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I don’t disagree but the tone on this board is below even that standard, like there’s no chance they’ll be good. Of the years Duke did underachieve several had a single star like Parker or the kid from St Louis Jason ?. They have the top three recruits this year, they’ve never had that team makeup. So there’s no past basis to say this will be a rerun. I hope they fail and maybe they will but the certainty on this board is misguided.Duke has gotten past the Sweet 16 four times in the last 14 years (two titles and two E8s), so betting on them underachieving isn’t as far out there as the media and some insecure UK fans would siggest.
I don’t disagree but the tone on this board is below even that standard, like there’s no chance they’ll be good. Of the years Duke did underachieve several had a single star like Parker or the kid from St Louis Jason ?. They have the top three recruits this year, they’ve never had that team makeup. So there’s no past basis to say this will be a rerun. I hope they fail and maybe they will but the certainty on this board is misguided.
I don’t disagree but the tone on this board is below even that standard, like there’s no chance they’ll be good. Of the years Duke did underachieve several had a single star like Parker or the kid from St Louis Jason ?. They have the top three recruits this year, they’ve never had that team makeup. So there’s no past basis to say this will be a rerun. I hope they fail and maybe they will but the certainty on this board is misguided.
He also has shown zero ability operating back to the basket with established post moves. His game is based around face up and attacking. A reliable post game isn't learned over night and K isn't the type to push players out of their comfort zone and develop that.
I absolutely abhor Duke. I think we can very well beat them this year but all of this acting like Zion isn’t gonna be very good makes us look incredibly sour lol.
He is legit
None of the backup players you listed were of the caliber of Dukes players this year, there is a significant difference between elite players and good ones.When Duke had Parker, they also had Rodney Hood. When they had Tatum, they also had Kennard, Allen, Frank Jackson, Jefferson, etc.
Both teams with a lot of experience as well.
Duke has been loaded with talent all 14 of those years.
I for one never stated Ole Zion wasn't going to be very good. Nor did I state duke wouldn't be very good.
I have stated I am not worried at all that UK doesn't have an answer for any of duke's players on a one on one basis. Win or lose, UK will not need a double-team.
UK "needing" a double team on any duke player is a ferry tale.
Just from reading on this site though UK may be able to play off a couple duke playerws which will allow more aggressive pressure on duke's best three players which will in turn assist in nullifying any great play those three may have during the game.
Agreed. I wasn’t referencing you personally really but yes, well said
None of the backup players you listed were of the caliber of Dukes players this year, there is a significant difference between elite players and good ones.
None of the backup players you listed were of the caliber of Dukes players this year, there is a significant difference between elite players and good ones.
I’m looking forward to watching him play honestly, seems like a new and improved Charles barkeley. Hopefully he loses to UK like Barkeley too.
You were comparing freshman classes and then shifted gears to experience when you realized you couldn’t justify the players you listed as being of equal talent. Nobody has gotten the top three players and Duke never has but we are supposed to believe their other classes with Like touching Kennard is the same thing? So let’s go back to NEVER for a class like this but hey it’s just like last year.They sure as hell are when you add the experience factor. We’re talking All-Americans and 1st Rounders.
Fine- let’s go ALL the way back to last year.
You were comparing freshman classes and then shifted gears to experience when you realized you couldn’t justify the players you listed as being of equal talent. Nobody has gotten the top three players and Duke never has but we are supposed to believe their other classes with Like touching Kennard is the same thing? So let’s go back to NEVER for a class like this but hey it’s just like last year.
He was definitely good in HS, I'm not sure how a shaky handle, poor shot, and not really getting back on D and just going for steals translates to the college game though. Especially when his #1 asset was his physical dominance over HS kids which will be greatly minimized in college compared to HS.I absolutely abhor Duke. I think we can very well beat them this year but all of this acting like Zion isn’t gonna be very good makes us look incredibly sour lol.
He is legit
Especially when his #1 asset was his physical dominance over HS kids which will be greatly minimized in college compared to HS.
We'll see. By all accounts he's a good dude so I hope it works out for him besides losing every game in college.In fairness most top high level prospects are physically dominant compared to HS competition. Maybe not as much as Zion but he will also still by physically dominant compared to a lot of college competition.
I agree we will have to see how he adjust his play style and if his skills develop. Overall I think his handle as well as passing/vision is a little underrated.
We'll see. By all accounts he's a good dude so I hope it works out for him besides losing every game in college.
BTW, weren't you the one who told me Bagley was a good defender after I said he didn't play a lick of D in HS?
Sorry, that couldn’t be further from the truth.Look duke fan. We are gonna forcefully penetrate you guys in November. No way around it
No it is the truth. I’m just trying to help you by accepting it now. Another greatest team ever gonna lose 10 games in DurhamSorry, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I’m not sure if it’s wishful thinking or willful ignorance but the idea that Duke is going to implode that permeates on this board is probably not going to happen. Despite not having the best roster balance, that in itself doesn’t spell impending doom and nor does players that think they’re the best.
I’m not saying they will gel and be great but you would think they’d finish last in the ACC I’d you read this board. They will win a lot of games and be a threat in March, there’s more to base that opinion on (talent with hof coach) than not (3 sf and a video being arrogant).
Gold star dude. Believe what you want. In your opinion I imagine rj is also garbage,No it is the truth. I’m just trying to help you by accepting it now. Another greatest team ever gonna lose 10 games in Durham
Duke won’t be as good as last year and will likely struggle early in the year, been saying that forever but I have no doubt Zion will have a Julius Randle type year. Those thinking he all of a sudden isn’t that good is just sour grapes like when KU ,Duke, UNC fans said Randle won’t be able to overpower people in college like he did in H.S. Their are certain players who are elite athletes and elite strength no matter what level they play on (Barkley,Larry Johnson) and Zion is another one.
He has flaws like every freshman (shooting) it it won’t stop him from having an impact because there isn’t another post player who combines what he does while being a good defender (not saying Zion is a good defender but no big in college is a good defender while also being a elite athlete and super strong)
Gold star dude. Believe what you want. In your opinion I imagine rj is also garbage,
R.J. could be a first-team All-American and Duke could still struggle. The question marks don't pertain to him and Reddish. Those two are the best players in college, and will prove to be among the most difficult to defend if the jumpers are consistently falling.
The question marks revolve around expectations of a shooter in O'Connell, and whether he's up for a much larger rotational role; the development of an often sluggish Bolden (a big "if" that Duke fans I hear from are honestly worried about) and the development of Jones.
If even one of those three elements doesn't come to full bloom for you guys, it's a major problem for Duke due to lack of depth and personnel options.
I think you guys have legit NBA players in your top 3, but that doesn't always translate to college success. The construction of your roster is strange and awkward. It will need some backline guys to step up big time for Duke to win it all. All possible, of course, but let's not act like it's a given. You guys have massive question marks at this point.
uK fans must be pretty pathetic to think I like duke. Zion has a HIGH ceiling. Whether you agree with my assessment or not, I don’t give a damn. I’m not salty about him picking duke, love our class this year. IMO Zion is a stud still. Now go **** yourself
No he’s not garbage. He is just gonna have to share the floor with two other of the same player.Gold star dude. Believe what you want. In your opinion I imagine rj is also garbage,
No he’s not garbage. He is just gonna have to share the floor with two other of the same player.
If there two more RJs in Duke they’re going to be pretty damn good.
are you not smart enough to comprehend what I typedIf there two more RJs in Duke they’re going to be pretty damn good.
are you not smart enough to comprehend what I typed
Are you smart enough to know how bad we are gonna beat duke this yearI’m smart enough to realize when other people are joking.
Are you smart enough to know how bad we are gonna beat duke this year
Randle was 6'9 with a 7' wingspan so he had that in his favor when finishing in traffic as well.
You can point to Zions vertical as something to negate the extra height and wingspan but jumping in open space to dunk is one thing. Vertical becomes much less when in traffic and finessing a floater/baby hook/jump shot and the extra height/wingspan helps when amongst the trees and through contact. We saw this as recent as last year w Diallo.
Zion will be a solid/good college player but I don't think he will be as effective as JR unless it's via being untouchable and shooting tons of fts.