Time to get more from Matt...

[Anon1728003274]

I havent been crunching numbers today, but just a hunch we need more from Matt Jones. Outside of his D in the zone yesterday, not many TANGIBLE positives...

Even given the superior TALENT of last yr's gifted squad, his contributions against Gonzaga were a big reason we advanced...Grayson and BI need help from a 3rd source (Luke came thru yesterday),and Marshall steps up huge at times....

If we are to win a few at least in NCAA's, MJ has to step it up. 2-8 from the field and he spoke in the locker room post game about our abysmal rebounding effort. I could overlook his shooting if he were crashing the boards, but Matt has more heart I think than to finish w/no boards....

I think K is RIGHT to preach "gang rebounding," but Matty needs to get w/the program!

 

[JCColsCane]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I am not sure Matt is playing at much more than 70% of his physical capabilities right now? I really believe his ankle is worse than is being let on, and he is doing the best he can, simply because we have no one else to replace him. I could be wrong, but he doesn't drive to the bucket with authority like he did before, and he doesn't move from side to side with confidence. He is flat out playing on guts, and knowing we only have six (6) players right now, he is going to play. He has always been pretty fair at rebounding, but he probably is leery of getting his feet tangled up among those big bodies. I could be wrong, and this is just my opinion. One small tangle, and he is gone. Really hate for the team to be in this position, but it just shows the grit that they have.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[DukeDenver]

Pure speculation, but he might be having a 'Duhon sophomore year' campaign. Even before the injury, something is off.

 

[Anon1728003274]

Pure speculation, but he might be having a 'Duhon sophomore year' campaign. Even before the injury, something is off.

I agree...And it takes him Soooo long to get his shot off....

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

I don't like to knock Matty because I like him. But I do think that something is off with his game.

 

[DukeDenver]

It would be one thing if this was his status quo, but he was great last year, Johnny on the spot, coming up with timely defensive plays regularly. He has been up and down this year, and now hobbled by the ankle. I won't think less of him if he's enjoying life and college a little more after a title (I regretably screwed around for half of my Duke tenure), but I would hope that next season he has Quinn-like focus as a senior. He and Amile will be our emotional leaders. Matt has champion level play in him. He won't get another shot to display it to a national audience playing for the greatest coach of all time. Carpe diem.

 

[dukiejay]

Matt is playing hurt. But, he must be better.

 

[Anon1728003274]

Playing hurt true, but agree w/earlier poster he's been somewhat of a disappointment overall...

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

I don't want to give Matt Jones a hard time. Still trying to get over an injury and just didn't have a good night last night.

 

[DukeDenver]

Playing hurt true, but agree w/earlier poster he's been somewhat of a disappointment overall...

Wouldn't say a disappointment, just know he's got better.

 

[crazyduke3]

I'd thought his offense would be at least a little better than what it has been...

 

[Anon1728003274]

I'd thought his offense would be at least a little better than what it has been...

Agreed Crazy, and Matt can have a DEADLY 3pt CORNER SHOT! I look for K to really rally the troops in practice Monday and expect a super showing Wednesday.. Matt can be a major player as he enters his 3rd ACC Tourney..

 

[Laettner]

MJ has no push off that sprained ankle, quite obvious.

 

[Get Nasty]

MJ has no push off that sprained ankle, quite obvious.

Agree, but it's not like he's ever shown quickness (push off), or the ability to create his own shot, or shots for others vs descent teams. Shot .374 in conference play. He's going to play and has to play in the tournaments this year. He just can't have absolute bone head turnovers (since there's no reason for him to try and create), and he needs to make open 3's.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Matt had limitations athletically even before the ankle injury. So all this injury has done is make it even harder for him to get space when dribbling or finish at the rim.

Matt was a PERFECT piece for last years team. Play strong D, and hit open 3's when the time comes, but not needed to create anything offensively.
Unfortunately, this years team needs him to Create every now and then, and that is not his game.

 

[Rook#32]

I'd thought his offense would be at least a little better than what it has been...

Started off with a bang and suddenly went down hill. JMO. (before the injury.)

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

matt is getting 11ppg and shooting 41% from 3pt land.......not sure there is much more he can do other than spot up three and perimeter defense....he isnt a slasher attack the rim guy...very little lift

 

[Get Nasty]

matt is getting 11ppg and shooting 41% from 3pt land.......not sure there is much more he can do other than spot up three and perimeter defense....he isnt a slasher attack the rim guy...very little lift

I think people understand his physical limitations and what he can and can't do. With that said, there were almost 100 rebounds vs UNC and matt had 0. Rebounding is more about effort, desire, and want than physical abilities. For being a leader/blue collar player he should be setting an example with rebounding/boxing out effort and want. He hasn't done that at all in his career. He's averaged less than 2 rebounds per game for his career.

I think some people, myself included know we need a lot more out of the position, but there isn't really great options this year. With that being said, he can't have the silly turnovers, and needs to take and knock down wide open 3's. Pretty much every 3 he takes is wide open, and he even passes on some wide open 3's for others to take contested ones.

 

[dukiejay]

If there's one thing we can always count on it's this.....every season there will be one guy in the regular rotation who fans go after (Matt), and every season there will be one guy not in the regular rotation who would make us so much better (Chase).

Matt didn't have a great ACC regular season. He wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, either. Since the ankle injury I think it's gotten worse.

Meanwhile, Chase hasn't done anything in the games I've watched to suggest he's capable to playing at the level this team needs.

 

[Get Nasty]

If there's one thing we can always count on it's this.....every season there will be one guy in the regular rotation who fans go after (Matt), and every season there will be one guy not in the regular rotation who would make us so much better (Chase).

Matt didn't have a great ACC regular season. He wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, either. Since the ankle injury I think it's gotten worse.

Meanwhile, Chase hasn't done anything in the games I've watched to suggest he's capable to playing at the level this team needs.

I'm in the "down on matt" bandwagon (have been since i watched him play his frosh year honestly). But I am not on the chase bandwagon. I'm more on the Luke bandwagon. I think he does a lot of good things. yes he makes a lot of mistakes and his shot is inconsistent, but I think he has to play a lot and play well for us to beat really good teams and make a run. Matt just can't do that.

Also, here's an idea that some coaching can help. Thornton, stop taking mid range jumpers super early on a possession.

 

[Tlass]

I love Matt for his leadership and experience. He's very valuable to this team, rather is scoring, playing D or hitting clutch Shots (all of which he's done in previous games/yrs.) Go Duke.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

I think people understand his physical limitations and what he can and can't do. With that said, there were almost 100 rebounds vs UNC and matt had 0. Rebounding is more about effort, desire, and want than physical abilities. For being a leader/blue collar player he should be setting an example with rebounding/boxing out effort and want. He hasn't done that at all in his career. He's averaged less than 2 rebounds per game for his career.

I think some people, myself included know we need a lot more out of the position, but there isn't really great options this year. With that being said, he can't have the silly turnovers, and needs to take and knock down wide open 3's. Pretty much every 3 he takes is wide open, and he even passes on some wide open 3's for others to take contested ones.

agree with all that, but matt isn't going to out rebound anyone....with the 4 out and 1 in, rebounding is difficult for us and playing zone when he is usually away from the basketball makes it difficult as well....usually he is spotting up for three or hounding someone on the perimeter which makes him rebounding kinda non-existent

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I'm in the "down on matt" bandwagon (have been since i watched him play his frosh year honestly). But I am not on the chase bandwagon. I'm more on the Luke bandwagon. I think he does a lot of good things. yes he makes a lot of mistakes and his shot is inconsistent, but I think he has to play a lot and play well for us to beat really good teams and make a run. Matt just can't do that.

Also, here's an idea that some coaching can help. Thornton, stop taking mid range jumpers super early on a possession.

I am also on the Luke bandwagon. Unfortunately though, we need him to do more than he is capable of. We need Luke to score 20+ a game and give us at least "average" defense. He will get there someday, but right now he is a heatcheck guy and a guy that other teams attack when he is guarding them.

 

[dukiejay]

Lol....we don't need Luke to score 20+. We need him to be efficient. And for the most part he's had a very solid freshman campaign. He should be playing 20-25 minutes every night....minimum. And most of the time he has been, save a couple rough stretches he's went through when Thornton has been pretty good, thankfully.

Like I said, I could really give two sh*ts who starts. That doesn't really mean a lot. What I like about Luke off the bench, similar to Scheyer as a sophomore, is that it gives us an offensive spark. Luke's strong point is being able to score....getting a lift like that is valuable, IMO.

Matt is going to play and he's going to play a lot. Whether it's his leadership or cool and steady hand, Coach K likes him on the court. He's also been a decent shooter and our best perimeter defender next to Thornton. That's not to say he's not open to criticism. Heck, no one needs reminders of some of Grayson's actions this season.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Lol....we don't need Luke to score 20+. We need him to be efficient. And for the most part he's had a very solid freshman campaign. He should be playing 20-25 minutes every night....minimum. And most of the time he has been, save a couple rough stretches he's went through when Thornton has been pretty good, thankfully.

Like I said, I could really give two sh*ts who starts. That doesn't really mean a lot. What I like about Luke off the bench, similar to Scheyer as a sophomore, is that it gives us an offensive spark. Luke's strong point is being able to score....getting a lift like that is valuable, IMO.

Matt is going to play and he's going to play a lot. Whether it's his leadership or cool and steady hand, Coach K likes him on the court. He's also been a decent shooter and our best perimeter defender next to Thornton. That's not to say he's not open to criticism. Heck, no one needs reminders of some of Grayson's actions this season.

With the way we rebound and play defense. We need Luke to score 20+ AND be efficient. Either Luke needs 20 or Grayson/ Brandon needs 30/25.

 

[Anon1728003274]

I think people understand his physical limitations and what he can and can't do. With that said, there were almost 100 rebounds vs UNC and matt had 0. Rebounding is more about effort, desire, and want than physical abilities. For being a leader/blue collar player he should be setting an example with rebounding/boxing out effort and want. He hasn't done that at all in his career. He's averaged less than 2 rebounds per game for his career.

I think some people, myself included know we need a lot more out of the position, but there isn't really great options this year. With that being said, he can't have the silly turnovers, and needs to take and knock down wide open 3's. Pretty much every 3 he takes is wide open, and he even passes on some wide open 3's for others to take contested ones.

Hear ya Get, no excuse for no boards for Matt- if he's playing we need him to at least crash...DT outboarded him 1-zip Saturday...not good, and Matt talked about our rebounding woes in postgame...He needs to come ready this week!

 

[skysdad]

I think it's time to let up on Matt. It's obvious he's hurting some and is giving it all he can. He could come out and score 30 next game with some key plays and this thread would take an about face with him. OFC

 

[dukiejay]

Hear ya Get, no excuse for no boards for Matt- if he's playing we need him to at least crash...DT outboarded him 1-zip Saturday...not good, and Matt talked about our rebounding woes in postgame...He needs to come ready this week!

Honestly, I don't think a single person is saying Matt was good the other night. And if I know Matt, when he was talking about a lack of rebounds he was speaking to himself more than anyone else.

But there's been a negative tone surrounding Matt's play all season....and it's uncalled for, IMO. People have defended Grayson up and down for his shenanigans. There were no 'Kennard needs to go to the bench' posts when he was mired in a five-game, 12-for-40 slump. Why?

Let me be clear. Matt didn't play well the other night. However, he's not the sole reason we lost, and he's not the sole reason we lost any other games, either. This teams margin for error has been small all season, and moreso since the loss of Amile. We need everyone to play well when up against a team like UNC. That's the bottom line. Heck, it took Grayson 28 shots to score 29 points.

The sooner people accept what this team for what it is and cheer them on the easier it will be for everyone to understand we're somewhat flawed. A pretty good, flawed team, at that....but one who needs to play well in order to beat teams.

 

[Anon1728003274]

I think it's time to let up on Matt. It's obvious he's hurting some and is giving it all he can. He could come out and score 30 next game with some key plays and this thread would take an about face with him. OFC

Honestly, I don't think a single person is saying Matt was good the other night. And if I know Matt, when he was talking about a lack of rebounds he was speaking to himself more than anyone else.

But there's been a negative tone surrounding Matt's play all season....and it's uncalled for, IMO. People have defended Grayson up and down for his shenanigans. There were no 'Kennard needs to go to the bench' posts when he was mired in a five-game, 12-for-40 slump. Why?

Let me be clear. Matt didn't play well the other night. However, he's not the sole reason we lost, and he's not the sole reason we lost any other games, either. This teams margin for error has been small all season, and moreso since the loss of Amile. We need everyone to play well when up against a team like UNC. That's the bottom line. Heck, it took Grayson 28 shots to score 29 points.

The sooner people accept what this team for what it is and cheer them on the easier it will be for everyone to understand we're somewhat flawed. A pretty good, flawed team, at that....but one who needs to play well in order to beat teams.

Every Blue Devil fan is entitled to his/her opinion...Thats why we are all here and can get out two cents in....I am simply adamant about the key role of the Texas junior moving forward...I didnt mention the key misses against Clemson and Notre Dame in the waning moments, and I DID point to his AWESOME PERFORMANCE vs GONZAGA LAST YR, which I truly feel gets overlooked...

 

[Dukesince90]

I think Matt's been a glue guy for this year's team. Sure he's had a few bad games this year, but I think our younger players look up to him. Last year he made several great defensive plays in crucial moments that led to the championship. I think he's pressing too hard right now and is dealing with a severe sprain. If we were a deep team, he probably would have missed 2-3 weeks, but he's a warrior and did what he could for the team. Let's cut him some slack, I know I have.

 

[Anon1728003274]

I think Matt's been a glue guy for this year's team. Sure he's had a few bad games this year, but I think our younger players look up to him. Last year he made several great defensive plays in crucial moments that led to the championship. I think he's pressing too hard right now and is dealing with a severe sprain. If we were a deep team, he probably would have missed 2-3 weeks, but he's a warrior and did what he could for the team. Let's cut him some slack, I know I have.

I don't have problem cutting him slack, but by same token if we're to "cut slack" as you say we should probably do it with EVERYONE of the IRON SIX....not just Matt...

 

[Get Nasty]

This years team is what it is, matt will play a lot.

Now next year, no injuries and Grayson back if matt plays more than 20 a game it could get ugly on here.

 

[Anon1728003274]

This years team is what it is, matt will play a lot.

Now next year, no injuries and Grayson back if matt plays more than 20 a game it could get ugly on here.

Got ya Get!

 

[crazyduke3]

I believe Matt's criticism spawns from failure to meet fan expectations fair or not. He seems to be more or less the very same player from last year. He's had very few games this year where you look at and say " we really won this because of him". The two things he's well noted for, defense and 3 point shooting have been mostly just average this year. The growth just hasn't been apparent with Matt at all. With Grayson, we can look at numerous heroics all season and that helps the mind to be more forgiving for the garbage he did. Luke kennard has had moments of brilliance this season and also is only a frosh. Those are likely why both are more forgiven. They are young while a junior Matt had us all thinking we'd be getting more.

I'd argue DT has caught more criticsm.

 

[Anon1728003274]

I believe Matt's criticism spawns from failure to meet fan expectations fair or not. He seems to be more or less the very same player from last year. He's had very few games this year where you look at and say " we really won this because of him". The two things he's well noted for, defense and 3 point shooting have been mostly just average this year. The growth just hasn't been apparent with Matt at all. With Grayson, we can look at numerous heroics all season and that helps the mind to be more forgiving for the garbage he did. Luke kennard has had moments of brilliance this season and also is only a frosh. Those are likely why both are more forgiven. They are young while a junior Matt had us all thinking we'd be getting more.
True, DT has caught more heat, considerably IMO...

I'd argue DT has caught more criticsm.

 

[dukiejay]

This years team is what it is, matt will play a lot.

Now next year, no injuries and Grayson back if matt plays more than 20 a game it could get ugly on here.

The same was said about Quinn.

 

[Anon1728003274]

The same was said about Quinn.

Well if that script plays out again, we will all be happy! Q was the GLUE his sr year! I still think Matt may close with a flourish THIS YEAR, not giving up!

OFC

 

[Get Nasty]

The same was said about Quinn.

not by me, but i get your point. He shocked me a bit his sr year.

Quinn had skills and talent but mentally was in la la land before his senior year. Matt isn't getting athletic all of a sudden, and i doubt he gets good handles or a quick release. More consistent defense against non quick wings and knocking down open 3s at a higher percentage is his max imho. To me that's not enough.

 

[Anon1728003274]

not by me, but i get your point. He shocked me a bit his sr year.

Quinn had skills and talent but mentally was in la la land before his senior year. Matt isn't getting athletic all of a sudden, and i doubt he gets good handles or a quick release. More consistent defense against non quick wings and knocking down open 3s at a higher percentage is his max imho. To me that's not enough.

Well said Get...and I wish Matt DID have a quicker release...He can nail that corner 3, but hes just so slow launching....

 

[Get Nasty]

With my comments on his physical limitations I do want to call out he will be a very important piece to next year's puzzle. His leadership will be crucial with the frosh to make sure they learn how to practice and prepare the right way. He also will be an important player to come off the bench to give a blow and also at times when a young player just isn't mentally sharp for a game. I do expect him to make some good defensive plays and hit some big 3's similar to last year. I would just expect a role similar to last year when he's in except off the bench, and not quite those minutes.