Confession...

[BluePhil]

I must admit, I have been less excited by this year's basketball. Some of that is self inflicted. However I have been thinking about what has made me less excited this year about College Basketball in general and Duke Basketball specifically. NOTE: I was really looking forward to this season.

1. The big picture of College Basketball. In other words the FBI investigation. The scale has saddened me and the constant talk during the games by the talking heads takes away the escapism Basketball offers me.

2. One and done. This is a specific problem with watching my team, Duke. I miss the connection I feel with longer term players and hate the sloppiness of a team without an identity.

3. This late in season and we are still searching for what makes this team a team.

4. No tv. Been harder to watch games. Really only watched Duke this year and normally I would have watched several games a week. At least the big games.

 

[Alaskan_Assassin_21]

On points 2 & 3, I personally had this realization about 7 years ago. I would pin point Rivers as the guy that really sobered me. But winning the title in 2015 with all those freshman changed my outlook.

Because of our immense youth we no longer have the juggernaut regular seasons, which is why these days we rarely win the ACC regular season crowns. This also means the regular seasons are much more unsteady. It seems almost every season has a turning point of self discovery in January/February. I fear managing after Coach K but I try to just focus on the now.

So IMO I came to grips with these changes and it is no longer better or worse just different. But hey isn't drama must see TV?

Sidenote: the highs don't quite compare but neither do the lows. Last season was a catastrophic defeat to USC and yet we had a monster recruiting class to fall back on. Compare that to for example Redick/Sheldon final NCAA defeat. The reaction was - "Where do we go from here and will it ever be the same". As I get older I don't have the liberty of investing so much time into the team/program/sport anyway so in that sense it might be better

 

[wcu1113]

I told my dad this just the other day. I still love Duke Basketball, but it just feels different than before.

 

[ThemDukeBoys]

well...the good news is....the 2015 team lost in the Semi finals of the ACC championships and won it all....can this years team FINALLY pull their heads out of their.....well..you know.

I have the same type feeling as I did in 2015...I think that the boys pull it together and go on a rampage the final 10 games.

 

[TheDude1]

Different here, too.

A BIG part of it is non-basketball stuff. Wife now works three nights a week, so I get home from work and immediately am on child care duty until 8 or 9, making dinner and doing bathtime and homework time and then packing lunches and cleaning and all of that other BS. Plus, starting a business on the side... so just overwhelmed. The few times I get some peace and quiet, I'd rather spend it with my wife, you know?

Definitely don't get as attached, though, which has had an impact. I always suspected it would, with the UK folks, but experiencing it... yeah.

Still enjoy it. But I've missed two or three games this year, and I think I'd only missed one game up until now since I graduated back in 97.

 

[youknowit1]

Well we haven't many teams with more than 1 1 and done. The first 1 and done player duke recruited and knew he was gone after 1 year was rivers. Some will say kyrie but the staff thought he would be there 2 years before he stepped foot on campus. Anyways the 12 team with rivers stunk it up on d and then jabari on 14 team stunk it up d . 15 team stunk it up on d until late in the season. 16 with ingram stunk it up on d. 17 team with tatum stunk it on d with giles who never should have played and frank wasn't a pg and he had ankle problems. This team could get knocked out the first weekend or go to the final 4. What's encouraging is there kenpom adj d is #13

 

[skysdad]

It's for sure different than it used to be. I still am ready to go on game day though and still hope unc never scores again. I miss some of the old posters whom have left us. Heyman25, spike, and nivram among several others. OFC

 

[QC Dukie]

It's for sure different than it used to be. I still am ready to go on game day though and still hope unc never scores again. I miss some of the old posters whom have left us. Heyman25, spike, and nivram among several others. OFC

Speaking of.....hope all is good with fear the beard. Anyone heard from him? Wasn’t his wife really sick or in a car accident? I can’t remember.

 

[skysdad]

Speaking of.....hope all is good with fear the beard. Anyone heard from him? Wasn’t his wife really sick or in a car accident? I can’t remember.

That's right. I had his e-mail at one time and so did dirt. dirt you still have it. Would like to see how he's doing. Thanks for remembering him. OFC

 

[skysdad]

Sometime I think just how long can boards like this go on. I've been on 12 years now and it has changed a lot. I remember a guy call boilermaker or something like that who was all into stats when I 1st came on. There was another guy who was a Duke fan that just couldn't get along with anyone. He kept on getting banned and kept on changing his nick name but not his posting style. I think he is gone forever but you never know. Lot's of thr guys were posting back then and it was pretty civil. Then came our 2010 natty along with the Gerald Henderson/hansbrough incident and that pretty much ended that. At one time I did post a little over at thr and although it was a luke warm feeling I could post. It did turn nasty and got pretty personal. Heyman always told me to stay away but I didn't listen. Funny thing he got banned at thr for something he posted from here. The one constant poster from my beginning has been dj. Probably the most sensible guy on here. He really thinks things out and that's who we need as mods. dukehokie, K-ville, denniden and a few others were posting when I started. What would I give to go back and see my 1st few post. The were awkward that's for sure. Glad I've stuck around. OFC

 

[gottagonow]

Man things just haven't been the same since NERD quit posting.

 

[SWEc/o95]

One and done has lessened my interest in Duke basketball. You just dont get the connection with the players because they are not there as long.

 

[eastspartan]

I feel the same way somewhat. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate these OAD’s but man I love/miss the 4 year guys that would run thru a brick wall for Duke but I guess it’s the nature of the beast.

 

[pisgah101]

I miss Rosh

 

[dukiejay]

I definitely think it's a pretty common theme from a lot of fans. I, too, miss the days of guys sticking around and leaving a legacy. Think of this.....Grayson has a chance to score 2,000 career points at Duke. Who will be the next to reach 1,000? That's scary to me. Maybe Alex?

 

[youngman42]

Agree that the one-and-done has hindered interest. Every year is a complete new set of players.

The FBI thing doesn't impact my interest (if anything about that bothers me, it's that the real culprit are the alleged victims - the NCAA and its universities for creating this morass - but no matter).

I suspect Duke has as strong an online, message board fan following as it does largely because of one person: Coach K.

I also suspect that had Grayson not had so many personal struggles the last two seasons, and had he been really playing well this year, with the team playing better basketball, that interest would be up.

As it is, for me, no matter what the talent ratings are out of high school, one-and-done players are difficult to watch without getting quite frustrated. They can look like world-beaters one minute (like the 13 minute stretch against Miami; or the game against Mich St.). But, then, play poorly and not really look like a team at all the very next game. Which can be frustrating and deflating.

 

[skysdad]

I feel the same way somewhat. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate these OAD’s but man I love/miss the 4 year guys that would run thru a brick wall for Duke but I guess it’s the nature of the beast.

You really don't get to know the OAD. I really enjoy it when we have juniors and seniors on the team. OFC

 

[dukiejay]

I'll say this, though.....I think if, by some chance, this Duke team was able to click in March and make a deep run, or heaven forbid, win a championship, a lot of people would change their tunes.....or, maybe that's the wrong way to put it, not change their tunes, maybe soften their stances.

 

[hart2chesson]

Heyman always told me to stay away but I didn't listen. Funny thing he got banned from here. /QUOTE/

HEYMAN BANNED??? SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE....He's one of the most cordial gentlemen I know.

OFC

 

[skysdad]

Let me clarify that. He didn't get banned from DI. He got banned from thr for something he posted on DI. I will edit that. OFC

 

[SwatX1]

I'll say this, though.....I think if, by some chance, this Duke team was able to click in March and make a deep run, or heaven forbid, win a championship, a lot of people would change their tunes.....or, maybe that's the wrong way to put it, not change their tunes, maybe soften their stances.

I think that's really the key. Our ultimate goal is winning championships, and when we lose confidence that we have a chance at it, that's when we start over analyzing, over criticizing, and just being grumpy in general!!

 

[Mac9192]

My interest in Duke basketball hasn't changed. I like it as much now as I did 30 years ago. Whether we have no one and dones, or we have a starting lineup of them, I still get pumped up for most all games.
The frustrating part is hoping the collection of talent can become the team we all want them to be, then starting all over the following season with a new batch of talent. The last few seasons though have been like riding a roller coaster with a loose seat belt.

 

[Quavarius]

I'm sorry, but I disagree with most of you. The one thing I like about K is his ability to adapt and learn and not afraid to try something new. Change is the only constant. I do remember lots of fans complaining about the lack of NBA talent on our teams in the past and how we couldn't land Elite big men! Now, we get both and fans long for the good 'ole days of senior laden teams that peaked in December?

I'm glad we're competing with Kentucky for talent because Duke is a great alternative to the Cats. Cal can get away with it because his OAD's play in a football conference and our OAD's play in a basketball conference with other elite teams and HOF coaches. Our OAD's can't just out talent other programs because, we can't.

OAD's are responsible for 20% of the Natty's Duke has won and there could be more added to that total. OAD's have also made Duke cool to future basketball players long after K or anyone of us along with the overwhelming representation in the NBA. The spillover effect is enormous and long lasting as those players tend to donate money to the athletic program.

But, OAD may be ending soon and everyone can go back to feeling good about getting to know players for four years, again!

 

[Quavarius]

My interest in Duke basketball hasn't changed. I like it as much now as I did 30 years ago. Whether we have no one and dones, or we have a starting lineup of them, I still get pumped up for most all games.
The frustrating part is hoping the collection of talent can become the team we all want them to be, then starting all over the following season with a new batch of talent. The last few seasons though have been like riding a roller coaster with a loose seat belt.

Roller coasters are fun!

 

[Alaskan_Assassin_21]

Ponder this, soon UNC will have their 5th different head coach in the same time span we have enjoyed Mike Krzyzewski. If you are one of those posters feeling increasingly disenfranchised, it will likely reach a new level when Coach K retires

I also think whether or not you watch the NBA is a notable angle in this. Watching the current Boston Celtics with Irving & Tatum is a nice extension. Personally, my NBA viewing has nose dived the past 5 years so I think this compounds it.

I think this entire discussion on OADs is why I currently have extra interest in Delaurier & Bolden.

 

[hallside]

I sometimes question my level of interest in Duke basketball(Because it’s absurdly high). But then I remember the reason basketball became my favorite sport. And why I played hard defensively. And why I dove on the floor. Even why I wore a cutoff like JJ. Duke and Coach K had a big role in how I attacked the sport of basketball, and in turn, probably some of my values in life. Cheesy, I know. But I take pride in being a diehard Duke fan. OADs just make it a little more complicated.

 

[Alaskan_Assassin_21]

Duke is more popular and "socially accepted" than ever before. We have officially eclipsed (at-least for the meantime with Coach K) the Tar Heels as the cool basketball program. OADs are a central part of this accomplishment. Kinda like your GF/wife becoming more successful in her career but it results in you two enjoying less time together

 

[dbav]

I haven't posted in a while. I've been actively trying to stay away from the board much more because I've been finding it frustrating, and this has been a very long and crappy year for me already so I don't want to take that out on people on here that I appreciate and respect. BluePhil, I'm going to give an alternate opinion, but I hope you don't take it as disrespect because it's not intended that way at all. You do great as a poster and postgame surveyor, and I truly appreciate the sentiment here.

I certainly understand how it can be tough to get attached to certain players based upon the length of time they are here. Some of my favorite players are guys like Singler, Nelson, Hurley and others that were around for a while. That being said, I never understand how people can say that they lose interest in, or aren't as excited about, Duke basketball. I'm guessing it is just a matter of perspective, but in the end, I never see more than kids playing basketball. I couldn't care less if they lost every game on the schedule as long as they represent the school the right way. Even games they lose are enjoyable to me because I love watching this program day in and day out.

I also get pretty attached to the one and dones. Wendell has been my favorite player on this team all season. I say that as a huge Grayson fan as well. I loved watching Tyus and Justise grow as the year went on. Ingram as well. They are all kids devoted to the program, they just have a great career opportunity that takes them away from school.

I will also never understand those posters that can really get after these kids for not winning "enough". I would hope that they wouldn't want others talking the same way about their kids in the same situation.

Like I said, I think it is still a matter of perspective with posters. I don't care if Duke never wins another NC. I'd certainly like them to and would revel in it, but I appreciate the effort an dedication they show much more. I like seeing the kids grow up over the course of one season and I like seeing them compete the right way. I'll always be rooting for them to win, but will never be terribly disappointed if they don't.

So, I'm still really excited about this team. The defense has improved quite a bit. The scoring is there. We need to improve on a few things, but I love the way this team has competed. It's the ultimate test for the GOAT to find a way to make this talent and inexperience work in a successful way and I love the ride. Keep fighting fellas!

 

[bullcity gamer]

I’m in the same boat as some of you with I don’t feel as interested in following the program as much as I used to. I think with all the expectations us fans along with the media placed on Duke last year to make the Final 4 and Duke getting bounced early to South Carolina had something to do with it. Don’t get me wrong, any time Duke plays in the Midwest, I go to the game in person. I think I have just been more careful to get high expectations for a Duke team after last season’s roller coaster ride and I realize it is just a basketball game.

 

[QC Dukie]

I haven't posted in a while. I've been actively trying to stay away from the board much more because I've been finding it frustrating, and this has been a very long and crappy year for me already so I don't want to take that out on people on here that I appreciate and respect. BluePhil, I'm going to give an alternate opinion, but I hope you don't take it as disrespect because it's not intended that way at all. You do great as a poster and postgame surveyor, and I truly appreciate the sentiment here.

I certainly understand how it can be tough to get attached to certain players based upon the length of time they are here. Some of my favorite players are guys like Singler, Nelson, Hurley and others that were around for a while. That being said, I never understand how people can say that they lose interest in, or aren't as excited about, Duke basketball. I'm guessing it is just a matter of perspective, but in the end, I never see more than kids playing basketball. I couldn't care less if they lost every game on the schedule as long as they represent the school the right way. Even games they lose are enjoyable to me because I love watching this program day in and day out.

I also get pretty attached to the one and dones. Wendell has been my favorite player on this team all season. I say that as a huge Grayson fan as well. I loved watching Tyus and Justise grow as the year went on. Ingram as well. They are all kids devoted to the program, they just have a great career opportunity that takes them away from school.

I will also never understand those posters that can really get after these kids for not winning "enough". I would hope that they wouldn't want others talking the same way about their kids in the same situation.

Like I said, I think it is still a matter of perspective with posters. I don't care if Duke never wins another NC. I'd certainly like them to and would revel in it, but I appreciate the effort an dedication they show much more. I like seeing the kids grow up over the course of one season and I like seeing them compete the right way. I'll always be rooting for them to win, but will never be terribly disappointed if they don't.

So, I'm still really excited about this team. The defense has improved quite a bit. The scoring is there. We need to improve on a few things, but I love the way this team has competed. It's the ultimate test for the GOAT to find a way to make this talent and inexperience work in a successful way and I love the ride. Keep fighting fellas!

Amen Dbav.....post of the year

 

[denverexpat]

I'll raise my hand as less committed. Meaning i would rarely miss a game and planned around watching them before, now if its on I may watch or may not. The OAD era has created poor basketball teams out of great basketball players. I'm from football ( soccer) heritage where most players spend a lot of their careers at one club...that is what Duke BB was for me when i became a fan. A chance to watch the team and the players grow with an amazing coach to guide them. I dont think i could name the team from 2 years ago, would struggle unless prompted for last years...and next year we wholesale replace this years. To me that isnt a program its a factory for the NBA. I still bleed blue but with less intensity than years past.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Winning cures everything...EVERYTHING. If we had won a natty last year (and of course UNC wouldn't have), most everyone on here would be ecstatic. That euphoria is what is missing. As far as having players stick around for 4 years...we'll still have them, but they'll more than likely not be the stars.

I love Christian Laettner, he's my favorite Duke player of all time,.and it's not because he was such a likeable guy, or genius, or whatever...it was because he was the baddest mofo I ever saw step on the court, he played for my Duke Blue Devils, and he brought joy to my life when he helped us to finally get to the promised land. We were so lucky to have him and so many other players stay 4 years, but that's not how it is right now. I would love to see our guys stay 4 years, and to see them develop and grow over that span of time, but I foremost want to see winning Duke basketball.

Say all you will, but if we all the sudden had our players staying 4 years, but weren't able to win around 30 games a year, or beat UNC regularly, or have a shot at winning the NCAA title...then that wouldn't be very much fun either. No one is winning a championship very often, whether you have 1 and dones, or a squad of 4 year players. We're damn good, and I'm enjoying the ride, 'cause it's not over yet. Saturday night...let's kick some Tar Heel ***.

OFC

 

[500HP_Devil]

I’m just as dedicated as I was in college in 90 coming home from spring break early to be able to watch Duke UNLV in peace only to cry after lol. Life, kids etc will always make you adjust priorities but I will not miss a game if so can help it and I stay updated on recruiting etc.

I am definitely more attached to the guys that stay and develop and I’m a huge Grayson fan. Huge. I love the other guys too but OAD’s make it harder to get attached to.

I still think they have a chance this year but they have some definitive flaws they need to work out or they’ll get bounced. Time is running short. We need to beat the Holes and secure a 2 seed in the ACCT tourney. The bottom half of the bracket is going to be tough.

God
Family
Duke

Forever.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I like Duke basketball just as much this year as every single other year.

 

[skysdad]

Winning cures everything...EVERYTHING. If we had won a natty last year (and of course UNC wouldn't have), most everyone on here would be ecstatic. That euphoria is what is missing. As far as having players stick around for 4 years...we'll still have them, but they'll more than likely not be the stars.

I love Christian Laettner, he's my favorite Duke player of all time,.and it's not because he was such a likeable guy, or genius, or whatever...it was because he was the baddest mofo I ever saw step on the court, he played for my Duke Blue Devils, and he brought joy to my life when he helped us to finally get to the promised land. We were so lucky to have him and so many other players stay 4 years, but that's not how it is right now. I would love to see our guys stay 4 years, and to see them develop and grow over that span of time, but I foremost want to see winning Duke basketball.

Say all you will, but if we all the sudden had our players staying 4 years, but weren't able to win around 30 games a year, or beat UNC regularly, or have a shot at winning the NCAA title...then that wouldn't be very much fun either. No one is winning a championship very often, whether you have 1 and dones, or a squad of 4 year players. We're damn good, and I'm enjoying the ride, 'cause it's not over yet. Saturday night...let's kick some Tar Heel ***.

OFC

Great post. OFC

 

[dukesince91]

I pull just as hard or harder than I did in 1991. OAD is right, it's all about winning and what have you done lately. I remember all the talk about not getting bigs to come to a Duke and peaking too early. Some people just seem to be their happiest when they're moaning, groaning, and complaining.

 

[Quavarius]

I pull just as hard or harder than I did in 1991. OAD is right, it's all about winning and what have you done lately. I remember all the talk about not getting bigs to come to a Duke and peaking too early. Some people just seem to be their happiest when they're moaning, groaning, and complaining.

I, too, remember those comments!

 

[BluePhil]

No winning doesn't cure everything. The reason I say this is I am no johnny come lately to Duke Basketball. Heck I remember lamenting the loss of Bill Foster and getting this losing upstart Coach K. I have enjoyed our bad years much more than this year and technically this is not really a bad year (well by most standards).

I still love Duke Basketball and will be ecstatic if we win the championship. But it will only make the end of the year more enjoyable.

This year just feels different. maybe because I do not listen to ESPN radio anymore because I am fatigued by talk of the FBI scandal, and the fact that I am not watching many other games and feel out of the season somewhat. Those factors combined with a team of gone at the end of the year no matter what makes it a bit lackluster.

 

[ajmitch81]

I still catch every game, still love the Devils and all the players they bring in.

One and done may frustrate some but seeing Duke have the best representation (along with UK) in the NBA is awesome.

Once the rule changes, I just worry the quality of college basketball will suffer, because while you'll have several four year guys, most if not all of them will be end of bench guys in the NBA.

So, enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[dukiejay]

The end of the one-and-done will certainly mean Duke has to make adjustments on how they recruit.

For one, it's going to mean more guys like Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith, etc. But another thing is....how and to what resources do you recruit certain players? If high school kids are allowed to go straight to the NBA (which I think they should be, btw) then where is the cut-off point?

Obviously, we know none of our top three recruits would be coming in next season. Do we know for sure what Tre Jones would do? I think we could assume he probably goes to college, but I don't think it would be for sure....and it would certainly be cause for some sweating by Duke fans. It could 1) really hurt us with the potential of no point guard coming in, and 2) if the two-year rule is adopted, you know other 'top' point guard recruits might cross off Duke immediately if they feel Tre is going to be there for two season's.

I think long term this is going to be a positive solution for college basketball, but it could mean a year or two of 'struggling' by Duke standards.