#2 Duke vs. #12 Texas Tech - ESPN2

[TheDude1]

I still believe this Duke TEAM is better than last year. I think it is mainly because of Jones (pg play is the key for ncaa) and better defense.

Anyone can tell this team is better. A HUGE part of it is Jones vs Duval. Duval was pretty bad, and TERRIBLY as a PG who is supposed to lead the team.

I remember K had an interesting quote at the start of the year... maybe a week in. He commented on how this years team had ALREADY hit the ground for loose balls more than last years team did the ENTIRE YEAR. Love the guys from last year, but I'll trade Grayson and MBIII for RJ and Zion, no problem.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Look at the stat line. Duke and Tech had bad, not brutal games. Both teams shot around 38%, Tech outshot Duke from 3, Duke shot 25 free throws to Tech's 13, Duke very slightly outrebounded Tech, and Tech had 5 more turnovers. From what I saw, it was an ugly game for both. I know fans of all teams can't look at those teams objectively but Duke fans are a special breed--they seem to harp on the national hate but look past all of the media love (as if that is their birthright).

The fact is that most fans hate Duke not for the winning (Alabama doesn't get that much hate even though they win far more often and I believe UNC has won as much or more during Coach K's time at Duke), but for the arrogance of their coach, players, and fans, the beneficial ref calls they have received, specifically in the 90s and early 2000s (+2015), and because the media gives them a non-stop love fest. It is what it is. Coach Meyer has gotten bad press forever and that has affected my Buckeyes playoff chances (along with some ridiculously bad losses). Duke gets the benefit of all the media can muster, haven't dominated with OADs nearly as well as Coach Cal, but they are still treating like Champions every time they play. Then their fans come here and claim that they played so poorly compared to their opponent but overcame that to still win.

People don't like teams that are perceived to have an unfair advantage. Why did everyone hate the Yankees for so long? Because they bought their teams. Why then, in the last few years, did people kind of admire, even enjoy the Yankees? Because it was mainly home grown players, sprinkled with a few purchases.

How many people hated the Spurs when they won a title seemingly every other year? No one aside from LA and Houston fans? Got it. How many people hate Villanova right now? Teams that do it the right way are admired.

People hate The Pats, Golden State, and Duke because in some way, they aren't playing by the same standards as everyone else. They either cheated, get help and treatment, or get players/recruits they had no business getting.

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

People don't like teams that are perceived to have an unfair advantage. Why did everyone hate the Yankees for so long? Because they bought their teams. Why then, in the last few years, did people kind of admire, even enjoy the Yankees? Because it was mainly home grown players, sprinkled with a few purchases.

How many people hated the Spurs when they won a title seemingly every other year? No one aside from LA and Houston fans? Got it. How many people hate Villanova right now? Teams that do it the right way are admired.

People hate The Pats, Golden State, and Duke because in some way, they aren't playing by the same standards as everyone else. They either cheated, get help and treatment, or get players/recruits they had no business getting.

Eh the Spurs really had no business getting Duncan. They were injured and tanked for him the in 97 despite being a 55+ win team the previous three years.

If you think Jay Wright is doing things the right way I’ve got some beach front property in Kansas to sell you.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

People don't like teams that are perceived to have an unfair advantage. Why did everyone hate the Yankees for so long? Because they bought their teams. Why then, in the last few years, did people kind of admire, even enjoy the Yankees? Because it was mainly home grown players, sprinkled with a few purchases.

How many people hated the Spurs when they won a title seemingly every other year? No one aside from LA and Houston fans? Got it. How many people hate Villanova right now? Teams that do it the right way are admired.

People hate The Pats, Golden State, and Duke because in some way, they aren't playing by the same standards as everyone else. They either cheated, get help and treatment, or get players/recruits they had no business getting.

I totally agree with you. GS was loved until KD joined. The Pats were loved until the perceived cheating incidents. Duke has gotten a ref advantage and an NCAA advantage. There is no way that Coach Cal could have gotten away with a Lance Thomas-like incident (A banner would have been taken down), Marvin Bagley getting into UK with his grades, skipping a year and his family getting paid by Nike, or a player like Zion Williamson being implicated asking for money while his family moves into an expensive house in the Lexington area. Duke doesn't even get investigated. Both on and off the court, that advantage helps Duke in a way other programs wouldn't benefit.

 

[TheDude1]

BTW, for the people who say "Well, Duke AND Texas Tech played equally badly..."

Texas Tech shot 39%, which is within 5 percentage points of three other games they played this year. They shot 31% from three, which is within 5 percentage points of four other games they played this year, and WAY better than one of them. They took 57 shots, which is about average for them this year, and equal to or better than six games this year. They scored 58 points, which is about 18 points below their season average.

Duke shot 38%, which is within 5 percentage points of one game they've played this year. They shot 15% from three, which is within 5 percentage points of one game they've played this year. They took 60 shots, which is third lowest on the year. They scored 69 points, which is about 23 points below their season average.

Neither team played great. Texas Tech played badly... one of their five worst of the year. Duke played REALLY badly... maybe the worst game of their year.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

Eh the Spurs really had no business getting Duncan. They were injured and tanked for him the in 97 despite being a 55+ win team the previous three years.

If you think Jay Wright is doing things the right way I’ve got some beach front property in Kansas to sell you.

SA did tank and no program is clean, IMO. Duke's advantage has been over decades. The hate builds up. It took a few perceived cheating incidents for the Patriots. If GS were to somehow sign AD, the hate for them would explode.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Eh the Spurs really had no business getting Duncan. They were injured and tanked for him the in 97 despite being a 55+ win team the previous three years.

If you think Jay Wright is doing things the right way I’ve got some beach front property in Kansas to sell you.

If they're injured and not going to win a lot of games, what difference is it shutting it down fully? No one really seems to get mad about teams that tank, they already kinda suck. It would be another thing for an established title-winning team to pull something like that. Regardless of that, they do it the right way. Coach is a no-nonsense guy. The players aren't entitled and work hard.

As for Jay Wright, not sure what you're insinuating. He's been squeaky clean as far as I can tell. Until something substantial comes out, or you know, starts getting all the top5 talent for seemingly no reason.. he's fine. And again, regardless, people like that program. Hard workers, nothing given, and he's a standup guy. Doesn't dress down the other team or throw tantrums.

 

[TheDude1]

"Look - I found my balls - so I'm back"

White has done well for many reasons - not the least of which his "defense" at the rim would highly likely be a foul for any other average player on any other team. The way he puffs up like he's headed to the NBA with his buds is nothing short of hilarious. Kid will fight for a rebound so I can give him that - but he gets by with alot - like post whistle, elbow throwing, dog shakes to come out of a tied up ball possession like he's just taken the beach at Normandy. He's perfect as an over-rated Duke white kid who is starting to believe his media coverage.

No idea what that first bit meant.

But yeah... sooo... Jack White is only doing well because the refs aren't calling fouls on him? And he puffs up? He's overrated... even though people say he is maybe the seventh or eighth best guy on the team?

Yikes. That's some cray hate.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

It's one thing for a team to miss shots, it's another thing for a team to spaz out the last 5 minutes. Duke didn't necessarily "play" bad, they just had a bad shooting night against a great defensive team. Zion fouling out isn't playing bad.. that's how he plays. Just cause the refs called fouls on Duke doesn't mean they played a poor game lol.

Not hard to tell the difference.

 

[TheDude1]

It's one thing for a team to miss shots, it's another thing for a team to spaz out the last 5 minutes. Duke didn't necessarily "play" bad, they just had a bad shooting night against a great defensive team. Zion fouling out isn't playing bad.. that's how he plays. Just cause the refs called fouls on Duke doesn't mean they played a poor game lol.

Not hard to tell the difference.

I don't totally disagree, but shooting is a big part of playing well. If someone goes 2/14 and someone else goes 7/9, I think it's pretty common to say that the first guy didn't play well and the second guy did.

The offensive fouls were bizarre. I've never seen a team get called for... was it eight or nine charges? Some of them were well deserved... some, I'm not so sure on. But I am fine with this sort of game in December... you learn from it.

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

If they're injured and not going to win a lot of games, what difference is it shutting it down fully? No one really seems to get mad about teams that tank, they already kinda suck. It would be another thing for an established title-winning team to pull something like that. Regardless of that, they do it the right way. Coach is a no-nonsense guy. The players aren't entitled and work hard.

As for Jay Wright, not sure what you're insinuating. He's been squeaky clean as far as I can tell. Until something substantial comes out, or you know, starts getting all the top5 talent for seemingly no reason.. he's fine. And again, regardless, people like that program. Hard workers, nothing given, and he's a standup guy. Doesn't dress down the other team or throw tantrums.

There’s a lot of the behind the scenes recruiting deals where nothing substantial comes out.

But if you wanted to point out something with Nova you could point to Quinnerly being in the FBI investigation for payments from Zona then switching to Nova when it’s made public.

 

[Duke Bluu]

Whatever “advantages” K gets, he’s earned them. USA team? He earned that. Folks weren’t exactly lining up to play or coach the Olympic Team just prior to K taking over. When he built that program back up, I’m glad he stayed and reaped the benefits of his hard work and at the time, his sacrifice to get that program going in the right direction again.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

Whatever “advantages” K gets, he’s earned them. USA team? He earned that. Folks weren’t exactly lining up to play or coach the Olympic Team just prior to K taking over. When he built that program back up, I’m glad he stayed and reaped the benefits of his hard work and at the time, his sacrifice to get that program going in the right direction again.

See, this is the arrogance I am talking about. Everything revolves around the greatness of Coach K. The entire mindset of Team USA changed after the 2004 debacle where no one wanted to play and threw together a roster without any thought. Team USA took a more Dream Team like approach. Any really good coach could have pulled it off. Coach K was a great selection to coach but he wasn't the only coach (college or Pro) that could have pulled it off.

 

[struggler]

No idea what that first bit meant.

But yeah... sooo... Jack White is only doing well because the refs aren't calling fouls on him? And he puffs up? He's overrated... even though people say he is maybe the seventh or eighth best guy on the team?

Yikes. That's some cray hate.

"Yikes" - are we watching an episode of Scooby Doo? Zoinks!

White is a very average, pedestrian player. Considered a solid player but not special for any other team. He's learned to hit an open three decently and he "leads" his team because he's been a K disciple for a couple of years and knows the ropes - and he can do that all important task of waving at players to come together before foul shots. On any other team he is quite average.

As always - I despise arrogant posters from other teams that come over to boast and talk trash, especially Duke ones, but the passive aggressive BS is especially annoying and something you are well known for.

Keep drinking the Dickie V Koolaid.

 

[Duke Bluu]

See, this is the arrogance I am talking about. Everything revolves around the greatness of Coach K. The entire mindset of Team USA changed after the 2004 debacle where no one wanted to play and threw together a roster without any thought. Team USA took a more Dream Team like approach. Any really good coach could have pulled it off. Coach K was a great selection to coach but he wasn't the only coach (college or Pro) that could have pulled it off.

No he wasn’t. But of those that were able, how many were willing? We don’t know. K was asked and he stepped up during a time where it was not popular nor considered smart of him to do so.

 

[justanotherguy505]

We are really obsessed with Duke. Wow. Duke could win the title, but they also could end their season with a loss. I still think the 99' Duke team beats this version 7 out of 10 times. I don't know what's worse, UK fans having an unhealthy obsession about Duke, or the Duke fans coming to our board and wondering why UK fans are not fawning over Duke. Did the Duke game this year really break us? As for this game, Duke played poorly, partially because of Texas Tech; Texas Tech played poorly in stretches, partially because of Duke. I do not want Duke to win a title, simply because it would put them one title closer to UK. Generally, I am a UK fan, and do not root against other teams per se, but certain teams like Carolina, Duke, and UCLA, I will root against in the tournament for obvious reasons.

 

[Lukasz0brzut]

Duke will not win a national championship if Cam doesn't play any better. The UK game Cam played outta his mind compared to the rest of the yr so far. Jack White stepping up for Duke so far has been the difference maker imo.

 

[jameslee32]

Who won?

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Meh, this team was thought to be better than some NBA teams. Anything less than undefeated was a failure. Coach K has already failed to meet expectations, and thats for three years running.

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

If only they had been ranked #1 before the season.

 

[TheDude1]

"Yikes" - are we watching an episode of Scooby Doo? Zoinks!

White is a very average, pedestrian player. Considered a solid player but not special for any other team. He's learned to hit an open three decently and he "leads" his team because he's been a K disciple for a couple of years and knows the ropes - and he can do that all important task of waving at players to come together before foul shots. On any other team he is quite average.

As always - I despise arrogant posters from other teams that come over to boast and talk trash, especially Duke ones, but the passive aggressive BS is especially annoying and something you are well known for.

Keep drinking the Dickie V Koolaid.

Well, that's mostly ridiculous.

First, White certainly isn't a superstar... he's maybe the seventh or eighth most naturally talented guy on the Duke team. He is a glue guy and an older guy who knows the ropes. Having said that, his per 40 numbers are 12 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while shooting 71% from 2. For comparison, he is better per 40 minutes than Reid Travis for boards, assists, steals, blocks, and shooting percentage. As a... what, seventh or eighth option... that's pretty good.

And to top it off, he is doing exactly what he needs to do this year. He is helping lead the young guys. He isn't complaining about minutes. He isn't hogging shots, but rather letting them go to the more talented guys.

He certainly isn't an All American, but he is a very good role player on a team that needs them... as I am sure you know, every title winning team needs those, and especially a young, young team.

All the rest of what you are saying is just nonsense. I'm not here talking trash or boasting or being passive aggressive or whatever else you are talking about. You are talking about the Duke game and about how I'm drinking Dickie Vs kool aid or whatever. I am talking about the Duke game, and providing stats to back up what I am saying.

 

[TheDude1]

We are really obsessed with Duke. Wow. Duke could win the title, but they also could end their season with a loss. I still think the 99' Duke team beats this version 7 out of 10 times. I don't know what's worse, UK fans having an unhealthy obsession about Duke, or the Duke fans coming to our board and wondering why UK fans are not fawning over Duke. Did the Duke game this year really break us? As for this game, Duke played poorly, partially because of Texas Tech; Texas Tech played poorly in stretches, partially because of Duke. I do not want Duke to win a title, simply because it would put them one title closer to UK. Generally, I am a UK fan, and do not root against other teams per se, but certain teams like Carolina, Duke, and UCLA, I will root against in the tournament for obvious reasons.

I, for one, don't want UK fans to "fawn" over Duke. I mean... you CAN fawn over teams that aren't your own. I'm HAPPY to fawn over PPat and AD and Ulis and Fox and Wall and and KAT and Prince and any number of UK players who were PHENOMENAL players, many of whom also seem to be thoughtful, good guys. But I'm also someone who is generally pretty even-handed about rival teams, and when people are unreasonable and emotional I have a hard time not responding. It's a weakness I am working on

Duke will not win a national championship if Cam doesn't play any better. The UK game Cam played outta his mind compared to the rest of the yr so far. Jack White stepping up for Duke so far has been the difference maker imo.

Yeah, Cam has been struggling When announcers and stuff talk about him going third in the draft, it feels like the ones who still say that Zion is 285... people reciting talking points from two months ago. I suppose they can't follow as closely as we do, but still...

Meh, this team was thought to be better than some NBA teams. Anything less than undefeated was a failure. Coach K has already failed to meet expectations, and thats for three years running.

Anyone who thought this Duke team was better than some NBA teams was... well, that was stupid. The rest of your post, I assume, was parody.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Hey, blame it on the media and the love for Duke and Coach K. ESPN flat out had a special on whether Duke could beat the Cavs. And for them to already lose to a non-power team, giving up their automatic undefeated year in December... yeah that's failing expectations.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

No he wasn’t. But of those that were able, how many were willing? We don’t know. K was asked and he stepped up during a time where it was not popular nor considered smart of him to do so.

While I disagree that it wasn't popular, it was appreciated that Coach K stepped up. However, he was overwhelmingly praised for his willingness to coach and he used his position in Team USA to influence Team USA high school teams and it tremendously helped his recruiting. Coach K did a great job but please don't make it out to be an altruistic sacrifice.

 

[TheDude1]

Hey, blame it on the media and the love for Duke and Coach K. ESPN flat out had a special on whether Duke could beat the Cavs. And for them to already lose to a non-power team, giving up their automatic undefeated year in December... yeah that's failing expectations.

Oh no, the media was ridiculous, as were a lot of fans. After seven months without ball, a few great dunks and a big opening game (which I think everyone recognizes was a serious outlier for both teams) was enough to make some people mushy-headed and ridiculous.

But the rest of that... I get that the "UNDEFEATED 40-0!!!!1!!" thing is... well, a thing among some UK fans, for some as a joke and for some as a strange defense mechanism or reflex or something... but nobody with a brain would ever think that is possible in the ACC. It's barely possible ANYWHERE. The 2015 UK team is likely as close as we'll see any team get in a LONG TIME, and you guys were bringing Ulis and Booker OFF THE BENCH. How many teams have ever, and I mean EVER, brought that sort of talent off the bench? Duke this year certainly doesn't... love Goldwire and AOC, but... yeah.

No team realistically has expectations beyond MAYBE a final four. NO TEAM ON EARTH reasonably expects to win a national title or go undefeated.

 

[struggler]

Well, that's mostly ridiculous.

First, White certainly isn't a superstar... he's maybe the seventh or eighth most naturally talented guy on the Duke team. He is a glue guy and an older guy who knows the ropes. Having said that, his per 40 numbers are 12 points, 11 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while shooting 71% from 2. For comparison, he is better per 40 minutes than Reid Travis for boards, assists, steals, blocks, and shooting percentage. As a... what, seventh or eighth option... that's pretty good.

And to top it off, he is doing exactly what he needs to do this year. He is helping lead the young guys. He isn't complaining about minutes. He isn't hogging shots, but rather letting them go to the more talented guys.

He certainly isn't an All American, but he is a very good role player on a team that needs them... as I am sure you know, every title winning team needs those, and especially a young, young team.

All the rest of what you are saying is just nonsense. I'm not here talking trash or boasting or being passive aggressive or whatever else you are talking about. You are talking about the Duke game and about how I'm drinking Dickie Vs kool aid or whatever. I am talking about the Duke game, and providing stats to back up what I am saying.

Yes - you are... well documented. It's ok - it's just who you are and what you do. Anyone who runs over to others' boards for whatever reason - it's just a punk move imo - and you certainly do it after a win. Again - it's typical - it's Duke - it's not surprising. Drink on and certainly hoping you, K, Dickie V, Bilas, ESPiN and other Duke posters that run to others' boards do not receive the validation from the rest of us that you heap upon yourselves.

King of the backhanded "compliment" - "You all are so good - but we are really better - see - I'm reasonable". Ugg.

 

[TheDude1]

While I disagree that it wasn't popular, it was appreciated that Coach K stepped up. However, he was overwhelmingly praised for his willingness to coach and he used his position in Team USA to influence Team USA high school teams and it tremendously helped his recruiting. Coach K did a great job but please don't make it out to be an altruistic sacrifice.

So, as an older Duke guy who has been around a long time... your take on this is a bit "hindsight is 20/20."

K took a lot of crap in the years after taking the US head coaching job. He took it in 2006. In 06 Duke went to the Sweet 16. In 07 we went 8-8 in the ACC and went out in the round of 64. In 08 we went out in the round of 32. In 09 we went 11-5 in the ACC and out in the sweet 16 again. And in that time our top recruits were Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler, Elliot Williams, and Ryan Kelly, while missing on guys like Durant, Wright, Patterson, Monroe, Wall, and a host of others. There were a NUMBER of people, both at Duke and nationally, who said that taking the USA job was a mistake, that it was stretching K out and Duke was suffering for it.

In terms of recruiting yes, it EVENTUALLY helped... but it helped because he was successful, and when a coach is successful, why WOULDN'T it help his recruiting? It feels a bit putting-the-cart-before-the-donkey by saying otherwise.

And K isn't the only guy who benefited from taking a national job. Cal took the Puerto Rico job to land KAT. It worked out very well for him. There have been a number of coaches who have taken national gigs where they actually coach the guys they are recruiting. I don't see people getting up in arms over that. My guess is that K's success is why.

As for why K took the job... I get that some folks might always see things in a negative way. But K is a veteran of our armed forces who has always been a vocal and active supporter of the men and women in our armed forces. Duke has done many programs with our soldiers, almost every year in fact, and K has maintained a very close relationship with a number of the people he served with and knows, such as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marty Dempsey, General Vincent Brooks, and General Robert Brown. Many of the US team players have spoken about how K really developed the idea that they were representing their country and, in a way, the men and women who defend our country, and the pride that developed with that. You can think the guy is profane and prickly and has a huge ego and can be a prick (and I would agree with all of that) but I think his love of country is genuine.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

It is crazy. A ghost once his team loses and then shows up in December. It's like birds flying south for the winter. Duke will fail expectations, yet again, and the crappy Duke fans will dissappear. 66 will stick around, I think he likes punishment.. Neue may post, although he's been awol as a whole.. the rest are just trolls looking for Kentucky's approval.

I'll enjoy hearing about White for the next few months, and the subsequent 8 month break until next December.

 

[Duke Bluu]

It is crazy. A ghost once his team loses and then shows up in December. It's like birds flying south for the winter. Duke will fail expectations, yet again, and the crappy Duke fans will dissappear. 66 will stick around, I think he likes punishment.. Neue may post, although he's been awol as a whole.. the rest are just trolls looking for Kentucky's approval.

I'll enjoy hearing about White for the next few months, and the subsequent 8 month break until next December.

I don’t know what you’re talking about home boy when Duke lost to Gonzaga I was right here front and center. As long as it’s a Duke related topic I’m in there.

 

[struggler]

I don’t know what you’re talking about home boy when Duke lost to Gonzaga I was right here front and center. As long as it’s a Duke related topic I’m in there.

A-holes gonna A-hole LineSkiCat14... I so wish they were entertained enough with their own board - but alas - they are not. Probably rejected there too.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

So, as an older Duke guy who has been around a long time... your take on this is a bit "hindsight is 20/20."

K took a lot of crap in the years after taking the US head coaching job. He took it in 2006. In 06 Duke went to the Sweet 16. In 07 we went 8-8 in the ACC and went out in the round of 64. In 08 we went out in the round of 32. In 09 we went 11-5 in the ACC and out in the sweet 16 again. And in that time our top recruits were Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler, Elliot Williams, and Ryan Kelly, while missing on guys like Durant, Wright, Patterson, Monroe, Wall, and a host of others. There were a NUMBER of people, both at Duke and nationally, who said that taking the USA job was a mistake, that it was stretching K out and Duke was suffering for it.

In terms of recruiting yes, it EVENTUALLY helped... but it helped because he was successful, and when a coach is successful, why WOULDN'T it help his recruiting? It feels a bit putting-the-cart-before-the-donkey by saying otherwise.

And K isn't the only guy who benefited from taking a national job. Cal took the Puerto Rico job to land KAT. It worked out very well for him. There have been a number of coaches who have taken national gigs where they actually coach the guys they are recruiting. I don't see people getting up in arms over that. My guess is that K's success is why.

As for why K took the job... I get that some folks might always see things in a negative way. But K is a veteran of our armed forces who has always been a vocal and active supporter of the men and women in our armed forces. Duke has done many programs with our soldiers, almost every year in fact, and K has maintained a very close relationship with a number of the people he served with and knows, such as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marty Dempsey, General Vincent Brooks, and General Robert Brown. Many of the US team players have spoken about how K really developed the idea that they were representing their country and, in a way, the men and women who defend our country, and the pride that developed with that. You can think the guy is profane and prickly and has a huge ego and can be a prick (and I would agree with all of that) but I think his love of country is genuine.

Let's go through this step by step. First, yes, Duke had a few rough years. Those were not a result of Coach K helping Team USA but the result of end of the Reddick/Williams era, Paulus/McRoberts not panning out, Roy Williams returning to UNC.

Second, any good coach that took that role was going to be successful and Coach K knew it. That is why he took it. It wasn't simply about the Olympics, it was about his legacy. And by the way, his 2010 national championship was his best coaching job ever. Sadly, since he went all-in on OAD, his coaching has suffered. For example, he used to be one of the best defensive coaches in basketball. Now, his players don't or won't learn. I see some improvement this year but he has had the athletes to make a much better defensive team (please don't quote me Ken Pom this year as the one good team Duke has played, they gave up almost 90).

Third, you can't compare coaching Puerto Rico with coaching Team USA. It isn't in the same league. Yes, I believe Coach Cal did take the job for the benefits but he saw what Coach K was doing and knew he couldn't compete (he was correct).

Finally, you can give a very optimistic view of Coach K. I give a more realistic version. I have been on record as saying the Coach K is twice the man that Coach Knight is and I respect him. But he is far more manipulative than his mentor. He is the media's angel and Coach Cal is the devil but I believe the men have similar drive and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. They are far more alike than either side would admit. There is no way Coach K took that job simply out of duty or love of country.

 

[wildcatdonf]

Got to turn the volume off, Dukie V calling the game.

Booall!

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

TT struggling might have had something to do with Duke’s fantastic D. Their offense isn’t that bad. They still average about 77 points a game. Yeah, Duke sucks so hard they have a 4-1 record against the top 25.

You can praise them all you want. Go to your board and do it. 4-1 against top 25, a no 3-1, who else you counting as the 4th, Stetson? You can't count top 25 wins when their not in the top 25 when you play them. As far as I'm concerned they are over rated and suck!

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

I still believe this Duke TEAM is better than last year. I think it is mainly because of Jones (pg play is the key for ncaa) and better defense.

You wont know that truly until you have played 1 road game LOL or until you have gotten into ACC play.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

We got the cheats tomorrow. Talking about dook while watching a game and right after is one thing. It's over, now piss off back to your board. We get attacked on your board and banned. Fell lucky to even be here and act accordingly. Some of you are ok, but most aren't. We don't want you here so if you need to be here that says something about your fan base. Anyway on to UNC.

 

[Duke Bluu]

You wont know that truly until you have played 1 road game LOL or until you have gotten into ACC play.

That’s fair, I did qualify it by saying I believe. On the road vs a tough FSU team will definitely be a test in a couple of weeks.

 

[Jpthegame]

So he's going to put up those percentages next year?

He’ll continue to progress.

 

[Jpthegame]

Good Duke team but will say it again. If last year’s Duke team couldn’t win it all, this team won’t.

Because they play so similarly?

 

[Jpthegame]

Lol.. your guys AREN'T SHOOTERS. What happened last night wasn't some anomaly.. No, what happened against Kentucky was the anomaly. And if you followed along, it was a regression from Freshman to sophomore, no matter how little. Try and keep up.

Also, reported for name calling. Rules are rules. Suggest Kentucky fans do the same. This wouldn't fly on their board so it shouldn't here.

Actually, by definition, tech was a serious anomaly. Duke shot 21% under their season average from 2 and 18% under their season average from 3. So it was absolutely an anomaly.
In the uk game Duke only shot 2% higher from 2 and 10% higher from 3 which translates to 2 extra males given that they shoot 20 a game. So above average, sure, but not the statistical anomaly you’d like to think. Certainly not as large of a deviation from the mean as the tech game.
Now, I hope you’ve shown integrity and reported yourself as well. If name calling is a no no, surely questioning the intelligence of everyone you respond to should count too. “Try and keep up”....”I’m tired of the stupidity”...aren’t exactly compliments.

 

[Shatterthesky22]

You can praise them all you want. Go to your board and do it. 4-1 against top 25, a no 3-1, who else you counting as the 4th, Stetson? You can't count top 25 wins when their not in the top 25 when you play them. As far as I'm concerned they are over rated and suck!

Well let me put it this way, Duke is 4-1 against teams currently ranked 22 or higher. That better?