18-19 roster

[nets on nets on nets]

If I remember correctly, Javin as a freshman was supposed to be an athletic 3 and D guy. He had a nice arc on his 3 point shot. When I saw him late in the Tournament this season it looked like he hurt his shoulder or something extreme! Maybe Nate only had him practicing post moves :0. In the Kansas game he converted a couple shots near the key. Odd 180 in his jump shot over the course of one season.

Agreed, I've said it over and over, but teams were giving Javin 10 feet of wide open space when he was at the 3 point line. You could tell he didn't wanna shoot, but sometimes he had to. Hard to fact check, but I'm pretty sure he air-balled every 3 he took in March, I know he did at least the two he took in the tournament. One was Kansas game and the other was Syracuse game.

If you are consistently air-balling open three's, than I'm sorry, but 3 point shooting is never gonna be a part of your game. Which is rough, because if Javin can develop a 3 point shot, the NBA will be calling his name.

 

[df64]

Not necessarily true. A good shooter who is tight/nervous will more than likely airball his shots. Confidence could be the issue here. Feeling like you belong out on the floor. Hopefully, that is the issue here and can be fixed with more playing time and experience. Hopefully, Javin is not just a practice stud. One of those guys who looks like an all star in practice but just cant do it in games. We will find out soon enough.

 

[LouisiAaron]

Not necessarily true. A good shooter who is tight/nervous will more than likely airball his shots. Confidence could be the issue here. Feeling like you belong out on the floor. Hopefully, that is the issue here and can be fixed with more playing time and experience. Hopefully, Javin is not just a practice stud. One of those guys who looks like an all star in practice but just cant do it in games. We will find out soon enough.

He’s not a good shooter though. He needs to stick to what he is. A hustle guy that plays defense and crash the boards

 

[TheDude1]

We’ve had some success with scrappy skinny high b-ball IQ white boy shooters in the past... Bobby, JJ, Mike, Jon... I trust that OC will be that for us.

 

[dukedevilz]

Javin shot over 40% from 3 in High School. The sample size was low, so he probably only took fairly wide-open looks and made them at a good clip ala Wendell Carter. It's pretty obvious that he currently has no confidence in his jump shot. That can be corrected, but I agree with the general sentiment that he needs to focus on the mid-range game before launching treys.

 

[PatrickYates]

If I remember correctly, Javin as a freshman was supposed to be an athletic 3 and D guy. He had a nice arc on his 3 point shot. When I saw him late in the Tournament this season it looked like he hurt his shoulder or something extreme! Maybe Nate only had him practicing post moves :0. In the Kansas game he converted a couple shots near the key. Odd 180 in his jump shot over the course of one season.

You don't remember correctly. He was a raw athlete whose basketball skills, including perimeter shooting, was considered a weakness.

 

[PatrickYates]

He’s not a good shooter though. He needs to stick to what he is. A hustle guy that plays defense and crash the boards

Given his size and athleticism, if he'll focus on D and crash the boards, he can spend a decade in the NBA and make millions of dollars. Sure, a three point shot would turn him into a borderline All star, but there are a TON of guys that spend a long time in the NBA as career backup/journey men that make a TON of money. Enough in 10 years to do whatever else he wants to do, which is probably be the local announcer for whatever team he had the most success on while fans lament the trade that sent him away, or gripe about the coach/GM/owner that let him walk in FA.
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If, as you say, he really focuses on D and rebounding.

 

[Mac9192]

What everyone needs to see is Javin was basically a freshman this year. He got into what, 12 games his freshman season? No, he probably will never be a good shooter, but confidence is his biggest issue. I'm fairly confident that if he played 20 minutes or more a game from the start of the year to the end, we would see an improved guy in about all areas of the game. I get the practice thing, but there's no substitute, I mean none, to the bright lights of the game.
When he's standing out there wide open looking to give the ball away, that should tell everyone that he's playing timid. If he doesn't believe in himself, he will be that way through his last game of his college career.

 

[dukephysics]

You don't remember correctly. He was a raw athlete whose basketball skills, including perimeter shooting, was considered a weakness.

I think this is correct.
I remember watching Javin quite a bit his freshman year during warmups (since he didn't get much PT and he was fun to watch dunking). He took a ton of shots from 3. Like he was clearly working on being a better shooter out there. And I don't remember him being overly good or bad from there. It seems he has either gotten worse, or lost all confidence in his shot, or both.

 

[GillJET]

We’ve had some success with scrappy skinny high b-ball IQ white guy shooters in the past... Bobby, JJ, Mike, Jon... I trust that OC will be that for us.

FIFY

 

[PatrickYates]

What everyone needs to see is Javin was basically a freshman this year. He got into what, 12 games his freshman season? No, he probably will never be a good shooter, but confidence is his biggest issue. I'm fairly confident that if he played 20 minutes or more a game from the start of the year to the end, we would see an improved guy in about all areas of the game. I get the practice thing, but there's no substitute, I mean none, to the bright lights of the game.
When he's standing out there wide open looking to give the ball away, that should tell everyone that he's playing timid. If he doesn't believe in himself, he will be that way through his last game of his college career.

Javin is a guy that probably needs to stay out of the way of serious offensive threats. He's a guy who needs to focus on garbage baskets, and probably will be for the next 3-5 years until his shot gets better, if it ever does.
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The problem last year was that he was trying to hide on the perimeter, to stay out of the way of the two frosh bigs. This was disastrous.
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Next year, he can "hide" behind and to the side of the basket, opening up driving lanes. His defender will "ignore" him, which will allow our wings/guards to lob him the ball on the regular. After about the 2nd or 3rd dunk, the opposing big will start ignoring his coaches instructions to leave Javin alone, because that big won't like being on the wrong end of posters.
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Having a raw Javin on the perimeter wasn't worth the gains on D and the boards. Having a raw Javin on the interior, where all he needs to do is be big and athletic, is something else.

 

[topps coach]

Javin is a guy that probably needs to stay out of the way of serious offensive threats. He's a guy who needs to focus on garbage baskets, and probably will be for the next 3-5 years until his shot gets better, if it ever does.
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The problem last year was that he was trying to hide on the perimeter, to stay out of the way of the two frosh bigs. This was disastrous.
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Next year, he can "hide" behind and to the side of the basket, opening up driving lanes. His defender will "ignore" him, which will allow our wings/guards to lob him the ball on the regular. After about the 2nd or 3rd dunk, the opposing big will start ignoring his coaches instructions to leave Javin alone, because that big won't like being on the wrong end of posters.
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Having a raw Javin on the perimeter wasn't worth the gains on D and the boards. Having a raw Javin on the interior, where all he needs to do is be big and athletic, is something else.

For me would be satisfied with him developing a consistent mid range shot

 

[Mac9192]

Javin is a guy that probably needs to stay out of the way of serious offensive threats. He's a guy who needs to focus on garbage baskets, and probably will be for the next 3-5 years until his shot gets better, if it ever does.
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The problem last year was that he was trying to hide on the perimeter, to stay out of the way of the two frosh bigs. This was disastrous.
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Next year, he can "hide" behind and to the side of the basket, opening up driving lanes. His defender will "ignore" him, which will allow our wings/guards to lob him the ball on the regular. After about the 2nd or 3rd dunk, the opposing big will start ignoring his coaches instructions to leave Javin alone, because that big won't like being on the wrong end of posters.
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Having a raw Javin on the perimeter wasn't worth the gains on D and the boards. Having a raw Javin on the interior, where all he needs to do is be big and athletic, is something else.

You're getting way too technical. He simply must learn to believe in himself.
The physical part of the game is huge, but not as much as the mental. He can be better. That 6" between the ears is the bigger issue with him.

 

[PatrickYates]

For me would be satisfied with him developing a consistent mid range shot

But that is the difference between him being a late lottery pick vs a late first round pick. At his size, if he'll defend and rebound at a high level, he's a great guy that every team will want in their rotation.
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Add a mid range J and he's a solid starter on most NBA teams.
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Add shooting range out to 3pt land and he's a perennial all star.
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People are letting the ideal version of Jav get in the way of him being good enough at Duke. We don't need him to dominate and score a ton. Frankly, I'd rather he not waste time at Duke working on things we don't need him to work on. We need defense and rebounding. D and cleaning glass will be his calling card in the NBA. Let him develop a 3pt stroke once he's there, like Lance did.
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Lance is what Jav needs to focus on. Jav is taller, longer, and more athletic than Lance. Jav can be a conf DPOY, or even NDPOY, if he'll work on that aspect of his game (I consider rebounding to be a HUGE part of defense). Time working on jump shooting will take away from that. I'd rather Javin focus on the areas where moderate improvement will allow him to make a huge impact, rather than trying to turn a huge weakness into an, at best, mild strength. Defense and rebounding is all we need from him. If he'll do that, he'll get 4-6 points on lobs/trash/put backs, and another 1-2 on FTs (which he MUST improve). If we could get 5-7ppg, 7-9 rpg, and quality D/rim protection, we'll play in the FF next year.

 

[dukephysics]

But that is the difference between him being a late lottery pick vs a late first round pick. At his size, if he'll defend and rebound at a high level, he's a great guy that every team will want in their rotation.
.....

I love Javin, but you have him slated as a first round pick or potentially a lottery guy?

 

[lyonhawk]

There's a lot to digest there. For example, if Javin can develop range to 3, he's a perennial All-Star in the NBA, but also, he shouldn't work on his shot at all.

 

[topps coach]

But that is the difference between him being a late lottery pick vs a late first round pick. At his size, if he'll defend and rebound at a high level, he's a great guy that every team will want in their rotation.
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Add a mid range J and he's a solid starter on most NBA teams.
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Add shooting range out to 3pt land and he's a perennial all star.
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People are letting the ideal version of Jav get in the way of him being good enough at Duke. We don't need him to dominate and score a ton. Frankly, I'd rather he not waste time at Duke working on things we don't need him to work on. We need defense and rebounding. D and cleaning glass will be his calling card in the NBA. Let him develop a 3pt stroke once he's there, like Lance did.
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Lance is what Jav needs to focus on. Jav is taller, longer, and more athletic than Lance. Jav can be a conf DPOY, or even NDPOY, if he'll work on that aspect of his game (I consider rebounding to be a HUGE part of defense). Time working on jump shooting will take away from that. I'd rather Javin focus on the areas where moderate improvement will allow him to make a huge impact, rather than trying to turn a huge weakness into an, at best, mild strength. Defense and rebounding is all we need from him. If he'll do that, he'll get 4-6 points on lobs/trash/put backs, and another 1-2 on FTs (which he MUST improve). If we could get 5-7ppg, 7-9 rpg, and quality D/rim protection, we'll play in the FF next year.

Other than wanting our guys to be successful after they leave Duke,I am more concerned with the success of the program.Imo if he can consistently hit a few midrange shots that will not allow his man to fall back and clog the lane especially since we have three freshman who can consistently take their man off the dribble.Would love to see Javin become a a 8 and 5 guy next year

 

[PatrickYates]

There's a lot to digest there. For example, if Javin can develop range to 3, he's a perennial All-Star in the NBA, but also, he shouldn't work on his shot at all.

I'm of the opinion that his development into a quality 3 point shooter is more theoretical than practical. If Jav worked on his team running and passing abilities, and turned those areas into strengths of his game, he'd be an MVP candidate.
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Javin developing Tyus like skills is only slightly less likely than Javin turning into a 35% 3pt shooter while he's still at Duke.
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So, yes, a theoretical development of his three point shot would be great. It is also so very unlikely to happen that I'd prefer he not waste valuable practice time on developing that ability. I'd rather he be focusing on D and rebounding that jacking up shots.
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With reasonable practice and focus, Javin can become a near elite level college defender and a top tier rebounder. In that same amount of time, he can become a less awful (but by no means decent, much less good), perimeter option.
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I've clarified it above, but basic reading comprehension would have made that clear from my earlier posts.

 

[christophero]

I see a lot of Amile Jefferson in Javin. I hope to see big improvements in Bolden, Javin, Jack and yes, Goldwire. I like Vrank but must admit he's probably near his ceiling, but still can provide a few minutes a game.

 

[Liftee]

I like Goldwire and feel he can turn into that lower ranked player who gives good minutes. I think he plays decent defense that will get better and is a good ball handler.

Javin does not play like a big guy to me. He is not strong enough or inclined to being an inside player like Amile was. More of a Swiss army knife like Lance Thomas was. Perhaps the 5th starter on a championship team like Lance? I'll take that!

 

[Tross282003]

Javin in different than Amile and Lance. Amile and Lance were more wirery and agile. Javin great run and Jump athlete, but lacks hand eye coordination and agility. He also lacks lateral quickness and size.

Bolden more of a rim protecter and can block shots.

 

[Liftee]

Javin just finished his sophomore year. Amile was very skinny at that age and not a factor underneath. Lance was not the defensive force he became later. Javin still has lots of time to mature physically and skill wise.

 

[HeLooks2MuchLikeDave]

I'm of the opinion that his development into a quality 3 point shooter is more theoretical than practical. If Jav worked on his team running and passing abilities, and turned those areas into strengths of his game, he'd be an MVP candidate

MVP candidate?? As in NBA MVP?? First you called him a borderline all-star, then a potential lottery pick, now an MVP? This reminds me of a thread I read at THR where posters were proclaiming Joel James as a first round pick and NBA starter.

I love me some Javin, but cmon man let's be realistic here. The NBA has no place for guys who can't score. There is only a very limited place in the league for guys who can score but not shoot--and only when they have some otherworldly talent (e.g. Rajon Rondo, Ben Simmons). Athletic freaks are a dime a dozen in the league. There is no evidence that Javin can even play top notch defense at the next level. Plus he's made one 3-pointer in his college career, he shoots 55% from the line, he averages less than 3 points per game--and worst of all, he barely played double digit minutes per game as a sophomore. Javin is not going to have a single play run for him next season and he will be on the court with 4 better scoring options at all times. The NBA drafts a non-starter once every few years but only when that player is a tantalizing prospect on a stacked team (e.g. Marvin Williams)--not an upperclassman fringe player. Javin isn't getting drafted, and doesn't have a career in the NBA. I am sorry to say that. I truly hope he does add all these hypothetical pieces to his game and proves me wrong. Javin is a great young man and representative of Duke University.

So please, let's temper our expectations for the kid so people don't inevitably rush to crucify him when he doesn't live up to Lebron, Steph, Westbrook, Durant and other MVP-caliber hype.

 

[timo0402]

Zion officially signed today in case any UK fans or UK board readers were wondering.

 

[dukephysics]

Zion officially signed today in case any UK fans or UK board readers were wondering.

Stop spreading your fake news

 

[QC Dukie]

Zion officially signed today in case any UK fans or UK board readers were wondering.

Damn thank goodness he isn’t going to Pitt with Coach Capel.

 

[timo0402]

Damn thank goodness he isn’t going to Pitt with Coach Capel.

Who btw didn’t lead his recruitment as some uninformed morons at THR or RR would lead you to believe.

 

[Fresh1972]

Glad Zion signed! I can see RJ being that Alpha Dog and wanting his share of the publicity... I saw his roll his eyes when Zion was getting in a McD's Interview...

Any insight on him wearing #12... Is Javin basically giving up his number to the frosh? I don't think he would any plans on transferring... Seems like K loves him and he is a Duke kid trough and through who is just still super raw and needs to slow down or hopefully the game slows down for him. He is a super athletic bull in a china shop a lot of times...

Any word on any transfers or late additions to the 2018 class? I still think K may have a surprise up his sleeve... Joe Cremo? Reid Travis? a developing 3 or 4 star recruit?

 

[Fresh1972]

Is it too late to get back in on Romeo Langford?? We need a shooter!