Considering that we’ve seen so many naysayers and faire-weather fans who believe that Duke’s season is sunk, today, Rowan Shiell and Bermuda Bob address the topics everyone is talking about.
Here goes …
Topic #1: Amile’s Injury & Return
Everyone thinks Amile returning is going to turn this team around.
How can that possibly be ???
Rowan:
This all sounds great until you realise that Amile played against Utah and Kentucky. Then, couple that with the fact that Duke has yet to play 4 of the top ACC teams. That’s not to mention there is no telling what kind of condition Amile may be in. I say that is “Fool’s Gold.”
Bermuda Bob:
All the conditioning in the world to keep the rest of Amile as close to playing shape as possible are for naught because it can’t replace Court time. Timing and the “shooting eye” are just two aspects to consider. Yes, Amile’s on-the-Court leadership will return, but there are so many intangibles that I don’t expect an immediate impact.
One thing that no one seems to want to consider is that Coach K won’t be able to force Amile into 30+ minutes a game without exponentially risking re-injury. That presumes that Amile can overcome the natural instinct to protect against re-injuring himself.
Look, both of us have loved this guy going back to his protracted recruitment. He was a major role player in last year’s National Championship, especially considering his Defense against Wisconsin. I just don’t see him as the “knight in shining armour” to this programme that has many other problems.
Topic #2: The Failure of Chase Jeter
Everyone thinks Jeter deserves more chances when his play has been abysmal.
What about giving Obi & Antonio the same type of opportunity ???
Don’t they deserve the same consideration ???
Rowan:
Jeter’s issues go beyond figuring out his position in the Zone. As things stand right now, it looks like Jeter was minding his business last week and someone came up to him and said “Heh you are quite tall, you should play basketball …” … now here he is.
Bermuda Bob:
About 9-10 years ago, on a bit of a dare, I once played golf attired all in various shades of pink. I even played a pink golf ball. On the 1st Tee, the Ranger, was hard of hearing, so he never realized he was speaking much too loudly to the Starter. So, every one of the 8 of us heard him loud and clear. As I approached the Tee,we all heard him say: “I hope he has game enough for that get up.” Well, have to admit the pressure was on, and I (luckily) crushed my Drive to within Wedge range on the short Par 4, 1st Hole. I chipped it close for a tap-in Birdie. I then turned around to the Ranger, who was following us, and asked him: “… that enough game for you ???” He sheepishly tipped his hat to me and we never saw him again.
When I first saw Chase Jeter and his Bedlington Terrier style haircut, my reaction was the same as that Ranger. I hoped he had the “game” that allowed him to make himself look so foolish.
Well, since then, he has not done a single thing to dissuade me. He has played 131 minutes in 17 games, scoring only 28 Points and pulling down only 29 Rebounds. He’s also committed 14 TurnOvers in those 131 minutes, meaning he’ll turn the ball over every 9+ minutes.
One article, by Chris Bunn of 247Sports, claims that: “Jeter has played 28 minutes in conference play and he’s been whistled for 14 fouls.” My count sez he has committed a total of 32 Fouls in 131 minutes of play, meaning that he’ll commit a Foul ever 4 minutes he’s on the floor.
So, if you put him on he floor, you’re guaranteed that he’ll give up a TurnOver and committ 2 Fouls !!! Stats like that mean he ought to stay in the Locker Room …
I’m going to share a little secret. Ro and I watch each game live, while commenting to each other on Viber in real time. That’s why we’re rarely on Twitter during a game. Ro is in London, England and I am in Pennsylvania. I say this to note the sacrifice Ro makes to do this, as he is 5 hours ahead of us. That means a 7PM game starts at Midnight for him, and a 9PM game Tips Off at 2AM for him. We text so as not to wake up his wife and son.
During many of those games we have shared anguish over Jeter. “Dud” is maybe the most gentlemanly thing we would share here. Ro has asked who is personally responsible for ranking Jeter so high, and then, who recruited him to Duke ??? Those are frustrated queries for very good reason.
I think he ought to be banished to the Bench to cause no more harm. Many other players ahead of him were relegated there after far less play, and subsequently transferred. Remember Alex, “Silent G,” and Semi ???
Note to Coach K:
Can you PLEASE explain why you extended a transfer scholarship to Sean Obi and recruited Antonio Vrankovic, but refuse to extend the same opportunity to play, and contribute to this team as your have given Jeter ???
Even Dick Vitale has commented that he thought that any kid recruited ought to be able to contribute at least 10 minutes a game !!! Let’s face it, both Obi and Antonio could not be as much of a liability, individually or together, as Jeter has been !!! Actually, in those 21 minutes Obi has played, he has accomplished more statistically than Jeter !!! Who knows what Antonio is capable of as he’s only gotten microscopic minutes.
Topic #3: Only 6 Guys Playing …
How can only 6 guys be expected to handle the load of a season in one of America’s toughest conferences, especially when none of them played that many minutes last year ???
Rowan:
Some of the best college teams depend on a very short rotation. Oklahoma, Iowa State, Wichita State and maybe Virginia, but they do a very good job of finding a breather for their Starters who play big minutes. There is, however, one important factor these teams have that differs from Duke immensely. These guys are Seniors. Considering that the returning players on Duke were support players last season, and most of the other players were in high school last season, playing only 6 guys is not a great idea.
Bermuda Bob:
One of my favourite things to see in the past was when Coach K took up Coach Roy Williams’ practice of platooning his players. Now, for some unbeknownst reason, Coach K did not recruit the type of players that would allow him to do this, presently … well, unless he played his “Walk-On” players.
So, when Coach K sees his players dragging their respective posteriours, how on earth does he expect them to shoot and play effective Defense with tired legs ??? As Ro points out, not one of these kids were Starters in the ACC last year, so how can we expect them to perform up to Duke standards when they collectively could envoke Scottie’s famous lament to Captain Kirk:
“Aye Captain … I don’t think the engines can handle the load !!!”
Topic #4: That Same Old Look !!!
There was no discernible difference between the look of Duke in the last 5 games. If it has only worked in one game, doesn’t it stand to reason that a different offensive approach is on order ???
Rowan:
Other than jacking up too many 3 Pointers against Syracuse, Duke has a fine offense. Their issues stem from the other end of the Court where guys are pacing themselves and playing to avoid Fouls.
Bermuda Bob:
Man-oh-man, have you said a mouthful !!! How many times have we lamented that Duke was just jacking up shots without much circumspection ??? Up goes the shot, and no one even attempts an Offensive Rebound. That was the original meaning of the “one-and-done.”
If I was able to show you the last 5 games, and blindfold you at selected spots in each game, then remove the blindfold, aside from the opposition uniforms, I bet you’d be unable to tell the difference. The only commonality is that they’d all be losses !!!
Sure, Coach K has employed a variety of Zone defenses, I simply do not see a congruous set of Offensive plays being run.
Not once …
… have I seen anyone even attempt a fall away shot like Seth perfected …
… have I seen Ingram posted at the Free Throw Line providing a double offensive threat of a give-and-go, or a pivot to the basket, or even a turn around shot from 15 feet …
… have I seen “Plums” and Obi (is he still on the team ???) present a “twin towers” look causing the defense to wonder who to double-team …
Come to think of it, I’ve only seen Obi in the blink of an eye (21 minutes), and Antonio even less. How could both of these guys be more of a liability than Jeter ???
Topic #5: Another Foot Problem in Those Nike Shoes …
This may not be an answer this year, but doesn’t the prolonged perpetuance of foot problems over recent years, and the fact that Duke genuflects at the foot of Nike (contractually), seem to have a strange coincidental ring to it ???
Rowan:
Nike are said to be the best in the business, but Ryan Kelly now Amile, small sample, maybe Duke should look into this more carefully. Better be safe than sorry.
Bermuda Bob:
Well, Ro, I’m going to dispute that Nike is the best in the business. They might be the best at marketing themselves, or buying themselves into major programmes, or creating so many different uniforms for cuckold college players, but I question of they are the best shoe. I can tell you that I know, first hand, that most intense athletes I have come across look elsewhere for their competitive footwear. Sure, Nike makes collectible shoes, but are they equally designed to perform ??? I can’t wear Nike, and my marathoner daughter can’t either, nor can many of her contemporaries in her running club, so how good could Nike really be ???
Let’s look at this in recent times. Start with Zoubs, then consider Kyrie, then move to “Plums” and then to Seth, on to Ryan, a problem for “Oaks” … and now to Amile. That may be just 7 guys, but in the real world, that’s considered a trend !!!
I’ll admit it … I have a particular distain for Nike because they believe that they can dictate what teams will wear simply because of the $$$ they pay schools for the right to outfit their sports teams. What I don’t understand is why those schools allow Nike to deviate from their school colours just to provide a 3rd uniform in an attempt to sell more fan memorabilia. The idea emanated in European Futbol, and has now been employed in college basketball and other sports.
So, simple logic means that since they are more concerned with selling product to fans, they may very well be less concerned about the actual needs of the feet/legs of the players !!! My empirical proof is the seemingly yearly resurgence of a foot injury to a Duke player.
Thank for the Read !!!
Do you agree, disagree, or have another point of view ???
Please tell us about it …
Please feel free to comment here, or on our Twitter site at:
Simply Duke Basketball 
Gentlemen, I’m as frustrated as you about Coach K’s unwillingness to play a larger rotation given his current personnel. However, Sean Obi is vastly out of shape and you can see it if you watch the times he’s been inserted into the lineup. He’s slow, he looks over weight and he can barely get off the ground from what I’ve seen. I think K missed on this scholarship and vastly overrated his impact for this team. Playing at Rice and playing at Duke couldn’t be more polar opposite. If he spent more time getting in shape and less time concerned about his personal style, he may have made more of an impact this year.
Vrankovic came in as a 3 star recruit and a long term project, but I agree with you that it couldn’t hurt to give him more of a shot like you have to Jeter. Trial by fire is the best way to learn in my opinion. What do they have to lose at this point?
As for Jeter? I don’t remember ever being more disappointed in a recruit than I have with this kid. He literally looks like a deer in headlights out there. He has no hands, no physical presence and cannot rebound or defend without fouling. I wonder if this is a case of a kid getting a 5 star rating simply because he was being recruited by schools like Duke. I knew he wasn’t going to be an Okafor like prescence, but it seems crazy that he can’t give the team 10 to 15 minutes a game! He appears to be more of a 4 year project as well.
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Greetings & Welcome, Chris !!!
We not so sure that the “out-of-shape” label is not one being over used as an explanation of why a guy in not playing, anymore than the idea that a kid doesn’t practice hard. Remember when that was being said by Rasheed, and it turned out to be something else ???
Obi reminds me of Wes Unseld, who was a nightly foil to NBA “Bigs” and he was never labelled as out-of-shape. I just don’t get it … The guy has played only 21 minutes but pulled down 6 Rebounds and had a Block during that time. It seems that he makes an immediate difference !!!
Yes, he’s a “widebody” who might slow the team down, but shouldn’t good teams have more than one “look” to be successful ??? That’s what I was talking about in the article …
Regarding Antonio, Yes … Ro pointed out that he’s a work-in-progress, but he really can’t make any progress if he only sees the floor during Warm-Ups and in 13 minutes in 5 games !!!
Now, I honestly hope that Coach K only brought these kids in to be “practice players” for “Plums”… That would be disingenuous at the very least !!! That would mean that K refuses to be flexible enough to play more than 6-7-8 guys.
Playing his current Starters into the ground shows when they are down to the last 10 minutes or less. I have never liked that idea, especially when you only have kids who last year were doing much less !!! A trifecta of Frosh like last year is a bit of an anomaly …
What can i say about Jeter other than what Ro and I have said betweenst each other, except that he is a “dud” but your “deer-in-the-headlights” reference is simply right-on !!! Personally, this is why I simply cannot get excited over recruiting, and I’m happy Ro enjoys it and, I believe, is excellent at keeping up with so many kids.
To demonstrate Ro’s insight abilities, in his article on Jeter before the season, he noted that: “We expect Jeter to be given every opportunity to fulfil this role.” This has been agonizingly correct … all 131 minutes of it !!!
Now, when Ro noted his “Worst Case Scenario” player comparison, I believe Jeter has set a new standard that Josh McRoberts set long ago. I wonder if McRoberts has begin sending “Thank You” cards to Jeter by now …
Let’s hope that someone is listening.
Thanks, again Chris !!!
As Always … Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Oh, and I forgot. Amile Jefferson was not active for the Utah game. That was the first game he missed.
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Hi Chris !!!
Oops … You caught us relying just on our memories !!!
Thanks for that …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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First of all I would have liked to of seen this article broken up into articles for each topic. There is a lot to digest here. Topic #1: Amile’s injury and return. I really enjoy watching Amile play with his hard nose and work horse style. At this point I do not think Duke’s season is sunk. There are still a few things that can be accomplished: (1) Win 6-7 of the remaining conference games; (2) Make a good showing in the ACC tournament; (3) Win the first round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament and try to make it to the sweet 16. For me these would mean a very successful year. Is Amile’s return going to spearhead this team to the Final Four? – No. Will his return disrupt this team’s current chemistry and clog up the middle possibly reducing driving opportunities? – Maybe. Would Duke benefit more by Amile taking a medical redshirt and returning next year? I think so.
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Hi Michael !!!
Thanks for commenting !!!
We were trying to address some of the ridiculous sentiments we saw on Twitter, etc. and so, my use of the Sinking Ship was an attempt at “Tongue-in-Cheek” or “Black Humour” (kinda like the movie “War of the Roses”).
We decided that addressing all 3 points made more sense. Thanks for slogging it out with us !!!
Yes, Duke can begin to win … Yes, they can play well in he ACC Tournament … Yes, they could get a favorable draw in the Big Dance … but they have to “right the ship” and begin to win. They have some tough game ahead. Louisville and Carolina twice for starters. February is VERY pivotal for those “Yes” points to come to fruition …
It all starts tomorrow night with Tech …
As Always … Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Hi Michael !!!
Topic #1: Amile. You know, if Amile was thinking about the NBA, then the Red Shirt thing might be a way of preserving his chances. Of course, we have to get inside of Coach K’s head based on what he knows about Amile’s condition. Personally I think that if he comes back, he does so in limited minutes to protect him from re-injury, which could screw up the kid for the rest of his life !!!
Time will tell, as always !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Topic #2: The failure of Chase Jeter. Chase Jeter is a freshman and needs time to mature period. If Duke had a few more upper classmen he would not have been put in the situation that he is in. The mindset of the one-and-done has put too much pressure on this kid. Is it his fault that the media projected him as a super-star. If you will remember correctly Amile was a fouling machine to begin with and he had Mason, Ryan, and Josh Hairston getting a lot of the attention when he was in the game. Jeter is thrown out there generally without the benefit of another bigman to buffer him and his weaknesses are exposed for everyone to see. One cannot expect him to body up against the biggest person on the other team. Let him put on some weight and be a four year project. At this time he has been used primarily because Duke can’t compete with 6 players someone has to relieve the starters. Again, the one-and-done left this team with very little experienced players. I’ll address the other two under used freshman later.
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Hi Michael !!!
You are totally correct that Jeter’s problems are created by the “one-and-done” mindset. Every kid thinks he’s going to be another “Chief” or “Oaks” and that’s simply not possible. Personally, I have always felt that the MLB system is best for CBB kids. I say that because, as Jay Williams proved, one can get a useful degree in 3 years !!!
I’ll disagree that Duke doesn’t have other “bigs” … They have Obi and Antonio. As Dickie V said recently, any kid recruited today ought to be able to contribute at least 10 minutes a game. I add that the kid ought to expect to play 10 minutes a game to ready him for big games when his game is needed. So, to that way of thinking, Coach K has 20 minutes to temper “Plums” and need not depend on Jeter, who is a DUD right now.
I’d bet that Coach K wants to temper his Starters for Tournament time. Well, it ain’t workin’ as demonstrated last week when they played NC State and Miami in 3 days, or earlier on when they played Notre Dame and Syracuse in 3 days. So, if I had one opportunity to be a bit impertinent, I’d suggest to Coach K that “… it ain’t workin’ out too well and ain’t gettin’ any better …”
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I did not convey my thought correctly. I was not implying that Duke did not have other “Bigs” I was just saying that, as of this time, most of the time when Jeter is put on the floor he has not had the benefit of another “Big” out there with him and he has been unfairly matched with the other teams “Big”.
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Hi Michael !!!
Yes, you are correct that Jeter might have been used alongside “Plums” … He’s listed at 240, but I don’t see it. I see skin & bones. I guess that the league he came from in High School must have been a bunch of lightweights if he supposedly prevailed.
I’d prefer to see Obi and “Plums” together down low against opponents who are bigger down low. Imagine was a 3-2 Zone with them down there would be like ??? They could deny the Baseline and guard against BackDoor a lot more naturally. As we have discussed, this seems to be a problem every year !!!
Enjoy the game tonight !!!
Order your pizza early as it’s a 9PM game …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Topic #3: Only 6 guys playing. This is one that has always drove me crazy. Game time is worth a whole lot more than practice time. Play them. Why let them sit on the bench when Duke has a 20 point lead late in the game. I am not saying put all of them on the floor at the same time. Work them in and out with 4 starters on the floor. Let them play while Marshall is still on the floor. Early in the season Amile was still healthy to play along side of them. Missed opportunity.
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Hi Michael !!!
I might have jumped the gun by talking about this in the previous reply. As I mentioned in the article, there are plenty of options open, but Coach K has to be willing to play everyone … even if it means the Walk-On’s to give the Starters a blow. As Ro noted, all they have to do it play stellar defense and that would be super !!!
I’m going to let you in on a not-so-big-secret about me. I’ve never thought that any of the Plumlee kids played up to their notoriety. I was so taken aback by 3 brothers coming to Duke that I named them the “PlumTrees” in honour of the fact that they were all great kids from a great family with great attributes and mindsets. Unfortunately, #1 & #2 got better in the NBA right away. #3, who I have since re-nicknamed “Plums” is only showing spurts of what might have been, plus he’ll never see the NBA, at least right away !!! I have openly wondered if Coach K is oh so slow to admit that none of them every because who he dreamt they might be, so he plays them as if trying to disprove the Peter Principle.
Obi and Antonio MUST be given floor time … He brought them both in for more than Practice Players !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Topic #4: That same old look.You are right about the last 5 games. What has happened to the transition offense? If a team is playing good defense then the fast breaks will come. In the last 5 games how few of the points came on fast breaks? Also why so many times am I seeing Marshall the second or third man down the court? He has the farthest distance to travel. If fatigue is the issue how about watching the last NC State against Miami game. Work the clock to your favor wait until under ten to shoot.This will allow the players to rest a little while searching for the open man. Quit jacking the threes so quickly give the offense time to work. A turn around jump shot at the elbow is still a good shot. I hate that the 12′ to 15′ jump shot is lost art. I will say this though, I am pleased to see Marshall attacking the rim more. The other players are becoming more confident in him which in turn is helping his confidence. I never have liked the pass first mentality when catching the ball 3 feet from the goal.
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Hi Michael !!!
Ahhhhhhhhhh, how right you are !!! The 12′ to 15′ Jumper is almost passe’ these days …
Plus:
1. Grayson needs to develop more than just that dribble drive to the basket where he might get his head taken off !!!
2. Jacking 3’s usually means long Rebounds, which they don’t follow …
3. “Plums” needs to keep the ball above his waistline. When he bring it down, he usually loses it to a Guard or a block … He is best served by keeping the ball high and using his length/girth to protect the ball from opponents !!!
4. I’d like to see Brandon Post-Up at the Charity Stripe, making him a triple threat to (1) Pass into a “give-and-go” (2) turn to shoot the 15’er (3) pivot and drive for a Lay-up.
5. As a team, they would be well served by developing that fall away like Seth employed so successfully !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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There is no flow to this Duke teams offense. They just hand the ball off to each other on the perimeter. It’s like a weave and it does absolutely nothing. They’ve become so predictable on the offensive side of the ball.
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Hi Chris !!!
I could not agree more !!! That’s one of the points I was making in the article. I’ve never even thought I saw them run a play !!! I understand living and dying by the 3, and it worked for Duke tonight, chucking up 23 and making 11, but we’ve both seen nights where they couldn’t hit the basket if it were at kneecap height. They did put up 58 other shots and made the same 48%.
We will have more in our next “After Sleeping on it …” article …
As Always, Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Two wins in a row! One was without Coach K yet he must have had Capel’s ear bugged not to play the 7th man more than 2 minutes
This brings me to another topic, if a head coach is absent why does the Athletic Director get to decide who should get credit for the win or loss. Is it possible the team won or loss because the head coach wasn’t there? Yet when Gaudet stepped up as the Assistant Head Coach, Coach K didn’t take any of those numerous losses or 4 wins.
Hmmm – Maybe Pitino is wishing he had the administration support similar to UNC. Why would a university want to punish the current players? As Dickie V said on TV, Pitino took a lie detector test so he is innocent of any knowledge. Dickie V, should the head coach not be responsible for any activity of recruits, players or academics off the basketball court?
The “don’t make me penalize UNC” NCAA needs to step up more quickly in these type of situations. Bottom line, Louisville had recruiting violations at the time Pitino was head coach. So lets hurt the current players who weren’t even attending the school. Pitino should be made to sit out one year, and the school should lose their National Championship.
As for UNC, a 20 year scandal of cheating and not taking classes. Basketball and football players have gone public even with statements that coaches advised them to take specific courses. But Coach Williams is completely innocent? The NCAA should have banned Williams from the bench for a minimum of one year and taken back one or two of the National Championships.
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Hi Bill !!!
I don’t have a clue as to why the AD has so much authority … Sorry !!!
As for the Louisville “problem”, please allow me to give you my ideas …
1. “Little Ricky” ought to be immediately be suspended while they make their case to fire him. If they do, then the National Championship ought to be vacated and that tat on his shoulder be removed with a torch, like bikers do !!!
2. Fans need to remember that While Dickie V has a national stage, he very often uses it to express his very foggy ideas on people. He has supported “Cal-the-Lip” and “Little Ricky” because they support The Jimmy V Foundation, as do other coaches of questionable reputations. In my opinion, all too often, Dickie V lauds people when he ought not to.
3. As a retired Police Officer, i can tell you that there are many types of people who can beat a Lie Detector … especially when the test is not being administered by a highly FBI trained technician. They are especially people who are accustomed to controlling people such as a CBB Head Coach, who is often a surrogate and the center of a kid’s world. Even Ocean’s 13 proved it (Ha-Ha !!!)
4. I do not think you can compare the indiscretions “Little Ricky” with the academic situation that plagued the entire athletics department of UNC. I do not believe I’ve ever heard that Coach Roy hired whores to lure recruits and/or reward athletes. I think the UNC problem is a different discussion for a different time.
5. If the NCAA has been investigating Louisville, then THEY ought to be the ones doling out the punishment. This trend of universities supposedly disciplining themselves is so very wrongminded !!! The idea of punishing the present kids, who are faultless, for the bad actions of their predecessors is stupid. The coach should be disciplined, fined, and even sanctioned with loss of wins, championships, and banishment from the Hall of Fame !!!
I will tell you that NO KID ought to trust “Little Ricky” EVER !!!
See you Monday night !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Hi Bob – retired policeman I have to give you my sincere thanks for your work. Putting your life on the line and having to deal with a vast spectrum of personalities is absolutely commendable. I have to deal with the limited spectrum of people at work and my frustration sometimes hits beyond the roof. Sincerely, thanks for what you did and thanks for this website.
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Hi Bill !!!
Thanks for the nice sentiments. There are many aspects of my service that I love to reflect on with fond memories. I enjoyed the diversity of that “spectrum of people” as I tried to learn from the vast majority of nice people I came across and maybe assisted sometimes. A friend suggested that I write a book called “Just when I thought I had seen everything …” It would be a lot of fun. One never knows !!!
Thanks also for supporting our site. We’re simply trying to reach out to people who are akin to ourselves. Those who love Duke Basketball and love to interact truthfully but politely !!!
Enjoy tomorrow night !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
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Take away from the Louisville game. The players started to show some weak legs with about 6 minutes to go, but gutted it out for a good win. In the last 10 minutes, it Allen had his hands on this thighs at almost every foul shot, I am sure he was whipped. Jeter had five minutes, why Coach K didn’t use him in the 2nd half is a mystery – that is when the players need some rest.
With UVA coming up, K needs to play the 7th and 8th man more. UVA will play nine players, 8 who have average 14 minutes + per game. Then there is the 7 ft center who is equivalent to Plums with better hands and only averages 15 min a game. Two twin towers underneath might help Duke out I will only see that in my imagination.
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Hi Bill !!!
Hmmmmm … You saw it too, eh ??? I think Duke’s biggest asset was their stellar performance from the Charity Stripe, which was huge, especially those last two that “Plums”put in. All with that fatigue clawing at them …
I thought that there was a lot to be happy about … from the great Defense they played in the 1st half, to their playing thru the obvious affects of playing one only one day’s rest. Of course, the ACC Tourney and Big Dance will present the needs for even more stamina and poise.
I also notice that Jeter looked like he was ready to go in, with the Sweats off, but Coach K figured his use of Luke and Derryck was more important.
Saturday, my wife and I will be celebrating our Anniversary with one of my Pizzas and the Virginia game. Talk about diehard fans ‘eh ??? It won’t take Ro having to cheat his sleep to see the game either !!!
We’ll see what Coach K comes up with, but something tells me he isn’t listening to those of us who are clamoring for Obi and Antonio …
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Just read a 3 hour old article about Amile still having foot pain. Per the article, if he does not play the rest of the season, he will have participated in 28% of the games allowing him to file for medical redshirt. Coach K – turn to the bench and play Anthony and Sean down the stretch!!
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Hi Bill !!!
Would you be willing to share that article ???
You can get me with me at: Bob@SimplyDukeBasketball. com
Personally, I think it’s a brilliant idea … Amile gets more time to “audition” for the next level, and they have a natural leader next year along with Matt !!! Plus he gets to go to Graduate School !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I have to give credit to Coach K, Duke beat UVA. Yet the critics are already on TV, Allen walked. He clearly did, yet he was fouled. UVA made some easy plays inside the paint in the 1st half. My imaginary twin towers would have stopped that. Then the great recruit from Vegas only play a few minutes and was benched for the basket interference. Duke looked tired the whole game and their legs definitely were gone shooting the foul shots. I wish K would wake up because it may get really ugly the next 3 games.
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Hi Bill !!!
Yesterday was our Wedding Anniversary, so after the game we got to celebrating !!!
What a great game as Ingram and Matt took up the mantle of defeating Coach Tony Bennett’s Game Plan to stop Grayson. Since both were playing and scoring well, Luke only got 12 minutes.
You are quite correct to credit Coach K, especially when you look at the Box Score to see that no one was ever in Foul Trouble, as the team only committed 13, compared to Virginia, who put Duke at the line with 19 Personal Fouls
I’ll totally agree with you about tired legs … At around the 10 minute mark of the 2nd Half, I noted to Ro that all of Ingram’s shot were put up too hard. A consistent reflection that he was getting tired. Even Grayson looked that way, but mustered enough to be tough down to the end.
I honestly don’t care if he Walked, or if he got Fouled … The Ref’s ate their whistles and Duke won. Some other days it might have gone the other way around. In Golf terms, I’d call it the “Rub of the Green” or in this case “The Squeak of the Court” !!!
I’ll share a little something about Dickie V … There have been many times when I wanted to turn the sound off because he has the ability to go way over the top. He unabashedly lauds coaches who support the Jimmy V Foundation, which I think is a great thing for college coaches to do, but it has nothing to do with their coaching prowess. This is never more blatant than whenever he bring up Cal-the-Lip. When I get to such a state, Ro always calms me down by reminding me that Dickie V has forgotten more than most Commentators remember. He’s right, of course !!!
Dickie V was never more correct than when he proclaimed that each and every recruit ought to be given the opportunity to contribute. That was a not-so-veiled reference to Coach K’s inexplicable reasoning of playing his Starters most of the game and only giving 2 others a sniff, unless they immediately contribute as Luke often does. So, I’ll put it differently in agreement with Mr. Vitale … What the heck did you recruit those other players for, Coach ??? Then, I’ll double down and ask if each of those kid’s parents have the ability to call him directly, like was revealed was the case for Jabari Parker’s Mum, as revealed in that Sports Illustrated article back then.
Duke got lucky yesterday, each kid was exhausted, just as they are at the end of any other game … There is only one reason for that, and the answer is only a few feet to his left !!!
See you Wednesday night at 9PM in the Dean Dome !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Dickie V was up in the bird’s nest for UVA game. He must have been reprimanded his last Duke broadcast. Several times he mentioned Duke did not have the depth this year but referenced lack of playing time.
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Hi Chris !!!
Dickie V sends plenty of messages to Coaches he thinks will listen. I don’t think Coach K is presently amongst them !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I’ve always wondered why Coach K recruits these kids and never really gives them the opportunity to contribute. I’ve said Jeter looks like a deer in the headlights out there, but at the same time a kid isn’t going to learn sitting on the bench. At the same time, putting a kid in only to yank him out after one mistake is also counter productive and can kill a players confidence.
I’ve seen so many kids leave this program. It was something that always concerned me. This is the type of year where Coach K has nothing to lose by throwing kids to the fire. I have a feeling that Jeter will be the next transfer out of Duke. I don’t always agree with Vitale, but he is definitely right about this. If you recruit a kid and give him a scholarship, he has to be good enough to give you at least 10 to 15 minutes a game.
This has always been an area that I don’t agree with K on, but who am I to argue?
Case in point though……Michael Gbinije
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Hello Again, Chris !!!
You know, people who have that one nagging question for Coach K as we are not alone. You’re right about Dickie V, as I noted in a comment to Bill W. I simple agree with him, you, and anyone who has the same query !!!
The bigger question is the durability of these 5-6 Starters. Sure, they looked good picking up the slack last night when Grayson was being dogged as part of Coach Tony Bennett’s Game Plan, but at the 10 minute mark, you could see Ingram’s shots going strong due to overcompensation for his tired legs !!!
We both agree on “Silent G” and I’ll add Alex Murphy, who might now run out of eligibility due to an injury. Then there’s Semi, who O wish had made a better choice of a programme to go to, but I”m sure he’ll shine there as he might have at Duke had he been given a chance to accomplish more than the weight lifting title !!!
I don’t see how Coach K’s plans could succeed come ACC Tournament time but time will tell … First UNC on Wednesday !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I am sorry to see Matt Jones go down and leave the end of the game on crutches. When he went down, I had two different thoughts – the game is over or Coach K has to play Obi which will help the rebounding. Well I was wrong and congrats to Coach K. But seriously, is 6 enough the next 2 or 3 games. I don’t think so. J Bilas said during the game how K talks to Plumlee as platoon leader. I wish someone would talk to K like he is a Captain. All men man your weapons and charge. Put the reserves in K.
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Hi Bill !!!
Another thoroughly entertaining game, worthy of The Greatest Rivalry in Sport !!!
I was bolstered by the way the team hunkered down and played on when Matt (who I call “Cazzie” because he reminds me of the great Cazzie Russell of NY Knick fame by the way he carries himself and his shot follow thru) went down. Everyone raised their game and hunkered down … well, except for Jeter !!!
Coach K always knows how to reach his kids but “Plums” is a Plumlee, which means that by nature, he will (1) not guard the BaseLine, (2) won’t guard against the BackDoor, and (3) will Foul to compensate for getting beaten by his man. Those 3 things you can take to the bank. The real reason why “Plums” did not Foul Out last night was that he gave away so many “BackDoor” scores that he did not have time or circumstance to get to my #3 Point.
If you listen to Coach K’s after-the-game interview, at around 6:40in the tape, he is asked about “subbing” towit he replies cleverly, ” … who we gonna sub ???” Now, he meant it to mean that there was no reason he should have pulled any of his guys. It could also be taken to mean that he does not consider anyone on the Bench worthy of injecting into the game. Either way, over the next few games, he might be stuck, and then what ??? Does he force the kids to play small and/or inexperienced, or doeshe break down and play Obi and/or Antonio ???
Time will tell !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Throughout the game the announcers gave Brice Johnson multiple accolades. At one point, Johnson pulled down another rebound, the announcers gave him more praise and the TV camera showed the Duke bench. Obi was sitting with his head bowed rubbing his hair as if he was thinking – Coach I was a leading rebounder I can block this dude out – put me in.
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Hi Bill !!!
I too saw what you saw … I think it’s terrible that you bring in a kid who was producing in an other programme, even if it is a lesser one, see him have to sit a year, then reward his loyalty by flattening his derriere !!! Obi surely could have aided “Plums” with his BaseLine and BackDoor predispositions !!!
Once again …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Calling it now….Obi will transfer out and Jeter may not be far behind him. K does this stuff every year. He’s one of the only coaches I’ve seen who recruits kids to have a front row seat to every Duke game. I think Dick Vitale said it best when he said that if you give a kid a full scholarship, he should be able to give you 10 minutes a game.
So I ask you this……is this a case of grossly misjudging talent or just K being his stubborn self? I can assure you that this is going to come crashing down eventually. 5 guys is not enough, despite how much they try to convince themselves.
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Hi Chris !!!
We know that men are judged by: (A) the company they keep, (B) their accomplishments, and (C) their predispositions. Well, Coach K is (A) certainly amongst the upper crust of great CBB Coaches, (B) has accomplished more than any other coach in the modern era of CBB, so that leaves us with (C) his predispositions.
Coach K seems to have a long record of bringing kids in and either encouraging them to go elsewhere, or making us watch as the kid agonizes on the Bench. No one understands that more than I do. In my High School days, our Varsity “holes” were plugged with kids from the JV team (no, I’ not talking about ISIS). I had the good fortune to be one of those guys, who, after playing in the JV game and giving it my all, would upgrade my uniform and warm up twice, only to perfect my splinter pulling techniques. Trust me, back then there were REALLY splinters !!! So, I’ve always thought I understood kids like Alex Murphy, “Silent G,” Semi, and now Sean Obi and Antonio. Oh, there were more ahead of them, but these are plenty for now.
Is it that they never developed into the players Coach K expected, or did they not buy into Coach K’s vision for them. Josh “The Master of the Missed Dunk” is one guy I’ll throw out there. He refused to buy into Coach K’s vision, so he left for the NBA. Well, the difference between he and the others I mentioned is that they simply didn’t get to play, where McRoberts did !!!
Maybe Coach K was scarred by McRoberts, and will never allow a kid who didn’t buy into his vision to get substantial enough Court time to be considered for the next level. So they are forced to move on and suffer a year-long sit-down elsewhere. Certainly “Silent G” has proven, as Coach K noted last year “… of course he’s good, that’s why we recruited him …” himself and continues so to do this year. Alex Murphy might have except for a recent injury, and Semi will get his chance next year.
What I don’t get is how or why Coach K brought in Sean Obi 2 years ago. Obi was a proven performer, proving that when Coach K went after him briefly, he was correct. So after seeing this kid sit for a year, essentially be a practice player, why has his role not changed ??? Why is he sitting when there have been so many occasions when he could have been used ??? Ro has often heard me say that I thought Obi reminded me of Wes Unseld of yesteryear …
The glaring aspect of this year is that Obi sits, Antonio sits, Justin Robinson sits, and so do the Walk-On Players, Nick and Brennan. Now, the idea is that Justin is being Red Shirted, but that leaves 4 guys who can contribute, and I didn’t hear Dick Vitale say ” … excepting Walk On kids …” !!! Many of us have heard of Coach K’s notorious “Dog House” but none have admitted being banished to it, so we fans are left guessing.
Personally, I don’t see anyone going … Jeter, while abysmal, might become Coach K’s next “project player since he’s has run out of Plumlees. By that I mean that I have never thought that any of the Plumlee kids lived up to the fulfillment of their recruitment. For the record, Ro disagrees with me. I’m glad they have done well on the next level.
Obi would have to sit another year if he transferred again, which might result in his looking as old as me when he was finished with his playing days. Antonio might be content.
The next few games will tell us plenty. I don’t see “Plums” being able to stay out of Foul trouble, and Jeter has already proven he can’t either. So, if there a chance for Obi, even by default ??? Ya never know, he might be this year’s Grayson Allen … I surely hope so !!!
Until Saturday …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Two things may make Coach K go to Sean or Antonio:
1 – realization that he needs at least 7 players
2 – foul trouble
Of the brief clips I’ve seen of Louisville in its last two games, the aggressive big men may force Duke into foul trouble. If one of the starting 5 gets in foul trouble, then Jeter will likely foul out within a few minutes.
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Hi Bill !!!
As I just noted to Chris … “The next few games will tell us plenty. I don’t see “Plums” being able to stay out of Foul trouble, and Jeter has already proven he can’t either. So, if there a chance for Obi, even by default ??? Ya never know, he might be this year’s Grayson Allen … I surely hope so !!!
Until Saturday …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I don’t know if Chris’s call is right, but the 6 was not enough at Louisville. The players who have been playing hard for the last 4 games and maybe month are worn out. Ingram had 9 or 10 turnovers and was mocked by Coach K (per TV announcer), Allen fouls out on stupid plays, Kennard played in foul trouble for most of the 2nd half and fouls out with 20 seconds. Coach K can yell all he wants at his players, but he needs to understand when players are whipped because of no subs. Not inserting fresh legs or changing defensive, Coach K this loss is on you alone.
From shocking win to an embarrassing turnaround all because K is stubborn. I wish the best for Sean and Antonio. Either their parents should raise the roof with Coach K or they should transfer.
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Hi Bill !!!
I’m working on an article after today’s game, but have had other family stuff to do, so look for it on the overnight …
Now, to your comments …
6 or even 7 is not enough, today proved. Even with Jeter using up both of his “…even a busted clock is right twice a day …” positive contributions, they are too young, too inexperienced, too tired with Matt & Amile down. “Plums” had a good game due to hustle, verve, and desire, but when you hit him in the hands with the ball, he muffed it. He could certainly have used Obi to help.
Little Ricky double teamed Ingram and befuddled him … it happens …He’s a Frosh !!!
Little Ricky came up with something at the Half because they shut down Duke from the 10+/- mark,and that was the game !!!
Coach K telling his kids to focus on winning is not coaching when they’re mostly Frosh, they need direction !!!
Is it me, or has Duke NOT run a regular play all season ??? I think they just try to pick up on what’s given to them by excellent ball movement.
Yes, I would hope each kid’s parents could contact Coach K like Jabari Parker’s parents could, as per that Sports Illustrated article.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend …
Until Thursday …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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8 points/10 turnovers. When your second option and supposed top 2 draft pick has that as a stat line, you have absolutely no shot.
Ingram got bullied today. The NBA will be even tougher next year.
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Hi Chris !!!
I’m working on an article to go up on the overnight, so please look for it !!!
Little Rick figured out something at Halftime and got his kids to double-team Ingram in a swarming style that discounted his length with great success …
The Duke players did not lose that game today. Coach K, and his stubbornness to play his entire team, lost the game by playing exhausted kids …
I do not think anyone on this team is ready for the NBA, but that’s another topic for another day …
Enjoy Your Weekend !!!
Until Thursday …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I heard Jay Williams on Mike & Mike say G Allen may be a 15 pick in the draft and should leave for the NBA. If Ingram and Allen leave, next year’s bench will have M Jones, D Thornton and L Kennard, possibly A Jefferson and 4 recruits. Who pulls the splinters and who plays. Then I read an article where Duke is trying to recruit a center – why? It is my bet Obi transfers to Division II where he plays immediately,
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Hi Bill !!!
Hmmmmmmm … All I saw of the Mike & Mike interview was where Jay spoke about Little Ricky and that he should have born the brunt of the hooker issue. He also noted that mysteriously there is a person who has gone missing. As I think I’ve said before, I am a conspiracy theorist, so I guess we need add this one to my list !!!
Ro would agree with Jay and say that Grayson ought to go and cash in. I understand his contention, but I’m an old timer, so I wish he’d stay and matriculate. He is on the Academic All American list …
I’m also amongst those who think Amile ought to go the Injury Red Shirt route. Ro points out that such a position pretty much writes off this season. I agree, but because this team will not be able to handle the rigours of the ACC Tournament, playing everyday, nor the Big Dance where they’d play with a day in between. The reason is simple … Coach K refuses to spell his kids and use his Bench, and that’s a shame because I agree with him that these kids are warriours !!!
I just don’t see these kids having the stamina to withstand the post-season. As I’ve noted before, in most of the last games, they get to the 10 +/- minutes left in the 2nd Half and they start to show tired legs. That’s not a tournament team, I tournament team can give their Starters a blow and do nothing else but play stellar Defense … Kinda like “… at first do no harm …” !!!
A Center ??? Whew, does that presume that Coach K has thrown in the towel on Jeter and Obi ??? I could see Jeter, but Obi has a body that is an asset against many programmes in CBB.
My heart aches for Obi … I hope his head has not gone wrong after 2 years of malaise !!! I only see him staying if he is serious about a Duke education.
BTW: How did you do answering my 5 questions ??? You touched on Amile, how about the others ??? Tennessee has their top player go down with foot problems … and interestingly they wear Nike !!!
See you Thursday …
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
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I don’t think Grayson leaves. I think he enjoys playing at Duke too much. He’s still got a lot to learn. To be honest, I think Ingram could use another year of conditioning and strength training. He’s going to get tossed around in the NBA. We know it’s hard to say no to all that money and essentially being a top 2 pick in the draft.
I think Amile is close to coming back. Allen posted a photo on his Instagram account saying “yeah Milly” with a photo of him high diving him. Possible foreshadowing?
I don’t think Obi is capable of playing. If he isn’t ready now after a year of scrimmaging against Okafor, a whole year playing at Rice and now 3/4 of this year. He’ll never be capable.
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Hi Chris !!!
As I just mentioned to Bill, Ro would agree with Jay Williams, who has said that Grayson ought to go and cash in. I understand his contention, but I’m an old timer, so I wish he’d stay and matriculate. He is on the Academic All American list …
I agree on Ingram and I think it was demonstrated against Louisville, but #1 or #2 $$$ is hard to pass up.
Ro and I were discussing that photo last night. He thinks its a message, I hope Amile goes to Business School after Red Shirting so he can come back new year and lead the team with “Cazzie” (my nickname for Mattas he reminds me of Cazzie Russell the way he carries himself and finishes his shots) and Grayson.
As you saw in my most recent article, I simply don’t understand why Coach K is not playing Obi. He came to Duke as a proven asset. He had the experience, as you say, against Oaks. He has the physical attributes that plays well against many other CBB players, but Coach K has not given him the chance. I simply don’t see him as being incapable !!!
Now, if you want to go from the ridiculous to the sublime, you could say that:
1. Coach K won’t admit that Jeter is a dud and Obi could out-play him … An issue of reality !!!
2. Coach K, who we know was obsessed with Plumlees, won’t give Obi the chance to outshine “Plums” … Let’s face it, “Plums” has been an asset on the Boards and at other times, that is unless you hit him in the hands with the ball. Plus, “Plums” stays out of Foul trouble by simply not challenging opponents, which accounts for why he gets beat BackDoor and along the BaseLine.
3. Obi might have become disenchanted and more focused on getting a Duke degree … an unfortunate waste of talent !!!
4. Obi might have done or said something that has gotten him into the Dog House. Remember when Capel coached ??? He used Antonio instead of Obi, who never played !!!
See you Thursday !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Hi Bob – after a little thought here is a response to your as always interesting article
1) If Amile is able to play today – I agree, file for medical redshirt and play him next year. Nothing against Fuqua, unless he is very analytical and wants a business degree it will consume all his energy (first hand knowledge). Enroll in another graduate program.
2) Amile never got injured. Who would it have been? Matt or some else would be out several games. Every team has them, it is just a question of the contribution from the player. Yes Duke might be chasing UNC for the regular season title, then again depth might still be an issue and Coach K is not willing to adjust. I don’t think Duke would win a ACC championship.
3) Chase Jeter – maybe the broken clock is stuck and he will improve with 4 games left. But I would not have favored (maybe that is K’s problem) him over a proven player like Obi. I believe you give every player a game chance. (Ok I only coached at the youth league level and by rules I had to play everyone. Yet game experience and attitudes are definitely different than practice.)
4) If K played all his players, Duke would win the regular season and possibly the National title again. How many years has Duke missed out on winning the regular season, ACC tournament or the National title because K only liked to play 7?
5) Nike – I did a little searching on the web and saw a similar article dated 2013 about Adidas injuries. The Duke foot problems appear correlated to Nike shoes. Basketball is tough on the feet and knees, yet could the type of training be a question. If you look back at just in game action this year – the ankle twist Grayson and Matt have suffered were when they came down on the opposing player’s feet after shooting a ball. Why are the ref’s calling that a foul? The offensive player should have the right to land on the floor without interference.
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Hi Bill !!!
I guess I was thinking about Fuqua because Ro keeps telling me that Amile is not a probable Draft pick …
Hee-Hee-Hee !!!
I agree. The probably of statistics course ages ago tells me that you are absolutely correct that someone would go down with an injury. I also think your idea that a player has the right to the floor to land on could be equated to an Offensive Player has the right to the basket. I think you’d have a tough time selling that to the NCAA though … Hee-Hee-Hee !!!
We are on the same page regarding playing everyone … Come tourney time in two weeks, playing every day or every other day will take it’s toll on Duke’s Starters, so (and I’m not happy admitting this) I’m not holding out high hopes …
As for Obi, as I said last night to Chris … “Obi might have done or said something that has gotten him into the Dog House. Remember when Capel coached ??? He used Antonio instead of Obi, who never played !!! ”
What do you think ???
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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After the Ga Tech game, I mentioned if Capel was taking instructions from K. Unless Obi pulled stunts like Rasheed, I cannot understand why he sits – he must be in the dog house. K has got to realize this hurts everyone, Plums or someone else could be resting 5 to 10 min a game which goes a long way as the season winds down.
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Gosh, oh Hemlock, I surely hope he did not pull a Rasheed !!!
Yes, sometimes it is very obvious that “Plums” needs a blow … and when he does, it when he commits bad Fouls !!!
I also think he could use Obi against those bigger, very physical teams …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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A couple of times publicly, Coach K has said the team doesn’t cannot practice hard because of the limited players. Maybe Obi is in the dog house because he banged a few bodies around. Was he responsible for Jefferson getting injuried?
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Ah, Bill …
We obviously share the same vivid imagination … I call it “contingency thinking” !!! As I mentioned, I love a good chin wag over who killed Kennedy, or any of the other conspiracy theories that abound because it causes you to look at something from all directions, and even under the covers. Maybe my “Cop Shop” days fine tuned me … I’ve got days worth of stories and plenty of funny ones !!!
Coach K has long complained because I gather that they are restricted as to who they can put on a “Practice Squad” …
Sure, Obi might have caused Amile’s injury … I could see that. Anything is possible, after all each year we wrote our Player Profiles, you’d see GoDuke claim that Todd Z ” … has developed as a valuable practice player …” Of course, Todd was a Walk-On and Obi is a scholarship player !!
I could see a frustrated Obi inadvertently banging around with “Plums” and then, needing more of a challenge, gravitating to Amile … I would, in no way, consider Obi doing anything on purpose … That would have gotten him suspended or tossed !!!
I guess that the end of the season will be very interesting as to who is going and where. If anyone makes a move elsewhere that they pick better than Semi did … “Silent G” did well, after all, and Alex unfortunately got injured again, but Semi walked right into another team suspension …
Enjoy tonight !!!
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Turned on the radio this morning and a sports talk host from DC area said Gary Williams thinks this year maybe Coach K’s best because of limited players. When will people wake up and realize he is the limitation.
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I did not see the Fla State game last night, but I’m glad Duke won. Yet I turn on the 11 pm sports and they show two highlights of Grayson tripping Fla State players. What gives? 3 times this year. Last year Winslow used his hands to trip a couple of players. This is totally uncalled for. If or when he gets cold cocked or tossed for a flagrant 2, then maybe he and K will wake up. Especially if it right before the next UNC game.
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Halftime of the Pitt game. The 5 + offensive rebounds Pitt got around the 2:50 mark left in the half is a sign Duke needs big men like Sean and Anthony. The whole team is playing like they are tired. Allen is playing like he has been reprimanded by more than the ACC, he is taking poor shots, even Kennard is not shooting well. Don’t know what the outcome of the game will be but K must have written this season off. Amile still has a boot on and K continues to go to overrated Jeter.
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I had to turn the Pitt game off at 7:48 to go, its sad to see the players have to go through this. Dixon has played 10 player with 8 scoring. The fact that Duke has been outrebounded, scored few points in the paint and allowed multiple back door plays is an example of Coach K being outcoached and mismanagement of talent. A this pace, Duke may be fortunate to win one more regular season game. I expect UNC to blow them out of Cameron.
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Hi Bill !!!
I’ll have an article up later today that you will surely appreciate !!!
Look for it sometime tonight …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I was wrong, Duke didn’t get blown out by UNC on the scoreboard. However, the rebound difference was 64 to 29. And on one play, Carolina had 6 rebounds which could be called 7 if Jones tip to back court was considered just that. The season that could have been if Coach K had played his benched 7′ and 6’9″ recruits. I do not expect much over the next 2 weeks but frustration for this Duke fan.
So let’s look to next year. Jefferson is coming back, if he is still having foot pain my thought is he may need some type of corrective surgery. Either way, I hope he can fully recover. With Grayson Allen being an Academic AA, I would think he will return and possibly finish school in 3 years. The remaining players who have solid playing time are Matt Jones, Luke Kennard, Derrick Thornton. Then you have Jeter, Obi, Vrankovic, Robinson and a couple of other young men that did not see any playing time. With the highly publicized incoming class, who is going to pull splinters next year and who transfers. Does K dis his upperclassmen for other freshmen. I hope not, yet realizes all his recruits can contribute. .
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Evening, Bill !!!
The stats say it was … 37% Field Goals, 38% Trifectas, & 60% (SIXTY !!!) from the Charity Stripe … You can’t win just on those stats, but giving away the Boards 64 to 29 is (pardon my pun) indefensibly, especially when you have two “bigs” siting on the Bench who can, at the very least, bottle up the Paint and give “Plums” some help !!! Ro put it best earlier this year when he said that the best thing a sub can do is play stellar Defense in this idea of “… at first, do no harm …” !!! He was right then, and he’s was right today.
Did you see where Laura Keeley replied to my Tweet asking: “Maybe you could ask Coach K why he didn’t use Obi & Antonio to give his kids a blow & presence down low !?!?!” and she answering: “… they’re not good enough. Move on from that” ??? It is abundantly apparent that neither she, nor Mr. Wiseman, had the gumption, the intestinal fortitude, or journalistic presence to ask what such an assertion meant !!! That makes them both unworthy of being the eyes and ears of Duke fans. Period.
Regarding next year, I think you may have tapped into my conversation with Ro today. I suggested to Ro that since Grayson is, as you noted, an Academic All American, and a Psyche Major, that Coach K might mold a 3 year play for him to graduate with a real, live Degree, as he did with Jay Williams !!! I guess great minds must think alike !!!
The question is if Coach K continues to play upperclassmen as he almost always has – almost, as in the last few years – then all be well in Cameron !!! The problem is if that Coach K wishes to keep his recruiting edge, he will have to prove that Frosh can start and thereby get a quick chance to the next level. Personally, I think that’s baloney, but Ro reminds me often that I’m living in the last generation of college basketball !!! He’s right, of course … I’m just an old foggie wishing for the “Good Old Days” but then I’m reminded that Billy Joel sang “The Good Old Days weren’t always good, tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems …”
Enjoy Your Sunday !!!
As Always …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Wow – I guess writing about what a great job Coach K has done this year with a lack of depth makes her a good reporter. Unreal, maybe a question about what adjustments need to be made to counter the loop sided rebounding of UNC, Louisville, Virginia, etc. or the back door that has been left open for the last 4 years could cost a reporter their job. Does Nike pay their salaries too??
Have a good week
Bill
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Hi Bill !!!
I honestly do not think anything can be done as long as Coach K resists using his Bench to at least clog up the Paint, and maintains his reticence to explain what “… they’re not good enough.” means.
You have touched on something I have long wondered about … giving up the BaseLine and thus paving the way for plenty of BackDoor scores. It is either something that is not being emphasized in Practice, or it is something being ignored by the players.
Nike pays for plenty, so it would not surprise me if they subsidized the coverage. After all, with my loving conspiracy theories, anything is possible, right ???
We will have something more very soon !!!
In the meantime …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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Good Article. You raise an interesting point about Coach K and bigs. I cannot recall the young man’s name, but he was a big who sat on Duke’s bench, transferred to Cal and ended up playing against Duke in the NCAA. MP2 went from a fill in position at Duke to consideration as rookie of the year in the NBA. Semi, Obi, Anthony V, all are names I can think off who do get the time at Duke. K has Nate James who should be working with the bigs in my opinion. If I was a big, I would have to think twice about coming to Duke.
1 other point, look at this years UVA and UNC teams. Both coaches are getting it done with seniors not one and dones. I think Cal the Lip and Coach K are one year phoenoms with this thinking.
Well now I can sit back and watch my 2nd favorite sport – Go Duke Lacrosse!!
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Hi Bill !!!
Well, remember the comments the kid that eventually went to Michigan, Mitch McGary made when he turned down Duke for Michigan ??? He said that: ” … if all I wanted to do was set Picks and Rebound, I’d go to Duke …” He turned out to leave Michigan one step ahead of a failed random test for Cannabis … Don’t know if he turned out to be anything.
The problem is that he was pretty close to being right, until “Oaks” showed up. The problem is that a kid like him doesn’t show up every day. Besides “Oaks” – who didn’t need much coaching, I can’t recall a true “Big” that Coach K has ever handled properly, with the exception of my favourite – Zoubs, who pretty much almost didn’t happen due to injuries, but he never got to the next level. He was such a throw-back and I loved it … without his contributions, Duke did not get to that National Championship. Remember when he would slap the ball and squeeze it ??? I always wondered if he’d deflate it !!!
Well, let’s see what happens with State and afterward …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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I didn’t get to see the Notre Dame game yesterday. So was it a matter of desperation that K put in Obi. 4 rebounds in 6 min is not a bad day. Coach Brey definitely has Coack Ks number.
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Hi Bill !!!
I would have thought you’d have been as upset as we were … It caused many more questions !!!
You ought to enjoy our article I just put up …
Hope you’re enjoying the weekend !!!
As Always …
Rock On !!!
Bermuda Bob
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