I was looking ahead since I'm a fan and not a player. We have 5 of our next 7 games at home with Wake and Notre Dame on the road. I'm hoping this is just what the doctor ordered. I'm hoping we can go 6-1 during this stretch. I figure we will lose at ND and UNX will be a toss up. I hope we will have gelled and K is back for the UNX game. Any thoughts?
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I'll be excited for 6-1. Let's make it 7-0 with everyone playing as a cohesive unit. No more egos please.
This is a good stretch for us to try to put this train back on track. Gaining a little confidence could help immeasurably.
OFC
OFC
Hopefully that is a "get right" stretch. It seems a little odd to have a one week break right in the middle of ACC play, but in this case I think it is just what the doctor ordered - and I mean that quite literally.
Ultimately, all of Duke's losses are to teams that are or have been ranked and either on the road or at neutral sites. Now, obviously the flip side of that argument is that championship-caliber teams find ways to win those games. Duke still has opportunities for resume-building road wins @ Notre Dame, @ UVA, @ UNC, and the ACC Tournament.
Ultimately, all of Duke's losses are to teams that are or have been ranked and either on the road or at neutral sites. Now, obviously the flip side of that argument is that championship-caliber teams find ways to win those games. Duke still has opportunities for resume-building road wins @ Notre Dame, @ UVA, @ UNC, and the ACC Tournament.
Our preseason was 3 of 5 conference games on the road. Now the "cupcake" version of our schedule is here and now we should gain more confidence going forward.
If you thought 2015 was storybook, this season is setting up to be the greatest reality show of all time if it ends with a title!
If you thought 2015 was storybook, this season is setting up to be the greatest reality show of all time if it ends with a title!
Could we hold back on the ego/selfish comments a little. Maybe, just maybe, some young, inexperienced players who are used to carrying their teams are trying to shoulder a little more responsibility than is warranted at inopportune times when things are going poorly, guys are gassed because of playing too many minutes, and there is a ton of game pressure on them.
I hate a lack of ball movement as much as anyone. Obviously, it is the key to our season on offense regardless of how the hurt guys eventually wind up playing. That said, everyone non Duke wants to throw everything about Duke under the bus. Do we really need to do it to our players too?
I hate a lack of ball movement as much as anyone. Obviously, it is the key to our season on offense regardless of how the hurt guys eventually wind up playing. That said, everyone non Duke wants to throw everything about Duke under the bus. Do we really need to do it to our players too?
Miami could give us problems too - they are always up for the game and are well prepared by Larannaga.
Current Bracketology has us at a 4 seed but its early. Remember Syracuse made the final 4 with a 9-9 conference record...we should be better than that! Hope springs eternal!
Current Bracketology has us at a 4 seed but its early. Remember Syracuse made the final 4 with a 9-9 conference record...we should be better than that! Hope springs eternal!
This is the week they need to show something. Another full week of practice. If they don't come out looking different Saturday we may be at a point of no return.
The 2015 squad had younger guys like Tyus Jones, Winslow and Okafor who bought into the team concept and it reflected in their play. This team so far, does not have the cohesiveness. It's "me" guys trying to put on a show. That won't fly, hope it changes this week.
Agree....Full week to get things ironed out, home game, and chance of getting back to .500 in conference play....A home loss and 2-4 in league play may knock us at least very close to out of conference play and top 25 altogether....
TRUE! Those guys had played together before too, right? At least Okafor and Tyus anyway....There was a shared bond among all three to win #5.This bunch the moment the blending of the 3 injured guys started we changed, and play has suffered....(Thats outside of Luke, who spotted the chemistry issues in the Elon game....) Huge week for Duke AND the future head coaching career for Capel....
OFC
Agree Amile is huge piece but season direction simply depends on how Amile, Matt, Grayson & Luke lead the younger guys. We are not OAD team this year, these four guys need to lead our freshman role players.
Right now I wish Jayson would become more of a "role player" as I think team would benefit in long run....
OFC
I think Jason is doing what is asked of him and if he makes his shots it opens plays up for the other shooters.
Defense is needed and team chemistry if state keeps it close or hands Duke a loss at home Saturday then I will do more then worry loosing on the road with issues is bad but at home is way worse
Defense is needed and team chemistry if state keeps it close or hands Duke a loss at home Saturday then I will do more then worry loosing on the road with issues is bad but at home is way worse
Yep, I agree. Look at the BC game. We came out raining threes and jumped to a 25 point lead. We came out in the second half, sputtered from outside, and let them back in the game. Until we can develop an inside scoring threat I think this is the way it will be. I am confident our inside play will come around, I just hope it's sooner rather than later.
Go Duke!
Alan
Jayson is the one player that can get his shot off at anytime. I wish he would get setup around the foul line area. He would be unstoppable.
Good point Shey he does play big w/his agility and can get his shot off against most other defenders. I am just wondering if the "share the ball philosophy" I hear about from our coaching staff is falling on deaf ears??
JMO...
OFC
I have to blame the coaches on him not sharing the ball. If he's not doing what he's told, then you plant his butt on the bench and see if he gets the message. It's not that hard. I think the kid has a tremendous skill set, he just needs his role defined.
No problem, it seems like forever since our last game. I've got a gut feeling we're going to show great signs of improvement Saturday night.
Getting to play at home will really help.