Duke visiting Bolden on Thursday
- Thread starter Rupp'sRunt
- Start date
This sounds like a couple of years ago when the Harrison Twins had it down to Kentucky and Maryland and Coach Turgeon tried a couple of visits before the Twins announcement. When I look at Duke's roster next year it looks to me they are losing Plumlee(sr) and Ingram entering the draft. If you look at the 2016-2017 they have 9 forwards and centers and 5 guards. The forwards are Tatum, DeLaurier, Giles, White, Jeter, Jefferson, Vrankovic, Obi, and Robinson. There are 4 centers and 5 forwards. The 5 guards are Jackson, Allen, Kennard, Thornton, and Jones. That is 14 players total and he has 2 wak-ons. I am sure Coach K has plans on either redshirting or someone transferring. We have heard Allen say he is coming back and that means they only lose the one senior in Plumlee and Ingram entering the draft. They only had 2 seniors in Plumlee and Amile Jefferson and he had a medical redshirt and coming back. The only 2 that talked about going to the NBA was Allen and Ingram and we know Allen is staying and Ingram leaving for the NBA. To get Bolden now that would make 15 players on Schloarships so Coach K has to have a plan to either redshirt a couple of these players or a couple are transferring out. They had two redshirts last year in Robinson and Obi so Coach K to add Bolden has to have a game plan to make room on his roster to get to 13 players. Bolden can't say with now Skal gone that Kentucky is loaded when Duke has more forwards and centers next year.
Did I say anything about the problems that Duke may face next year. No. I just said they will be loaded and you're making my point with your post. All the problems that you listed are caused by having a loaded roster. They could play just 5 players all year but that doesn't change the fact that the team is loaded. That's all I said. Nothing about the problems they may face. However, had Cal ever platooned until he got the 2015 team? Exactly. Nobody knows what K will do next year.
I also didn't say anything about us not having a good team. I agree that those guys will be a nice addition to the freshman but we are still going to be led by freshman. I don't see any of those players you listed as possible leading scorers, leading rebounders, or leading assist makers. It's not a bad thing, it's just reality. I like our team but I'll love it if we can add Bolden or Allen. He is the key.
You can call it a stretch all you want. You made something out of nothing with my post.
I think I'll just wait till he picks a school. Not gonna worry about it.
Yeah, I'd like Bam and Gabe to play their true positions. But still think our front court is insanely better than it was this past year. I mean, night and day better. We actually have Small Forwards to start, we have crazy athleticism at the 3 and 4. We have more bodies to soak up fouls. We lose timidness and gain toughness.
And I agree, I don't know how or why Bolden is considering Duke with Jefferson and Giles in the way. There's a pretty clear-cut spot for him on Kentucky. Had Jefferson left, I'd think very differently.
The hyperbole today is off the charts. "Far more loaded than any team"? What you people smoking?
Said it before and I'll say it again. I would strongly prefer to add Bolden. He would give us an offensive facet we don't have now and let Bam play primarily the 4.
But he is not a make-or-break player. He's not the key to the title. If we indeed lose him to Duke, I'll be disappointed. But this won't be like last year when it was Murray or broke.
Wow. You must be the guy that walks around the bar 'peacocking', just waiting for someone to say something that is a little off.
Then you go all Jon Favreau from the replacements on someone.
Chill...
Nope. It was a recruiting dead period. Cal us not seen him since his visit 3-4 weeks ago.
I was told Cal hasn't even talked to him since then.
We got the big man I wanted above all the others when we signed Bam. He is a beast. He attacks the rim better than any other player, not only in this class, but in all of college bball.
He is who Cal will build this team around.
He will be this year's KAT/Randle.
Anyone who thinks we will struggle inside needs to watch this kid. He is raw, but has the tools to become a dominant force on the block. With Payne and Cal working with him, he should become a superstar.
I don't understand why everyone is worried about our inside game with this guy coming in.
He is who Cal will build this team around.
He will be this year's KAT/Randle.
Anyone who thinks we will struggle inside needs to watch this kid. He is raw, but has the tools to become a dominant force on the block. With Payne and Cal working with him, he should become a superstar.
I don't understand why everyone is worried about our inside game with this guy coming in.
When you look at Duke's roster next year they are going to be loaded in Backcourt and Frontcourt and will have problems playing everyone and making all players happy. Coach Cal took care of that problem in 2014-2015 when he went with the Platoon System that hurt him in Recruiting when all other Top Head Coaches starting telling these top recruits they would play the Platoon at UK if they decide to go to Kentucky. That rearlly hurt us in the Spring Recruiting period last year with some recruits. Duke in the backcourt alone are loaded with Allen, Jones, Thornton, Kennard, and Freshman Jackson that was Co-MVP at McDonalds All-Star game with 19 points going 5/7 from 3. We are going to have some unhappy guards next year at Duke. Then in the Frontcourt they have 5-star Center Jeter, Giles(which wants Bolden so he doesn't play Center and gets to play forward), Sean Obi a transfer from Rice that is 6'10 and 265 and averaged 12 and 10 at Rice, Vrankovic is a 4-star center and is 7ft and 260 Freshman, and Amile Jefferson back from Medical redshirt and is 6'10 and 240. Jefferson was a load last year underneath at Duke in scoring and rebounding. Then you have Tatum, DeLaurier, and White all Freshman that are Forwards to go with the above underneath. Amile Jefferson coming back he will start and last year before injury averaged 30-35 minutes in the 8-9 games he played last year. Jefferson averaged 11 and 10 in the 8 or 9 games he played and was getting 30-35 minutes. Then you have Tatum and Giles that will starting and you have Jeter that had playing time last year. They have a couple more big men in Rice transfer Sean Obi that is 6'10 and 265 and averaged 12 and 10 at Rice and Vrankovic is 7ft and 260 freshman center. Duke will have more options than Kentucky next year and hopefully Bolden see this and picks UK!
Dave, I like your posts, but they would be a lot easier to read if you would put some paragraphs in there. Just saying.
Obi is listed at 6'9 but closer to 6'8 (as is Amile), and Obi is leaning towards not playing anymore because of lingering knee issues. Amile is 225lb soaking wet as well. Jack White is 6'6 and is a guard more than a forward.
My prediction for Duke's roster:
Starters
G Jackson
G Allen
F Tatum
F Giles
C Bolden
Key Reserves
G Kennard
G Jones
F Jefferson
That's the rotation. K will not play more than 8 guys. Never has, this team will be no different.
Thornton transfers this summer. Jeter probably transfers mid-season after he figures out that he has been recruited over (unless he is fine with waiting until next season to contribute).
The rest of the roster knew they weren't playing much when they signed on.
That team is good, but not flawless. Very young (probably starting four Freshmen). No true PG. Two big men recovering from injury.
Preseason favorites for sure, but not invincible.
Starters
G Jackson
G Allen
F Tatum
F Giles
C Bolden
Key Reserves
G Kennard
G Jones
F Jefferson
That's the rotation. K will not play more than 8 guys. Never has, this team will be no different.
Thornton transfers this summer. Jeter probably transfers mid-season after he figures out that he has been recruited over (unless he is fine with waiting until next season to contribute).
The rest of the roster knew they weren't playing much when they signed on.
That team is good, but not flawless. Very young (probably starting four Freshmen). No true PG. Two big men recovering from injury.
Preseason favorites for sure, but not invincible.
Not really, just sucks when people turn your words into something they're not. You sound like my wife when she twists my words and then plays the victim like she can't understand why that would make me defensive. Nice distraction from the point though.
I didn't even realized I lost my cool. Maybe I should be mindful that some are far more sensitive than others on here.
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If they add Bolden. Yes, they will be more loaded than any team next year on paper, unless there are changes before the season. That doesn't mean that they will win the title but they'll be stacked on paper. Its not a knock against us, so relax. It's ok to admit.
That's exactly what every fan base was saying about us in 2015. Cal had never platooned before that season but he changes his strategy to fit his team. I'm not saying that K will platoon and I'm not saying that he WILL change, just saying that nobody knows for sure what he will do with that team. You very well may be correct about playing time but to say never is a bit strong. It will be a new situation for him to have that much talent, just like it was for Cal.
Adding Bolden to that teams just adds to his problems if you ask me and I can't understand why he is leaning that way. He has a perfect opportunity to come in here and get major minutes with Cal. I just hope he gets to make the decision instead of his mother.
Interesting that Coach K is not going. He's sending Capel. He must feel pretty sure Bolden is coming to Duke. Shows me that Cal wants him more than Ratface does.
College basketball will be top heavy again next season with teams like Duke, UK, MSU, Arizona, Villanova, and possibly Kansas. By the end of the season, any of those teams will be good enough to win it all. Our fans should be well aware that the best team doesn't always win a National Title. Last season's UK team was one of the best statistically in the last 20 years and didn't win it all. UK fans and you especially need to quit acting like little girls over who Duke has or doesn't have. A lot can happen between now and next April.
Bolden, 6-10, 254-pounds from DeSoto (Texas) High School, is still trying to decide between Duke, Kentucky and TCU before his birthday on April 17. TCU is a long shot at best as Bolden said he has had very little contact with new head coach Jamie Dixon.
Bolden told 247Sports that he is not just waiting to announce but still doesn't know where he wants to go to college.
"When I have it figured out, I will for sure announce it," said Bolden. "I really am still trying to figure it out."
Kentucky head coach John Calipari recently visited Bolden and his family.
"The visit with Coach Calipari went great," said Bolden. "We got a lot out of that meeting. We really talked a lot. My parents and I really got a lot out of it."
Bolden continued with what attracted him to Kentucky:
"Really just the versatility they have and the way they use their bigs. They don't really have stationary fives or stationary fours. Everybody plays multiple positions."
Duke assistant coach Jeff Capel is expected to visit Bolden shortly after the Nike Hoop Summit. Regarding Duke, Bolden knows there is an opportunity waiting for him.
"With Duke it is the opportunity to come in and play, said Bolden. "They are losing a key piece in Plumlee. They are looking for me to fill that spot."
Bolden, who is ranked No. 20 in the 247Sports Composite, is a tough read in regards to his recruitment. Skal Labissiere was expected to enter the draft, and Duke is expected to have a scholarship available for Bolden even with Grayson Allen returning to school. Neither of these developments have any ramification on his recruitment. There is also the narrative that Bolden's mother strongly prefers Duke while Bolden and others in his camp lean towards Kentucky. Bolden declined to address this prevalent narrative.
Bolden told 247Sports that he is not just waiting to announce but still doesn't know where he wants to go to college.
"When I have it figured out, I will for sure announce it," said Bolden. "I really am still trying to figure it out."
Kentucky head coach John Calipari recently visited Bolden and his family.
"The visit with Coach Calipari went great," said Bolden. "We got a lot out of that meeting. We really talked a lot. My parents and I really got a lot out of it."
Bolden continued with what attracted him to Kentucky:
"Really just the versatility they have and the way they use their bigs. They don't really have stationary fives or stationary fours. Everybody plays multiple positions."
Duke assistant coach Jeff Capel is expected to visit Bolden shortly after the Nike Hoop Summit. Regarding Duke, Bolden knows there is an opportunity waiting for him.
"With Duke it is the opportunity to come in and play, said Bolden. "They are losing a key piece in Plumlee. They are looking for me to fill that spot."
Bolden, who is ranked No. 20 in the 247Sports Composite, is a tough read in regards to his recruitment. Skal Labissiere was expected to enter the draft, and Duke is expected to have a scholarship available for Bolden even with Grayson Allen returning to school. Neither of these developments have any ramification on his recruitment. There is also the narrative that Bolden's mother strongly prefers Duke while Bolden and others in his camp lean towards Kentucky. Bolden declined to address this prevalent narrative.
More confident reading that. He wants to play, first and foremost. Kentucky is the choice and he wants Kentucky.
If they add Bolden. Yes, they will be more loaded than any team next year on paper, unless there are changes before the season. That doesn't mean that they will win the title but they'll be stacked on paper. Its not a knock against us, so relax. It's ok to admit.
More loaded was not the issue. I was responding to a post that said "far more loaded than any other team". That's a joke.
Nah, Capel has gained the rep as being the reason Duke started loading up on OAD types. He's probably their closer.
Only five players can be on the court at a time.
UK will have four top 20 picks + Briscoe in its starting lineup; plus a bench that features Matthews, SKJ, Willis, Humphries, Hawkins and Lee.
It's pretty amazing that despite all of that talent, people are still managing to find things to ***** about.
UK will have four top 20 picks + Briscoe in its starting lineup; plus a bench that features Matthews, SKJ, Willis, Humphries, Hawkins and Lee.
It's pretty amazing that despite all of that talent, people are still managing to find things to ***** about.
Coach K just had knee replacement surgery a couple days ago, which is why Capel would go.
Does it matter? Underdogs have won, favorites have won. Some teams can't handle the pressure, others can. Nobody will know for several months. But I'd rather not be the favorites just in case our group is one of those teams for whom the pressure gets to them.
Ok, so more loaded is agreeable but far more loaded is then laughable? With them adding Bolden? Ok. Whatever. Just agree to disagree.
We're just trying to be like last year's Kentucky team with multiple 5 star, future draft picks coming off the bench, future #1 pick averaging 10 ppg, a center ranked in the top 20 (Johnson) averaging 6 ppg and 4 rpg, and another center who was ranked in the top 25 (Lee) averaging 2 ppg and 2 rpg. K just wants to be like Cal. He'll almost certainly throw the word "platoon" around numerous times this offseason and in the preseason. He might even create a Twitter account just to talk about the platoon and make it seem like it was his original idea but we all know that Cal is the real genius.
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Where do you get some of your info? Obi didn't redshirt this last season, he played sporadically throughout the year. Also, redshirted still apply to schools counts. SMH......
We really need an expert opinion on the situation. Does anyone know how to get a hold of cut nets?
Good post, except most of Duke's players suck in the NBA because K doesn't really help their game.
Ah yes... Duke's players in the NBA suck. Deng, Battier, Redick, Boozer, Brand, Irving, Parker, Dunleavy, Hill, Maggette, Henderson, and all the rest... They suck, or sucked. Because K didn't develop them. But man, can you imagine if KAT or Anthony Davis or John Wall hadn't played for Cal? Oh boy, they would have sucked in the league, because six months with Cal is what made them the players they are.
I am trying to find a more eye-rolly emoticon than [eyeroll], but I can't find one. Would [banana] suffice?
I am trying to find a more eye-rolly emoticon than [eyeroll], but I can't find one. Would [banana] suffice?
Bolden needs to take a look at Jeter vs Skal. Both were 5 star big men that weren't quite ready to perform at a high level in Div I basketball. How did that turn out for each? Cal stuck with Skal developing, giving him playing time, and taking the blame for any of his faults. Skal will be a first round pick. Jeter saw the bench the majority of the year and Coack K is going all out to recruit over him for this coming season so if they land Bolden he is forced with riding the bench another year or transferring. I know where I would go if I was in his shoes.
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