Give this duke team a break

[Ioliva]

9 games in 19 days.
3 games in 4 days 2 back to back
2 top 10 teams
the #2 team in the nation has played 5 games the entire season!
just played in one of the loudest arenas in the nation on the road and got a win against a team known to show up for big games.
Duval may suck at times but he still had 6 assists and 0 turn overs he'll get better
Our defense may be forever a work in progress
and more importantly we're still undefeated!

 

[Laettner15]

9 games in 19 days.
3 games in 4 games 2 back to back
the #2 team in the nation has played 5 games the entire season!
just played in one of the loudest arenas in the nation on the road and got a win against a team known to show up for big games.
Duval may suck at times but he still had 6 assists and 0 turn overs he'll get better
Our defense will may be forever a work in progress
and more importantly we're still undefeated!

Couldn’t have said it better!

 

[GARY4plus3]

Yeah, I agree. As much as I enjoy watching these guys play... It's time for these guys to have a little break. Well done men!

 

[DiehardDukeFan4Life]

Thankfully they’ll get some rest in next month because we only play 5 games in December

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Duke has been magnificent, and Bagnificent. They play hard, play unselfishly (for the most part), and don't get rattled. We're going to lose one of these days, but it won't be because our guys didn't give it their best.

OFC

 

[Neners]

Not going to lie: I did not expect us to get through this stretch of games undefeated. Now it's time to take a breath, rest up, focus on finals, and fine-tune.

 

[dukiejay]

When it’s laid out in front of you, despite some of the struggles, it’s a pretty impressive start to the season.

 

[DukeSky85]

Post of the year so far! We’re going to be outright scary come February and March

 

[Showenuff]

Coach K: “Marques made the play of the game. He gave us incredible energy. We beat tired tonight... It was a big win for us. Our 9th in 20 days.”

 

[Mac9192]

We have some bad bad boys on the court. Just wait til the defense catches up with the offense. That's when the rest of the country is gonna be in some real trouble.

 

[Duke937]

The defense was awful at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season. But come tournament time it had become insanely good. Hoping for the same outcome with this group!

 

[SwatX1]

Its only going to get better. these guys have almost 4 months to fine tune.....

 

[Quavarius]

Think about it this way and hear me out:

I'm glad Duke is playing from behind and winning with great defense in the latter part of the second half. Why? Because if this team was blowing teams out by 20-30 early in the season, they would not know how how to handle adversity in close games later in the year when the competition increases and the stakes are higher. Also, they wouldn't know how to handle close game situations or hitting key FT's late in the game or discovering a "Go-to" player late in the game.

I actually feel better when Duke is trailing in the second half because I know the team will gut it out in the end. We just can't play too close to the fire because eventually, we will get burned.

 

[SwatX1]

Its definitely more exciting than a blow out, and I agree it will make us more prepared for tight games in the tourney....I just don't know how many more my clogged arteries can get through before they close up shop!!!

 

[LouisiAaron]

freshmen are so naive. do they not know that they are supposed to fold in these tight games against experienced players. these dudes are something else i tell you

 

[timo0402]

Coach K: “Marques made the play of the game. He gave us incredible energy. We beat tired tonight... It was a big win for us. Our 9th in 20 days.”

Play of the game by far on so many levels.
1. It was just a big time play and to watch a big man out hustle and get on the floor to win that 50/50 ball is really impressive.
2. Energy and leading by example it shows to his teammates younger especially
3. Coming off the bench, not knowing how many minutes you get and earning the respect of the staff and teammates
4. Give us huge momentum and tie the game at the line during a critical portion of the game.

Big time play from the Big sophomore. Really proud of his effort.

 

[DukeDenver]

Play of the game by far on so many levels.
1. It was just a big time play and to watch a big man out hustle and get on the floor to win that 50/50 ball is really impressive.
2. Energy and leading by example it shows to his teammates younger especially
3. Coming off the bench, not knowing how many minutes you get and earning the respect of the staff and teammates
4. Give us huge momentum and tie the game at the line during a critical portion of the game.

Big time play from the Big sophomore. Really proud of his effort.

That play pumped Grayson up big time. I was up out my chair head bobbing at my wife. She just rolled her eyes at me, and I’m all like, “Yeah, walk away, this is Duke!” Lol.

 

[AlanInNJ]

Great win, great energy from Bolden. In another thread I think DukeDenver said something like "we are a foul out or an injury away from needing Bolden to come up big". Man you guys are good! When Carter fouled out I was concerned, but Bolden came in and had some great minutes, most notably on the defensive end. It was awesome to see......unless you are any other team that plays us this year!

I sure hope our three point shooting comes around soon. Trent is really struggling, and Allen hasn't exactly lit it up from deep since MI State. I suspect a couple games at Cameron will settle them both back into their early season groves.

Alan

 

[Quavarius]

Also, has Gary Trent, Jr. missed a FT...at all?

If so, he's a dangerous weapon to have at the end of games as he's already proven to be valuable at that point in the game.

 

[LongTimeDukeFan]

It might be me, but I kind of cringe every time they go into zone. It seems like they are going on some group on-the-job training exercise.

The zone is effective, but not crisp. The man-to-man is a little slow.

 

[HonkeyT]

I love this team. Going to enjoy the hell out of this ride and these bad *** Frosh. It's very rare we get to hear how dominant Duke is on the inside, from a bomb squad to a low post force is a nice change up.

Proud of this 9-0 start with the monster schedule we have had. Just think, these kids did this knowing they are having to live up to the standards of playing for Duke, the attention the national media brings and to the hype they have laid on these kids. Not bad for 18 years olds kids. I know without a doubt with every game they are learning and getting better. We are young but we have the most talent of any team in the nation and more importantly....we have the G.O.A.T on the sidelines.

 

[youngman42]

What a great team to watch. So different from past teams with 4 bigs, all of whom can and do play (5 if Vrank ever gets any burn). And they are tall and long.

Trent has missed one FT, btw. I love his defensive play as well.

Funny, Trent and Duval look solid on the FT line which means your shot has good form and is consistent and usually translates to 3 point range. Yet, they both are weak there. If they can take the next month to really work on 3 pointers and become a bit consistent there, if not great, that would really make this team near unstoppable inside and out.

Gotta like the play of Bolden. He really stepped up and gave us great minutes in the 2nd half when we needed a defender on Davis and when Carter went out. Great to see him actually play a key role in a big game. Hope that builds his confidence.

I am glad to see Bilas talking up Carter. Carter is such a solid player. Maybe the best pure rebounder we've had in ... well ... I can't remember. He looks like he was trained by Tom Izzo out there the way he gets position and rebounds. A pure double-double big man.

Defense down the stretch and the zone was also great.

 

[dukiejay]

Also, has Gary Trent, Jr. missed a FT...at all?

If so, he's a dangerous weapon to have at the end of games as he's already proven to be valuable at that point in the game.

He's missed one free throw and is now 25/26 on the season. I believe he's made something like 23 in a row now.

 

[dukiejay]

One more thing....Trent is a very good shooter. He's just going through a massive slump right now, through. It's going to come. Something that hasn't gone away, though, is his confidence. The kid always expects to make his next shot. Players like that can play on my team any day.

 

[Guy Smiley]

In the post game presser, K said they got home from Portland at 9:00am Monday, practiced Tuesday, and got on the plane for Indiana after practice. Man, these kids must be on fumes. I was thinking they would fly directly to Indiana from Portland.

9 games (wins) in 20 days, spanning four time zones, red eye travel, and tough competition. I hope these kids are sleeping in this morning!

 

[Mac9192]

It might be me, but I kind of cringe every time they go into zone. It seems like they are going on some group on-the-job training exersice.

The zone is effective, but not crisp. The man-to-man is a little slow.

I know what you mean Lt, but I think it helps them by giving the other team something different to look at. We aren't sharp in either one, but very slowly getting better in both. Maybe just me but it looks like some of those wide open lanes in the man aren't there like they were. Then throwing zone at the other team makes them change their attack. I love K mixing it up right now.

 

[Voldukie]

Gary Trent - three Point Shooting is about legs...9 games in 19 days, travel, and the murderous Thanksgiving til now schedule kills legs. I;m betting that December will be bombs away for Gary.. I dont think he's in a slump...I think he ( and they) is/are whipped.... Easier games, lighter practice schedules (Exams) and hoiliday will bring a renewed spark to alot of these guys

Marques Bolden - Best game he has played in Blue - You can see him growing up.. all he needs now is a go to post move or a 15 foot J and he is in the Lottery.

Grayson Allen - When the Book is written on his career it should include a chapter on growth of leadership..From the Punk frosh who everyone ribbed to the leader they all look to...this happens often at Duke under K (See Smith, Nolan...See Cook, Quinn).

Wendell Carter Jr. - As Much as I like watching him at Duke, I can't wait to see him in the pro game. What a force.. I remember being awestruck by Elton Brand's power while I was at Duke...and Carter ins next level to Brand... He could be the standard bearer for NBA Post play for the next decade.

 

[dbav]

The funny thing is that this team seems to need the pressure situation to really turn it on. They are the polar opposite from teams that fold under the pressure. They almost seem bored when there isn't enough pressure.

It's great to have those players, but a dangerous game to play against really good teams. That being said, I hope we work on putting teams away and keep that edge under pressure.

 

[QC Dukie]

I hear what you’re saying dbav, but it sure would be nice for us to hammer someone so I can relax and watch a game. These last few games haven’t been healthy for me.

 

[SwatX1]

I hear what you’re saying dbav, but it sure would be nice for us to hammer someone so I can relax and watch a game. These last few games haven’t been healthy for me.

I am with you! I need a breather!
I am betting we get one these next couple games.

 

[dbav]

I totally agree QC.

 

[sheyduke]

I'd like to see less minutes for the starters just for the rest. Not a lot but knock off like ten minutes per starter the bench can play.

Use the time to work on defense and just straightening out some things

 

[Liftee]

Bolden's play reminded me of Lance Thomas' similar play against Butler in the NCAA finals. It was a real shot in the arm to the team.

We see this team can play good defense in spurts. Perhaps being freshmen they are still learning to do it for longer periods of time to put teams away.

Trent's shot will come. His stroke is too pure. Meanwhile he's doing everything else including the midrange game. Fine in my book.

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

Love this team!! But if there is one concern for me through 9 games, it's knowing that we still have to face Luke Maye twice, and maybe even a third time.

 

[dukephysics]

Love this team!! But if there is one concern for me through 9 games, it's knowing that we still have to face Luke Maye twice, and maybe even a third time.

I just hope the NCAA continues to give us those easy draws and he's on the opposite side of the bracket.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

Also, has Gary Trent, Jr. missed a FT...at all?

If so, he's a dangerous weapon to have at the end of games as he's already proven to be valuable at that point in the game.

just 1...hes like 22/23

 

[Laettner15]

One thing that really stood out with me about this team during the Indiana game. Score was 69-69 with a little over 7 minutes left. Indiana has an inbounds play under the basket in which they try a lob at the basket that bolden knocks away. Duval takes the ball on a fast break, loses his balance and throws the ball at the basket. Indiana grabs the ball comes down, fast break dunk to make it 71-69. Next possession, I believe it was bagley drives the lane, kicks it out to Trent jr for a 3 which rims out. Indiana grabs the ball brings it down the floor and calls a play that leads to a dunk to make it 73-69. At this point the crowd is going insane at assembly hall. K doesn’t call a time out and the 5 players on the floor: bags, Allen, Trent, bolden, Duval (3 freshman, 1sophmore, 1 sr) have the patience and composure to calm down and go back to what was working which was throw it into the block to bagley for an and 1: the fact this team can stay so composed, this early in the season in a big time environment speaks wonders to me!