Bolden

Duke=Boom!

Redshirt
Mar 11, 2011
86
38
0
He is my only concern. He had some good moments but at this point even Vank is playing better than him. Maybe he is a 4 year player after all. Is it just me or is anyone else concerned as well? Luckily he is not as needed.
 

Duke_Fan_1338

Junior
Apr 14, 2006
3,123
254
0
For me, he lacks the energy/motor, strength, and touch that someone like Wendell possesses.

I will say, however, that this game might not have played to his strength as much. You'd think a guy with his length could hold down the middle, but he's probably better at hedging the screen and using his mobility.

Also, MSU's front court and tenacity could be one of the better ones we face all year. I hold out hope for him, but in certain situations, it's clear that Vrank's energy and solid post play is what this team needs.
 

sheyduke

All-American
Apr 13, 2010
14,056
9,557
108
Carter didn't impress me in a the beginning of the game but he's young.

Bolden has to find his confidence soon or Big V will pass him on the bench

Javin= wow
 

Duke=Boom!

Redshirt
Mar 11, 2011
86
38
0
No pun intended with the thread. I just wanted other thoughts on this. Maybe it was bad timing.
 

Duke_Fan_1338

Junior
Apr 14, 2006
3,123
254
0
We're just evaluating the young man's performance. A lot of people, myself included, are rooting for his development as a player. Thought Bolden lacked energy and strength on the interior, but I hope that he continues to improve. Obviously we shouldn't negatively bash on our players- nothing against him as a person, just think he has a fair way to go before he's a consistent part of the rotation, and I don't see much wrong with discussing that.

But, I am much more excited about some other players than discouraged about Bolden. I hope he continues to improve, but was elated to see contributions from Javin, Goldwire, and Vrankovic.
 

SwatX1

Heisman
Jan 4, 2011
8,338
10,583
68
I seen something very exciting tonight...BIG TIME.....I am not going to start trying to find negatives. I'd prefer to stay excited about what I just watched!!
 
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Dattier

All-American
Sep 1, 2003
9,374
5,634
0
I'm so happy for Javin.

I'm anxious for Quis. I loved his attitude, focus, introspection, and commitment as conveyed in "The Off-Season" podcast. I want him to experience success, and early. I want that for him. Being sick has delayed that.
 
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Laettshow

Junior
Mar 26, 2017
259
274
0
Isn't he still recovering from strep throat? I don't show up for a desk job with strep.

I had a tonsilectomy at 32 to avoid getting strep so much, would rather have had my vasectomy 10 times over the tonsilectomy. He is probably still tired, dehydrated etc...
 

dukiejay

Heisman
Mar 2, 2005
11,293
16,311
0
Two things....1) I think Bolden probably gets a pass so far because of the early season sickness, and 2) I honestly think we just have a lot of guys who are better than him.
 

Duke_Fan_1338

Junior
Apr 14, 2006
3,123
254
0
Two things....1) I think Bolden probably gets a pass so far because of the early season sickness, and 2) I honestly think we just have a lot of guys who are better than him.

That's just a big part of it. I don't think anyone is trying to be overly critical of Bolden. But we have a variety of options in the interior this season (which is great) , and it's hard to justify giving him minutes as the first guy off the bench when Delaurier provides superior energy, defensive & offensive versatility, etc. Vrank also provided a toughness and energy that Bolden was unable to provide. Honestly, sounds a little harsh, but I'm happy that Vrank and Delaurier really stepped up, while Wendell continues to be a nice player.
 

2 skerz 3_rivals208847

All-American
Mar 7, 2011
48,400
9,498
0
He is my only concern. He had some good moments but at this point even Vank is playing better than him. Maybe he is a 4 year player after all. Is it just me or is anyone else concerned as well? Luckily he is not as needed.
Honestly, your expectations are too high imo. Bolden will be our Zoubek. Gonna take him a little while. My opinion probably won't be popular but it's what I believe.
 

dukiejay

Heisman
Mar 2, 2005
11,293
16,311
0
Honestly, your expectations are too high imo. Bolden will be our Zoubek. Gonna take him a little while. My opinion probably won't be popular but it's what I believe.

I think it’s more popular than you think. And that’s not a bad thing. I would love for Marquis to be a 10 and 6 guy but that’s not him right now. However, I think he can play a huge role for this team....just not the role many had him pegged for when he arrived on campus 18 months ago.
 

dukehokie

All-American
Jun 27, 2005
19,624
6,220
113
If we can get 6-10 boards from Ques and 4-5 altered shots, I’d consider that a win. I’ll revisit this in December and see how I feel. One thing i have seen him improve on is how hard he takes the ball to the rim vs. last season. That alone is cause for optimism.
 

TheLaettnerStomp

Sophomore
Jan 13, 2007
163
112
0
I think that the whole recruiting battle with Kentucky gave us an impression of Bolden that unduly hyped him up past reasonable expectations. Last year, he was hurt. This year, he’s been sick. In truth, Bolden needs more confidence. The Zoubek reference seems fair. Zoubek only became Zoubek after he found his confidence. Until that point, he was a fouling curiosity at best. Bolden has a better skill set than Brian. That said, he needs more PT to prove to himself that he can do it. I pray he gets that. But to do so... he needs to flat-out hustle. I don’t want to see him transfer for lack of playing time; always a danger when year after year, you sit behind more talented players. Will he be as patient as Zoubek? I don’t know.
 
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jnastasi

Senior
Mar 28, 2012
1,069
664
0
Really had high hopes for him this year but he's looked subpar every time on the court. He still has a lot of time to turn it around though.
 

topps coach

All-Conference
Feb 6, 2008
20,901
4,122
0
I think that the whole recruiting battle with Kentucky gave us an impression of Bolden that unduly hyped him up past reasonable expectations. Last year, he was hurt. This year, he’s been sick. In truth, Bolden needs more confidence. The Zoubek reference seems fair. Zoubek only became Zoubek after he found his confidence. Until that point, he was a fouling curiosity at best. Bolden has a better skill set than Brian. That said, he needs more PT to prove to himself that he can do it. I pray he gets that. But to do so... he needs to flat-out hustle. I don’t want to see him transfer for lack of playing time; always a danger when year after year, you sit behind more talented players. Will he be as patient as Zoubek? I don’t know.
Spinel was only healthy the last two months of his career.Have always wished that he had taken a medical redshirt and had one more year
 

sheyduke

All-American
Apr 13, 2010
14,056
9,557
108
Bolden needs confidence. He has skill and the physical tools but needs confidence.

I still have hope that he will surprise us all
 
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Mpm277

All-Conference
Nov 23, 2010
7,445
2,669
0
I actually thought Bolden looked better than most games last year. It's frustrating to see a guy with his size and wingspan not be very effective, but at least he hustled and fought more against MSU than how he played in so many games last year.
 

BNM79

Junior
Sep 1, 2012
382
361
0
He fought hard for some rebounds. Especially in the first half. Him and the other bigs will need to work on finishing down low better.
 
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topps coach

All-Conference
Feb 6, 2008
20,901
4,122
0
He fought hard for some rebounds. Especially in the first half. Him and the other bigs will need to work on finishing down low better.
They won't be playing against many teams with that size and athleticism.They will finish at a much higher rate
 
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BD Warrior

Senior
Sep 20, 2006
2,839
483
0
Yea but you had to make a thread on it? Cmon dude.

It's a legit question. We need him to step up to be the best team we can be. One injury and he becomes very important. The original poster didn't bash him, he Just called out the obvious.
 

Dukeprodigy22

Redshirt
Oct 26, 2016
73
31
0
Bolden had a few hustle rebounds and was inches away from Epic put back Dunk.... He was way about Jackson for that rebound and earned 2 free throws plus adding more would trouble on Mich st bigs.... He will be fine I honestly think he will be better playing with a guy like Bagley once teams start doubling he can clean up the back side rebound......
 

Dukeprodigy22

Redshirt
Oct 26, 2016
73
31
0
This could a blessing in disguise that Bolden is blowing up immediately... We need some players to play next year with Cam, Tre and RJ... I would love to have Bolden stick around and develop even more with these super teams coming up the next few years for Duke
 

LouisiAaron

All-Conference
Feb 15, 2017
2,305
1,069
3
Bolden will be fine. He’s coming off a sickness with a day or so of practice. He didn’t have the stamina built to play last night. One thing I noticed is he goes after shots but somehow when he’s in the game those high arching shots seem to go in as opposed to when another big contests. But he’ll be ok
 

Sgt Duke

Sophomore
Jan 8, 2012
80
146
0
Coach K was asked in an interview earlier this year which current Duke players would make it in the NBA. Bolden was on the list. Enough for me !!

OFC
 

Tlass

Junior
Sep 26, 2011
399
325
0
I LOVE this DUKE team and every player on it. Bolden provides a big that Wendell, Bagley, Vrankovic, Delaurier have to bump and grind in the paint during practice daily, thus helping them get better along with himself getting better. I think it'sWin/WIn and I think it will pay heafty dividends for him and DUKE before his gets in the NBA. GO DUKE!!