Official gameday thread- Duke vs MSU

[jamsession]

Are Cam Williams and Howard really that behind? Cam was the #3 overall recruit and Howard was #14.

I think a lot are overreacting to this one loss. Dukes schedule is the most difficult path I’ve seen in the last decade (seriously) so they will lose a few more. I still think this is a good team and they will be fine. I do think Rippey needs to start as last night showed this teams needs a true guard and he’s just that.

i’d say the big thing that jumps out to me is if Sarr is not completely locking down the team‘s best player he’s pretty much useless. He is just absolutely horrible on the offensive side of the ball.

The team must learn their roles for success. Boozer and Foster will be the floor generals. Hopefully, Blackwell's scoring will show up. Pat needs to stay on the block. No jump shots unless it's from the free throw line or top of the key. BB needs to hustle. Dame...play D. Wilkins is looking good, tough! Drew will be a surprise.

No, Cam and Howard are not ready

 

[AlanInNJ1]

We all hate any loss, but I don't mind too much a couple losses in the pre-conference season to top 10 teams on the road/neutral sites. MI State was more confident and more prepared last night. their defense was elite. Coach K used to use the phrase "we were knocked back". That's exactly what I thought happened in the first ten minutes last night, and we just didn't recover. Jon in his presser said the team will learn from the experience and improve. I believe that 100%. This will be at 30+ win team this year. Let's just make sure we win our last game of the season. Let's go Duke!

 

[The Only Blue]

I feel really bad for Howard and Williams. They should've gotten some minutes. If they don't get any they are as good as gone especially Williams because of JBB having to stay a second year.

While it's great to have depth, it can also be a handicap as well. Our guys can't get in rhythm playing a few minutes at a time.

 

[Mac9192]

I don’t really think anyone is over reacting. I think concern is warranted given the lack of hustle on defense by BB and Blackwell. Not sure Rippey is ready to start or run this team at this point of the season maybe as it progresses. He was getting beat on defense just like Cayden, Foster and Blackwell. The 26 percent offensive showing is truly cause for worry . That and the 3 point shooting like every season under Scheyer . Things to work on .

To be fair, it didn't matter who guarded Fears. They did the same thing over and over, and Duke didn't adjust. The biggest issue Jon faces, in my opinion, is who sits and who plays. Everyone can't play, unless we blow everyone out from here on in. We looked like a YMCA team where you split the playing time up by saying "you play the first part of the first quarter, and the last part of the second."

 

[The Only Blue]

To be fair, it didn't matter who guarded Fears. They did the same thing over and over, and Duke didn't adjust. The biggest issue Jon faces, in my opinion, is who sits and who plays. Everyone can't play, unless we blow everyone out from here on in. We looked like a YMCA team where you split the playing time up by saying "you play the first part of the first quarter, and the last part of the second."

Why did it seem like we went over the screen every time? Why didn't we go under it? Fears isn't a good shooter

 

[youngman42]

basically, Izzo went with the Bill Belichick philosophy of DB coverage, foul every time down the court, and they won’t call it every time.

We went 7 for 29 from 3. If we went 9 for 29 (still only 31%) that’s a tie game. Go 10 for 29 and we have 9 more points. part of that was their D but also we missed makable shots

Plus Ngongba only went 7 for 13 from the line.


We showed our youth. I also don’t think Foster played very well (2 of 7 from 3 and several open shots) and we had no one who could guard Fears or stop his dribble penetration. Poor team D there also. Esp compared to their team D which was exceptional, imo. They will be a force.

Foster has been a bit disappointing this year. He needs to pick his game up on offense.

It is unfortunate that Taylor, the #41 recruit was a strong contributor for them, and Cam Williams, #5 on ESPN, can’t get on the court.

Howard, btw, was #30 on ESPN — so 14 is too high a ranking. But neither are physically developed.

Thought Scharnowski played really well. He was a good pick up.

If we can grow this fall and become tougher, we should be much better come March. That said, there are a lot of starting 5s better than our best 5 right now. Including probably UVA. If we can get 2 Ws of the 4 games we play v the top 5 that would be huge. Even 1 W would be a positive.

 

[sheyduke]

Williams when he hits the court looks like a deer in the headlights right now . I am wondering about Howard . He was said to be a two way player and last night Duke needed a spark .
I can see the starting five changing soon especially if BB doesn’t put it together .

 

[jeffrey236]

BB isn’t playing like someone who deserves to start on this team. I’d rather have had Williams in there last night instead- he’s willing to mix it up and he hustles. I’m not saying Williams should start, but last night would have been a good time to make a point to BB while giving Williams a chance to show what he can do against real talent.

 

[christophero]

Wilkins has earned a start.

 

[sheyduke]

BB isn’t playing like someone who deserves to start on this team. I’d rather have had Williams in there last night instead- he’s willing to mix it up and he hustles. I’m not saying Williams should start, but last night would have been a good time to make a point to BB while giving Williams a chance to show what he can do against real talent.

I might be in the minority but I haven’t seen anything from Williams to suggest he’s not in the same boat as BB. IMO, Drew should start next to big Pat next game . He’s already rebounding in the limited game time since the season started better than BB and he hustles .

 

[JustAfanatic]

I agree and said so earlier. Drew is more ready for this level than BB and Williams.

About our guards, I’m not going to read too much into the fact they couldn’t guard Fears. Who in the country can guard Fears? You basically have to hope he misses.

I may be concerned over which guard will be the best facilitator though. Time will tell there..

 

[Mac9192]

I think it's too early to say who deserves to be starting. Give it a few more games. I have as many concerns as the next guy though. I'd like to see some inside/out action. Boumtje wants to show himself off as a shooter. I realize he's only 17, but he has to get tougher. We need him down low more. I mean the kid is 7'2" and is left handed. Sarr has to be better on offense. If he doesn't show more, and Wilkins keeps playing like he is, I'd start him over Sarr. The sample is small on Scharnowski, but I like this kid. Doubt we'll see a 20 point game out of him, but he will be a plus.

We have Boozer, Blackwell, Foster, and Rippey. We are going to need at least one become the type of guard that is a terror on the opposing teams. I think Rippey could be that guy.

 

[Bleediteveryday83]

I was impressed with Drew and Wilkins. Both played consistently on each end of the floor, maximizing their time out there. But the team as a whole was not what we are used to seeing from Duke. Jon was pissed. As he should be. That said, this team has a high ceiling, and I have faith in Jon & the staff to figure it out.

 

[sheyduke]

Lot of time to right the ship but this teams ceiling needs BB, Sarr, Foster, Blackwell, Rippey, Big Pat , Cayden , Wilkins , Drew at their top potential. If Cam or Howard pass one that’s even better but I think those are the nine come conference play .

 

[Bleediteveryday83]

Lot of time to right the ship but this teams ceiling needs BB, Sarr, Foster, Blackwell, Rippey, Big Pat , Cayden , Wilkins , Drew at their top potential. If Cam or Howard pass one that’s even better but I think those are the nine come conference play .

Cam Williams has great shot at taking off at some point. Howard has the stroke. But does he have the D? Not sure. I certainly hope we see them both find it.