And the hits just keep on coming.

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11-09-2010, 05:08 PM
ncexnyc

And the hits just keep on coming.

It's about 2:45 PM and I'm listening to 99.9 FM, while I'm driving into work. This is the Triangle's ESPN station and the host is talking about ACC basketball. He goes on about how last year, he pointed out the Blue Devils had numerous question marks, yet despite all of this he picked the team to go all the way to the National Championship Game.

He says that he's talked with a number of people in the know. People who don't make inflated claims, and these individuals have told him that they've watched a number of Duke practices and that on numerous ocassions Kyrie Irving has been the best player on the floor. Since I'm in Fayetteville, the reception keeps cutting in and out, but the host seemed to make quite a big deal out of this inside info.

As he pointed out, you've got two seniors who are absolute studs returning, but here you have this kid who's looking so great. This could be a really special year.
11-09-2010, 07:42 PM
Bob Green

I've stated it several times before, but do not mind repeating myself, we are a stepped-up Plumlee away from being an extremely tough team. With both Plumlees improved, we could be almost unbeatable (not that I'm predicting an undefeated season or any such nonsense).

Singler and Smith are a rarity in the current college basketball landscape - star players who are seniors. Their experience will be invaluable. Kyrie Irving provides the fresh young talent element to the formula. Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry will provide talent and energy off the bench in a variety of roles, while the Brothers Plumlee are potentially the icing on a very appetizing cake!

The team will go through some ups and downs as they learn the system Coach Krzyzewski desires to run this season. and, of course, as they develop into a team. It is an understatement to describe my optimism as overflowing.
11-09-2010, 10:55 PM
DevilHorns

I think it's important to keep in mind that Kyrie may very well be the most talented, explosive, and highest potential player we have on our team. I think nobody would really argue that given the remarks that have been made about his game from Coach to respected analysts.

However...

I think it's important to think about consistency and about having been there. Nolan and Kyle have obviously been there, and they've both gone through their own individual ups/downs over the years on tough shooting nights and close games.

I think Kyrie may very well be the best player on the court in streaks, but I do feel that one or both of the seniors will be the best player(s) on the court in general for our team if you consider the breadth of the entire season.

It's the difference between being a senior and a freshman.
11-10-2010, 12:02 AM
IrishDevil

Let me say first that, as a fan, I would be quite happy if these sorts of hits kept on coming :cool:

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilHorns

I think it's important to keep in mind that Kyrie may very well be the most talented, explosive, and highest potential player we have on our team. I think nobody would really argue that given the remarks that have been made about his game from Coach to respected analysts.

However...

I think it's important to think about consistency and about having been there. Nolan and Kyle have obviously been there, and they've both gone through their own individual ups/downs over the years on tough shooting nights and close games.

I think Kyrie may very well be the best player on the court in streaks, but I do feel that one or both of the seniors will be the best player(s) on the court in general for our team if you consider the breadth of the entire season.

It's the difference between being a senior and a freshman.

I think as exceptional a talent as Kyrie is, its important to remember that he is learning a new system and new teammates. His individual skills - quickness, scoring, passing, etc. - are unquestioned. He will, however, have to learn his teammates and the offense in order to keep everyone involved. I think this is one of the reasons we saw Kyle have so few touches in the first half of the last scrimmage - Kyrie was still learning how to get his talented teammates touches in the offense. I don't think it will be a problem going forward, since the ball certainly went through Kyle in the second half; it seems as if a word from the coaches was all that was required. Still, it shows that as talented as the players on the team are, this team is still coming together. As has been posted elsewhere on the board, I hope we can watch this team develop game by game with same sense of fun with which we watched last year's squad, with realistic expectations.

I can't wait to see the improvements from the last outing!
11-10-2010, 02:54 AM
meloveduke

I also was delighted to catch this part of the show. I remember him going on about how if this is true that it is going to be scary for the rest of the acc. He went on to say how he has never predicted an acc school to goi 15-1 or better, but that he might make an exception this year. On of the best five minutes of espn radio I have ever listened to. Slightly below all the 82-50 talk last year.
11-10-2010, 07:44 AM
Saratoga2

Plumlees or Kelly

Neither the Plumlees nor Kelly were considered the best big men in the ACC let alone the country. Each has a lot going for him and with improvement, they can be very competitive big men and that is probably all this team needs to be top notch. We do also have Hairston and Kyle, should the others not play up to par. We are deep enough to sustain disappointing play, injury or illness from one of our top front court players. The back court looks awesome. Looking good for the start of the season.
11-10-2010, 10:38 AM
dukelifer

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncexnyc

It's about 2:45 PM and I'm listening to 99.9 FM, while I'm driving into work. This is the Triangle's ESPN station and the host is talking about ACC basketball. He goes on about how last year, he pointed out the Blue Devils had numerous question marks, yet despite all of this he picked the team to go all the way to the National Championship Game.

He says that he's talked with a number of people in the know. People who don't make inflated claims, and these individuals have told him that they've watched a number of Duke practices and that on numerous ocassions Kyrie Irving has been the best player on the floor. Since I'm in Fayetteville, the reception keeps cutting in and out, but the host seemed to make quite a big deal out of this inside info.

As he pointed out, you've got two seniors who are absolute studs returning, but here you have this kid who's looking so great. This could be a really special year.

This will be a good team but they are no lock as the big guys are still not there yet. This team has a lot to work on- particularly consistency on the defensive end. The parts are all there- now K needs to make them work together. But this is not last year's team- and they will be playing a much different style. It is best to be cautiously optimistic as this team will be tested every night.
11-10-2010, 10:43 AM
OldPhiKap

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukelifer

This will be a good team but they are no lock as the big guys are still not there yet. This team has a lot to work on- particularly consistency on the defensive end. The parts are all there- now K needs to make them work together. But this is not last year's team- and they will be playing a much different style. It is best to be cautiously optimistic as this team will be tested every night.

Having a big match-up with Michigan State so early in the season should be a great measuring stick.
11-10-2010, 10:45 AM
COYS

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldPhiKap

Having a big match-up with Michigan State so early in the season should be a great measuring stick.

Certainly. However, if we just happen to win big over MSU at Cameron and then run into them again in the tournament, let's make the result different than our '04-'05 rematch!
11-10-2010, 11:13 AM
dukelifer

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldPhiKap

Having a big match-up with Michigan State so early in the season should be a great measuring stick.

A possible Kansas State game will be no picnic. And after MSU, a rematch of sorts with Butler, who will be well motivated and have a savvy backcourt. Lots of good tests early for this team.
11-10-2010, 11:32 AM
Bob Green

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldPhiKap

Having a big match-up with Michigan State so early in the season should be a great measuring stick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukelifer

A possible Kansas State game will be no picnic. And after MSU, a rematch of sorts with Butler, who will be well motivated and have a savvy backcourt. Lots of good tests early for this team.

The first game in Kansas City, on 11/22, is against Marquette, which will not be a pushover. The Golden Eagles return two senior starters in Jimmy Butler and Darius Johnson-Odom plus bring in an outstanding freshman guard in Vander Blue.

http://www.gomarquette.com/auto_pdf/...-11_prospectus

Vander Blue averaged 7.2 ppg on the USA U18 team this past summer.