Javin D
- Thread starter Jake1985
- Start date
I want Bolden to do very well. However, I'm still not sold.
I think Bolden will do well but with youngster foul trouble D and Vrank will get minutes.
Defensively, Bolden was incredibly mediocre....minus the game against Miami. It shows there's potential there, but the whole season tells me more. Also, he was an atrocious rebounder. Someone 6'10" with a 7'4" wingspan should have more than 12 defensive rebounds in over 150 minutes.
I hope the kid blows up....but I'm apprehensive. I'll be cheering for him.
I hope the kid blows up....but I'm apprehensive. I'll be cheering for him.
A lot of people are gun shy to praise too much after last season. I get it, but this team I think will be good. You need a good point guard and size down low, and a veteran who can play. This team will be good, possibly final four good. I see Bolden playing like a man this year. His pride took a hit, and I think he knew staying at Duke was his best option. He probably wants to leave after his sophomore season and knows now what it's like to struggle. Allen will be Cook in 17-18, and K is probably still pissed at how last season went. To me this makes for a team that will look to demolish whoever is on the court with them. I may be wrong but I think we will love this team
If healthy think that he will do better than just well.IMO 14 to 15 mpg and 7 to 9 rpg
IMO much of his foul problems were due to inexperience.poor conditioning due to injury and anxiety when he did get into the game.
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I buy into most of your observations. I see a tremendous parallel between Cook in 14-15 and Allen in the upcoming season. Both are so driven to win and fierce competitors.
I agree on the other components as well mentioned:size down low and a true pg. Okafor obviously was the man and I think Bolden/Carter is potentially a two headed monster. Obviously we have Tre, the best at pg for us since Tyus.....
Sure its easy to get carried away w/optimism in the off-season, and we should temper things I guess after last year. However I 2nd the motion K is "pissed" after last year's early ending, and UNC winning has only served to fire the LEGEND up EVEN MORE for #6....OFC
Bolden knows he will be the primary Big(of course we have Carter too). He also realizes there are bunch of critics. I don't doubt there will be bulk of touches.
1st off,
Bolden playing next to Carter will only help him defensively. Carter is a very capable shot blocker and rebounder. But where the the bigs "might" struggle defensively is the lack of communication & leadership. Amile was the heart & soul of Duke's defensive organization.
For Bolden it will come down to his focus, his energy and his willingness to do the dirty work in the paint. For Carter & Bolden to do well together is all about communication.
Secondly,
The team has the right roster pieces to compete and do well. They will meet the eye test with size, they will meet the on paper test with having positional needs filled and they will meet the Sr leadership aspect.
With that said, the team is very young which in return means inexperienced playing at the college level. They will lack team chemistry and cohesiveness initially. And there are question marks about who will emerge to be the next options as scorers after Grayson.
Overall, personally, I'm excited
Bolden playing next to Carter will only help him defensively. Carter is a very capable shot blocker and rebounder. But where the the bigs "might" struggle defensively is the lack of communication & leadership. Amile was the heart & soul of Duke's defensive organization.
For Bolden it will come down to his focus, his energy and his willingness to do the dirty work in the paint. For Carter & Bolden to do well together is all about communication.
Secondly,
The team has the right roster pieces to compete and do well. They will meet the eye test with size, they will meet the on paper test with having positional needs filled and they will meet the Sr leadership aspect.
With that said, the team is very young which in return means inexperienced playing at the college level. They will lack team chemistry and cohesiveness initially. And there are question marks about who will emerge to be the next options as scorers after Grayson.
Overall, personally, I'm excited