Who would you start?

[Jumbo]

Who would you start in the Carolina game? (Pick 5, obviously).

[Indoor66]

Who would you start in the Carolina game? (Pick 5, obviously).

I would rather have 6. Is that OK? Every little bit helps...

[Jumbo]

Feel free to post your reasoning behind your lineup below.

[The Gordog]

Greg
Jon
Gerald
Markie
Josh

Start with small-ball just to mix them up, and maximize G's minutes. After 3 he comes out. We need to ID our hot handed scorers early on.

[Cavlaw]

I'm torn. On the one hand, quick defenders cutting into the passing lanes frustrates Carolina. On the other, UNC loses the gaems where it gets out rebounded. Josh is a top notch defensive rebounder, but I believe plays a little too high on offense to crash the offensive glass.

He's such a good defender, passes so well and scores enough that I want him on the floor, but I think that means we need another big man around the hoop on offense.

Greg has been playing so well of late he has to start. DeMarcus is our best scorer and an excellent defender so he does, too.

Beyond that trio I'm uncertain. McClure has a bit of the Rodman effect at times, of just being where the rebound comes to, and he does all the little things. Zoubek has the height and is improving his game, and can frustrate Hansborough on the defensive end. Thomas could also fill that role.

And if Henderson is on, he's the guy I want. If he's not, I don't know.

If John has a hot hand, how can you sit him?

And while Marty isn't a guy I would pick to start, because I think the game needs to begin with a focus on defense (where he is improving), if UNC gets flustered and some break opportunities open up like they did for Georgia Tech, he's a guy that I think has the speed and court vision to really exploit them.

You know what I really love about all these guys? The same thing that everyone sees as their downside this year: they're all young. Every one of them is a kid that I lvoe having on this team, and over the next year, they're all going to get that much better.

Heck, they've already come a long way since November. The next couple weeks should be a good bit of fun to watch.

[Jumbo]

I suppose I should post the reasons for my own starting lineup.
Paulus -- No-brainer.
Scheyer -- No-brainer (even though he's struggling with his shot, he's a steadying influence on the court and helps the team in a variety of ways).
McRoberts -- As close to a no-brainer as you can get without being one; as much as he frustrates me on offense, he has to be on the floor for his defense, rebound and ball-handling.
The last two spots are tricky. I went with Henderson and McClure. I just like the way Gerald is playing better than DeMarcus right now. Markie is an outstanding defender, plays very hard and can score in bunches. But his offensive approach can be frustrating. As many have lamented, he tends to drive into the trees without a plan, and struggles to see the floor for kick-outs or dump-off passes. Henderson is bigger, can finish in ways Markie can't, and his floor vision is growing. I'm pretty sure Markie will start, and certainly don't have a problem with it, but I'd go with Henderson over him.
I don't think this is the right matchup for smallball, so the last spot is McClure, Thomas or Zoubek. I think Zoubek's minutes need to be managed carefully, and while he frustratd Hansbrough on the last game, I worry about his effect on Duke's offense early. I considered Thomas, but ultimately went with McClure because I like the job he did on Hansbrough last game. His quickness bothered Tyler, he's strong enough to hold his ground, and his help D is critical against a team with UNC's quickness. Plus, I worry about early foul trouble with Thomas. So, I think starting McClure on Hansbrough and letting Josh handle Wright's length is the best option.
Either way, those guys will all play a lot.

[imagepro]

Sorry that trinitydevil took up for me. I just got a call from him as he is a good friend of mine. He is from High Point, I from Carolina Beach, but he sits in front of me at Cameron. He told me of your poll, and I wanted to participate and vote too. Is that ok? Like you, I enjoy polls. IN fact, thats why I started them in the first place. That, and a venue for people to say what they want without fear of reprecussion from people like you.

But I am going to respond to your comments about the polls I ran. I never made anyone say yes or no, as you say I did. I encouraged them to offer reasoning with their vote. I DID tell them NOT to blast others for what they said. This was to protect them from people like you Jumbo, who get such enjoyment out of making people feel small. You couldn't refrain from doing it to trinitydevil in your last post!

Anyway, my polls often asked questions such as "who gets the game ball" or "did the slowdown affect the outcome of the game". How is that directing people to say what I wanted them to say? You obviously don't like me, and ONLY because I stood up to you. Well sir, the feeling is mutual.

Anyway, I'm voting in your poll, even if you stole my idea. You can have it.
I won't call the polls stupid or whatever terminology you used, as that would be stooping to your level. Now that you of all people are a moderator, I expect you will ban me. That's ok. I would expect nothing less from someone like you.

[Chard]

I sat Josh. Sorry. His lack of compusure during the Maryland game again disturbs me.

Zoubek. It all starts with defense, right? He plays well enough and has a natural rebounding edge. Getting rebounds on either end of the floor will slow down the pace. He played very well against UNC last time. Of course, I bring Josh in as soon as possible.

Scheyer. Do I need to state a reason?

Henderson. Hopefully the magic continues.

Paulus. How can you not start him? He is the heart of this team and is running the team very well.

Nelson. He starts out really quick in games. I would be sure to sub for him often and tell him exactly what I want him to do when he goes back in. Run the baseline, get out on the break and shoot the open 3. Do not drive to the middle of the lane unless it is WIDE open.

[Jumbo]

Sorry that trinitydevil took up for me. I just got a call from him as he is a good friend of mine. He is from High Point, I from Carolina Beach, but he sits in front of me at Cameron. He told me of your poll, and I wanted to participate and vote too. Is that ok? Like you, I enjoy polls. IN fact, thats why I started them in the first place. That, and a venue for people to say what they want without fear of reprecussion from people like you.

But I am going to respond to your comments about the polls I ran. I never made anyone say yes or no, as you say I did. I encouraged them to offer reasoning with their vote. I DID tell them NOT to blast others for what they said. This was to protect them from people like you Jumbo, who get such enjoyment out of making people feel small. You couldn't refrain from doing it to trinitydevil in your last post!

Anyway, my polls often asked questions such as "who gets the game ball" or "did the slowdown affect the outcome of the game". How is that directing people to say what I wanted them to say? You obviously don't like me, and ONLY because I stood up to you. Well sir, the feeling is mutual.

Anyway, I'm voting in your poll, even if you stole my idea. You can have it.
I won't call the polls stupid or whatever terminology you used, as that would be stooping to your level. Now that you of all people are a moderator, I expect you will ban me. That's ok. I would expect nothing less from someone like you.

IP,
I had posted this before your post. I believe you were looking for a fresh start before, right? Fresh start it is.
I'm not trying to make anyone look small. When I'm called "blasphemous," I think it's appropriate to point out that the person hurling the term doesn't know what the word even means. You've got to start seeing things both ways, dude. This is what got us in trouble in the first place; you called me out, said I was sarcastic and belittling, and then started threads like "Debate Jumbo."
This is a new board, and one that is pretty awesome, thanks to the effort of J&B. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt over here; you extended half an olive branch on the stopgap board, and I'll give you the chance to follow through. Peace?
(BTW, I think the concept of internet polls, especially considering the option is embedded in this board software, is fairly old. But if you'd like credit for this, and believe I stole your idea, I can rename this "YOU TELL ME" if you like. Just let me know)

[Turtleboy]

Paulus-He's our point guard, and a damn good one.

Scheyer - He's a really good basketball player, on offense and defense.

McRoberts - Excellent rebounder, great defender, excellent passer.

Nelson - Great defender and good rebounder with the potential to light it up.

Zoubek - Someone has to be around to rebound when Josh bricks it from five feet.

FWIW, I invented internet polls. It was about eight weeks ago. IT'S A FACT! You can look it up.

[sagegrouse]

McRoberts -- no issue for me
Paulus -- ditto
Scheyer -- need the scoring (and the savvy)
Nelson -- his scoring is in the first half -- needs to start -- also, muscles are important in this game
McClure -- starting is best for our steadiest defender

Henderson -- points off the bench -- goodness knows we need them
Thomas -- needs to earn minutes through good D (w/o fouling)
Zoubek -- need some production from the big guy
Poat-zeus -- still looking for a breakout game from Marty

Sage Grouse
'Six feet plus of snow in Steamboat in the past week'

[77devil]

Sorry that trinitydevil took up for me. I just got a call from him as he is a good friend of mine. He is from High Point, I from Carolina Beach, but he sits in front of me at Cameron. He told me of your poll, and I wanted to participate and vote too. Is that ok? Like you, I enjoy polls. IN fact, thats why I started them in the first place. That, and a venue for people to say what they want without fear of reprecussion from people like you.

But I am going to respond to your comments about the polls I ran. I never made anyone say yes or no, as you say I did. I encouraged them to offer reasoning with their vote. I DID tell them NOT to blast others for what they said. This was to protect them from people like you Jumbo, who get such enjoyment out of making people feel small. You couldn't refrain from doing it to trinitydevil in your last post!

Anyway, my polls often asked questions such as "who gets the game ball" or "did the slowdown affect the outcome of the game". How is that directing people to say what I wanted them to say? You obviously don't like me, and ONLY because I stood up to you. Well sir, the feeling is mutual.

Anyway, I'm voting in your poll, even if you stole my idea. You can have it.
I won't call the polls stupid or whatever terminology you used, as that would be stooping to your level. Now that you of all people are a moderator, I expect you will ban me. That's ok. I would expect nothing less from someone like you.

And direct all this animus at the Tar Heels
GTHC GTH
9F 9F 9F 9F

[Turtleboy]

I won't call the polls stupid or whatever terminology you used, as that would be stooping to your level. Now that you of all people are a moderator, I expect you will ban me. That's ok. I would expect nothing less from someone like you.

I am pretty sure bannings are up to the administrators. Individual moderators cannot do it. Someone more knowledgable can chime in and correct me, if necessary.

[dukelifer]

I went with Henderson, Paulus, Scheyer, McBob and Zoubek. Henderson is playing well and played great against UNC last game. He likes the big game. Scheyer will get some open looks as UNC does not defend the three well. I went with Zoubek to start but not to play a lot. I think he would respond well to starting and perhaps be better prepared to enter the game later if Josh/Thomas got into some foul trouble against UNC's bigs. Nelson should spell Henderson and look to shoot from outside and McClure would be in quickly to spell Zoubek.

[mike88]

Paulus- playing his best basketball right now, and our best shooter- we will need his 3-point shot; my only concern is his ability to defend if he has to guard Lawson

Nelson- our best defender, excellent rebounder; we need him to have a good offensive game (few turnovers, no offensive fouls, but still aggressive)

Scheyer- hoping he gets back into form- he looked tired vs Maryland, but he was key vs Carolina last game

McRoberts: must be smart on defense; I would have him guard Hansbrough to start, but he will see time vs Wright as well

Thomas: if we are going to win, Lance will need to have a good game on defense (few fouls but aggressive) and the boards


off the bench at the first time-out: Henderson for Scheyer or Nelson; McClure or Zoubek for Thomas

[imagepro]

I DID extend an olive branch, which you ignored. Should we start anew? Absolutely. But YOU told trinity that I was unfair in my polls. You said things that are not true. And I did not say the poll was new to the internet, as you implied. I said it was my idea on DBR, and I also explained why I did it, so people could post without retaliation. You failed to mention that, as it was people like you I was trying to avoid. Many people liked my poll, as you are well aware. Why? Because they were not criticized and targeted. Finally there was a place to express views without having to hide from the barrage that was coming. I know you read what people said. Do you not care how they felt? I DID.

As far as sarcasm, issues between you and I resulted ONLY because of your repeated use of it and intended intimidation of others. I have referenced this on numerous occasions. As a result, and as anticipated, you took a dislike to me. Which is ok. I knew you wouldn't like me taking up for others. It was clear what your response would be beforehand.

You do make a good point about the efforts of the DBR staff to improve the site. And actually, I have agreed with some of the things you have said in hte past, although not frequently. And, believe it or not, some people have actually made points contrary to my thinking that have opened my eyes on occasion. As opposed to bashing them, I like to empathize and consider their points. I wonder, without sarcasm as I mean this, have you considered such an approach?

All that being said, I WILL forget all this, and move on. While we don't like each other, we do love DUKE. At least I do. And I love our coaching staff. I have told Coach Dawkins TWICE on the radio show I feel they have done a GREAT job with this young team. Do I like everything they do? Of course not. YOU know I want MP to get more PT. Yet I think they are the best staff in America, if not the entire world. You see Jumbo, just because I don't agree with EVERY thing someone says or does, doesn't mean I don't like/admire/respect them. I can. Try it sometime, you just might feel good about yourself

[allenmurray]

Try it sometime, you just might feel good about yourself

What an incredibly condescending way to end a post. You are not doing much for your image, pro.

[Jumbo]

While we don't like each other, we do love DUKE.

I've never said I don't like you. I've never met you. In the past, I have not liked some of what you've said, but those are just words on an internet message board. It's important not to personalize this stuff. It's quite possible to think someone's opinions are completely ridiculous and also think that person is a wonderful humanitarian. So, if you don't like me, that's your preference. I prefer to separate the person from the words/opinions. I think if you try that approach, you might find things more palatable around here. For instance, you might see that when I'm attacking someone's point, I'm attacking that person's knowledge on the subject, not how they take care of their children or how much money they give to charity.
Either way, it is high past time to move on. So, let's do it.

[feldspar]

Any chance we could get a moderator to step in and end the madness?

Oh, wait....

[Jumbo]

Any chance we could get a moderator to step in and end the madness?

Oh, wait....

LOL. Well played.