MBB: St. John's @ Duke pre-game and in-game thread

[ReformedAggie]

I'm probably crazy, because I don't expect Duke to win every time. I like to see their growth and improvement. I like to watch the kids get better as K takes aim on the post-season. Whatever the score, if Duke plays as well as it can at this point in time, it will be a good game for me.

[diveonthefloor]

Does anyone know when final exams will begin?

[Tappan Zee Devil]

Does anyone know when final exams will begin?

The academic calendar is certainly available at the University's web site

[Johnny Jungle]

Jeez are you guys seriously that disinterested in the game that you're talking about final exams?

[OldSchool]

Moving forward, Coach K has been known to shake things up after a loss so I'm wondering if Andre Dawkins has shot his way into the starting line-up

I would be very surprised if Andre starts, but I would expect him to get solid minutes.

The interesting thing to me is to see if K starts using design-play screens specifically for Andre's shot.

Typically, Andre gets his open shots floating around the perimeter and hoping for a kick-out or in transition, rather than from plays designed for him.

My sense is that K doesn't want to put much pressure on Andre so early into his career. Smokin' Dre was on fire against Wisconsin in the latter stages of the game, but K preferred to put the ball, and the outcome of the game, in the hands of the veteran Kyle at the critical moment instead of setting Andre up for a jump shot.

I think K may well dust off some of those double-screen plays for JJ and we will start to see some play-calling specifically for Andre to a limited extent.

[BlueintheFace]

Jeez are you guys seriously that disinterested in the game that you're talking about final exams?

I think the inquiry has to do with when the players will be practicing a lot less and focusing on academics a lot more.

[BlueintheFace]

Andre is not starting consistently unless Nolan is sitting. I don't see it happening.

I very badly want to see our post players in action this game, more specifically, the Plumlees together.

[Indoor66]

Jeez are you guys seriously that disinterested in the game that you're talking about final exams?

It's good to see you Johnny. I know it is St. John's time when you post. Thanks for returning.

[Johnny Jungle]

It's good to see you Johnny. I know it is St. John's time when you post. Thanks for returning.

Consider it an early Christmas present

[Duke_Blue_Devil]

I would love to see TONS of touches for the Plumlees this game. That is my #1 wish going in.

I can't agree more. Use these games to build some confidence.
Go Duke!
Go Kentucky! Just for tomorrow.

[diveonthefloor]

I think the inquiry has to do with when the players will be practicing a lot less and focusing on academics a lot more.

You're right, that was the point...Turns out finals start this Tuesday.

I hope the guys are focused enough for a great game tomorrow before they have to shut it down for finals.

[diveonthefloor]

I can't agree more. Use these games to build some confidence.
Go Duke!
Go Kentucky! Just for tomorrow.

Is there any way they BOTH could lose? It's hard for me to root for Cali-slimy against ANYONE, even the holes!

[gep]

Is there any way they BOTH could lose?

I've thought about this... I've got other teams that I don't ever want to see win, so these games are simply hard to watch. With that said, the game could be cancelled (for whatever reason... fill in the blank), the game could be forfeited by both teams (again, for whatever reason... fill in the blank). Then, no one wins... no one gets a W, but no one gets an L either

[sandinmyshoes]

We should be able to overpower St. Johns in the paint, obviously. If John and Nolan can control tempo in the backcourt and protect the ball as a result, we should pull away to an easy win. If St. Johns can disrupt our offensive flow, then it might be tighter than anticipated.

[Saratoga2]

We should be able to overpower St. Johns in the paint, obviously. If John and Nolan can control tempo in the backcourt and protect the ball as a result, we should pull away to an easy win. If St. Johns can disrupt our offensive flow, then it might be tighter than anticipated.

In the Wisconsin game we certainly didn't overpower anyone in the paint. They outrebounded us slightly and did a much better job of scoring with their bigs.

Miles has ability inside and, as his confidence grows, he can be very solid. Mason is very likely to show improvement. Neither Zoubek or Thomas showed any offense at all against Wisconsin, which was disappointing, particularly after Thomas had a great game against UCONN.

I will be pleased if we outrebound St John, block a few shots and outscore their bigs with our own. I would say we have an advantage with Singler, Scheyer, Smith and Dawkins playing around the perimeter, so the bigs need to at least hold their own.

[flyingdutchdevil]

I would say we have an advantage with Singler, Scheyer, Smith and Dawkins playing around the perimeter, so the bigs need to at least hold their own.

With that perimeter, wouldn't we have an advantage over all teams that we are facing this year (NCAA tourney not included)? I love our backcourt, and I think that everyone there is extremely important and competent. And I fully agree, our bigs need to at least hold their own. Let's hope that the MPs are the answer!

[Kewlswim]

I'm with you. It looked to me like Zoubs was making freshman mistakes as a senior. Lance looked OK, but not great. I'd love to see both elevate their games.

Hi,

I just wonder if we, as Duke fans, don't give enough credit to the opponent? Is it possible that the play of Wisconsin in the post made Zoobs play faster, for example, than he would have liked to? This is because they are so good and not that Zoobs has regressed?

Just because Wisconsin (and initially ASU) pointed out our weakness in the post does not mean we won't be better by March. Isn't it good to have things to work on and time to do it? I keep saying, "We are not a finished product."

GO DUKE!

[Johnny Jungle]

We should be able to overpower St. Johns in the paint, obviously. If John and Nolan can control tempo in the backcourt and protect the ball as a result, we should pull away to an easy win. If St. Johns can disrupt our offensive flow, then it might be tighter than anticipated.

Why is that so obvious? I think St. John's front court is pretty good. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks this as Jeff Goodman rated St. John's one of the top 20 front courts in the country preseason.

I think Duke's front court is more disciplined but St. John's could pose problems for them.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

I still can't believe how ineffective Brian and Lance were in the Wisconsin game. These guys are seniors and looked lost in the game. Neither of them have any confidence.

That has been the problem with Lance his whole career. He'll show so much promise in one game and we'll all think he's turned the corner and then he'll be completely invisible the next. He needs to string together some strong performences, starting with today. Mason won't be starting yet and probably won't get 25+ minutes so he has the opportunity!

[airowe]

Gametime in 5 minutes and you guys are still talking about the last game?!?

Let's.


Go.



Duke.