Debating how well this Duke team performs...

[hart2chesson]

Chronicle offers an interesting point/counterpoint... Separate links, but worth the read....

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/11/duke-too-much-talent-to-falter-in-acc

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/11/mistakes-costly-for-duke-in-top-heavy-league

OFC

 

[DukeDenver]

Thanks Hart.

 

[hart2chesson]

Thanks Hart.

Denver no problem. The thing I liked about Grayson's comment in the pro Duke link was Grayson's candor:"Nobody on this team is worried about next year." (Hence, their individual pro prospects). Focused on task at hand!OFC

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

Chronicle offers an interesting point/counterpoint... Separate links, but worth the read....

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/11/duke-too-much-talent-to-falter-in-acc

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2017/11/mistakes-costly-for-duke-in-top-heavy-league

OFC

Thanks for sharing.

 

[hart2chesson]

Thanks for sharing.

Pleasure my friend.. OFC

 

[AlanInNJ]

Okay, clearly I AM a homer, but that counterpoint is weak at best.

Yes, I expect a few slip ups, but I don't see any way we lose more than 2-3 games in total in regular ACC play to a combination of; GA Tech, VA Tech, Louisville, Miami, Notre Dame & North Carolina.

 

[Mac9192]

Thanks Hart for posting that. If we're totally honest, their reasons for thinking Duke will falter make sense.
It's a combination of how Duke did last season, and a few others since 10. It shows the value placed on leadership and chemistry with the team. Talent only takes you so far, doesn't matter where you're projected to go in the NBA draft.
I also found it very interesting what Grayson said, that no one on this team is worried about next year. That comment speaks volumes.
Grayson should be a good captain, and the freshmen must play for the name on the front of the jersey.
This team I think has a hunger that was sorely missing last season.

Buckle up fellas, we're about to see what this team is made of.

 

[timo0402]

It’s pretty simple- you play for the name on the front and the name on the back reaps the rewards.

 

[hart2chesson]

Thanks Hart for posting that. If we're totally honest, their reasons for thinking Duke will falter make sense.
It's a combination of how Duke did last season, and a few others since 10. It shows the value placed on leadership and chemistry with the team. Talent only takes you so far, doesn't matter where you're projected to go in the NBA draft.
I also found it very interesting what Grayson said, that no one on this team is worried about next year. That comment speaks volumes.
Grayson should be a good captain, and the freshmen must play for the name on the front of the jersey.
This team I think has a hunger that was sorely missing last season.

Buckle up fellas, we're about to see what this team is made of.

Mr Mac I agree, with your points- it is easy to understand the COUNTERPOINT based on last year's performance and some other clunker flamouts since the title in '10.

On the other hand, Grayson's comment was telling and he knows the pulse of this team as Captain as well as anyone!! OFC

 

[HonkeyT]

I can't wait for the game in Indiana. I love that court. Although Indiana aren't what they used to be, Assembly Hall is hallowed ground for College Basketball. Going to be cool seeing our two storied programs on that floor.

 

[hart2chesson]

It’s pretty simple- you play for the name on the front and the name on the back reaps the rewards.

That is a sound philosphy the kids need to keep foremost in their minds Sweet T!

OFC

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I can't wait for the game in Indiana. I love that court. Although Indiana aren't what they used to be, Assembly Hall is hallowed ground for College Basketball. Going to be cool seeing our two storied programs on that floor.

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

 

[dukephysics]

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

And they look like clowns.

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

I’m glad I didn’t get tickets to go then because of just that. I was thinking about buying tickets, but didn’t commit to it because of how the fans might treat me being a Duke fan.

 

[dukehokie]

The negative article felt forced. I think they had to write it. Whoever got tasked with that one got the short end of the stick.

If everything goes as planned, this team should be favored all season with a few losses sprinkled in. The things that win games, they can do: offensive rebound, draw fouls, create turnovers, hit free throws.

The question will always be health and mentality. When you deal with 18 and 19 year olds, everyday can be an adventure. Let’s hope this team can keep their fortitude.

 

[christophero]

I think the Michigan State game will tell us a lot. I am optimistic but don't want to get carried away after last year. How a young team deals with adversity will be telling. I think there will be bumps in the road but we'll be a number one seed in the tournament. A wonderful sign for this team is Duval seems to be content with distributing the ball as opposed to worrying about his points. And Delaurier seems to be poised for a super season!

 

[HonkeyT]

I’m glad I didn’t get tickets to go then because of just that. I was thinking about buying tickets, but didn’t commit to it because of how the fans might treat me being a Duke fan.

I will be watching it from home. I would hate to attend a ga

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

I've heard some pretty disgusting things about what the things visiting fans had to endure. I will enjoy it from the comfort on my couch. I will still enjoy the game being played at Assembly Hall. Hope our fans and players don't have to put up with too much $h!t

 

[Liftee]

I don't think the ACC is as strong as the counterpoint article suggests (esp. the Cheaters) and I don't think Duke is a shoe-in as the point article says.

We last two pillars, Amile and Kennard. It is insulting to them to suggest they won't be missed. On the other hand, Giles was unfortunately a total loss last year and having a point guard and two trusted inside scorers (maybe 3) will be a welcome addition. It's a very different team but potentially a much more cohesive team.

 

[Mac9192]

The negative article felt forced. I think they had to write it. Whoever got tasked with that one got the short end of the stick.

If everything goes as planned, this team should be favored all season with a few losses sprinkled in. The things that win games, they can do: offensive rebound, draw fouls, create turnovers, hit free throws.

The question will always be health and mentality. When you deal with 18 and 19 year olds, everyday can be an adventure. Let’s hope this team can keep their fortitude.

I agree that with you that this team Should be favored all season. This team, we hope and think, has a toughness that last season's team didn't.
But I disagree with you on their 'negative' take possibility of the season.
As much as we think this group will fight and be a cohesive unit, like you said, we're dealing with 18-19 year old kids, so we're merely speculating. That includes me too. I think this team wears their opponents out, but I could be wrong.
There's only one guy on the team that has been in the pressure packed games. With the exception of most Duke fans, Grayson's ability to be a true leader is being questioned, and honestly if he played for UK or the Holes, we probably would be laughing at the thought of him being the only experienced player on their team.
We are all betting he will be a great leader, and truthfully our season does depend a lot on him.

 

[hart2chesson]

I agree that with you that this team Should be favored all season. This team, we hope and think, has a toughness that last season's team didn't.
But I disagree with you on their 'negative' take possibility of the season.
As much as we think this group will fight and be a cohesive unit, like you said, we're dealing with 18-19 year old kids, so we're merely speculating. That includes me too. I think this team wears their opponents out, but I could be wrong.
There's only one guy on the team that has been in the pressure packed games. With the exception of most Duke fans, Grayson's ability to be a true leader is being questioned, and honestly if he played for UK or the Holes, we probably would be laughing at the thought of him being the only experienced player on their team.
We are all betting he will be a great leader, and truthfully our season does depend a lot on him.

Yeah I can definitely see the "negative take" reasoning,just based on flameouts of several Duke teams w/similar OAD starpower in recent years.OFC

 

[dukehokie]

Meh. Coming up with negatives is easy. Of course the odds are against Duke to win it all, technically. Every team in the NCAA has lost their last game of the season as opposed to winning it. It’s more difficult to hedge your bets that a team could be great. I’m going to stick with this team being great until proven otherwise.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

I don't think the ACC is as strong as the counterpoint article suggests (esp. the Cheaters) and I don't think Duke is a shoe-in as the point article says.

We last two pillars, Amile and Kennard. It is insulting to them to suggest they won't be missed. On the other hand, Giles was unfortunately a total loss last year and having a point guard and two trusted inside scorers (maybe 3) will be a welcome addition. It's a very different team but potentially a much more cohesive team.

We lost Amile and Kennard, yes two HUGE losses. But I'd say the acquisition of Marvin and Gary trumps that (tried to compare same position guys.) Yes I'd take Kennard over Gary, but I think the difference in talent between Marvin and Amile is greater than the difference between Kennard being better than Gary. Amile and Kennard will be missed, but we're Duke and we just reload. We are way scarier this year.

 

[Dattier]

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

Wow. I'm sorry to hear that. I remember playing there like, 11 years ago, w/ JJ and Shelden. On TV their crowd seemed raucous, but classy. I came away w/ a new respect for them. That sucks that you experienced otherwise up-close and personal.

 

[Dattier]

The negative article felt forced. I think they had to write it. Whoever got tasked with that one got the short end of the stick.

I thought both were well written and plausible. The only place I thought the negative one did feel forced was in making it a prediction rather than a worst-case scenario.

And I can imagine a rock, paper, scissors game for who got which side, w/ the loser getting stuck w/ the negative piece.

 

[bullcity gamer]

I've been to Assembly Hall. Won't ever go back. Worst fans in the world. Worse than UK and UNC. They are vulgar, racist, and still think they are a "blue-blood." Had an even worse experience with Indiana fans back in the 02 Sweet16 at Rupp Arena, don't even wanna get started about that game.

My cousin and I are going to make the drive to Bloomington, IN, from Illinois. We are both of a different race. Any advice on how to deal with the Indiana fans?

 

[timo0402]

Meh. Coming up with negatives is easy. Of course the odds are against Duke to win it all, technically. Every team in the NCAA has lost their last game of the season as opposed to winning it. It’s more difficult to hedge your bets that a team could be great. I’m going to stick with this team being great until proven otherwise.

I get what the chronicle is doing though. It’s almost like you take an obvious argument, and even though you both agree on it you decide to have a little fun during the off-season and you debate it, and one guy has to take the unpopular side. And before you realize it threads pop up and and your pretend argument is getting a lot of people fired up.

 

[nets on nets on nets]

My cousin and I are going to make the drive to Bloomington, IN, from Illinois. We are both of a different race. Any advice on how to deal with the Indiana fans?

Lol hope we get up big early, that will shut them up the whole game. I had a horrible experience at both Assembly and when we played them at Rupp in 02. Most of the people I was with were of a different race and the things that were yelled at us can't be said on this board. If IU fans didn't exist the world would be a better place.

 

[bullcity gamer]

Thanks for the response jwill haha

 

[hart2chesson]

Meh. Coming up with negatives is easy. Of course the odds are against Duke to win it all, technically. Every team in the NCAA has lost their last game of the season as opposed to winning it. It’s more difficult to hedge your bets that a team could be great. I’m going to stick with this team being great until proven otherwise.

"Meh." Most of us were "proven otherwise" last year.I think they can be very very good, but I am not ready to STAMP "greatness" til its proven on the court. I remember last year all too much. Even when we thought we turned the corner in Brooklyn we ran right into a deadend the very next week. Forget the injuries a moment. The team that left Brooklyn ACC CHAMPS was on fire, and relatively healthy.

The one area I think we DO DIFFER from last year is Grayson's blunt take: "Nobody on this team is worried about next year." Tells me forces were at work last year behind the scenes we may never know about pulling apart the fabric of the team....I think this team has CHEMISTRY in its favor and a pure point guard. OFC

 

[dukehokie]

"Meh." Most of us were "proven otherwise" last year.I think they can be very very good, but I am not ready to STAMP "greatness" til its proven on the court. I remember last year all too much. Even when we thought we turned the corner in Brooklyn we ran right into a deadend the very next week. Forget the injuries a moment. The team that left Brooklyn ACC CHAMPS was on fire, and relatively healthy.

The one area I think we DO DIFFER from last year is Grayson's blunt take: "Nobody on this team is worried about next year." Tells me forces were at work last year behind the scenes we may never know about pulling apart the fabric of the team....I think this team has CHEMISTRY in its favor and a pure point guard. OFC

I hear ya. I’m not crowning anyone, but I’ll err on the side of this team being good at least, with the high potential to be great.

 

[dukehokie]

I get what the chronicle is doing though. It’s almost like you take an obvious argument, and even though you both agree on it you decide to have a little fun during the off-season and you debate it, and one guy has to take the unpopular side. And before you realize it threads pop up and and your pretend argument is getting a lot of people fired up.

Hmmmm where have I seen this before...

 

[Mac9192]

I hear ya. I’m not crowning anyone, but I’ll err on the side of this team being good at least, with the high potential to be great.

I think the team will be good too, but it's a logical take that was written from a negative spin. That's all, and any reasonable Duke fan has to see that it is a possibility. It's not up to us, heck all we can do is pull for them, and hope the haters are wrong.

 

[dukehokie]

I think the team will be good too, but it's a logical take that was written from a negative spin. That's all, and any reasonable Duke fan has to see that it is a possibility. It's not up to us, heck all we can do is pull for them, and hope the haters are wrong.

That’s the side I’ll be sitting on. You guys can join me, there’s plenty of space!

 

[QC Dukie]

I’m riding with ya DH