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Owen Meany
03-11-2010, 07:06 PM
Take this FWIW, but I saw this elsewhere.

Quincy Miller has the following tweet : http://twitter.com/qmillertime/status/10345279820

Interesting if true. If I'm not mistaken, something posted on Miller's account earlier turned out to be not true (his account was hacked or something). So this obviously isn't gospel but is something to keep an eye on.

BlueintheFace
03-11-2010, 07:11 PM
Story broken by QM's twitter.

Confirmation is here:

http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&yr=2011

and here:

http://bluedevilnation.net/2010/03/michael-gbinije-commits-to-duke-university/

roywhite
03-11-2010, 07:20 PM
Welcome, indeed, and congratulations.

I've read that his last name is pronounced BEN-i-jay.

Always like to see the athletic, versatile wing players come aboard; Coach K has used them well.

Welcome2DaSlopes
03-11-2010, 07:21 PM
Welcome Mike, hope you have a great time at duke, on and off the court.

Coballs
03-11-2010, 07:26 PM
Listening to Mike Patrick try to pronounce his name should be hilarious.

chrisheery
03-11-2010, 07:29 PM
on how long it takes ESPN.com to update his status.

I say 8 days.

Great news, welcome Mr. Gbinije, we are all working on learning to pronounce and spell your name.

Welcome2DaSlopes
03-11-2010, 07:30 PM
Hopefully this starts a chain of events.



*cough*Austin, Quincy*cough*

sivartrenrag
03-11-2010, 07:32 PM
Awesome! Welcome to Duke!

Greg_Newton
03-11-2010, 07:32 PM
Nate Dawg... killin it!

You can never have too many sturdy 6-6 athletes on the wing. Great 5-star start to what hopefully ends up being a superb class.

DukeSean
03-11-2010, 07:32 PM
Sweet!

CDu
03-11-2010, 07:37 PM
I'm liking the fact that we're landing the big wing players. Those are always nice to have.

DevilHorns
03-11-2010, 07:40 PM
NATE with another awesome recruiting pull!

Welcome Michael!!!

Dev11
03-11-2010, 07:41 PM
Not only does this kid sound like a great addition to the program, but its promising that Quincy Miller decided to tweet the news before we heard it from anywhere else. Its as if Quincy was a voracious DBR reader himself...

watzone
03-11-2010, 07:46 PM
Gbinije is a Nigerian name and is pronounced Ben-na-jay or Ben-ni-jay depending on who you ask. And BDN clocked in first;) He is a solid player that plays within a team system, although he is not the flashy athletic type.

Mike Corey
03-11-2010, 07:48 PM
It's going to be a wonderful weekend.

Congratulations to Duke and to Michael.

YourLandlord
03-11-2010, 07:58 PM
Gbinije is a Nigerian name and is pronounced Ben-na-jay or Ben-ni-jay depending on who you ask. And BDN clocked in first;) He is a solid player that plays within a team system, although he is not the flashy athletic type.
Either way, that name is going to sound outstanding echoing through Cameron.

BEN-NA-JAY! BEN-NA-JAY!

RainingThrees
03-11-2010, 08:04 PM
Wow you go to dinner and come back to find this. Awesome news!!! Welcome to Duke Michael.

David
03-11-2010, 08:25 PM
Welcome Michael! I wasn't expecting to see this tonight, but a great way for Duke to kickoff the ACC Tourny weekend.

RainingThrees
03-11-2010, 08:31 PM
Heres a video of Michael playing AAU. Not much, about all that can be gathered is that he has above average athleticism and a smooth jumper.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=67011&season=2011&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d670 11%26season%3d2011

Daniel tosh
03-11-2010, 08:36 PM
can anyone find a scouting report on him?

FireOgilvie
03-11-2010, 08:41 PM
Awesome! Great news. We can always use more height on the perimeter.

GODUKEGO
03-11-2010, 09:51 PM
Interesting that he attends the same high school as Ed Davis. Wondering if Ed try to recruit him to Chapel Hill or warned him of the situation there!!!

DevilHorns
03-11-2010, 10:02 PM
The ESPN video link shows that he has nice outside range. Doesnt really highlight any ball-handling or driving capability. Anybody have any info on his game / video material?

rotogod00
03-11-2010, 10:05 PM
ESPN has him ranked 24th overall in the 2011 class; 8th best at the SG position

Cisco
03-11-2010, 10:41 PM
ESPN has him ranked 24th overall in the 2011 class; 8th best at the SG position

Do you know what kind of player he is?
Deep Range? Athletic Guy? Whats known about him?

G man
03-11-2010, 10:48 PM
Nice way to start the post season.

rotogod00
03-11-2010, 10:51 PM
Do you know what kind of player he is?
Deep Range? Athletic Guy? Whats known about him?

smooth, athletic wing with good size (6'6") from the perimeter. has 3-pt range, but can also get into the lane. versatile defensively in that he can guard all 3 perimeter positions.

Baxter the Lab
03-11-2010, 10:58 PM
ESPN has him ranked 24th overall in the 2011 class; 8th best at the SG position

Scout has him rated a bit higher.

4th at his position and 14th overall.

Don't look now but the future of Duke Basketball is looking EXTREMELY bright...

OldPhiKap
03-11-2010, 10:59 PM
Welcome to the family!!!

FireOgilvie
03-11-2010, 11:21 PM
http://www.maxpreps.com/local/team/videos.aspx?schoolid=51280743-44d5-4d91-b7cd-25d109c78ef4&ssid=61c3c85c-e2fb-45d7-841a-0573891bad91&videoid=737CA1EF-CAB1-4431-9508-79836F08578D

He's number 33 on the green team.

CrazieDUMB
03-11-2010, 11:58 PM
I'm so excited about this kid. I absolutely LOVE what Nate James has done for this team. I'd say he turned out to be our biggest hire in a while, right?

Gbinije should do well on our team. Five star athlete, maybe a Gerald type? Definitely smooth, has all the traditional traits of a good player. Great job Duke and great choice Mike!

-bdbd
03-12-2010, 12:14 AM
Welcome to Duke Michael. As a felow-Virginian, yoou're going to love it there!!

This is just what the doctor ordered - a strong, strong wing (where we arguably won't have one after this year), a top-flight recruit to start off the 2011 class, and an apparent bud of our guy 'Q.' What's not to love.

Doesn't K just LOVE to mix and match these mid-sized, flexible players???

Wow - 2 top flight BB recruits in just a few days for Duke (WBB and now MBB)!


:D :D :D :D

chrisheery
03-12-2010, 01:09 AM
http://www.maxpreps.com/local/team/videos.aspx?schoolid=51280743-44d5-4d91-b7cd-25d109c78ef4&ssid=61c3c85c-e2fb-45d7-841a-0573891bad91&videoid=737CA1EF-CAB1-4431-9508-79836F08578D

He's number 33 on the green team.

His team got worked. Sweet jumper though.

madscavenger
03-12-2010, 02:28 AM
................. versatile defensively in that he can guard all 3 perimeter positions.

Thats the part i wanted to see. Without it his minutes will be limited. Listening Andre? Keep working. It'll come, and quicker than you think (90% perspiration man, 90%). Then, you fly.

flyingdutchdevil
03-12-2010, 03:21 AM
Great news! Hope he starts a trend and brings in Rivers, Miller, MP3, and Cook! That would be one helluva class!

Fingers crossed!

moonpie23
03-12-2010, 07:00 AM
IC is trying to spin this ..........if some of the other recruits commit, perhaps the holes fans could suffer even MORE...


let's all hope...

funkmeister
03-12-2010, 07:51 AM
In another portion of that link, someone named crazietalker claims that Carrick Felix's facebook status reads "DUKE SUNDAY!!!! HERE I COME"

This could be interpreted in a number of ways, I suppose. Maybe he's predicting that Duke will win on sunday. I don't imagine he's VISITING Duke on sunday, since they'll be in Greensboro. Could another committment be on the horizon?

Carrick will be visiting on Sunday evening, presumably after the championship game. Crazie-Talk and crazietalker are one and the same.

airowe
03-12-2010, 08:04 AM
In another portion of that link, someone named crazietalker claims that Carrick Felix's facebook status reads "DUKE SUNDAY!!!! HERE I COME"

This could be interpreted in a number of ways, I suppose. Maybe he's predicting that Duke will win on sunday. I don't imagine he's VISITING Duke on sunday, since they'll be in Greensboro. Could another committment be on the horizon?

Carrick is coming to Durham on Sunday and could cap off an amazing 8 days for the Duke program. Starting with the 82-50 beatdown last Saturday, a surprise commitment from a 5-star recruit, the end of the worst season of roy's career and the worst showing by a defending national champion, hopefully ending in an ACC Championship, a #1 Seed, and another commitment in the bag on Sunday.

Its a great time to be a Duke fan!

Kedsy
03-12-2010, 11:37 AM
Great news! Hope he starts a trend and brings in Rivers, Miller, MP3, and Cook! That would be one helluva class!


It's also one too many, unless someone leaves unexpectedly.

Saratoga2
03-12-2010, 11:38 AM
I see from the thread that perhaps Nate James was instrumental in the recruitment. In Addition, from Scout.com he is listed at 6'6" and 180. I wouldn't characterize him as sturdy as one did in the thread. From the clip, he appears to have a nice jump shot. It appears he can play either shooting guard or small forward and would come with the 2011 group. With Singler gone at that time for sure, it will be good to have players in the 6'5" to 6'8" range that can play the 2 or 3 and that can also defend. Good commit for the team, although I would definitely like to hear more from someone who really has seen this kid play.

This commitment could definitely be the beginning of a solid 2011 group.

Devil07
03-12-2010, 11:40 AM
Here's an article with some nice quotes from his HS coach:

"Duke basketball is like Notre Dame football. A lot of people love it and a lot of people hate it," McAloon said. "But for Michael it began and ended with Coach K. I mean he is the U.S. Olympic coach.

"And when Michael finishes his career, rather he plays in the league or overseas, he is going to have a Duke degree. He is going to be set for life."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/12/1308432/duke-gets-commitment-from-top.html

Sounds like he's a great kid and I do love seeing a recruit (or his coach at least) mention specifically how impressive it is that Coach K is also the Olympic coach.

Welcome2DaSlopes
03-12-2010, 11:44 AM
Seems like the coach expects Michael to stay for at least 3-4 years.

MChambers
03-12-2010, 12:17 PM
Here's an article with some nice quotes from his HS coach:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/12/1308432/duke-gets-commitment-from-top.html

Sounds like he's a great kid and I do love seeing a recruit (or his coach at least) mention specifically how impressive it is that Coach K is also the Olympic coach.

You mean being Olympic coach doesn't hurt recruiting?

:)

ChicagoCrazy84
03-12-2010, 02:24 PM
Great to have you on board Michael! It will be interesting to see how he progresses his senior year. I think he could be an immediate impact player if he gets stronger this next year. Great job Nate!

COYS
03-12-2010, 02:36 PM
I see from the thread that perhaps Nate James was instrumental in the recruitment. In Addition, from Scout.com he is listed at 6'6" and 180. I wouldn't characterize him as sturdy as one did in the thread. From the clip, he appears to have a nice jump shot. It appears he can play either shooting guard or small forward and would come with the 2011 group. With Singler gone at that time for sure, it will be good to have players in the 6'5" to 6'8" range that can play the 2 or 3 and that can also defend. Good commit for the team, although I would definitely like to hear more from someone who really has seen this kid play.

This commitment could definitely be the beginning of a solid 2011 group.

For the record, ESPN has him listed at 194 with an updated evaluation in November of this past year. He is also just a junior and appears to have wide shoulders from the youtube clips. Obviously, this is far from an expert analysis, but I'd say that it would seem like he is already nicely sized (hey, he weighs more than Henson, already ;)) and would easily be able to bulk up, if necessary.

Classof06
03-12-2010, 05:15 PM
Scout has him rated a bit higher.

4th at his position and 14th overall.

Don't look now but the future of Duke Basketball is looking EXTREMELY bright...

I agree, I really like the developments on Duke's recruiting front for the 2010, and now the start of the 2011, classes. Things are looking really good for Duke right now. Kudos to the coaching staff. Keep up the good work!

Rich
03-13-2010, 11:41 AM
I haven't seen much written about Michael Gbinije on this Board (and forgive me if there is a trhead I missed - the mods can combine it), but I'm curious what the DBR recruiting experts think of Gbinije (including how to pronounce his name) and how he'll fit into K's system. I know he's only a junior, but is he likely to be a project? Or someone who can step in and get good minutes as a freshman?

rotogod00
03-13-2010, 11:44 AM
one never knows but since he's 24th ranked (according to ESPN), hopefully he can step in right away and provide 10-15 quality minutes from the get-go.

juise
03-13-2010, 11:45 AM
One (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20058) and two (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19519). :)

Dukeface88
03-13-2010, 11:50 AM
It's also one too many, unless someone leaves unexpectedly.

If we end up needing Cook, I'd expect someone (*cough* Kyrie *cough*) has.

DukieInBrasil
03-13-2010, 04:16 PM
Can't say I know anything about recruiting, but it's always nice to land highly regarded kids. I remember a kid named Mike Dunleavy who, when recruited, was roughly 6'6 or 6'7 and then showed up on campus at 6'9. So you never know exactly how tall they'll be as collegiate athletes, plus he's still just a Jr so he may yet grow some. I also remember Duke recruiting a kid who in a round-about way was from Africa, some kid named Luol Deng. He was pretty good. He also showed up an inch or two taller than he was while being recruited. If Michael turns out to be in the same talent category as either Dun or Deng, well, that'd be sweet.

duke4life32182
03-16-2010, 01:13 PM
U learn something everyday. Thank you guys for showng me how to use the search. Never really messed with many of the features up here. I thank you.

jimsumner
03-16-2010, 03:26 PM
"He also showed up an inch or two taller than he was while being recruited"

Yeah. Dennard also grew an inch or two.

Then again, there are the umpteen gazillion players who didn't get taller after entering college. It's not like you can count on it.

BD80
04-24-2010, 10:26 AM
Gbinije having his way in AAU play. Some scouting Tweets:


EvanDanielscout Michael Gbinije is torching Team Detroit. He's a quiet assassin. Can shoot, sneaky athlete, getting things done...


BSnowRivals Aaron Thomas was very good in an early morning game for QCP... Now watching Mike Gbinije kill for Takeover

ChicagoCrazy84
04-24-2010, 04:07 PM
Gbinije having his way in AAU play. Some scouting Tweets:


Awesome. Get some Mike!!

airowe
04-24-2010, 04:11 PM
Mark Watson BlueDevilNation

From Akron Michael Gbinije's #'s were 10 of 13 (0 for 1 3pt FG), 2 for 3 FT 22 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds ( 2 off), 2 steals, 1 block.

Jderf
04-24-2010, 05:55 PM
Mark Watson BlueDevilNation

From Akron Michael Gbinije's #'s were 10 of 13 (0 for 1 3pt FG), 2 for 3 FT 22 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds ( 2 off), 2 steals, 1 block.

not bad... I'm going to assume that this is perfectly representative of his typical performance every single time he plays, anywhere, and say that I can't wait till he brings his 77% shooting clip to Duke. Of course, he may have to work on that 0% 3 point shot... I mean, even I make those from time to time, cmon kid.

G man
04-26-2010, 01:39 AM
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1078224

hedevil
04-26-2010, 01:59 AM
Gbinije sounds like a stud. I can't wait to see how much better he gets by the time he gets to Duke. Sounds like the sky is the limit.

soccerstud2210
04-26-2010, 12:48 PM
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1078224

its bizzare that rivals only has him as a 4* and scout has him as a 5*... there is hardly any agreement in these two sites. never know who to trust

love this kid's game though. just smooth. love the fact he can get to the rim and finish with contact as well as stroke the 3!

MisterRoddy
04-26-2010, 12:58 PM
its bizzare that rivals only has him as a 4* and scout has him as a 5*... there is hardly any agreement in these two sites. never know who to trust

love this kid's game though. just smooth. love the fact he can get to the rim and finish with contact as well as stroke the 3!

Well after reading some articles on Gbinije from Rivals, it seems as though Gbinije won't be just a 4* for long :)

Big Pappa
04-26-2010, 01:31 PM
its bizzare that rivals only has him as a 4* and scout has him as a 5*... there is hardly any agreement in these two sites. never know who to trust



Just to throw this in there as well. ESPN has him as a 95 overall grade, 24th in the ESPN Top 100, and the 8th best Shooting Guard.

roywhite
04-26-2010, 01:33 PM
its bizzare that rivals only has him as a 4* and scout has him as a 5*... there is hardly any agreement in these two sites. never know who to trust
love this kid's game though. just smooth. love the fact he can get to the rim and finish with contact as well as stroke the 3!

I tend to trust Coach K and his staff more than Rivals and Scout.

MChambers
04-26-2010, 01:45 PM
I tend to trust Coach K and his staff more than Rivals and Scout.

I fear that puts you in the distinct minority. I agree with you, however.

Jackson
04-26-2010, 02:25 PM
Just to throw this in there as well. ESPN has him as a 95 overall grade, 24th in the ESPN Top 100, and the 8th best Shooting Guard.

I think he will be a definite 5* and will be on all the HS All American teams by the time it is all said and done. Tremendous early get for us!

Indoor66
04-26-2010, 06:51 PM
I think he will be a definite 5* and will be on all the HS All American teams by the time it is all said and done. Tremendous early get for us!

What difference does it make? He will play for us when he arrives whether he is rated 1* or 10*. The rest will be totally irrelevant.

mgtr
04-26-2010, 07:04 PM
What difference does it make? He will play for us when he arrives whether he is rated 1* or 10*. The rest will be totally irrelevant.

I think that this is the really key point. Looked at another way, if Coach K and his staff are incapable of evaluating talent, then we huge problems. No sign of that, however.

BD80
04-26-2010, 07:04 PM
MG is getting grief for dressing like a Dukie:

http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c54102/x2_1321831

http://tweetphoto.com/20060209

Welcome2DaSlopes
04-26-2010, 07:06 PM
What difference does it make? He will play for us when he arrives whether he is rated 1* or 10*. The rest will be totally irrelevant.

Well it's always good for bragging rights, but besides that you're right.

Greg_Newton
04-26-2010, 07:47 PM
I think that this is the really key point. Looked at another way, if Coach K and his staff are incapable of evaluating talent, then we huge problems. No sign of that, however.

Well, to be fair, it's not as if K expects effer recruit he offers to be 5-star talent. Lance was ranked similarly to Blake Griffin, but he was a role player who was invaluable to a championship team his senior year rather than a lottery pick superstar. Does that mean K evaluated him incorrectly? No, just that he was recruited to fill a certain role.

Recruiting rankings are inexact, but it's not like they don't matter at all. It helps us fans get a picture of what level of talent we're getting, even if we assume it's going to be above a certain minimum threshold.

COYS
04-26-2010, 09:03 PM
Well, to be fair, it's not as if K expects effer recruit he offers to be 5-star talent. Lance was ranked similarly to Blake Griffin, but he was a role player who was invaluable to a championship team his senior year rather than a lottery pick superstar. Does that mean K evaluated him incorrectly? No, just that he was recruited to fill a certain role.

Recruiting rankings are inexact, but it's not like they don't matter at all. It helps us fans get a picture of what level of talent we're getting, even if we assume it's going to be above a certain minimum threshold.

I completely agree. Perhaps the most important info the rankings give us for a player like Gbinije is that the recruiting services describe a player that is yet to reach his potential. He's a smooth athlete, has a good shooting stroke, is 6'6'', and has a high basketball IQ. Most competent coaches coach can take a player like that and make him better. Coach K can take a player with those skills and physical tools and make him a star. I'm trying to put undo expectations on Michael or anything like that, I'm just pointing out that even if he were ranked far lower, the baseline skills and physical attributes are clearly there for growth and in the hands of the DUke staff, I'm certain Gbinije will develop into an important player for Duke.

JohnGalt
04-27-2010, 10:54 AM
Well, to be fair, it's not as if K expects effer recruit he offers to be 5-star talent. Lance was ranked similarly to Blake Griffin, but he was a role player who was invaluable to a championship team his senior year rather than a lottery pick superstar. Does that mean K evaluated him incorrectly? No, just that he was recruited to fill a certain role.

Recruiting rankings are inexact, but it's not like they don't matter at all. It helps us fans get a picture of what level of talent we're getting, even if we assume it's going to be above a certain minimum threshold.

I disagree. K isn't exempt from overrating a recruit from time to time either. The lack of effective post play previous to this year's proves that he expected Lance and Zoubs to blossom a little earlier than they did. Fortunately for us, they (esp Zoubs) came on at the right time. Either way, I highly doubt K recruited two players considered to be 4 and 5 star recruits with the idea that they would blossom down the stretch of senior year bringing #4 to Durham. If he did, well than he's even better than I - and everyone else for that matter - give him credit for.

But - IMO - this post smells a little of the "K is God" syndrome.

BD80
04-27-2010, 11:17 AM
... But - IMO - this post smells a little of the "K is God" syndrome.

Come on, that would be blasphemy. I don't think anyone here would say K is God.

We will say K is a god. Lower case "g."

Let's get some perspective, please.


Now, if he were to win back-to-back championships for a SECOND time ....

JohnGalt
04-27-2010, 11:19 AM
Now, if he were to win back-to-back championships for a SECOND time ....

then you could chalk up one more divine follower...

airowe
04-27-2010, 11:34 AM
I disagree. K isn't exempt from overrating a recruit from time to time either. The lack of effective post play previous to this year's proves that he expected Lance and Zoubs to blossom a little earlier than they did. Fortunately for us, they (esp Zoubs) came on at the right time. Either way, I highly doubt K recruited two players considered to be 4 and 5 star recruits with the idea that they would blossom down the stretch of senior year bringing #4 to Durham. If he did, well than he's even better than I - and everyone else for that matter - give him credit for.

But - IMO - this post smells a little of the "K is God" syndrome.

The ability of people to completely block out from their minds the impact of Brian's injuries on his developmental path is astounding to me.

JohnGalt
04-27-2010, 11:53 AM
The ability of people to completely block out from their minds the impact of Brian's injuries on his developmental path is astounding to me.

So is the inability of others to realize his effectiveness is mitigated by having to spend more time in the training room than on the court. I don't pin his injuries on K or, well, anyone; but if a high draft pick is plagued by injuries in the NBA, he's labeled a bust. I think what Brian did this year was wonderful and if it weren't for his play down the stretch, Duke very well might not have won it all.

Plus, if you read back my post was more pointed to Lance as he was the more highly touted recruit.

jimsumner
04-27-2010, 12:10 PM
"but if a high draft pick is plagued by injuries in the NBA, he's labeled a bust."

Fortunately this isn't the NBA and no rational observer would label a college player a bust because of injuries.

twofer
04-27-2010, 01:02 PM
So is the inability of others to realize his effectiveness is mitigated by having to spend more time in the training room than on the court. I don't pin his injuries on K or, well, anyone; but if a high draft pick is plagued by injuries in the NBA, he's labeled a bust. I think what Brian did this year was wonderful and if it weren't for his play down the stretch, Duke very well might not have won it all.

Plus, if you read back my post was more pointed to Lance as he was the more highly touted recruit.

The other thing that I'm shocked that people constantly overlook is the relative ages of our players. Zoubek is a VERY young senior. He's only 6 months older than Miles who's classified as a sophomore. In retrospect, between the foot injuries and his age, I'm really surprised he didn't redshirt. Zoubek's best basketball is still ahead of him and some smart team in the NBA and Europe is going to really benefit from that.

Another parenting quirk is that Mason is almost a year and a half older than Kelly. If you don't think physical maturation differences in 19 versus 20 year old players can lead to huge on-court differences, then you haven't met Stephen and Seth Curry who are both also really young for their respective classes, and who didn't really start to mature until they hit college campuses.

roywhite
04-27-2010, 01:13 PM
The other thing that I'm shocked that people constantly overlook is the relative ages of our players. Zoubek is a VERY young senior. He's only 6 months older than Miles who's classified as a sophomore. In retrospect, between the foot injuries and his age, I'm really surprised he didn't redshirt. Zoubek's best basketball is still ahead of him and some smart team in the NBA and Europe is going to really benefit from that.

Another parenting quirk is that Mason is almost a year and a half older than Kelly. If you don't think physical maturation differences in 19 versus 20 year old players can lead to huge on-court differences, then you haven't met Stephen and Seth Curry who are both also really young for their respective classes, and who didn't really start to mature until they hit college campuses.

That's a good point. In addition, I think most basketball people would acknowledge that big men progress and develop over a longer period of time than players at other positions. So, in the inexact "science" of recruiting and evaluating 15-17 year old kids for play 2 to 5 years down the road, it's even harder with the big guys.

We probably can predict Michael Gbinije's development better than that of Marshall Plumlee.

twofer
04-27-2010, 01:19 PM
The biggest question about Marshall Plumlee is whether or not he's been reclassified like his two older brothers or playing true to age. If he hasn't been, we might need to compare him to his older brothers as rising juniors instead of rising seniors. And, the two older brothers were late bloomers themselves.

FWIW, Gbinijie is actually a year old for his grade

CEF1959
04-27-2010, 01:31 PM
"but if a high draft pick is plagued by injuries in the NBA, he's labeled a bust."

Fortunately this isn't the NBA and no rational observer would label a college player a bust because of injuries.

Depends on how you define "bust." Not living up to hype? Big money spent for which there was no return? Disappointed expectations because of something the player did wrong? In the end, words are just words, and I agree that if "bust" is a pejorative, it shouldn't be tossed onto a college kid who failed to succeed based on injuries. But in that sense, it shouldn't be applied to a pro who failed to succeed based on injuries. You could come up with a different definition of "bust" that would include the pro but exclude the college player. (E.g. big contract, no payoff for the club).

It's not a matter of being a rational observer; it's a question of how you define "bust."

AAA1980
04-27-2010, 01:34 PM
Coach K has misjudged recruits notably the pg position for the past 8 or 9 years till Irving..

Im sure he didnt expect a 5 star recruit in Lance to do close to nothing for 4 years then come on..I doubt that was the blueprint..

But i think when people try to use that against him it actually proves what a great coach he is that he doesnt always get the best of the best 5 stars like some others yet still wins..

CEF1959
04-27-2010, 01:36 PM
Hahaha. That's a good one. It's good for a new poster to have a sense of humor.

David
04-27-2010, 02:02 PM
Im sure he didnt expect a 5 star recruit in Lance to do close to nothing for 4 years then come on..I doubt that was the blueprint..


Huh? I don't understand this comment at all. My sense is that Lance developed pretty steadily over his time at Duke. His stats bear this out in terms of minutes, points, rebounds and assists. Moreover, Lance's important contributions and steady development on the defensive end don't really translate well to a box score. Coach K has also talked glowingly about Lance's leadership (see Singler's recent press conference). Thus, I think your comment that Lance did close to nothing for 4 years and then came on his sr year is completely wrong.

CDu
04-27-2010, 02:16 PM
Huh? I don't understand this comment at all. My sense is that Lance developed pretty steadily over his time at Duke. His stats bear this out in terms of minutes, points, rebounds and assists. Moreover, Lance's important contributions and steady development on the defensive end don't really translate well to a box score. Coach K has also talked glowingly about Lance's leadership (see Singler's recent press conference). Thus, I think your comment that Lance did close to nothing for 4 years and then came on his sr year is completely wrong.

I agree that Thomas developed over 4 years. I'd say the biggest jumps in development came after his sophomore and junior seasons. But I think the previous poster's general point still stands - and it's not as far off as you'd think. I don't think, given where he was rated, that people anticipated Thomas struggling to adjust to the college game as much as he did early on (and even into his third year).

While he certainly developed over time, he really had trouble staying on the floor as a freshman and sophomore. And his defensive and "little things" contributions really didn't start showing up on a consistent basis until his junior year. Prior to that, he was just a little too out of control. He competed hard, but he committed too many turnovers and too many fouls. Hence, he averaged so few minutes despite playing on a team that really needed a guy like him on the floor.

This of course brings us specifically to the point the previous poster was getting at: it's hard to accurately gauge how good (and how quickly good) a recruit will be. Thomas was a highly-ranked recruit who, in retrospect, wasn't ready to be an impact player for several years.

roywhite
04-27-2010, 02:25 PM
This of course brings us specifically to the point the previous poster was getting at: it's hard to accurately gauge how good (and how quickly good) a recruit will be. Thomas was a highly-ranked recruit who, in retrospect, wasn't ready to be an impact player for several years.

I took the previous poster's point to be a drive-by shot or two at Coach K and the Duke program.

There are plenty of examples of high-profile recruits who don't live up to their reputations. One only has to look down the road 8 or 9 miles over the past season to see this.

David
04-27-2010, 02:31 PM
I agree that Thomas developed over 4 years. I'd say the biggest jumps in development came after his sophomore and junior seasons. But I think the previous poster's general point still stands - and it's not as far off as you'd think. I don't think, given where he was rated, that people anticipated Thomas struggling to adjust to the college game as much as he did early on (and even into his third year).

While he certainly developed over time, he really had trouble staying on the floor as a freshman and sophomore. And his defensive and "little things" contributions really didn't start showing up on a consistent basis until his junior year. Prior to that, he was just a little too out of control. He competed hard, but he committed too many turnovers and too many fouls. Hence, he averaged so few minutes despite playing on a team that really needed a guy like him on the floor.

This of course brings us specifically to the point the previous poster was getting at: it's hard to accurately gauge how good (and how quickly good) a recruit will be. Thomas was a highly-ranked recruit who, in retrospect, wasn't ready to be an impact player for several years.

We seem to be discussing two ideas here: (1) where LT was when he got to Duke, and (2) how LT developed once he was at Duke. I agree that LT wasn't an impact player upon arrival, but disagree with the original comment that he did "close to nothing" prior to this season.

Greg_Newton
04-27-2010, 02:51 PM
I disagree. K isn't exempt from overrating a recruit from time to time either. The lack of effective post play previous to this year's proves that he expected Lance and Zoubs to blossom a little earlier than they did. Fortunately for us, they (esp Zoubs) came on at the right time. Either way, I highly doubt K recruited two players considered to be 4 and 5 star recruits with the idea that they would blossom down the stretch of senior year bringing #4 to Durham. If he did, well than he's even better than I - and everyone else for that matter - give him credit for.

But - IMO - this post smells a little of the "K is God" syndrome.

Well, sorry my post smelled that way. You completely missed my point though, which may have been poorly expressed. I was actually responding to the train of thought that was (paraphrased) "Recruiting services are useless, because if K thinks they're good enough for a Duke offer, we should just trust K and assume that they'll be really good". My point was, basically, "Recruiting services are useful because K recruits a wide range of talents (from 4 year role players to one-and-done lottery picks), and recruiting services help inform us where on that spectrum a recruit might fall."

I didn't want to bring up the "also, maybe K was wrong about some recruits" argument, because that inevitably leads to bashing of specific players... and wasn't even necessary to make the point.

Lance may have been a bad example though, due to his high ranking. Maybe someone like David McClure would have been better - even if you believe K is a perfect talent evaluator, recruiting services help us distinguish between the Kyrie Irvings and the David McClures. While both "worthy" of playing for Duke, they impact the program in very different ways.

airowe
04-27-2010, 02:57 PM
Here's the 20th - 30th ranked guys in Lance's class. Some hits, some misses.

Lance Thomas
Mike Conley
Duke Crews
Paul Harris
Earl Clark
Brian Zoubek
DaJuan Summers
Quincy Pondexter
Jon Scheyer
DJ Augustin
Curtis Kelly

roywhite
04-27-2010, 03:00 PM
Here's the 20th - 30th ranked guys in Lance's class. Some hits, some misses.

Lance Thomas
Mike Conley
Duke Crews
Paul Harris
Earl Clark
Brian Zoubek
DaJuan Summers
Quincy Pondexter
Jon Scheyer
DJ Augustin
Curtis Kelly

Number of players with championship rings....3. :D

Channing
04-27-2010, 03:27 PM
Here's the 20th - 30th ranked guys in Lance's class. Some hits, some misses.

Lance Thomas
Mike Conley
Duke Crews
Paul Harris
Earl Clark
Brian Zoubek
DaJuan Summers
Quincy Pondexter
Jon Scheyer
DJ Augustin
Curtis Kelly

Where would you rank LT on this list? In terms of sheer ability to play the game, I would rank him at the bottom. However, in a general rating he would probably have to be ahead of head case Duke Crews and maybe Paul Harris (although at SU he was a very good defender and certainly a better offensive player than LT). Conley, Clark, and Augustin were lottery picks (I think). Summers is currently playing in the NBA and was a good scorer for GTown. Curtis Kelly did some serious work for K State in the regular season and NCAA tourney this year, and Pondexter is projected first round talent. As far as his own teammates, Jon was an ACC POY candidate and 1st team all ACC, and Z was a key driving force to our offense with his rebounds.

CEF1959
04-27-2010, 05:10 PM
Where would you rank LT on this list? In terms of sheer ability to play the game, I would rank him at the bottom. However, in a general rating ...

What's the difference between "sheer ability to play the game" and "a general rating?" LT was a starter on a very good Duke team that won the NT, starting ahead of some other very good players.

I don't understand this LT bashing. Very solid basketball IQ, critical defender, big-bodied contributor whom K counted on. And it paid off. 'Nuff.

JohnGalt
04-27-2010, 05:32 PM
The other thing that I'm shocked that people constantly overlook is the relative ages of our players. Zoubek is a VERY young senior. He's only 6 months older than Miles who's classified as a sophomore. In retrospect, between the foot injuries and his age, I'm really surprised he didn't redshirt. Zoubek's best basketball is still ahead of him and some smart team in the NBA and Europe is going to really benefit from that.

Another parenting quirk is that Mason is almost a year and a half older than Kelly. If you don't think physical maturation differences in 19 versus 20 year old players can lead to huge on-court differences, then you haven't met Stephen and Seth Curry who are both also really young for their respective classes, and who didn't really start to mature until they hit college campuses.

I'll have to claim ignorance here. Great point.


Depends on how you define "bust." Not living up to hype? Big money spent for which there was no return? Disappointed expectations because of something the player did wrong? In the end, words are just words, and I agree that if "bust" is a pejorative, it shouldn't be tossed onto a college kid who failed to succeed based on injuries. But in that sense, it shouldn't be applied to a pro who failed to succeed based on injuries. You could come up with a different definition of "bust" that would include the pro but exclude the college player. (E.g. big contract, no payoff for the club).


It's not a matter of being a rational observer; it's a question of how you define "bust."

Another good point. Perhaps 'miss' is a better word? "Bust" has somewhat of a negative connotation around it so I can understand where some may have taken exception with my post.



Coach K has misjudged recruits notably the pg position for the past 8 or 9 years till Irving..

Im sure he didnt expect a 5 star recruit in Lance to do close to nothing for 4 years then come on..I doubt that was the blueprint..

But i think when people try to use that against him it actually proves what a great coach he is that he doesnt always get the best of the best 5 stars like some others yet still wins..

I do NOT agree with these.
Jason Williams and Chris Duhon were servicable.


I took the previous poster's point to be a drive-by shot or two at Coach K and the Duke program.

There are plenty of examples of high-profile recruits who don't live up to their reputations. One only has to look down the road 8 or 9 miles over the past season to see this.

I hope you don't mean my previous post. I don't drive by shoot at anything (well, maybe with a paintball gun when I was younger), especially the Duke program/Coach K. I agree 100% that there are plenty of examples of high level recruits that come in highly touted, yet fail to perform to expectation. My only point was that Coach K is not immune to this. I think CDu's post sums it up nicely.


Well, sorry my post smelled that way. You completely missed my point though, which may have been poorly expressed. I was actually responding to the train of thought that was (paraphrased) "Recruiting services are useless, because if K thinks they're good enough for a Duke offer, we should just trust K and assume that they'll be really good". My point was, basically, "Recruiting services are useful because K recruits a wide range of talents (from 4 year role players to one-and-done lottery picks), and recruiting services help inform us where on that spectrum a recruit might fall."

I didn't want to bring up the "also, maybe K was wrong about some recruits" argument, because that inevitably leads to bashing of specific players... and wasn't even necessary to make the point.

Lance may have been a bad example though, due to his high ranking. Maybe someone like David McClure would have been better - even if you believe K is a perfect talent evaluator, recruiting services help us distinguish between the Kyrie Irvings and the David McClures. While both "worthy" of playing for Duke, they impact the program in very different ways.

I think it's possible to have a discussion about Duke's players, past and present, that may or may not have reached pre-conceived expectation levels without 'bashing them.' I think this all got started with my use of the term "bust" which again I apologize as it wasn't meant pejoratively. Like I mentioned before, "miss" may be a better word. Either way, perhaps this is too difficult a topic to approach without sensitivites flaring up. I think Lance and Brian brought a tremendous amount to the Duke Program, specifically that National championship we won barely 3 weeks ago.


Anyhow, back to Gbinije. My friend who's a huge Clemson football fan, but not too much into Clemson basketball said he was scanning the TV the other day and came across a high school basketball game. He said some kid with a "weird" (again, please don't take offense...maybe I should use strange?) name was running around everyone, making them all "look like little schoolchildren." He said he had two dunks that were as big as anything he's seen a high school basketball player do. Anyhow, so I took him to the computer and started running down names and sure enough, he pointed to:

G-B-I-N-I-J-E. Woot Woot.

CDu
04-27-2010, 05:33 PM
We seem to be discussing two ideas here: (1) where LT was when he got to Duke, and (2) how LT developed once he was at Duke. I agree that LT wasn't an impact player upon arrival, but disagree with the original comment that he did "close to nothing" prior to this season.

I think you're mixing "developed" with produced (which is what I think the previous poster meant by "did close to nothing." Even though Thomas was developing, he was still not producing until his third year (and arguably not consistently until his 4th year). This was all largely due to his not being ready, which was the point - there was perhaps a misjudgment of Thomas's readiness.

CoBlueDevil
04-27-2010, 05:43 PM
Anyhow, back to Gbinije. My friend who's a huge Clemson football fan, but not too much into Clemson basketball said he was scanning the TV the other day and came across a high school basketball game. He said some kid with a "weird" (again, please don't take offense...maybe I should use strange?) name was running around everyone, making them all "look like little schoolchildren." He said he had two dunks that were as big as anything he's seen a high school basketball player do. Anyhow, so I took him to the computer and started running down names and sure enough, he pointed to:

G-B-I-N-I-J-E. Woot Woot.

This cracked me up. Also good to hear. I think he's going to be solid for us, and Im excited for his arrival even though it is quite a long time from now. I just hope we can add a certain Rivers kid to our already solid 2011 class.

Go Duke!

David
04-27-2010, 07:34 PM
I think you're mixing "developed" with produced (which is what I think the previous poster meant by "did close to nothing." Even though Thomas was developing, he was still not producing until his third year (and arguably not consistently until his 4th year). This was all largely due to his not being ready, which was the point - there was perhaps a misjudgment of Thomas's readiness.

CDu - we may just have to agree to disagree on Lance's productivity prior to this season (you could sub "produced" for "developed" in my prior post). I respect your perspective, but I think your definition of 'productivity' is too narrow.

CEF1959
04-27-2010, 07:55 PM
Sometimes you aren't seeing all there is to see by watching a player on the court (let alone looking at his stats). He might be the guy who always knows what to say in the huddle. He might be the guy who pulls the younger guys together when things are starting to unravel. He might be the guy who works his backside off in practice, gets there early, and stays late, setting a huge example and thereby making other players better. He might be the guy who helps a valuable team mate get through something on or off the court. He might be the guy who lets himself get beat up inside, taking and giving fouls as best he can, not worrying about his personal stats. The kind of guy you might make a co-captain of your team.

There's a word for what a guy like that brings to the team. It's something coaches see and fans may not, but it's important to winning. It's right at the tip of my tongue. Starts with "L"..... No, no, not "Lance." The other "L" word.

BD80
04-27-2010, 08:04 PM
... There's a word for what a guy like that brings to the team. It's something coaches see and fans may not, but it's important to winning. It's right at the tip of my tongue. Starts with "L"..... No, no, not "Lance." The other "L" word.

I'll bet you mean "dealership," so help me dog.

G man
04-27-2010, 08:14 PM
Coach K has misjudged recruits notably the pg position for the past 8 or 9 years till Irving..

Im sure he didnt expect a 5 star recruit in Lance to do close to nothing for 4 years then come on..I doubt that was the blueprint..

But i think when people try to use that against him it actually proves what a great coach he is that he doesnt always get the best of the best 5 stars like some others yet still wins..

We have no idea how Livingston would have turned out if he had come to Duke. I think the only person he did not judge spot on was Paulus. I also doubt you could find anyone who would not have wanted Paulus on the team. Also we are not sure if he has judged Irving correctly yet or not. I sure hope he has but that remains to be seen.

CEF1959
04-27-2010, 08:23 PM
I'll bet you mean "dealership," so help me dog.

Always the car references with you Motown guys....

CDu
04-27-2010, 08:40 PM
CDu - we may just have to agree to disagree on Lance's productivity prior to this season (you could sub "produced" for "developed" in my prior post). I respect your perspective, but I think your definition of 'productivity' is too narrow.

And I don't think productivity and development are substitutable terms. A really unproductive player can develop a lot without becoming productive.

I think Thomas made a lot of progress and became a very productive player. But for a good bit of his time, he wasn't productive. That's just because he had a long way to go. I'm just glad he made it there in the end.

Tappan Zee Devil
04-27-2010, 11:40 PM
Jason Williams and Chris Duhon were servicable.


ah?? - serviceable ?? :confused:

Channing
04-28-2010, 08:43 AM
I do NOT agree with these.
Jason Williams and Chris Duhon were servicable.




To be fair to the poster, he said the past 8 or 9 years. J-Will and Duhon were both recruited over a decade ago. The three true point guards K got commitments from before Irving were Paulus, Livingston, and Dockery. Paulus and Dockery did not live up to their billing, but Livingston shot up through the AAU ranks his senior year, and played himself into the lottery right out of high school. I wouldnt say that K missed on him, but rather had him evaluated properly before anyone else.

I may be missing someone, but I dont think I am.

CDu
04-28-2010, 08:44 AM
I do NOT agree with these.
Jason Williams and Chris Duhon were servicable.

Williams and Duhon were obviously fantastic players. But to be fair to the previous poster, sure he/she said in the past 8-9 years. And I'm pretty sure that he/she was referring to recruitment of players. Duhon was recruited 10-11 years ago. Williams was recruited a year earlier than him. In the last 8-9 years, the only PG that we've brought to Duke were Dockery and Paulus (Scheyer was not recruited as a PG, though he ultimately became a very good one for us). Both were very highly-rated recruits (Paulus moreso than Dockery, but Dockery was still a top-tier PG recruit). And while both were solid contributors at Duke, neither matched their recruiting expectations.

And that's not meant as a discredit to either player. Both played hard, were good teammates, and represented the university well. And recruiting expectations are not the fault of the player. It's not fair to them that other people misjudged them.

CDu
04-28-2010, 08:47 AM
To be fair to the poster, he said the past 8 or 9 years. J-Will and Duhon were both recruited over a decade ago. The three true point guards K got commitments from before Irving were Paulus, Livingston, and Dockery. Paulus and Dockery did not live up to their billing, but Livingston shot up through the AAU ranks his senior year, and played himself into the lottery right out of high school. I wouldnt say that K missed on him, but rather had him evaluated properly before anyone else.

I may be missing someone, but I dont think I am.

Aggh... looks like you beat me by a mere minute. I think you've nailed them.

The only guys who've played PG for Duke since Duhon graduated are Ewing (recruited as a SG), Dockery, Paulus, Smith (recruited as a SG or combo guard), and Scheyer (recruited as a SG).

JohnGalt
04-28-2010, 09:23 AM
I may be missing someone, but I dont think I am.

Nope, you're not. I got behind on the thread (as you can see from my huge compilation of quotes) and misread his post.

Thanks for the clarification. I agree with you and CDu.

SupaDave
04-28-2010, 11:31 AM
And don't forget Buckner and Davidson - they weren't expected to start but they were brought here to play point guard.

CDu
04-28-2010, 11:38 AM
And don't forget Buckner and Davidson - they weren't expected to start but they were brought here to play point guard.

Davidson was not brought here to play PG. He was a walk-on who was expected to be a practice player. Buckner was recruited in the same class as Williams (i.e., more than 8-9 years ago). So neither is relevant to this particular discussion.

Sorry if this was a joke and I missed it.

SupaDave
04-28-2010, 11:46 AM
Davidson was not brought here to play PG. He was a walk-on who was expected to be a practice player. Buckner was recruited in the same class as Williams (i.e., more than 8-9 years ago). So neither is relevant to this particular discussion.

Sorry if this was a joke and I missed it.

Sorry I was just looking at the players who have played pg that may have been missed. You guys have been off-topic for awhile so I haven't followed too closely.

CDu
04-28-2010, 11:55 AM
Sorry I was just looking at the players who have played pg that may have been missed. You guys have been off-topic for awhile so I haven't followed too closely.

I agree that this discussion is completely off-topic of Gbinije. If it wasn't a waste of effort (I think that the discussion has been resolved now anyway), I'd say it should be moved to another thread.

But I think that everyone is on the same page again and can return to discussing Gbinije.

Welcome2DaSlopes
04-28-2010, 02:09 PM
What are Mike Gbinije strengths? does anyone know, and I don't mean by going on scouts and reading what they put and just copying it here.

DeBlueDevil
04-28-2010, 05:36 PM
From what I've read and seem this kid is very workman like. He comes to play every game and goes to work. Nice shot, can get to the basket, plays physical and can contribute on the glass. No very quick so is vulnerable if guarding a smaller guard but he can use his size to his advantage on D. Not very flashy but that can be a asset in a way. Very humble and grounded kid. I think the fact that he isn't flashy and isn't in your face (look at me look at me) is the reason why he somewhat gets overlooked and most sites list him as a 4 star. But that will change soon and I believe once this kid gets on campus and gets with the coaching staff he'll be a household name in no time.

Welcome2DaSlopes
04-28-2010, 05:43 PM
From what I've read and seem this kid is very workman like. He comes to play every game and goes to work. Nice shot, can get to the basket, plays physical and can contribute on the glass. No very quick so is vulnerable if guarding a smaller guard but he can use his size to his advantage on D. Not very flashy but that can be a asset in a way. Very humble and grounded kid. I think the fact that he isn't flashy and isn't in your face (look at me look at me) is the reason why he somewhat gets overlooked and most sites list him as a 4 star. But that will change soon and I believe once this kid gets on campus and gets with the coaching staff he'll be a household name in no time.

Sounds a little like Dre all Day

airowe
05-02-2010, 04:05 PM
Gbinije is a Gballer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEcsL9aoBhA

Welcome2DaSlopes
05-02-2010, 04:08 PM
I like his ability to block shots.

Cockabeau
05-02-2010, 04:13 PM
I am warming up to this kid......

Welcome2DaSlopes
05-02-2010, 04:15 PM
How good is his range? is he more of a slasher?

MisterRoddy
05-02-2010, 04:15 PM
Gbinije is a Gballer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEcsL9aoBhA

Would a good comparrison be a mature Jordan Hamilton (of Texas)...Hamiltons a baller..just shoots it every time he touches it.

Also very glad he (Gbinije) can play some D...cant wait for him to suit up in a couple of years.

hedevil
05-02-2010, 04:36 PM
From what I've read about this kid, it really matches what I see from him. He plays the game under control. He never seems rushed. It's almost as if the game is moving in slow motion for him and he is able to dictate his pace which is always controlled. Although it's a different position, he reminds me of Jon in the way that Jon dictated pace (was never rushed), not the other way around.

ScreechTDX1847
05-02-2010, 04:47 PM
From what I've read about this kid, it really matches what I see from him. He plays the game under control. He never seems rushed. It's almost as if the game is moving in slow motion for him and he is able to dictate his pace which is always controlled. Although it's a different position, he reminds me of Jon in the way that Jon dictated pace (was never rushed), not the other way around.

Players who control the game at their own pace typically are juniors and seniors. Specifically primary ballhandlers. Even the great one and done PGs of the past few years haven't had that quality. It really takes experience to make everyone on the floor play at your speed.

Indoor66
05-02-2010, 05:00 PM
He also is not looking for the highlight dunk everytime. He seems to make the high percentage play.

username
06-14-2010, 09:07 AM
Haven't seen this posted here...

Some highlights from Michael's junior season. The slow motion is kind of annoying, but still:

Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ajV7Ib_E0k

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fvoT4g7NN8

Part III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD402d-RERg

Part IV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am8NyKTB_S0

DreAllDay
06-14-2010, 02:24 PM
Having not seen much footage on Gbinije, I'm quite impressed. Looks like he has great size and handles for the 2/3 position and is really smooth. I was surprised at the number of highlight dunks I saw too, I didn't realize he could bounce like that. This kid is going to be a terrific player for us I think.

I know it's a bit premature to discuss this, but he's likely to be a McDonald's All American right?

airowe
06-14-2010, 02:43 PM
Having not seen much footage on Gbinije, I'm quite impressed. Looks like he has great size and handles for the 2/3 position and is really smooth. I was surprised at the number of highlight dunks I saw too, I didn't realize he could bounce like that. This kid is going to be a terrific player for us I think.

I know it's a bit premature to discuss this, but he's likely to be a McDonald's All American right?

Absolutely. He's ranked very high right now. He's the #4 ranked SF and the 16th ranked player overall in the Class of 2011.

Daniel tosh
06-14-2010, 03:18 PM
Personally,I cannot wait to see him in a Duke uniform.

OldPhiKap
06-14-2010, 03:56 PM
Personally,I cannot wait to see him in a Duke uniform.

Only another NC between then and now.

hedevil
06-14-2010, 04:36 PM
I really like Gbinije. Real good control to his game. Nice looking jumper, ball handles, hops, etc. There were a few good blocks in those highlights too. I really like the fact that he picked Duke pretty quickly. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Looks like the Duke haters are going to have plenty to hate for years to come.

MisterRoddy
06-15-2010, 12:55 PM
I really like Gbinije. Real good control to his game. Nice looking jumper, ball handles, hops, etc. There were a few good blocks in those highlights too. I really like the fact that he picked Duke pretty quickly. He knew what he wanted and went for it. Looks like the Duke haters are going to have plenty to hate for years to come.

I would actually give this early commitment more to Duke and it's staff. Growing up a UNC fan, many labeled Gbinije a UNC lean and Duke hadn't offered until mid-February and wasn't considered a big player until then. Duke's blowout of UNC (in which MG was in attendance) obviously helped with his recruitment and then Duke's staff obviously made a great impression on the recruiting trail and closed in on him quickly. Great job all-around by Duke. It looks like we got a great player on our hands.

fgb
06-15-2010, 01:17 PM
. Growing up a UNC fan, .

glad to hear you saw the light.

Kedsy
06-15-2010, 02:20 PM
glad to hear you saw the light.

I think he meant Gbinije, not himself.

MisterRoddy
06-15-2010, 02:46 PM
I think he meant Gbinije, not himself.

Indeed, I did meant Gbinije, thanks kedsy. I was a bit confused at that post as the mere thought of being a UNC fan makes me shiver. :eek:

MisterRoddy
06-19-2010, 12:34 AM
Article on Michael Gbinije (and others) and their performances at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp.

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=rivals-381124

Devilsfan
06-19-2010, 03:07 AM
All this is fine. I still wonder what he lacks that caused him to get cut from the 18U team. Hope this doesn't offend anyone I would have like him to be good enough in his try outs to make the team.

airowe
06-19-2010, 09:44 AM
All this is fine. I still wonder what he lacks that caused him to get cut from the 18U team. Hope this doesn't offend anyone I would have like him to be good enough in his try outs to make the team.

I think the main reason is probably that Gbinije is a small forward. And that's really his only position. A lot of the guys that were picked for the team can play more than one position.

Kedsy
06-19-2010, 01:41 PM
All this is fine. I still wonder what he lacks that caused him to get cut from the 18U team. Hope this doesn't offend anyone I would have like him to be good enough in his try outs to make the team.

He's a junior in high school. Cut the kid some slack.

MisterRoddy
06-19-2010, 01:42 PM
All this is fine. I still wonder what he lacks that caused him to get cut from the 18U team. Hope this doesn't offend anyone I would have like him to be good enough in his try outs to make the team.

Don't worry about him not making the team. We have a very, very good player in Michael Gbinije.

Oriole Way
06-19-2010, 11:09 PM
All this is fine. I still wonder what he lacks that caused him to get cut from the 18U team. Hope this doesn't offend anyone I would have like him to be good enough in his try outs to make the team.

In addition, I think there were 3 different kids selected whose college coaches are assistant coaches on the team, leading me to jump to the conclusion that favorites were played in the selections. Too lazy to look it up, but I think one is a Georgia Tech commit (Hewitt) and another is a Syracuse commit (Boeheim).

Bob Green
06-20-2010, 12:13 AM
In addition, I think there were 3 different kids selected whose college coaches are assistant coaches on the team, leading me to jump to the conclusion that favorites were played in the selections. Too lazy to look it up, but I think one is a Georgia Tech commit (Hewitt) and another is a Syracuse commit (Boeheim).

First off, I find accusations of favoritism in the process of selecting a national team incredulous. Second, Boeheim is not an assistant coach he is the chairman of the USA Men's Junior National Team Committee. Paul Hewitt and Reggie Witherspoon (University of Buffalo) are the assistants. Finally, which three players are you referring to? The small forwards selected were Tony Mitchell (Missouri), LeBryan Nash (2011 Undecided), and Jereme Richmond (Illinois).

SilkyJ
06-20-2010, 08:34 PM
In addition, I think there were 3 different kids selected whose college coaches are assistant coaches on the team, leading me to jump to the conclusion that favorites were played in the selections. Too lazy to look it up, but I think one is a Georgia Tech commit (Hewitt) and another is a Syracuse commit (Boeheim).


First off, I find accusations of favoritism in the process of selecting a national team incredulous.

Seriously. Its no better than suggesting a referee conspiracy that causes Duke to get all the calls. And then you're "too lazy" to backup your claims/guesses? Poor form.

duketaylor
06-20-2010, 10:38 PM
I have seen Michael play twice, albeit about 18 months ago, so I'll not post too many of my thoughts from then, tho I wasn't impressed. It's my understanding he's improved a good bit and he plays here in Richmond, so I'll make it to some games this fall and winter and post my impressions, FWIW.

I was at the Benedictine Gym watching Michael and saw NateDogg watching the teams in the tourney and went down to talk to Nate just before I left. Very affable and I'm elated he's coaching/recruiting for Duke. Great hire for K.
I think Nate was really surprised that anybody like me (a junkyard dog/Duke bball fan) was down there checking out talent, recognized him and said hello.

Look forward to seeing him again this fall.

MCFinARL
06-21-2010, 08:57 AM
First off, I find accusations of favoritism in the process of selecting a national team incredulous. Second, Boeheim is not an assistant coach he is the chairman of the USA Men's Junior National Team Committee. Paul Hewitt and Reggie Witherspoon (University of Buffalo) are the assistants. Finally, which three players are you referring to? The small forwards selected were Tony Mitchell (Missouri), LeBryan Nash (2011 Undecided), and Jereme Richmond (Illinois).

At the risk of being a total jerk, I feel compelled to note that, though I agree with your post completely, I think you mean you find the accusations incredible. You, in turn, are incredulous that the poster made the accusations. Sorry; I can't help myself.:rolleyes:

Oriole Way
06-21-2010, 01:03 PM
Seriously. Its no better than suggesting a referee conspiracy that causes Duke to get all the calls. And then you're "too lazy" to backup your claims/guesses? Poor form.

It wasn't a guess, I knew for certain that 3 players with ties to coaches working for the team were selected. My fault for incorrectly calling all 3 assistants, as 2 of the coaches in question are affiliated with the program different levels.


First off, I find accusations of favoritism in the process of selecting a national team incredulous. Second, Boeheim is not an assistant coach he is the chairman of the USA Men's Junior National Team Committee. Paul Hewitt and Reggie Witherspoon (University of Buffalo) are the assistants. Finally, which three players are you referring to? The small forwards selected were Tony Mitchell (Missouri), LeBryan Nash (2011 Undecided), and Jereme Richmond (Illinois).

Syracuse University head coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim, an assistant coach for the 2009-12 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, chairs the USA Men’s Junior National Team Committee. The Committee also includes NCAA appointees Lorenzo Romar, University of Washington head coach; Bruce Weber, University of Illinois head coach.

Trevor Cooney (Syracuse), Abdul Gaddy (Washington), and Jereme Richmond (Illinois) were selected for the team.

I don't think it's unreasonable to surmise that preferential treatment was given to one or more of those players, it happens all the time in sports at every level. Heck, could have happened with Hairston because of Coach K's standing with the National Team. The bottom line is that we shouldn't read much into Gbinije not making the final cut in terms of his talent or performance.

COYS
06-21-2010, 01:19 PM
The bottom line is that we shouldn't read much into Gbinije not making the final cut in terms of his talent or performance.

I think this the crux of Oriole Way's argument, and it definitely rings true. Gbinije will be just fine, regardless.

SilkyJ
06-21-2010, 02:11 PM
I think this the crux of Oriole Way's argument, and it definitely rings true. Gbinije will be just fine, regardless.

That's definitely the conclusion of his argument, and I agree: we/Gbinije will be just fine. I don't like how he arrived at that conclusion by suggesting favoritism with nothing more than the most circumstantial of evidence. I think its pretty poor form and he has nothing to back it up.

Bob Green
06-21-2010, 06:39 PM
Syracuse University head coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim, an assistant coach for the 2009-12 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, chairs the USA Men’s Junior National Team Committee. The Committee also includes NCAA appointees Lorenzo Romar, University of Washington head coach; Bruce Weber, University of Illinois head coach.

Trevor Cooney (Syracuse), Abdul Gaddy (Washington), and Jereme Richmond (Illinois) were selected for the team.



Perhaps I'm nitpicking but Boeheim is an assistant coach for the National Team not the U18 Team. Boeheim, Romar, and Weber are on the Junior National Team Committee however they are not assistant coaches. The assistant coaches for the U18 Team are Paul Hewitt and Reggie Witherspoon.

If you actually believe favoritism was a factor, I'll agree to disagree.

yancem
06-22-2010, 10:44 AM
Perhaps I'm nitpicking but Boeheim is an assistant coach for the National Team not the U18 Team. Boeheim, Romar, and Weber are on the Junior National Team Committee however they are not assistant coaches. The assistant coaches for the U18 Team are Paul Hewitt and Reggie Witherspoon.

If you actually believe favoritism was a factor, I'll agree to disagree.

I have no knowledge of the the current U18 team selection process so I won't speak to any favoritism in this particular case but to think that during the selection processes of these types of teams doesn't happen seems a little naive. I'm sure that there are some coaches that will be tougher on his players during the selection process in order to appear as neutral as possible. But I am also sure that there are coaches out there that recognize that playing on these type of teams are very valuable to a players development and therefore look for excuses to get there players on the team.

I can't cite any recent examples nor do I care enough to take the time to research for them, but I know that in the past I remember wondering how certain players have made these teams over other player trying out. In some of those cases, they played for coaches involved with the team. Is it really much different then watching some players rise in the rankings because they signed with a big name school or get selected to the McDonald's AA game for the same reason? No one is completely impartial. If a coach recruits a player he obviously thinks highly of his talent. Let's also not forget that these coaches are generally looking to run their system and who is going to be best suited to play their system?

Jderf
06-22-2010, 10:53 AM
I have no knowledge of the the current U18 team selection process so I won't speak to any favoritism in this particular case but to think that during the selection processes of these types of teams doesn't happen seems a little naive. I'm sure that there are some coaches that will be tougher on his players during the selection process in order to appear as neutral as possible. But I am also sure that there are coaches out there that recognize that playing on these type of teams are very valuable to a players development and therefore look for excuses to get there players on the team.

I can't cite any recent examples nor do I care enough to take the time to research for them, but I know that in the past I remember wondering how certain players have made these teams over other player trying out. In some of those cases, they played for coaches involved with the team. Is it really much different then watching some players rise in the rankings because they signed with a big name school or get selected to the McDonald's AA game for the same reason? No one is completely impartial. If a coach recruits a player he obviously thinks highly of his talent. Let's also not forget that these coaches are generally looking to run their system and who is going to be best suited to play their system?

Perhaps there is some kind of subconscious lean towards picking players that the coach is more familiar with, and perhaps knowing more about a kid helps in case he had a bad weekend at tryouts and the coach knows he could do better. BUT, to suggest that any of the coaches sat down and tried to make a decision, and went on nothing other than the fact that one kid will play for them and the other won't (or because they are trying to recruit one over the other) is complete and baseless conjecture. The kids who are on that team earned their spots. None of them are out of place. If there was a big question mark over a kid that happened to be a prospective player for one of the coaches, then maybe that kind of speculation would be passable. I know you're arguing more in general, and maybe it has happened in the past, but in this case it just doesn't fit.

oldnavy
06-22-2010, 01:42 PM
Another explanation could be that these coaches coach elite level programs, and these players are elite level players, therefore it is not surprising that some of the recruits from these schools end up on the National team. Favoritism? Doubtful at this level, possible, but doubtful.

Now, if a lower level recruit (say >top 100) from one of the coaches school ended up on one of the teams, well then.... maybe we should start asking questions.

rotogod00
06-22-2010, 11:58 PM
Gbinije just checked in at #29 in ESPN's updated top 100.

ajgoodfella7
07-01-2010, 07:45 PM
Michael Gbinije is up to #17 in the new Rivals 150 and they now consider him a 5-star prospect.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/rankings/rank-2288

Daniel tosh
07-09-2010, 12:57 PM
Anyone know if he's playing in the king city classic this weekend?

airowe
07-09-2010, 01:53 PM
Anyone know if he's playing in the king city classic this weekend?

Yes, he's there now.

sdotbarbee
07-14-2010, 12:14 PM
With all the talk about Rivers at the Peach Jam, we left out Gbinije. He is having an outstanding tourney so far and I can't wait to see him in a Duke uniform.

sdotbarbee
07-14-2010, 12:18 PM
Gbinije continues his great play, has 17 and his Team Takeover is crushing the Oakland Soldiers. More details on the sites msg board. about 1 hour ago via web from National Hills, Augusta-Richmond County

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username
07-14-2010, 01:23 PM
Some more highlights of Michael's play on the AAU circuit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiI6jVEUCIs

Bob Green
07-14-2010, 01:43 PM
The 3-point line in that video is at the old 19'9" distance instead of 20'9". Is this standard on the AAU circuit? Or just a function of the specific gym where that game is being played?

Duvall
07-14-2010, 01:50 PM
The 3-point line in that video is at the old 19'9" distance instead of 20'9". Is this standard on the AAU circuit? Or just a function of the specific gym where that game is being played?

Isn't that still the standard high school 3-point line? Stands to reason that it would be used in AAU ball as well.

Bob Green
07-14-2010, 01:51 PM
Isn't that still the standard high school 3-point line? Stands to reason that it would be used in AAU ball as well.

That makes sense to me. Thanks!

Acymetric
07-14-2010, 01:58 PM
Isn't that still the standard high school 3-point line? Stands to reason that it would be used in AAU ball as well.

Interesting, I never really thought about there being an adjustment from high school to college after they moved the line. I guess it probably isn't a huge adjustment, but interesting to think about, especially in looking at guys who shot well in high school but couldn't hit the 3 consistently in college.

sdotbarbee
07-14-2010, 03:40 PM
Gbinije: 17.6PPG, 5.4RPG, 1.6APG, 1.6 STL, 1.4 BLK, 49%FG, 79% FT, 1.8 TO
Peach Jam stats.

hedevil
07-14-2010, 04:39 PM
Nice stat line for Gbinije. I'm really drawn to his field goal percentage (49%). That's one of the things that I have really liked about Gbinije every time I see him. GOOD SHOT SELECTION! I just love his pace. Michael always seems under control, sees the court well, and plays at his own pace. I wouldn't compare him to Scheyer, but Scheyer does pop up in my mind with this kid in terms of not being rushed. Hopefully he brings that style of play and awareness to Duke as well.

Sandman
07-14-2010, 08:09 PM
Watched 3 of Mike G's games at the Peach Jam. He is a real keeper, destined to be a star at Duke. He has great hands, is very quick, and is deadly driving to the basket. He's also a surprisingly good rebounder. Oh, and he plays rather good defense for a high schooler.

The one area that he seemed to struggle with at the PJ is his shooting. By far, most of his points have been scored on tremendous drives to the basket, rebounds, and close in jumpers. As my new Duke friend, Jordan, said, maybe it's depth perception due to the small gyms where the games are played. If MG's shooting can improve, he will give the prince a run for his money as to the best 6' 6-7" swing player in NC

MisterRoddy
07-14-2010, 10:04 PM
Watched 3 of Mike G's games at the Peach Jam. He is a real keeper, destined to be a star at Duke. He has great hands, is very quick, and is deadly driving to the basket. He's also a surprisingly good rebounder. Oh, and he plays rather good defense for a high schooler.

The one area that he seemed to struggle with at the PJ is his shooting. By far, most of his points have been scored on tremendous drives to the basket, rebounds, and close in jumpers. As my new Duke friend, Jordan, said, maybe it's depth perception due to the small gyms where the games are played. If MG's shooting can improve, he will give the prince a run for his money as to the best 6' 6-7" swing player in NC

Not sure about the Harrison Barnes statement but the arrival of Mike should make the departure of Kyle a lot easier on us.

oakvillebluedevil
07-14-2010, 10:57 PM
The one area that he seemed to struggle with at the PJ is his shooting. By far, most of his points have been scored on tremendous drives to the basket, rebounds, and close in jumpers.

It's great to hear that he is able to produce going to the basket. I assume that means his ballhandling has been strong? So far in highlights his ability to create his own shot has been the question mark, as his jumper has looked ACC-ready pretty much throughout (see 3:15 mark of earlier youtube video for a particularly nice one). He and Andre will make a deadly wing tandem.

SupaDave
07-20-2010, 12:35 PM
Gbinje is featured in the new Slam Magazine. This kid is blowing up right before our eyes!!

roywhite
07-20-2010, 12:41 PM
Gbinije: 17.6PPG, 5.4RPG, 1.6APG, 1.6 STL, 1.4 BLK, 49%FG, 79% FT, 1.8 TO
Peach Jam stats.

And his team won every game and won the championship. Seems to understand the team concept very well.

SupaDave
07-20-2010, 12:46 PM
More on Gbinje...

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-basketball/article/2010-07-14/duke-bound-gbinije-has-name-and-game-remember

Daniel tosh
08-31-2010, 03:59 PM
Michael Gbinije (2011), 6-6, 177, SF
Benedictine (Richmond, VA)
Committed to Duke. Gbinije is effective in nearly every aspect on the court: shooting, slashing, passing, defense, etc. Because of that, he’s the ultimate stat-sheet filler. Best part is that Gbinije is a winner.

This an excerpt from his profile on highschoolhoop.I truly cannot wait for this kid.He will be a great addition to the team.

username
09-25-2010, 10:40 AM
Second part of Michael's AAU highlights ( there's also a little bit of Gbinije(Duke) vs. Gilchrist(UK)).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i6S6mKtGv4

JMarley50
09-25-2010, 12:10 PM
Second part of Michael's AAU highlights ( there's also a little bit of Gbinije(Duke) vs. Gilchrist(UK)).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i6S6mKtGv4


Nice clip! I am very impressed with his ability to get to the rim, and he appears to be a great finisher too! Its funny that Gilchrist has to call for a ball screen every time to get around him.

Azdukefan
09-25-2010, 05:33 PM
Not to be a Debby Downer but is he not a poor man's Andre Dawkin's? What in his skill set will separate him from Andre? I know Andre will be a junior when he comes on campus but I just don't see how Mike fits in. Let's be realistic, AAU does not play much D so to say that Gilchrist can't guard him might be a stretch. Someone straighten me out please.

BTW.....I am always happy to pick up another recruit I just want to know where/how Mike fits in.

MisterRoddy
09-25-2010, 05:58 PM
Not to be a Debby Downer but is he not a poor man's Andre Dawkin's? What in his skill set will separate him from Andre? I know Andre will be a junior when he comes on campus but I just don't see how Mike fits in. Let's be realistic, AAU does not play much D so to say that Gilchrist can't guard him might be a stretch. Someone straighten me out please.

BTW.....I am always happy to pick up another recruit I just want to know where/how Mike fits in.

Mike has a good 3 inches on Dawkins and, therefore, will most likely play Small Forward. While Andre is, hands down, the better shooter, Mike has better handle and relies on that much more to to either drive to the basket or drive just inside the arch and hit a sweet jump shot.

I really don't know how Gbinije wouldn't fit with this Duke team. His first year, he will really be the only small forward on the team (with Andre and Josh sure to get minutes there) but Mike could most definitely get solid minutes off the bench at the 3.

So - Sr years, Mike will likely start, if not, get big minutes at the 3 and could potentially play a big part for this team so I really don't understand why you are so worried.

Bob Green
09-25-2010, 06:59 PM
Not to be a Debby Downer but is he not a poor man's Andre Dawkin's?

Mike Gbinije has flown a bit under the radar due to his early commitment. The casual observer isn't aware of how high he is ranked. Currently:

Scout: #21
Rivals: #31
ESPN: #25

Gbinije is a very high quality recruit and Duke is extremely fortunate to have him aboard!

Cockabeau
09-26-2010, 08:34 AM
The players are totally different.

Dawkins: 6'3" shooter with range and hops,limited handles,limited lateral quickness.

Gbinje: 6'8" swingman with jack of all trades master of none type skill.

chrisheery
09-26-2010, 12:22 PM
The players are totally different.

Dawkins: 6'3" shooter with range and hops,limited handles,limited lateral quickness.

Gbinje: 6'8" swingman with jack of all trades master of none type skill.

Where did you see him listed at 6'8"? I have never seen him listed as that tall. Consensus seems to be 6'6".

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/67011/michael-gbinije

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Michael-Gbinije-73310

http://northcarolina.scout.com/a.z?s=78&p=8&c=1&nid=3583211

http://bluedevilinsider.wordpress.com/2010/03/12/michael-gbinije-commits-to-duke/

Kedsy
09-26-2010, 08:20 PM
The players are totally different.

Dawkins: 6'3" shooter with range and hops,limited handles,limited lateral quickness.

Gbinje: 6'8" swingman with jack of all trades master of none type skill.

Dawkins is officially listed at 6'4" and Gbinije is I believe generally considered to be about 6'6", so perhaps there is not so much difference between them as you contend. A two inch difference is worlds away from a five inch difference.

Nonetheless, as you suggest there is plenty of room on the team for both of them.

Azdukefan
09-26-2010, 11:22 PM
Dawkins is officially listed at 6'4" and Gbinije is I believe generally considered to be about 6'6", so perhaps there is not so much difference between them as you contend. A two inch difference is worlds away from a five inch difference.

Nonetheless, as you suggest there is plenty of room on the team for both of them.

This ^ is more along the lines of what I thought. Nothing I have heard has swayed me to believe the two have such different skill sets. However, I am very excited to have MG. I will still say that if PT comes to Dawkins/Gbinije, AD will get the nod. I guess we will just to wait and see. Thanks for the perspectives!

Cockabeau
09-27-2010, 08:30 AM
I have seen Gjinje listed at 6'7" to 6'8". But you might be right about the 6'6" thing. Athletes tend to be shorter than listed.This is very annoying as a basketball fan....

trey_dre20
12-16-2010, 02:22 PM
I had heard a bunch of reports that Coach K had gone to see Tony Parker in Georgia on Tuesday night and that he would then go to one of Michael Gbinije's games on Wednesday night, did he end up watching Michael's game? And does anyone know how Michael did in that game?

DeepBlue70
12-16-2010, 02:32 PM
I live in Richmond, so I checked this morning's paper to see what I could find for you. They only have a very limited boxscore - Gbinijae for 26 with one three pointer.
An undeafeated Benedictine beat a 5-2 Christ Church team. I was unaware that it was in K's plans to visit - I might have tried to get there.

Bluedog
12-16-2010, 02:40 PM
I had heard a bunch of reports that Coach K had gone to see Tony Parker in Georgia on Tuesday night and that he would then go to one of Michael Gbinije's games on Wednesday night, did he end up watching Michael's game? And does anyone know how Michael did in that game?


I live in Richmond, so I checked this morning's paper to see what I could find for you. They only have a very limited boxscore - Gbinijae for 26 with one three pointer.
An undeafeated Benedictine beat a 5-2 Christ Church team. I was unaware that it was in K's plans to visit - I might have tried to get there.

26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks

K and Nate James were both there

roywhite
12-16-2010, 02:58 PM
26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks

K and Nate James were both there

I love the idea that even while the master is hard at work with his current creation, he's preparing and thinking about the form of future projects.

Devil in the Blue Dress
12-16-2010, 03:08 PM
I love the idea that even while the master is hard at work with his current creation, he's preparing and thinking about the form of future projects.
That's the way the good ones work. Coach Cutcliffe has been very busy in the off season, too. ;)

Duke is so fortunate to have more than one coach who fits that description.

Leck
01-15-2011, 09:02 PM
Mike G continues to impress: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5960403

he is going to be very, very good.

OldPhiKap
01-15-2011, 11:23 PM
Mike G continues to impress: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5960403

he is going to be very, very good.

Look forward to getting to know your game, Mike!!

OnToTheNextOne
02-24-2011, 04:10 AM
Here is a new video of some highlights of 2011 commit Michael Gbinije. The first game of the video, as I'm sure you will notice, is at Cameron Indoor. The last game shows him putting in work against future tarheel James Macadoo. He looked really good against Macadoo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfrj-skCMGk

tylervinyard
02-24-2011, 11:45 AM
Here is a new video of some highlights of 2011 commit Michael Gbinije. The first game of the video, as I'm sure you will notice, is at Cameron Indoor. The last game shows him putting in work against future tarheel James Macadoo. He looked really good against Macadoo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfrj-skCMGk

Man, so excited. He's so silky smooth, fundamentally sound and has sneaky athleticism. And he uses that athleticism for smart plays, not flashiness. Notice how many times he jumps off of two feet and dunks the ball with two hands? That's something I remember Jason Williams saying was a huge change for him when he went to the NBA. He had to learn to go up strong, jump off of two feet powerfully, use both hands to protect the ball, and this kid is already doing that. Obviously this is a highlight video, and I'm sure his high school team is not as good as his AAU team, but I remember over the summer, he never seemed to force things and his team always, always won. Can't wait for this kid to suit up. We definitely need to shine more of the spotlight on him. I feel he definitely is the forgotten recruit, but he's going to be very good.

loldevilz
02-24-2011, 01:24 PM
Here is a new video of some highlights of 2011 commit Michael Gbinije. The first game of the video, as I'm sure you will notice, is at Cameron Indoor. The last game shows him putting in work against future tarheel James Macadoo. He looked really good against Macadoo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfrj-skCMGk

I am more excited about Mike Gbinije than any other recruit we are bringing in next year other than Austin Rivers. I think that he may be the guy to take Singler's spot. He has an outstanding midrange game and can really defend.

gam7
02-24-2011, 02:26 PM
I am more excited about Mike Gbinije than any other recruit we are bringing in next year other than Austin Rivers. I think that he may be the guy to take Singler's spot. He has an outstanding midrange game and can really defend.

I think it may take Silent G some time to learn to communicate in the way that Coach K wants his guys to communicate on the court. This may limit his time next year, but in the long-run, I think he'll be a very solid, steady contributor.

Class of '94
02-24-2011, 08:54 PM
I think it may take Silent G some time to learn to communicate in the way that Coach K wants his guys to communicate on the court. This may limit his time next year, but in the long-run, I think he'll be a very solid, steady contributor.

I could be wrong but all the kid lacks is being more vocal on the court, I don't think that will hold him back in terms of playing time, especially if he is really good. I don't think Kyle was a big on court communicator initially and that didn't hold him back from starting. Saying that, I'm not saying that MG will necessarily start next season but like Kyle, he will grow into being more vocal on the court if that indeed is something MG needs to work on.

gumbomoop
04-15-2011, 11:07 AM
He's definitely a winner. I watched him last summer play on Team Takeover who had no stars other than him and go undefeated against teams with big time stars like Rivers and Beal. He never stood out yet led the team in scoring. They were well balanced offensively and defensively. Their coach needs some credit, but Gbinije was great at being the perfect teammate while also being their "star". I can't wait for this kid, especially if he's grown as they say he has.

I've imported this tag quote from the DeAndre Daniels thread, as tylervinyard and several others in the Daniels thread have called attention to Gbinije. On some thread, I, too, spoke highly of Gbinije, most recently just after the All-American Championship in Houston [Final 4 weekend, I think].

I am skeptical that Gbinije is 6'8". More like 6'6", at least relative to the stated heights of the other players in that game. [Which makes it all guesswork, I, uh, guess.] But I am very enthusiastic about his talent, smarts, court sense, demeanor, glue, D. Seems the classic "let's the game come to him" player.

With or without the addition of Daniels, I'll guess K plays Gbinije at least as spot D-guy, against fine players such as Barnes, McAdoo, C.J. Leslie, Deandre Liggins, Jordan Hamilton, tall and/or strong wing "SFs" who might give Andre [6'4"?] or Austin [6'3"?] some trouble.

To be clear, I do not overworry about what I assume will be our frequent 3-guard, smallish perimeter team in 2011-12. Most teams do not have tall, strong, super-talented wing SFs. Most opponents will have their own very real trouble matching up with Andre and Austin.

darjum
04-16-2011, 01:59 AM
To be clear, I do not overworry about what I assume will be our frequent 3-guard, smallish perimeter team in 2011-12. Most teams do not have tall, strong, super-talented wing SFs. Most opponents will have their own very real trouble matching up with Andre and Austin.

Agreed. The reason I don't worry about that little factoid either is that one Mason Plumlee has not yet entered his name into the 2011 NBA Draft and lets hope he does not. With him lurking back there it allows the perimeter players greater latitude and willingness to play passing lanes.

This could be such a dangerous Duke team in terms of running other teams out of the gym and having a player such as Gbinije as a defensive stopper and match up problem for smaller teams.

AlaskanAssassin
04-16-2011, 04:00 AM
Don't know if this has been posted, but here is a great article on MG by Jason Jordan of ESPN Rise:

http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/14-Michael-Gbinije.aspx?pursuit=BoysBasketball

moonpie23
04-16-2011, 09:52 AM
my voice will be just as loud when Silent G sets foot on the court !!!

welcome to Duke man, bring the heat!!!

gumbomoop
04-16-2011, 09:56 AM
Don't know if this has been posted, but here is a great article on MG by Jason Jordan of ESPN Rise:

http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/14-Michael-Gbinije.aspx?pursuit=BoysBasketball

Yet another reason not to overlook Michael Gbinije: If the author of this interesting piece has correctly quoted Michael, then Michael said, among other things, ".... even had I been eligible...." This suggests that Michael is a real smart guy, grammar-syntax-wise, and quite possibly otherwise.

Perhaps Michael will strike fear into the hearts of opponents for some of the same reasons that Doug Piranha was so feared, back in the day. [Doug Piranha? Remember the Monty Python sketch about the Piranha Brothers? Here's the relevant line: "Everyone was terrified of Doug. I've seen grown men pull their own heads off rather than see Doug. Even Dinsdale was frightened of Doug. He used... sarcasm. He knew all the tricks, dramatic irony, metaphor, bathos, puns, parody, litotes and... satire. He was vicious."]

Don't sleep on Gbinije; he knows all the tricks.

NSDukeFan
04-16-2011, 11:58 AM
Don't know if this has been posted, but here is a great article on MG by Jason Jordan of ESPN Rise:

http://rise.espn.go.com/boys-basketball/articles/2011/04/14-Michael-Gbinije.aspx?pursuit=BoysBasketball

Thanks for posting this. I liked a couple of quotes from it.


Gbinije, now 6-foot-8 according to Benedictine coach Sean McAloon, can effectively guard any position on the court,
This could come in handy, if he could learn to do this at Duke as the coach tends to value this kind of ability.

"But I think Mike will be the most important guy in that class. When it’s all said and done, Mike will be a special player for Duke.”
If he is able to quickly learn his team defensive responsibilities and contribute this year, stays four years and keeps improving every year, this is certainly a possibility. Duke has had some great success with 6'6-6'8 wing forwards. Hopefully Michael will continue this tradition (as well as Murphy and hopefully Daniels.) I expect he will be great to cheer for the next four years.

SupaDave
04-16-2011, 02:47 PM
The more I hear about MG the more he sounds like HB 2.0. Perhaps the coaches saw this coming LONG before we ever did...

COYS
04-16-2011, 02:53 PM
The more I hear about MG the more he sounds like HB 2.0. Perhaps the coaches saw this coming LONG before we ever did...

I really think the only reasons the board hasn't been as high on MG as perhaps we should be are because he committed so early and because we haven't yet had the chance to get any extra analysis of him from one of the all star games. I'm certainly not ready to pencil him into the starting lineup or anything, nor am I certain what he'll be able to bring next year. However, I think he is clearly a talented and versatile player who will make huge contributions in his Duke career.

gumbomoop
04-17-2011, 11:45 AM
Michael: I really watched for him on the court, but never knew his number and never saw the back of his jersey. There were so many that fit his description, that I didn't really see him play specifically. Wish the announcers had been better about indicating who was substituted in. He scored 10 and people say he played well, but I never heard one word about him come out of an announcers mouth during game time.

As I noted in my, um, spirited post over on the Jordan Brand thread, there's a good reason why Saratoga2 couldn't get a clear read on Michael Gbinije last eve. I won't [dare] repeat that here, but will say he had a good, not great, game. He was #5 [I think], had a dark colored arm-elbow sleeve on one arm. He had a really nice stop-jumper from baseline, hit at least one 3-pointer, played good D, made great no-look pass to teammate for lay-up. My previous view of him - stated more than once in this thread - was solidly reinforced by what I saw last eve: he has advanced court sense, fine all-around game, decent [not excellent] handle, strong D, glue. Good mid-range game, and willing to shoot the 3 [one of which, last eve, was ill-advised]. He's calm, steady, confident without being overconfident. We're going to like him. A lot.

As an example of one of the interesting things Jay Bilas and Jimmy Dykes [see my diatribe on the Jordan Brand thread] missed last eve, at one point Gbinije faked his defender into the air out by the 3-pt-line, hoping to get 3 FTs. A common enough play. Didn't work, as Gbinije seemed to get fouled, but it wasn't called. Even a comment by J&J - to the effect that "See what Gbinije did there? Didn't work this time" - would have been useful.



I really think the only reasons the board hasn't been as high on MG as perhaps we should be are because he committed so early and because we haven't yet had the chance to get any extra analysis of him from one of the all star games. I'm certainly not ready to pencil him into the starting lineup or anything, nor am I certain what he'll be able to bring next year. However, I think he is clearly a talented and versatile player who will make huge contributions in his Duke career.

For all my substantial enthusiasm for Gbinije, I wouldn't mark him as a starter, either. As I noted above, however, I do think one can identify his likely, and very useful, strengths. As COYS says, he is versatile, not wow-outstanding at all, but sneaky-real-good. He brings, I'm pretty sure, just a little bit of chip-on-shoulder, precisely because he's not seen as a top-talent. We can all hope for just such a chip. He will be a valuable defender against tall/strong wing SFs, of which Duke will face a few [but not lots] next season.

dyedwab
04-17-2011, 12:01 PM
...this is a favorite sport regarding our new recruits, so I'm gonna play :-)

The description of Gbinije, particularly the idea that he can be a versatile defender reminds me a lot of Chris Carrawell. Remember that C-Well essentially cemented himself as a starter in his freshman year by taking on Tim Duncan as a defensive assignment, despite both obvious height and experience disadvantages.

And, as others have said, if Gbinije likes to play defense and adapts to Duke's defensive system, we will see more of him on the court as next year progress.

Looking forward to see him suiting up for the Devils.

gumbomoop
04-17-2011, 12:06 PM
Gbinije was number 5 for the east. He had a solid game and was oh so close to finishing two spectacular plays that would've put him in the highlight reel (he missed an almost-incredible put back jam off the back iron that, even though he missed it, displayed some impressive hops and lost the handle on a few acrobatic forays to the rim amid the trees). When he wasn't pressing and instead let the game come to him, he was at his best, including a nice breakaway jam and a smooth three off of an assist from Austin. You can only glean so much from an all star game, of course, but the reports on Mike seem to be accurate. His movements are generally smooth as silk and he seems to be good at a lot of things. He's got a pretty good handle, a smooth shooting stroke, good passing instincts, and solid athleticism. While his actual size will play a big role in determining what positions he can guard, I don't doubt his coach that he could cover opposing 1's, 2's, and 3's. He seems like a guy who, if he can adapt to Duke defense quickly, could earn some PT as a long wing defender who can hit the open jumper and sneak in for an offensive rebound from the wing. He could also play a huge role in the full-court press. He also seems pretty strong for a wing player, which should help his transition to college ball. I almost never pencil freshman into the starting lineup or anything, but it wouldn't surprise me if Mike ended up making the regular rotation next year . . . especially if his defensive versatility proves to be an asset.

I've imported the above tag-quote by COYS from the Jordan Brand thread, as I think it belongs here, too. More important, COYS's analysis is very perceptive. Obviously I've highlighted what I see as some key points.

Greg_Newton
04-17-2011, 04:38 PM
Gbinije honestly hasn't looked very good in any all-star games, but that's kind of a curse of being a player with a good understanding of spacing and flow. You only get the ball so many times in these games, and if you want to do anything, you pretty much have to attack whenever you get the ball, regardless of whether it's there... it seems like he's tried to make himself do that, and has looked a little lost when doing so.

The plays that come instinctively to him seem to be the little things... perfect timing with a pass on a pick and pop, etc. I think he'll look better in a team oriented-game where those little plays actually matter... Scheyer and Kelly always looked lost in those games too.

dukelifer
04-17-2011, 05:01 PM
Gbinije honestly hasn't looked very good in any all-star games, but that's kind of a curse of being a player with a good understanding of spacing and flow. You only get the ball so many times in these games, and if you want to do anything, you pretty much have to attack whenever you get the ball, regardless of whether it's there... it seems like he's tried to make himself do that, and has looked a little lost when doing so.

The plays that come instinctively to him seem to be the little things... perfect timing with a pass on a pick and pop, etc. I think he'll look better in a team oriented-game where those little plays actually matter... Scheyer and Kelly always looked lost in those games too.

I don't agree that he did not look good. He hit a deep, quick three- made some nice drives to the hoop- showed a good instinct for passing and seems to have a very good handle. I thought he was fouled on several shots that we not called. He played better than Beal. I am not sure in what way he looked lost. No way he did not look like he belonged out there.

NovaScotian
04-17-2011, 09:32 PM
any predictions on what her jersey number will be? i'm hoping for a 13 from him.

CajunDevil
04-17-2011, 09:59 PM
I don't agree that he did not look good. He hit a deep, quick three- made some nice drives to the hoop- showed a good instinct for passing and seems to have a very good handle. I thought he was fouled on several shots that we not called. He played better than Beal. I am not sure in what way he looked lost. No way he did not look like he belonged out there.

I agree dukelifer - Gbinije looked very solid. His three was impressive, as was his athleticism. Silent G will fit in nicely. He reminds me of Shannon Brown from Mich St... not quite as athletic but perhaps more skilled at this stage.

Reddevil
04-18-2011, 11:53 AM
any predictions on what her jersey number will be? i'm hoping for a 13 from him.

I may be mistaken, but this is the way I see the jersey number situation:

Retired
4 J.J. Redick
10 Dick Groat
11 Bobby Hurley
22 Jason Williams
23 Sheldon Williams
24 Johnny Dawkins
25 Art Heyman
31 Shane Battier
32 Christian Laettner
33 Grant Hill
35 Danny Ferry
43 Mike Gminski
44 Jeff Mullins

Current
3 Tyler Thornton
5 Mason Plumlee
15 Josh Hairston
20 Andre Dawkins
21 Miles Plumlee
30 Seth Curry
34 Ryan Kelly
51 David Mayer
52 Todd Zafirovski

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 43, 44, 51, and 52 are not available.
1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 42, 45, 50, 53, 54, and 55 are available.
1 (unlikely), 2 (Nolan), and 12 (Kyle) I’m assuming are doubtful to be chosen.
This leaves only 10 numbers for incoming recruits. It has been discussed in other threads, but maybe it is time, or close to time to “honor” numbers as opposed to retiring them. It would also be nice to change the rules to allow numbers 6-9.

FWIW I believe Gbinije wore 15 in HS.

Indoor66
04-18-2011, 12:07 PM
I may be mistaken, but this is the way I see the jersey number situation:

Retired
4 J.J. Redick
10 Dick Groat
11 Bobby Hurley
22 Jason Williams
23 Sheldon Williams
24 Johnny Dawkins
25 Art Heyman
31 Shane Battier
32 Christian Laettner
33 Grant Hill
35 Danny Ferry
43 Mike Gminski
44 Jeff Mullins

Current
3 Tyler Thornton
5 Mason Plumlee
15 Josh Hairston
20 Andre Dawkins
21 Miles Plumlee
30 Seth Curry
34 Ryan Kelly
51 David Mayer
52 Todd Zafirovski

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 43, 44, 51, and 52 are not available.
1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 42, 45, 50, 53, 54, and 55 are available.
1 (unlikely), 2 (Nolan), and 12 (Kyle) I’m assuming are doubtful to be chosen.
This leaves only 10 numbers for incoming recruits. It has been discussed in other threads, but maybe it is time, or close to time to “honor” numbers as opposed to retiring them. It would also be nice to change the rules to allow numbers 6-9.

FWIW I believe Gbinije wore 15 in HS.

What happened to 6, 7, 8 and 9?

roywhite
04-18-2011, 12:16 PM
What happened to 6, 7, 8 and 9?

More difficult for the refs to signal foul calls. Now, they can signal the numbers with a single motion using both hands and outstretched fingers. For "66", they would presumably have to do a double signal of "6".

Don't know if there is a rule change contemplated; most schools don't have the quantity of retired jersey numbers that Duke does. And, overall, it's a nice problem to have to think that so many guys have been great college players.

roywhite
06-14-2011, 06:32 PM
Here's a brief feature on Gbinije and fellow Benedictine alum Ed Davis from a Richmond station. Benedictine alums discuss Duke--UNC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gfUOkezBlU)

I'm a little surprised about how close in height Michael seems to Ed Davis.

yancem
06-14-2011, 08:19 PM
Here's a brief feature on Gbinije and fellow Benedictine alum Ed Davis from a Richmond station. Benedictine alums discuss Duke--UNC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gfUOkezBlU)

I'm a little surprised about how close in height Michael seems to Ed Davis.

I've read reports that he has grown to 6'8" but had heard others discount the reports. From the video he does look like he might be taller than the 6'6" he's normally listed as, but it's hard to tell from the camera angle. So who knows.

Lord Ash
06-14-2011, 08:52 PM
Wow. Silent G got BIG.

darjum
06-14-2011, 09:21 PM
I've read reports that he has grown to 6'8" but had heard others discount the reports. From the video he does look like he might be taller than the 6'6" he's normally listed as, but it's hard to tell from the camera angle. So who knows.

I was skeptical too on the reports, it was hard to see in the Jordan Brand Game Highlights, but Davis is a legitimate 6-10, so Silent G looks very close to 6-8 and long too. Great news as a defender at least.

roywhite
06-14-2011, 09:44 PM
Silent G reminds me a bit of Mike Dunleavy---long, versatile wing, late growth spurt, all-around game, sweet looking shooting stroke, good court sense.

Just my hunch at this point, but I see him as a very productive player who can exceed expectations. Glad to have him.

mikegismynewhero
06-14-2011, 10:14 PM
i think i found my new favorite duke player :)

darjum
06-15-2011, 02:48 AM
Silent G reminds me a bit of Mike Dunleavy---long, versatile wing, late growth spurt, all-around game, sweet looking shooting stroke, good court sense.

Just my hunch at this point, but I see him as a very productive player who can exceed expectations. Glad to have him.

Agreed, it might take a year or two for the statistical production to come, but when it does it will come in multi-categories and larger than people may expect. In the video he appeared a really nice kid to go along with his physical attributes.

yancem
06-15-2011, 10:05 AM
I was skeptical too on the reports, it was hard to see in the Jordan Brand Game Highlights, but Davis is a legitimate 6-10, so Silent G looks very close to 6-8 and long too. Great news as a defender at least.

If he truly is 6'8", that helps take the sting out of not getting Daniels. Going into next season, one of my bigger concerns is, how do we handle other team's taller and athletic 3's (most specifically Barnes). I think that Dawkins did a nice job defensively on Barnes during the acc tournament game but he only had to guard him for short stretches. While Murphy is bigger and pretty athletic (at least as athletic as Singler), I think that expecting him to guard Barnes as an early arriving freshman might be too much to ask. But a 6'8" Gbinige could be just what the doctor ordered. I think he is athletic enough and has just the right size chip on his shoulder that he might be able to become a pest to the black falcon.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. I think that he will be a pleasant surprise!

NSDukeFan
06-15-2011, 10:21 AM
If he truly is 6'8", that helps take the sting out of not getting Daniels. Going into next season, one of my bigger concerns is, how do we handle other team's taller and athletic 3's (most specifically Barnes). I think that Dawkins did a nice job defensively on Barnes during the acc tournament game but he only had to guard him for short stretches. While Murphy is bigger and pretty athletic (at least as athletic as Singler), I think that expecting him to guard Barnes as an early arriving freshman might be too much to ask. But a 6'8" Gbinige could be just what the doctor ordered. I think he is athletic enough and has just the right size chip on his shoulder that he might be able to become a pest to the black falcon.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. I think that he will be a pleasant surprise!

I am also very excited to have Gbinijie on board and am excited to see what he and Murphy can do off the bench as versatile weapons that could potentially play multiple positions. But I expect that a Junior Dawkins will likely get first crack at guarding taller wing forwards to start the year, as he has done so for Duke in the past. I am not too worried about how Duke will defend a likely top end of the lottery pick as there are not a whole lot of them out there and coach K will figure something out when the time comes. I will be very interested to see how many minutes Gbinijie (and Murphy) will get early on and as the season progresses.

dukelifer
06-15-2011, 10:33 AM
If he truly is 6'8", that helps take the sting out of not getting Daniels. Going into next season, one of my bigger concerns is, how do we handle other team's taller and athletic 3's (most specifically Barnes). I think that Dawkins did a nice job defensively on Barnes during the acc tournament game but he only had to guard him for short stretches. While Murphy is bigger and pretty athletic (at least as athletic as Singler), I think that expecting him to guard Barnes as an early arriving freshman might be too much to ask. But a 6'8" Gbinige could be just what the doctor ordered. I think he is athletic enough and has just the right size chip on his shoulder that he might be able to become a pest to the black falcon.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. I think that he will be a pleasant surprise!

I would doubt he is 6'8" - not from the games I saw him play at the end of the season- he looks to be a legit 6'6" but not a great leaper. Still the kid has skills and I am hoping will develop into a very good defender in K's system. Duke's D will be the biggest question mark this season-losing the two best defenders in Nolan and Kyle. The system is complicated and with lots of new faces and no defensive star left- K has a lot of work and teaching to do. Having the summer trips this year will help a lot.

roywhite
06-15-2011, 10:36 AM
I am also very excited to have Gbinijie on board and am excited to see what he and Murphy can do off the bench as versatile weapons that could potentially play multiple positions. But I expect that a Junior Dawkins will likely get first crack at guarding taller wing forwards to start the year, as he has done so for Duke in the past. I am not too worried about how Duke will defend a likely top end of the lottery pick as there are not a whole lot of them out there and coach K will figure something out when the time comes. I will be very interested to see how many minutes Gbinijie (and Murphy) will get early on and as the season progresses.

It's been said before, but with the loss of Nolan, Kyle, and Kyrie, and a major influx of new players, this year's team, while talented and promising, will be a work in progress for a while. So happy that we've got the Dubai/China trip and the related summer practices before and during the trip to give the staff time to mold the team.

MCFinARL
06-15-2011, 11:10 AM
I was skeptical too on the reports, it was hard to see in the Jordan Brand Game Highlights, but Davis is a legitimate 6-10, so Silent G looks very close to 6-8 and long too. Great news as a defender at least.

It's pretty hard to tell from this video, though. When they are sitting down Davis is slouching, and you can't tell how much height either has in the legs versus the body. When they are standing up, the camera angles are odd--in one shot there is someone talking to them (the interviewer?) who looks almost as tall as Gbinije.

NSDukeFan
06-15-2011, 11:19 AM
It's pretty hard to tell from this video, though. When they are sitting down Davis is slouching, and you can't tell how much height either has in the legs versus the body. When they are standing up, the camera angles are odd--in one shot there is someone talking to them (the interviewer?) who looks almost as tall as Gbinije.

I couldn't make out the cinder blocks very well.

devildeac
06-15-2011, 01:29 PM
I couldn't make out the cinder blocks very well.

I am sorry to inform you that your reading comprehension skills are lacking. If you were truly paying attention to details, you would have noticed that the cinder block measuring standard is only useful when measuring wingspan and not height. I suspect you will lose a large amount of rep points for not applying the proper DBR-approved technique.






(jk, of course):rolleyes:;)

NSDukeFan
06-15-2011, 03:18 PM
I am sorry to inform you that your reading comprehension skills are lacking. If you were truly paying attention to details, you would have noticed that the cinder block measuring standard is only useful when measuring wingspan and not height. I suspect you will lose a large amount of rep points for not applying the proper DBR-approved technique.






(jk, of course):rolleyes:;)

My apologies. Mods, please delete my post. :)

oldnavy
06-15-2011, 03:54 PM
I am sorry to inform you that your reading comprehension skills are lacking. If you were truly paying attention to details, you would have noticed that the cinder block measuring standard is only useful when measuring wingspan and not height. I suspect you will lose a large amount of rep points for not applying the proper DBR-approved technique.






(jk, of course):rolleyes:;)

As the inventor of the cinderblock standard I have been asked to develop a modified version of the horizontal scale that could be applied vertically. I am working out the details and calibrations and should have a formula soon.

BD80
06-15-2011, 05:17 PM
As the inventor of the cinderblock standard I have been asked to develop a modified version of the horizontal scale that could be applied vertically. I am working out the details and calibrations and should have a formula soon.

As an Irishman, I can tell you there is a rather standard way to convert horizontal to vertical, although it typically converts vertical to horizontal, called Bushmills.

Of course, in my college days we used the Dacquiri conversion method. Often successfully.

Kedsy
06-15-2011, 05:21 PM
Of course, in my college days we used the Dacquiri conversion method. Often successfully.

And you were certainly the daiquiri master, BD. The best part was the conversion from vertical to horizontal was almost always accompanied by a wide smile.

NSDukeFan
07-21-2011, 03:57 PM
http://bluedevilnation.net/2011/07/michael-gbinije-has-a-loud-game/

Nice article about Gbinijie, his 28 point performance at the Pro-Am and what he needs to do to contribute this year. I expect I will very much enjoy watching him at Duke.

devildeac
08-05-2011, 10:45 PM
For your reading pleasure, especially for those who like player nicknames;):

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205238811&DB_OEM_ID=4200

"Teammates have given the ultra-athletic wing from Virginia the moniker Silent G, in tribute to his soft-spoken nature off the court as well as the phonetic spelling of his last name."

Now is this really true? Did his teammates give him the name Silent G or did someone here on DBR start that?:cool:

Greg_Newton
08-07-2011, 02:47 PM
For your reading pleasure, especially for those who like player nicknames;):

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205238811&DB_OEM_ID=4200

"Teammates have given the ultra-athletic wing from Virginia the moniker Silent G, in tribute to his soft-spoken nature off the court as well as the phonetic spelling of his last name."

Now is this really true? Did his teammates give him the name Silent G or did someone here on DBR start that?:cool:

Ha! That's been his message board nickname for years... ;)

(Although I think it might have been someone at TDD that came up with it originally?)

airowe
08-07-2011, 09:09 PM
Ha! That's been his message board nickname for years... ;)

(Although I think it might have been someone at TDD that came up with it originally?)

I hadn't heard it before I said it on twitter on September 29th of last year.

http://twitter.com/#!/DukeHoopBlog/status/25934298509

BD80
08-08-2011, 12:22 AM
I hadn't heard it before I said it on twitter on September 29th of last year.

Because it was silent. Duh.