When do you second guess a 5 star player?

jamsession3

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Hey I'm the first one to say give me a 5 star player over anything else, but every now and then I question that player's all around abilities.

1. Where is the fire?
2. Are you playing for the team or yourself?
3. Did you really earn those stars?
4. Is this team the right fit for your abilities?

Say what you want about Austin, McRob or Kyrie as Duke players, but their abilities and heart we're never up for debate!
 
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WI#1Dukie22

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I think people are being harsh now, Jay had a bad half, I'm sure he will learn. Let's not forget it took Brandon a bit to adjust as well. Giles simply isnt near physically ready, Frank never was gonna be Kyrie from dat 1. Jayson shows enough effort for me, needs to let things come to him. I think he will sooner then later. Bolden is a head scratcher going from what we're seeing opposed to the pre season talk. Jury is out on him. Javin can't get a chance, which I don't agree with but its to be expected. All in all i think the many set backs have made it tough for the young guys to gel more so then selfishness and lack of care
 

CRAZIE4LIFE

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I definitely give Giles a pass. I'm sure he has the skill set, but the poor guy basically hasn't played in two years, and I'm sure scared out of his mind what might happen.
 

jamsession3

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I think people are being harsh now, Jay had a bad half, I'm sure he will learn. Let's not forget it took Brandon a bit to adjust as well. Giles simply isnt near physically ready, Frank never was gonna be Kyrie from dat 1. Jayson shows enough effort for me, needs to let things come to him. I think he will sooner then later. Bolden is a head scratcher going from what we're seeing opposed to the pre season talk. Jury is out on him. Javin can't get a chance, which I don't agree with but its to be expected. All in all i think the many set backs have made it tough for the young guys to gel more so then selfishness and lack of care

Intensity and hustle have nothing to do with being 5 star players. It does impact a 50/50 ball!
 

RanDEVILman

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How quickly we forget. I will agree that some of the freshmen, basically all of them except Frank, seem a little too passive on defense sometimes, or too weak inside. Remember though, they haven't listed in a college program for years, and they learned a lot of bad technique playing the AAU circuit where defense is only played sparingly. Tatum played basically the entire game. That's asking a lot. And to say McBob and Rivers had more heart...Really? I think you're just remembering the good times. I remember tons of games with the same feelings, that Rivers and Josh were just not trying too hard. Unfortunately not everyone who plays ball is Wojo.
 
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I saw laziness and a lack of competitive fire out of Tatum last night that was extremely disappointing. I'm not sure if he just had a bad game or not, but he needs to improve. Him basically jogging back on defense with his head down after he had turned it over was infuriating
 

Kingbluedevil

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Giles is trying hard he can't move fast enough at this point. Capel has to call time quicker when Tatum starts showing his ***.
 

Mpm277

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Hey, whether it's for the name on the back or the front, at least Jayson is competing. Bolden doesn't even appear to enjoy the game of basketball, much less be skillful at this level thus far.
 
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Liftee

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I think part of the problem is having 3 of them playing prominent roles at one time when none of them is as mature as Tyus or Justise who were very unusual and Jahlil was physically so far ahead of everyone else. This is a different group and Harry is just feeling his way. I do think Jayson got outplayed badly by Isaac and that may have contributed to his hero ball. Let's hope the more mature guys can help right the ship.
 

denverexpat

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I dont think you second guess the player - i think you have to second guess the rating and information that gave them that rating and basing recruiting on said rating.
 
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BluePhil

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Hey, whether it's for the name on the back or the front, at least Jayson is competing. Bolden doesn't even appear to enjoy the game of basketball, much less be skillful at this level thus far.

If I were playing as little as he does - because I was playing as badly as he does I would not look like I enjoyed the game either. I thought he had begun to make the turn a little bit in his confidence and effort against GT, but that appears now to just be a fluke.
 

dukiejay

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Each one of us has a different demeanor. I get what people are saying about him --- he looks like he doesn't care, has no fire, plays with little to no emotion....but that doesn't mean those things are true. I think we're looking at a guy, who because of his size and stature, might have been rated higher than he deserved.

Make no mistake, he hasn't come close to his expectations so far, but I don't think it's because he's not trying or just going through the motions.
 
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QC Dukie

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I certainly hope our guys don't come on this message board and read some of these posts.

OFC
 

DukeDenver

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As a big Gamecock fan, it's incredible to me that USC has 2 star guys are several positions that are playing much better than our 5 star guys. Chase and Marques were way up there in high school, but Frank Martin's true freshman from Estonia is clearly better at this stage. Star rankings matter. But years like this happen where we end up with non compatible, injured or otherwise overrated players. We got two of the top three guys based on NBA potential, but through the halfway point, it hasn't meant we are a top ten team. Basketball is crazy unpredictable until you see what the 5 guys on the floor can do as a unit after hours and hours of practice. Why isn't Frank Jackson better at this point? That's tough to answer. He's got the ability to dominate, but he's unsure of his role and isn't seeing the floor well.
 

timo0402

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How long do you give Harry a pass?
All season and pretty much all of next season as well. Guy has had two major knee operations, hasn't played in 15mo, has to wear the brace which does limit his mobility, and learn a ton about the new speed of the game.
 
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DukeDenver

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All season and pretty much all of next season as well. Guy has had two major knee operations, hasn't played in 15mo, has to wear the brace which does limit his mobility, and learn a ton about the new speed of the game.
It's pretty clear he can't run or jump like he did in high school. Those abilities will come back to at least 95% eventually, as will his confidence and touch. Will he be that guy by March? We'll find out, but he's not doing anything wrong out there on the court. His attitude has been great considering his luck. Some fans are being hard on him because Bolden was supposed to be better than Chase and Amile was supposed to stay healthy.
 

pisgah101

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I'd love to see what Giles can do. I wish we would set up plays for him because while he looks not full speed I think he can contribute more if he gets the touches
 

pisgah101

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All season and pretty much all of next season as well. Guy has had two major knee operations, hasn't played in 15mo, has to wear the brace which does limit his mobility, and learn a ton about the new speed of the game.

Tuesday night I was watching him and those braces are massive. That can't help your mobility! I feel bad for him. Do y'all think that'll be a forever thing for him to wear?