, we may need to get comfortable with this team not moving the ball around.

 

[PatrickYates]

I totally agree. This team will probably not shoot a lot of threes. This is a team that attacks the basket.

Also, we may need to get comfortable with this team not moving the ball around.

If they can't make 3s, attacking that basket will be pretty hard.

 

[dukehokie]

If they can't make 3s, attacking that basket will be pretty hard.

They don’t have to be the Warriors. They’ll hit enough to keep the driving lanes open. And when Jav is in over Ques and Tony, the floor will be completely spread. Zoning this team will be a mistake.

 

[timo0402]

They don’t have to be the Warriors. They’ll hit enough to keep the driving lanes open. And when Jav is in over Ques and Tony, the floor will be completely spread. Zoning this team will be a mistake.

Put RJ or Zion on the line against the zone and I’ll take my chances with Alex and Cam on the wings.

 

[500HP_Devil]

I think Cam, AOC and Jack will be our best shooters and that’s not a bad thing. This team is fast, athletic and strong.

zi-ON is from another planet.

 

[PatrickYates]

They don’t have to be the Warriors. They’ll hit enough to keep the driving lanes open. And when Jav is in over Ques and Tony, the floor will be completely spread. Zoning this team will be a mistake.

RJ, or whomever, will find it hard to drive on a defender if the defender is 6-7 feet off our guy. Trevon Duval was a great driver, but no one can consistently penetrate vs a defender that is willing to concede a huge cushion. They don't have to be great 3pt shooters, but they can't be awful three point shooters.

 

[DukeDenver]

Are people worried about RJ’s 3-point shooting? I don’t think it will be an issue at all.

 

[jamsession3]

RJ, or whomever, will find it hard to drive on a defender if the defender is 6-7 feet off our guy. Trevon Duval was a great driver, but no one can consistently penetrate vs a defender that is willing to concede a huge cushion. They don't have to be great 3pt shooters, but they can't be awful three point shooters.

I agree they can't be awful, however, if you barely sneeze on a player in 2018 you're called for a foul. This team will go to the free throw line a bunch of times and more than likely, Zion will get the old - fashion 3pt shot on a regular.

The concern is hustle, chemistry and good health.

I know we played teams that are probably Mid - Major at best, but Duke was good!!!! I'm genuinely excited for our chances this year.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Are people worried about RJ’s 3-point shooting? I don’t think it will be an issue at all.

I’m not at all. I’m more worried about his shot selection. But then I remember we were playing games in August without our starting PG and another great ball-handler/shot-creator in Cam so it makes sense that RJ forced some bad shots.

His stroke looks great. I don’t think his FT shooting these 3 games will mirror his actual FT percentage either. Think he hovers right around 70% with A LOT of FT attempts, possibly more than Bagley.

 

[dukehokie]

RJ, or whomever, will find it hard to drive on a defender if the defender is 6-7 feet off our guy. Trevon Duval was a great driver, but no one can consistently penetrate vs a defender that is willing to concede a huge cushion. They don't have to be great 3pt shooters, but they can't be awful three point shooters.

Please let someone sag that much. They’ll foul out 10 mins in. The problem comes when help can sag back to the lane. With the weapons we have on the perimeter, that won’t be a problem. The problem comes if the 5 can’t hold his defender.

I’m much more concerned with how the D gels, people staying healthy, and the bench being capable.

 

[dbav]

I like us in every game we play this year. Just saying.