Leadership

[dukiejay]

So things are starting to fall into place. Practice has begun. Grayson has been named a captain. The first exhibition game is less than four weeks away. Now the questions.

IMO, the biggest question a team like the one Duke has assembled that needs answering is leadership. I anticipate Grayson being a fine leader and having a positive season. But one guy isn't always enough. And we know the backstory....this is a completely new and changed Duke team than the one we watched last season. Three years ago we had Quinn and Amile who we expected leadership from, and then were blown away by what a freshman Tyus brought to the table.

Do we have guys like that this season? I want to think Javin and Vrank and provide some of that....but their roles are still undefined.

I'd like to hear opinions from others.

 

[TheDude1]

Javin seems like a natural for that role. Always seems totally dedicated, vocal, and to give a TON of effort... all role model stuff.

 

[Liftee]

I'd like to see Duval become the new Tyus. After all he'll have the ball in his hands a lot and will be the first line of defense.

Bagley can also be a leader through example.

 

[gottagonow]

I think its all about the program peaking at the right time and a good bit of luck. Just ask the cheats about luck but they did peak for a few games at the right time just like we did in 2015. Hopefully Grayson can show continious leadership and not have foolish episodes like in the past. If he does lets hope new talent and excellent coaching can get us to our goal. Lets make this our motto"(or considering where the idea comes from maybe not) "IAPTTBABD". It's a promising time to be a Blue Devil.

 

[AlanInNJ]

I go back and forth between thinking leadership or chemistry is most important for us this year. Clearly they are both critical for a deep run. I genuinely believe Grayson will have an amazing Senior year. I think he will be the leader we need him to be, but admittedly that's coming from a big time homer. I do think it is critical that leadership and players' roles are identified before we get to ACC play. It's obvious we have a wealth of talent, we just need to harness it.

Go Duke!

Alan

 

[Mac9192]

To me this team has 2 things going for it, and I think it's probably the 2 hungriest guys in college basketball: Coach K and Grayson Allen. Both of them, in my opinion, are chomping at the bit to kick some a**, especially after how last season went for both of them. If Grayson is the player this season that we all expect him to be, and the team has chemistry, leadership won't be a problem. I think the rest of the team knows who the leader is, and it's Grayson. I don't think him or K will allow anyone to screw this year up. I predict Grayson will lead almost as good this year as Battier did.
The talent is there, we all know that. A true point, a few good shooters, and SIZE! We should never get outrebounded. Ought to be easier to win the board battle than if Sky and Hart played 2 on 2 against midgets

 

[SwatX1]

Man!....I hope OAD does something with this one!!

To me this team has 2 things going for it, and I think it's probably the 2 hungriest guys in college basketball: Coach K and Grayson Allen. Both of them, in my opinion, are chomping at the bit to kick some a**, especially after how last season went for both of them. If Grayson is the player this season that we all expect him to be, and the team has chemistry, leadership won't be a problem. I think the rest of the team knows who the leader is, and it's Grayson. I don't think him or K will allow anyone to screw this year up. I predict Grayson will lead almost as good this year as Battier did.
The talent is there, we all know that. A true point, a few good shooters, and SIZE! We should never get outrebounded. Ought to be easier to win the board battle than if Sky and Hart played 2 on 2 against midgets[/QUOTE
Man! I hope OAD does something with this one!!!

 

[DukeDenver]

I hope Duval can go with the flow. He has a big personality and gobs of talent, but he'll have to hold back much of the time. Hopefully he has the maturity to figure it all out.

 

[timo0402]

On the court I think outside shooting will be our biggest weakness. Only Grayson to me will be consistent from deep. Hopefully that doesn't clog up the driving lanes for Bagely and Duval. If Trent can be a threat all year that's huge for us.

Chemistry and Leadership I think go hand in hand. I definitely believe that Grayson is poised, has a clear head and is ready to lead and you saw a glimpse of that in the scrimmage the other day. He was a beast and it wasn't an accident. The rest of the team will have to rise to his level.

I think Javin will ascend into that other leader we need. Coming in with energy and dominating on the defensive end and on the glass- lead vocally, with energy and through your play.