Beating a dead horse but I really miss the days that everyone stayed 3 or 4 years. Can you imagine this years class as Juniors or seniors?? How cow!!I don't know how reliable this guy is for bleacher report, but I found his option that he "may" bolt for the NBA if Duke lands Barrett interesting.
Recruiting now days sure seems twice as challenging as it was 5 years ago. I mean I see this from both sides. On one, I could see a player that gets concerned to see the top kid in the class behind him, who happens to play the same position, worry about p.t., and on the other hand how does the coaches know if a kid will be there next season?
The only thing I do know is this current format for kids leaving to go pro has to change
I don't know how reliable this guy is for bleacher report, but I found his option that he "may" bolt for the NBA if Duke lands Barrett interesting.
Recruiting now days sure seems twice as challenging as it was 5 years ago. I mean I see this from both sides. On one, I could see a player that gets concerned to see the top kid in the class behind him, who happens to play the same position, worry about p.t., and on the other hand how does the coaches know if a kid will be there next season?
The only thing I do know is this current format for kids leaving to go pro has to change
I think you hit the nail on the head here. It's absolutely the double edged sword. Frank was a perfect example this past season. Although it's a situation where both kids can not only play together but shine together, the older one shied away from it and bolts. These days I just will be pleasantly surprised if anyone stayed.I don't know how reliable this guy is for bleacher report, but I found his option that he "may" bolt for the NBA if Duke lands Barrett interesting.
Recruiting now days sure seems twice as challenging as it was 5 years ago. I mean I see this from both sides. On one, I could see a player that gets concerned to see the top kid in the class behind him, who happens to play the same position, worry about p.t., and on the other hand how does the coaches know if a kid will be there next season?
The only thing I do know is this current format for kids leaving to go pro has to change
I think you hit the nail on the head here. It's absolutely the double edged sword. Frank was a perfect example this past season. Although it's a situation where both kids can not only play together but shine together, the older one shied away from it and bolts. These days I just will be pleasantly surprised if anyone stayed.
I don't know how reliable this guy is for bleacher report, but I found his option that he "may" bolt for the NBA if Duke lands Barrett interesting.
Recruiting now days sure seems twice as challenging as it was 5 years ago. I mean I see this from both sides. On one, I could see a player that gets concerned to see the top kid in the class behind him, who happens to play the same position, worry about p.t., and on the other hand how does the coaches know if a kid will be there next season?
The only thing I do know is this current format for kids leaving to go pro has to change
At this moment I don't care if Trent is staying for a second year or if Barrett comes. As far as next season goes, I think Duke needs some sort of good inside presence. We have little size for next season, but I'm sure the coaches have a plan for at least one. If not, we will be very similar to the 14 team. Must have a good floor general and a big to contend in college.If there is one team and coach that can legitimately sell the idea of playing a 3 guard lineup its Duke and Coach K. Also, RJ is the size of most wings in college, and depending on what big men sign or stay another year, we may have to play a smaller lineup. Just not a lot of talent at Center or many big PFs.
I would keep a closer eye on Garland to see where he lands, as he may have a bigger influence on what Trent Jr does.
If there is one team and coach that can legitimately sell the idea of playing a 3 guard lineup its Duke and Coach K. Also, RJ is the size of most wings in college, and depending on what big men sign or stay another year, we may have to play a smaller lineup. Just not a lot of talent at Center or many big PFs.
I would keep a closer eye on Garland to see where he lands, as he may have a bigger influence on what Trent Jr does.
At this moment I don't care if Trent is staying for a second year or if Barrett comes. As far as next season goes, I think Duke needs some sort of good inside presence. We have little size for next season, but I'm sure the coaches have a plan for at least one. If not, we will be very similar to the 14 team. Must have a good floor general and big to contend in college.
I don't think Garland has any influence on what Trent does personally.If there is one team and coach that can legitimately sell the idea of playing a 3 guard lineup its Duke and Coach K. Also, RJ is the size of most wings in college, and depending on what big men sign or stay another year, we may have to play a smaller lineup. Just not a lot of talent at Center or many big PFs.
I would keep a closer eye on Garland to see where he lands, as he may have a bigger influence on what Trent Jr does.
I think Gary is OAD.
I think you hit the nail on the head here. It's absolutely the double edged sword. Frank was a perfect example this past season. Although it's a situation where both kids can not only play together but shine together, the older one shied away from it and bolts. These days I just will be pleasantly surprised if anyone stayed.
K said after the South Carolina loss that he needs more depth. Well, he's got it. Let's see what he does with it.
Of our 4 probable OAD frosh, Trent I'd be least shocked if he came back for a 2nd year. Still would put the odds less than 50% though he returns.
Take it for what it's worth, NBAdraft.net has Trent going 13 overall next year, behind Marvin and Wendell, but ahead of Trevon and Grayson.
Of our 4 probable OAD frosh, Trent I'd be least shocked if he came back for a 2nd year. Still would put the odds less than 50% though he returns.
Take it for what it's worth, NBAdraft.net has Trent going 13 overall next year, behind Marvin and Wendell, but ahead of Trevon and Grayson.
What was Frank Jackson ranked at this same time a year ago? Just curious....OFC
Researched my own question....Jackson was ranked 15th in May '16 for the '17 draft...Thus he sits fairly close to Trent at same stage FWIW.... OFC
This draft is weaker if that helps Gary any, though it may say more about this class. Not the transcendental draft class that '17 was.
Guys leave for 2nd round now so anyone can leave at anytime. Soon players will declare for G League free agency after college commit.
Definitely agree on your statement about them buying in to Ks thinking. It's basically equivalent to trust the process, as they say in Philly.Quite honestly, with how his family is wired, Marvin and the emergence of Ques, with the staff not looking at many post players, just reading tea leaves, I'd be less surprised if Wendell stayed. That or Ques is planning on being here longer.
Now let me add a caveat to that in which none of these guys intend to stay. Kids are more savvy about the college game and they want to get paid as soon as possible. Gary has been a big proponent of that as he and his dad have talked quite a few times about "using college the way they use players".
I think if you wanted to rank the four OAD caliber freshmen in likelyhood to leave you'd have:
Marvin
Gary
Tre
Wendell
I will say to these kids' credit, they have bought in to K's "unpack your bags" line of thinking. Some guys in the past have been so consumed with their draft stock, it's hurt their play. Having some older guys around to teach the best way to block out the draft stuff has helped.
I think you have to play more kids during the season. To Cal's credit, he gets kids drafted that don't have to play a lot of minutes and score a lot of points. If K can commit to expanding the lineup, we can lose and replace elite kids because they know they're gonna come and contribute AND get drafted high.
IMO, playing more kids during the season will eliminate transfers and kids leaving with no suitable backups. For the kids that leave, it will be easy to replace them because Elite players will be willing to play with other elite players knowing they will play and it won't affect their draft stock. K said after the South Carolina loss that he needs more depth. Well, he's got it. Let's see what he does with it.
It's always easier to second guess our coach after a season where we don't win what we set out for. I'm very guilty of that. I am one that likes to see us go eight deep. The funny thing about K thru all his years of adapting, and he has adapted (titles in three different decades) is that a deeper bench has not been one of those changes.For me, I see playing a deeper lineup as a way of keeping the guys rested and healthier. I believe young freshmen that are still growing are prone to more injury, but even if that isn't the case. The deeper your lineup, the better chance you have to mitigate the team's performance if one of your starters gets injured.
It's always easier to second guess our coach after a season where we don't win what we set out for. I'm very guilty of that. I am one that likes to see us go eight deep. The funny thing about K thru all his years of adapting, and he has adapted (titles in three different decades) is that a deeper bench has not been one of those changes.
We all know it has probably led to a few transfers, but the reason I think and hope we play the bench is because of the one and done era. It is so vital to have returning experience to help along the new kids, even though the new kids may be more talented.
The Capel point I 100% agree with.So true. And I think with the millions of injuries we've had in the last 5 years, he will realize that if we're depending on these freshman to play 36-37 minutes a game and if they go down, then all we have is a back up freshman whose only played 5 minutes a game and expect them to not miss a beat. These kids are different. Putting them in uncomfortable situations early in the year will pay off in the tournament.
But as fans, we also can't be quick to criticize if a 20 point win ends up being a 3-4 point win either. It's never going to look good playing so many players in some games, but it will be beneficial to all in the end. I also think with Capel on the bench, he will influence K to play a deeper bench. Capel (when K was out) has never been afraid to play a deep bench. When Capel coached at GT in 2016, he played Chase Jeter a lot and Jeter actually made a difference and last year against Miami, Capel had Kennard, Grayson and Giles on the bench and had Matt Jones and Bolden in for longer stretches. He also played Vrank at Wake (the Luke comeback game). I think Capel ended up going 4-3 without K, but he wasn't afraid to play as many players as possible. Just an observation.
Yes we want our cake and eat it too. I guess a better word for it is balance. I agree there may be some games where K rides the hot hand or hands, and some of the others will have to cheer them on. As a whole though, these aren't veterans, so if there can be 8 guys that can make decent contributions, Duke will be better come March, as well as the next season. Our 15 team had a solid senior leader, and 2 juniors and a sophomore that were good role players. Cook wore that Duke uniform with pride, and it spilled over to the younger guys. I can only pray that the same thing happens with Allen and the youngsters this season.So true. And I think with the millions of injuries we've had in the last 5 years, he will realize that if we're depending on these freshman to play 36-37 minutes a game and if they go down, then all we have is a back up freshman whose only played 5 minutes a game and expect them to not miss a beat. These kids are different. Putting them in uncomfortable situations early in the year will pay off in the tournament.
But as fans, we also can't be quick to criticize if a 20 point win ends up being a 3-4 point win either. It's never going to look good playing so many players in some games, but it will be beneficial to all in the end. I also think with Capel on the bench, he will influence K to play a deeper bench. Capel (when K was out) has never been afraid to play a deep bench. When Capel coached at GT in 2016, he played Chase Jeter a lot and Jeter actually made a difference and last year against Miami, Capel had Kennard, Grayson and Giles on the bench and had Matt Jones and Bolden in for longer stretches. He also played Vrank at Wake (the Luke comeback game). I think Capel ended up going 4-3 without K, but he wasn't afraid to play as many players as possible. Just an observation.
The Capel point I 100% agree with.
With that being said, I think it's harder to predict depth/lineups given the current state of Duke basketball, where we are now funneling guys each year into the NBA (which I am fully on board with, btw.) Some freshman classes will immediately gel and will need to have the top guys play 36 min a game, a'la 2015. Some guys may take a month or two to catch up to the college game, but once they do, LOOK OUT...Ingram and Tatum would be the best examples. And some classes may have a five-star or two that just isn't ready to be a contributor as a freshman, think Jeter or Bolden.
Everything I've read about our upcoming class sounds nothing but amazing, but we truly won't know anything about our talent...much less depth, roster, positions, etc. until we start playing the games.
With that being said...I'd be shocked if Marvin isn't one of the best players in the country, if Trevon isn't one of the top playmakers in the country, if Gary isn't one of the best 3 and D guys in the country, and if Wendell isn't one of the top interior forces in the country.
I could see Gary having a year very similar to the one Frank had. Gary is physically mature (so was Frank) though doesn't seem to be quite as explosive. He gets to practice against multiple future pros every day in practice and play against many more in the ACC. His minutes could see a little hit because of the team he's on, but I could see him showing well at the draft combine and declaring.
I agree, it's a shock at this point if anyone stays more than a year, whether it is wise or not to go.Based on how kids are these days I wouldn't bet on any top 20 prospect staying more than 1 year. Let alone the top shooting guard in the class.