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View Full Version : Coach K Says Lance Thomas Will Play in the NBA



airowe
11-25-2009, 01:01 PM
http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/11/25/coach-k-backs-dantoni-says-lance-thomas-can-play-in-the-nba/


Coach K also said he believes senior forward Lance Thomas, a former St. Benedict’s Prep standout who chose Duke over Rutgers, could make an NBA roster.

“All of a sudden someone’s going to really like Lance, whether they draft him or bring him to camp and keep him because he’s almost 6-9, he’s got great energy. He’s really improved offensively. He’s a glue guy and he can play defense and he can defend multiple positions,” he said

Coach K said Thomas has shortcomings as a player, but has developed into a tremendous defender.

“I think he’s our most versatile defender,” he said. “We have him guarding from centers to point guards.”

FireOgilvie
11-25-2009, 01:21 PM
I would love to see Lance play in the NBA, just like any other Duke player, but he needs to improve in multiple categories before that's going to happen. He needs to become the rebounder that everyone thought he could be. He needs to start consistently hitting that 15 foot jumper he takes. He needs to stop turning the ball over so much (he leads the team in TOs). He needs to become a better passer. He needs to stop fouling so much (he's right behind Zoubek for team leader in PFs). He also needs to become a shot-blocker (he has zero on the year). Overall, I would say he needs to improve his "basketball IQ." He is almost always near the bottom of the team for +/-. If he can improve in these categories, he has a shot. Otherwise, no one is going to draft him.

roywhite
11-25-2009, 01:33 PM
If Lance is a future NBA player, I'd hope that he would be able to average at least 10 pts/game, 5 rebs/ game, and hit at least 70% of his foul shots in his senior season. That's not asking too much, is it?

phaedrus
11-25-2009, 01:38 PM
"If Lance is a future NBA player, I'd hope that he would be able to average at least 10 pts/game, 5 rebs/ game, and hit at least 70% of his foul shots in his senior season. That's not asking too much, is it?"

Probably. It's significantly more than Shav ever averaged, isn't it?

Tim1515
11-25-2009, 01:39 PM
LT needs to prove a lot this year if he's going to get a shot in the nba even as a 12th man. The guy just doesn't have a feel for rebounding. Gets out of position...jumps at the wrong time...etc. He may continue to improve in that area (he has significantly since his freshman year) but i'm not sure he'll ever be great at it. Unfortunately for a defensive specialist that is something he will need in the NBA.

DevilHorns
11-25-2009, 01:44 PM
Remember, he said make an NBA roster, not become an NBA star. I think he could make a roster based on improving an already strong defensive game through the year. If he can improve in ''basic'' aspects of the game, such as passing, not committing overly zealous fouls, and being able to hit the open 10-footer.

I would love to see Lance make a roster, though at this point, he may struggle to collect minutes for a stocked Duke team if Mason pans out well as a freshman.

roywhite
11-25-2009, 01:46 PM
"If Lance is a future NBA player, I'd hope that he would be able to average at least 10 pts/game, 5 rebs/ game, and hit at least 70% of his foul shots in his senior season. That's not asking too much, is it?"

Probably. It's significantly more than Shav ever averaged, isn't it?

An interesting point, and you are right about it,

though, Shav's stats for his 3 year career:
http://goduke.statsgeek.com/basketball-m/players/statlines.php?playerid=298

are better than Lance's stats for his first 3 years:
http://goduke.statsgeek.com/basketball-m/players/statlines.php?playerid=519

jipops
11-25-2009, 01:48 PM
I think K's point may be to motivate Lance here.

CameronBornAndBred
11-25-2009, 01:50 PM
It looks to me like he said "could play". Lance would be an interesting one to watch if it happens, but I foresee Europe, maybe NBADL.

feldspar
11-25-2009, 02:09 PM
After Shav, I will never doubt anyone's ability to get an NBA contract.

Tim1515
11-25-2009, 02:12 PM
I would guess this is where playing at Duke is a big advantage. There have to be 20 + Lance type players in college basketball...but there's a good chance Lance is more well known then any of them.

cspan37421
11-25-2009, 02:36 PM
Let's not forget that just because Lance has only had to do certain things for Duke basketball, perhaps yielding some of the spotlight for the good of the team, that doesn't mean that's all he can do.

But yeah, I think it's also motivational at core.

BlueDevilCorvette!
11-25-2009, 02:47 PM
Lance has a high octane motor. I hope some NBA team recognizes his defensive capabilities and give him a shot. All one can ask for is a chance...the rest is up to them.

FireOgilvie
11-25-2009, 02:49 PM
Let's not forget that just because Lance has only had to do certain things for Duke basketball, perhaps yielding some of the spotlight for the good of the team, that doesn't mean that's all he can do.

But yeah, I think it's also motivational at core.

Uh, no. If he could do more, he would be doing more. What, in particular, do you think he's not being allowed to do right now because of his role? If he was a better shooter/rebounder/passer/SF/whatever, we would have seen it sometime in the last 3.5 years.

Devilsfan
11-25-2009, 02:51 PM
Hopefully we will get to see that potential realized this season.

CDu
11-25-2009, 02:58 PM
http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/11/25/coach-k-backs-dantoni-says-lance-thomas-can-play-in-the-nba/

For what it's worth, that link says Coach thinks he "could" play in the NBA - not that he "will" play in the NBA. That's not an insignificant difference.

I'm not holding my breath on Thomas playing in the NBA. That being said, if he can learn how to play with aggression AND control (he's not shown an ability to avoid silly overzealous fouls) and develop a jumpshot, he could find a spot on somebody's bench in the NBA. Athletically, there's no reason he couldn't be a decent defensive player at the 3 spot in the NBA.

I don't think he'd ever have a major role on an NBA team, and I'd be very surprised if he plays in the NBA at all. But with a good deal of work and catching the right break, he could find himself on somebody's bench someday.

But I suspect this is more motivational talk for Thomas than it is actual belief that Thomas will play in the NBA.

darthur
11-25-2009, 03:03 PM
Remember, he said make an NBA roster, not become an NBA star. I think he could make a roster based on improving an already strong defensive game through the year. If he can improve in ''basic'' aspects of the game, such as passing, not committing overly zealous fouls, and being able to hit the open 10-footer.

The jump shot is the real thing Thomas needs to have a chance in the NBA. He would likely play the 3, which means rebounding isn't too big a deal, but he needs a jump shot. The prototypical defensive 3 in the NBA (think Battier) is also an excellent 3-point shooter, so Thomas has some work to catch up.

DevilWolf
11-25-2009, 03:06 PM
I wish he'd complimented Lance on his ability to think and play at the same time. That would have been classic.

cspan37421
11-25-2009, 04:23 PM
Uh, no. If he could do more, he would be doing more. What, in particular, do you think he's not being allowed to do right now because of his role? If he was a better shooter/rebounder/passer/SF/whatever, we would have seen it sometime in the last 3.5 years.

I'll answer that when you explain to me how Shav and McBob have jobs in the NBA.

There's a lot of talent on the Blue Devils and I'm saying that it's possible that if he were called upon to carry the load for a team - let's say he played for College of Charleston, or Butler, etc. - we might see more of what he could do. I'm NOT saying other players like Singler, Scheyer, Smith, Plumlee, etc., should defer to him, I'm just saying that he's not being asked to shoulder the scoring load. (not even close). But that doesn't mean he couldn't do more if he had to. He doesn't have to at Duke.

mj2345
11-25-2009, 04:49 PM
I love Lance but he is not getting drafted. It's just not happening. If you can't make an impact at the college level you will be hard pressed to do it in the NBA or even get a shot at the NBA. Coach K will have to call in every favour under the sun to get Lance into the private workouts. Hope i am wrong but I just don't see him wearing an NBA uniform.

Acymetric
11-25-2009, 05:04 PM
I love Lance but he is not getting drafted. It's just not happening. If you can't make an impact at the college level you will be hard pressed to do it in the NBA or even get a shot at the NBA. Coach K will have to call in every favour under the sun to get Lance into the private workouts. Hope i am wrong but I just don't see him wearing an NBA uniform.

Has anyone suggested he's getting drafted? Players go undrafted and sign in free agency all the time. Some stick, some don't. Lance will most certainly not get drafted. But even before K said this I figured he would at least get some workouts and a shot at going as a free agent. He's a freak athlete, if he can't make it as a basketball player he should look into something else...hear there's a new football league looking for players...;)

Greg_Newton
11-25-2009, 05:23 PM
I'll answer that when you explain to me how Shav and McBob have jobs in the NBA.

I'm not sure I understand your logic here. Are you implying Shav and McBob are currently exhibiting skills they did not (or were not allowed to) at Duke?

SupaDave
11-26-2009, 08:31 PM
Two words - Bruce Bowen.


Bowen made himself eligible for the 1993 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. Instead, he seemed to be destined to become a journeyman athlete. Between 1993 and 1997, Bowen frequently changed teams, playing for the French teams of Le Havre in 1993–94 and Evreux the following season. In 1995–96 he played in the CBA with Rockford Lightning; he spent the next season back in France with Besançon, before returning to the Lightning in February 1997. Bowen made his NBA debut when he was signed to a ten-day contract by the Miami Heat the following month. His output consisted of 1 game, 1 minute and 1 block.[3][4]

Wheat/"/"/"
11-26-2009, 09:17 PM
Coach k was clearly doing what coaches do and trying to pump up his player ... give him some confidence.

Or he mis-spoke and was thinking Singler.

Or he had some sort of medication malfunction.

Pick one :)

FireOgilvie
11-27-2009, 11:32 PM
If Lance plays like he did today for the rest of the season, I wouldn't count out a NBA career. His defense was great and he actually blocked 2 shots. I think the key is that he needs to come out with a ton of energy and not over-think things.

Kedsy
11-27-2009, 11:41 PM
I think K's point may be to motivate Lance here.

If this is true, then it once again proves K is the master motivator of the universe. The timing of his remark couldn't have been better. Amazing, immediate results.

duketaylor
11-28-2009, 12:36 AM
"Hope i am wrong but I just don't see him wearing an NBA uniform."
Nor do I, no instant offense from Lance and only playing D just doesn't cut it. If we started seeing 15 and 20-point games with some outside shooting going down I might think he has a chance, but I don't see it yet. Hope we do see it this year.

tele
11-28-2009, 12:53 AM
If he keeps blocking shots he's going to get some attention. Also, while it'd be nice to have the 15 foot jumper, if he can just show he can score consistently from the blocks that might get him there, and he can extend range later (boozer model).

Oriole Way
11-28-2009, 01:50 AM
If Lance plays like he did today for the rest of the season, I wouldn't count out a NBA career. His defense was great and he actually blocked 2 shots. I think the key is that he needs to come out with a ton of energy and not over-think things.

Not overthinking things is a start, but if Lance wants to play in the NBA, I really hope he closely analyzes footage of Antawn Jamison.

Granted, if Thomas plays in the NBA, it will most likely be due to his defensive abilities, but he will still need to significantly improve his offensive game so that he will get an NBA job. This is where Jamison is the most ideal example for Lance to pattern his post moves off of.

Jamison was (and still is) an absolute master of lightning quick moves with the ball in the post. But at UNC he was unreal. I still remember a stat on national TV during a game (during the 2006-2007 season) in which the stats crew figured out that Jamison scored more than 20 points with the ball in his hands for less than a total of 12 seconds or so.

Thomas would be greatly served by making quicker and more decisive moves, like Jamison, because Thomas currently turns the ball over way too much to be ideally offensively efficient (either traveling, passing into a turnover, or commiting an offensive foul). Jamison's post moves were brilliant in that they were designed to turn away from defenders while simultaneously getting into a position to score near the basket. Although Jamison was obviously far more talented than Thomas, I really feel that Lance could learn a great deal by merely watching footage of Jamison and how he scored so quickly and effectively.

Edouble
11-28-2009, 02:47 AM
Jamison was (and still is) an absolute master of lightning quick moves with the ball in the post. But at UNC he was unreal. I still remember a stat on national TV during a game (during the 2006-2007 season) in which the stats crew figured out that Jamison scored more than 20 points with the ball in his hands for less than a total of 12 seconds or so.
.

1997-98 perhaps?

Oriole Way
11-28-2009, 03:20 AM
1997-98 perhaps?

Yes that's what I meant, my bad.

Greg_Newton
05-24-2012, 06:28 PM
HoopsHype
‏@hoopshype

Hornets forward Lance Thomas will participate with the USA Basketball Select Team in Las Vegas, agent John Spencer told HoopsHype. Thomas won the bronze medal with the U.S. squad at the Panamerican Games last year.

https://twitter.com/hoopshype/status/205762175577497600

No one ever clarified whether or not twitter-based info is always considered rumor mongering (despite my numerous attempts to get an answer from moderators), but this guy has 67k followers and is claiming Lance's agent told him this, so I figure it's worth posting.

Anyway, I'm not sure if "participate" means he's actually a full member - seems unlikely - but it's just pretty darn cool that Lance Thomas is an NBA player involved with the Olympic team.

SupaDave
05-24-2012, 06:35 PM
HoopsHype
‏@hoopshype

Hornets forward Lance Thomas will participate with the USA Basketball Select Team in Las Vegas, agent John Spencer told HoopsHype. Thomas won the bronze medal with the U.S. squad at the Panamerican Games last year.

https://twitter.com/hoopshype/status/205762175577497600

No one ever clarified whether or not twitter-based info is always considered rumor mongering (despite my numerous attempts to get an answer from moderators), but this guy has 67k followers and is claiming Lance's agent told him this, so I figure it's worth posting.

Anyway, I'm not sure if "participate" means he's actually a full member - seems unlikely - but it's just pretty darn cool that Lance Thomas is an NBA player involved with the Olympic team.

I wouldn't really consider this a rumor and it certainly isn't baseless speculation. However, there's nothing posted on it just yet.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-knicks-jeremy-lin-named-2012-usa-basketball-select-team-train-olympic-squad-article-1.1081920

http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/panamerican/11_mpag_thomas_feature.html

roywhite
05-24-2012, 08:36 PM
Great to see this thread and read through the comments. Hoops geniuses like myself were pretty critical of Lance and thought he had very little chance of making the NBA.

Good for you, Lance, and that coach of yours knew what he was talking about, eh?

Newton_14
05-24-2012, 09:23 PM
Great to see this thread and read through the comments. Hoops geniuses like myself were pretty critical of Lance and thought he had very little chance of making the NBA.

Good for you, Lance, and that coach of yours knew what he was talking about, eh?

Shhhh! Don't tell the Duke Haters Roy, they are still using Lance as example B that Duke can't develop anyone that isn;t a guard or wing. "Hey Recuit X, don't go to Duke or you will end up like Lance Thomas" they say.

Lance Thomas, National Champion, and current NBA player. Man, how terrible.

UrinalCake
05-24-2012, 11:31 PM
First off, kudos to Newt for resurrecting a 2.5 year-old thread. I always find it fun to revisit what we were saying a while ago. As for Lance, I wonder what "participate with" means. He wasn't listed as one of the Select Team members that was officially announced recently. The Select Team is essentially the backup team that practices against the National Team. Does this mean he'll be on the backup-backup team that practices against the Select Team? Could he be involved in a coaching capacity, due to his familiarity with Coach K? I need more details! :)

Zeb
05-25-2012, 11:47 AM
Shhhh! Don't tell the Duke Haters Roy, they are still using Lance as example that Duke can't develop anyone that isn't a guard or wing. "Hey Recuit X, don't go to Duke or you will end up like Lance Thomas" they say.

Lance Thomas, National Champion, and current NBA player. Man, how terrible.

Don't be so quick to think Lance's NBA success will silence criticism of Duke's development of big men. The fact that Lance has not only made an NBA roster but has been a starter, contributing on both ends of the court (scored 18 pts in one game!), can be interpreted in two ways. The doubters will say that his NBA-caliber talent was wasted at Duke setting screens and rebounding. Of course Duke supporters would say this is ridiculous--he's succeeding in the NBA, so his time at Duke must get some credit for that.

Shelden Williams is almost the reverse of Lance--amazing college career, high draft pick, but his NBA perfromance has been below expectations. Again, this can be viewed two ways: did Duke somehow focus on college success at the expense of preparing him for the NBA, or did Duke do a great job getting so much production out of a player that was ultimately not that talented?


Each player runs their own race. Using any individual's career to draw sweeping conclusions about Duke's ability to develop players makes for interesting bar room arguments, but doesn't really prove anything.

The fact that Duke has the most active NBA players of any program would seem to be a pretty strong validation of K's player development. But the haters will just say this is because he gets good recruits, and then point out all the highly touted high schoolers that came to Duke but never made the pros.

UrinalCake
05-25-2012, 03:03 PM
Yeah, haters are going to criticize Duke no matter what. If a guy has a great college career but isn't as successful in the NBA, it's because Duke's system doesn't prepare them, or because they got all the calls in college (Laettner, Shelden, Redick to a lesser extent). If a guy is more successful in the NBA than he was in college, it's because Duke wasted him (Thomas, Maggette). If a guy becomes a superstar, then he was going to be successful no matter where he went and Coach K had nothing to do with it (Irving, Deng, Brand). And it doesn't matter that Duke has the most alumni in the NBA, who comprise the highest total salary and the highest point total of any alumni base, because all of them are overrated and overpaid.

Similarly, people will say that Duke doesn't get any good recruits. When they do get good recruits it's only because Coach K paid them and/or brainwashed them, and they're destined to fail anyways.