Where - in the world - is - Dahntay Jones? [Archive]

Edouble

07-13-2008, 02:00 PM

I hope he's doing well.

I always heard that he was a good guy, but I must confess that he wasn't one of my favorite Duke players--he was a little too Rodmanesque for me.

But like I said, here's to him doing well.

I am not saying this to be confrontational, but how was Dahntay like Rodman? I liked him a lot, personally. For a transfer player, I thought he really unpacked his bags and became integrated into the Duke culture really well. It's true that he did those push-ups when he posterized that guy at UVA, but I can think of alot of Duke players that have done something like that at one time or another. Jason Williams fake passing against BC, Battier launching up a three when the game was over against Ga Tech, Elton and Magette slapping glass after two-handed dunks, Laettner's finger to the LSU crowd, etc., etc.

jimsumner

07-13-2008, 02:57 PM

I think Dahntay's game had a bit of an edge to it but I don't think he ever approached the hey-look-at-me-narcicism of Rodman.

devilirium

07-13-2008, 03:10 PM

Edouble

07-13-2008, 03:11 PM

I think Dahntay's game had a bit of an edge to it but I don't think he ever approached the hey-look-at-me-narcicism of Rodman.

That may be the last piece that Gerald needs to be a First Team All-American.

Ignatius07

07-13-2008, 03:22 PM

That may be the last piece that Gerald needs to be a First Team All-American.

I disagree, unless you in some way are implying that he needs to want to be the "man" (but I think those are two very different things). He needs to work on his dribbling, specifically his left (which apparently he has been doing), his 3-point shot, and his defense (though we saw signs of this rapidly improving last year).

Back to the subject, I liked Dahntay Jones a lot too, but I would expect many opposing fans would find him aggravating in the same way we disliked Paul et al.

Edouble

07-13-2008, 03:56 PM

I disagree, unless you in some way are implying that he needs to want to be the "man" (but I think those are two very different things). He needs to work on his dribbling, specifically his left (which apparently he has been doing), his 3-point shot, and his defense (though we saw signs of this rapidly improving last year).

I'm saying that he needs a little more fire in his belly. I said it with the understanding that he is already working on his left.

If he can go to his left and his right, with his ability to pull up from midrange, and with Paulus hanging around the top of the key,and Singler on the wing for him to kick to, I don't even think he needs the 3-point shot to be a First Team All-American. If I had to choose a better 3-point shot, or a little more swagger, I'd take the latter. That said, a 3-point shot would make him even better, and just a touch of swagger can go a long way.

Your avatar, although clearly a Blue Devil, reminds me a bit of Frylock from ATHF, if you know what that is.

Classof06

07-13-2008, 09:04 PM

This is funny, I was just thinking about Dahntay Jones the other day.

The Jones-to-Rodman comparison is way off. Dahntay was a much more flamboyant player than Duke usually has but he wasn't overboard in my opinion. I also think it's crazy that Jones is playing in Summer League because, IMO, he's already proved he can play in the league.

devilirium

07-13-2008, 10:38 PM

He has certainly toned down that flamboyance in The Association. Maybe, he is carving the defensive specialist role in the NBA. (I haven't kept up with him since he's been in the league). But I did venture into Sports Clips the other day and there was a picture of Dahntay "deeing up" on Redick for sale. For whatever reason, it made me chuckle.

jimsumner

07-13-2008, 10:53 PM

"I also think it's crazy that Jones is playing in Summer League because, IMO, he's already proved he can play in the league."

Not well enough apparently. Memphis did not re-sign him at the beginning of last season. Sacramento signed him in mid-season but released him shortly afterwards. No one else has offered him a contract.

So, DJ does not have a contract and, IMO, is smart enough to realize that he needs to go out and earn one. The Summer League is a great place to do so/

ForeverBlowingBubbles

07-14-2008, 03:40 AM

Game Three: Denver Nuggets 99, Philadelphia 76ers 85

Denver

Dahntay Jones: 21 Points, 8-15 FG, 5-9 FT, 4 Fouls

Jones had one heck of an outing, looking absolutely tremendous. He is very tough to stay in front of when he wants to go the rim, and has improved his ball handling to some extent, making him an even bigger threat to get to the rim. His perimeter arsenal is leaps and bounds more polished than it used to be. He also showed better body control, getting to the rim than he did as a collegiate; taking contact without getting out of control. Jones proved to be an NBA level scorer today, and we’ll keep an eye out for improved shooting range and versatility as the week continues.

-J.G. Draft Express

yancem

07-14-2008, 09:41 AM

Dahntay's two biggest problems are his position and that at age 28 he doesn't have really have any "upside potential". Shooting guards are a dime a dozen in the nba and while Jones has very good athleticism and is a solid defender,he is only an average outside shooter and isn't a big time scorer at the nba level. He is certainly good enough to hold a roster spot but many teams get a grass is greener mentality with younger players that "might" develop into a star. Kevin Martin from Sacramento is a good example of a guy that wasn't very highly touted but has developed into a star. My guess is that Jones will find a roster spot somewhere. There usually at least a few teams that are looking for a veteran role player that can provide solid minutes off the bench or fill in as a starter if needed. But like I said shooting guard is the hardest position to find a spot on the bench, especially when you have been in the league for a few years and everyone knows your ceiling.

As for the Rodman comparison, I don't see that. I understand that him being more demonstrative than most Duke players made him stick out and made him look more like a punk but my understanding is that off the court he is a quiet and very respectful person. His on the court antics (for lack of a better word) are an off shoot of his competitiveness. In that regard, I guess the comparison to Chris Paul is probably pretty good.

slower

07-14-2008, 10:49 AM

I understand that him being more demonstrative than most Duke players made him stick out and made him look more like a punk...

Pretty much sums it up for me. Not one of my favorites.

VaDukie

07-14-2008, 11:10 AM

No Dahntay thread is complete without this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOisVIE5NR8

"Oh My Goodness!!!"

juise

07-14-2008, 11:44 AM

No Dahntay thread is complete without this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOisVIE5NR8

"Oh My Goodness!!!"

One of the related videos had Dahntay dunking "over" Yao (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAiu9LXO6A&feature=related) (which has been posted before, but is worth another go-around).

ItalianDevil

07-14-2008, 12:03 PM

I really hope for my fellow Dukie Renato he will end up playing euroball in Rome, so he got to see him every fifteen days :)
Go Dahntay!!!

dukeENG2003

07-14-2008, 12:35 PM

The comparison with Rodman was maybe a bit much, but there were some other examples.

He also got mixed up with Jason Clark of UVA in an earlier game where he basically tried to stomp Clark's legs , the taunting of Clemson and Shyatt as he passed them and that stuff with Felton. The situation with Justin Gray certainly wasn't his fault, but it's just my impression that his temperament was somewhat like Chris Paul's. Some would call it fiery.

You're right in those instances with other players, but I don't recall multiple instances with those players like I did with Jones. I've also spoken to members of that team who told me pretty explicitly that Jones was an OK leader--but certainly not a Battier or Carrawell in terms of effectiveness. Certainly, he was a model student off the court , but I'm only reporting what I know and have observed.

I also recall several instances where he would throw the ball off of people to earn an out of bounds call. This is a good play. However, throwing the ball off of people's faces, like he often did, was probably unneccessary. . .

Its those sorts of things that earned him the reputation you are referring to. Never did anything "dirty", but had some plays of questionable sportsmanship.

SupaDave

07-14-2008, 01:36 PM

Pretty much sums it up for me. Not one of my favorites.

He had the kind of balls and toughness that team needed. He was a good kid who played hard.

Anyone that takes offense to DJ's game should really take a look at the program they love. We play basketball like many other teams and when the refs aren't looking there are plenty of shoves, grabs, and holds. Jones was one of our players they couldn't do that too.

Actually this is one of those reasons that I'm so hype about this year's team. Last year we DID see the nasty come back. His name is Kyle Singler and he's tough as nails. I see great things...

Classof06

07-14-2008, 01:43 PM

He had the kind of balls and toughness that team needed. He was a good kid who played hard.

Anyone that takes offense to DJ's game should really take a look at the program they love. We play basketball like many other teams and when the refs aren't looking there are plenty of shoves, grabs, and holds. Jones was one of our players they couldn't do that too.

Actually this is one of those reasons that I'm so hype about this year's team. Last year we DID see the nasty come back. His name is Kyle Singler and he's tough as nails. I see great things...

I'll second this post. I'm really surprised at some of the petty comments I'm hearing about Dahntay Jones. Nobody says you have to adore the guy but he was the most valuable player on an 02-03 team that was full of freshmen. Without Dahntay Jones, that team would not have been very good and we lost in the Sweet 16 with him. In fact, in my four years at Duke, he was one of my favorite players to watch. He played the game with fire and that's not something Jones should be looked down upon for. Not to mention, he was one of the best student athletes that Duke has had in a while, as a transfer from Rutgers no less. I really think you guys ought to give the guy a little more credit. Sheesh.

SupaDave

07-14-2008, 02:20 PM

If there's a person on this board who wouldn't have liked to have DJ last year - please raise your hand.

Hello?

Hello?

McFly?

Supa "a poster with nothing good to say is like the guy standing on the court telling everyone else to get rebounds" Dave...

VaDukie

07-14-2008, 02:32 PM

Dahntay was a great player for us in 2003. Along with some others (notably Duhon) I wish he had asserted himself more in 2002 instead of Jay-watching; which was easy to do given how dominant he was.

I'd take DJ on a Duke team any year.

BenDuke03

07-14-2008, 02:42 PM

Dahntay was the type of guy that everyone would love to have on their team and that everyone else hates if he's not on their team. He was the backbone of that 2002-2003 team that almost beat Kansas in the Sweet 16. What a great game that was (minus the final score of course).

Classof06

07-14-2008, 03:32 PM

Dahntay was the leader on that 02-03 team with a bunch of freshmen and it should be noted that Duhon, really the only other major upperclassman on that team, had the worst year of his Duke career.

Son of Mojo

07-14-2008, 08:15 PM

I personally enjoyed his attitude when he played at Duke and never thought he did much to earn any ire. His "showmanship" (the push-ups after his dunk in the youtube clip) could have been toned down a little but he really played his heart out and left what he had on the court. The man shouldn't be panned and, yes, I'd have him on the team any year.

Edouble

07-15-2008, 01:26 AM

I'm really suprised to compare the Elton thread to the Dahntay thread. Elton gets crazy love, and Dahntay gets blasted? Are you kidding me?

Dahntay was a guy that played with fire and passion. Although a transfer student, he really immersed himself into the Duke culture. He was a leader to a team full of freshman, when ACC Preseason Player of the Year Chris Duhon had pretty much a dud of a season. Dahntay's two years at Duke are much more moving to me than Elton's--by far! Even though the '99 team is probably the one I am closest to emotionally (it was my senior year team), I'm still pretty annoyed that Elton didn't play a little harder, throughout the year, and especially on Monday Night. Does anyone else remember when Quin came and told the Crazies to yell that Muhammed Ali "Elton Kumay-yeh" thing or whatever it was to get him to play harder? Seeing what Battier and Cwell became after that season, I wish we'd given them a few more shots at the time. Elton couldn't take care of Jake Voskul because he had the NBA on his mind and really, he never totally unpacked his bags at Duke. He's certainly never coming back to get the degree that Dahntay has.

Clearly, I have my issues with Brand, but when I see him get so much support, and then to hear that people have a problem with Dahntay Jones, I'm flabbergasted. Dahntay loved being a Blue Devil, and I am proud to call him a fellow alum. He's a guy that played his butt off, and with so much heart, and had to show a lot of toughness to carry a team full of freshman. He's still the only Blue Devil that I know of with a tatoo of the Duke "D". Show the man some love!

weezie

07-15-2008, 07:23 AM

Right on Edouble! Dahntay was a fine Dukie, proud of his team and his school.
Good enough for me!
Maybe I should get one of those gothic "D" tatoos, too.

unexpected

07-15-2008, 11:48 AM

FWIW, I think Duhon also has a Duke D tattoo!

Dahntay is far and away my favorite Duke Player- there are a lot of Duke Players that can match his heart, but very few could match his personality, swagger, and stones.

Dahntay was the player we sorely needed during the 2006 run that got ended prematurely. He's the quick, "athletic" scorer that everyone complained about us not having so vociferously. Hating on him is preposterous.

hq2

07-15-2008, 04:17 PM

But getting back to the main point...Hard to say if he'll play in the NBA again. Dahntay was always destined to be never more than a marginal pro; not tall enough to play 3, not a good enough shooter or ball handler to play 2. When I saw him try out for the Celtics last year, he really looked out of place; he didn't seem to move well away from the ball at all. It wasn't surprising they cut him.
My bet is he heads overseas for a few more years, where he can get by for 2 or 3 more years on athletic ability, and then that'll be it.

shadowfax336

07-15-2008, 04:19 PM

One of the related videos had Dahntay dunking "over" Yao (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAiu9LXO6A&feature=related) (which has been posted before, but is worth another go-around).

I noticed that too, and looked at it. And then I noticed that in the related videos there were about 15 other videos of Yao getting dunked on by various players (Kobe, Luol, Melo, etc.) Does any other player of Yao's talent level get dunked on that much? I watched some of them, he just kind of flops back in all of them...

devilirium

07-15-2008, 05:41 PM

I can't speak to Elton not playing hard throughout the year, but I did observe that Voskuhl was tackling him a good degree in that game--Elton never I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.ed or complained, but it's hard to receive the ball much less shoot when ol Jake has you in a full nelson.

devilirium

07-15-2008, 05:51 PM

I agree with you to a point, but there are plenty of Duke teams have made it to the FF without a guy like him (see 1994 ). I like feistiness, and I like guys that don't take any crap (Billy King, Phil Henderson, Laettner, McLeod, Wojo) , but I thought he went too far. I don't think I need my head examined over expressing that opinion. :O)

FWIW, I thought CP3 and Ndiaye took what Dahntay did to another extreme. I really detested those two.