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View Full Version : Why am I goin all mushy over this team!



lpd1982
03-26-2010, 03:29 PM
I must be getting old or else there is truly something special about this team but I look at those pics of the guys getting ready in Houston and interacting with the kids and I'm actually getting dewey eyed. Not one of them that I can remember this year ever sat in front of a mike that he doesn't give props to a teamate or an opposing player. They don't make excuses for themselves. They talk about the esteem in which they hold their school, the Crazies and their fans. Who knows what the weekend will bring, but boy for no other reason than that this group deserves good things to happen to them, I hope it does. I also hope they know they are special and they are appreciated. Enough said. I will go take off my dress now. (not that there is anything wrong with wearing a dress I might add)

sivartrenrag
03-26-2010, 03:34 PM
I'm the same way. I think it has something to do with knowing that after this year, we will never see Jon, Lance, or Zoubs wear a Duke uniform again. All the things those guys have been through over the years and how they've taken so much criticism and haven't let it get to them. It's emotional! I'm going to miss them. It's going to be sad if they finish their careers without winning an NC, because they certainly earned it and deserve it. And even if they do win it, it's going to be bittersweet in some ways, knowing that those guys won't be playing anymore.

This is probably my favorite Duke team ever.

BlueintheFace
03-26-2010, 03:46 PM
You are not the only one. K is pretty mushy too. No out of control egos, hard workers, great defense, great heart. One of the easiest teams to like in the last decade.

calltheobvious
03-26-2010, 03:54 PM
My favorite thing about the pictures I clicked on at DBP was that most everyone seemed to be smiling, or at least relaxed-looking. This does not look like a group that's thinking, "OMG we absolutely have to get past this third-round game in order to salvage our season and program." As stated up-thread, these guys seem genuinely to like and enjoy each other, and that can't help but aid their play together.

No matter how the season ends for these guys, I'll be a little sad. Here's hoping that sadness is minimized.

mr. synellinden
03-26-2010, 03:56 PM
I must be getting old or else there is truly something special about this team but I look at those pics of the guys getting ready in Houston and interacting with the kids and I'm actually getting dewey eyed. Not one of them that I can remember this year ever sat in front of a mike that he doesn't give props to a teamate or an opposing player. They don't make excuses for themselves. They talk about the esteem in which they hold their school, the Crazies and their fans. Who knows what the weekend will bring, but boy for no other reason than that this group deserves good things to happen to them, I hope it does. I also hope they know they are special and they are appreciated. Enough said. I will go take off my dress now. (not that there is anything wrong with wearing a dress I might add)

Me too. I keep thinking about Hoosiers and Norman Dale's speech before the final game ... I love you guys ...

Speaking of Hoosiers, did anyone else get the Hoosiers vibe watching the Kentucky - Cornell game last night? Right down to the colors of the jerseys.

GODUKEGO
03-26-2010, 04:46 PM
Whenever the season ends, I will look back and say what a joyable and entertaining six months. Seeing the growth and maturing of this team has been tremendous. Their appreciation of each other, their school, coaching staff and fans has been great to witness. Attending seven games at Cameron and two ACC Tournament games was pure excitement for my wife and myself. Not sure but would bet our four seniors will all graduate. With this one and done, how does a Kentucky fan embrace their team and watch them mature when they are there for one year. Ours is a complete different philosophy from theirs. Think about what Coach K will be going through hopefully in the next ten days, the joy of a National Championship but the the sorrow of losing four young men that he has molded into champions (win or lose). Ok maybe mushy is the right term!!!

Billy Dat
03-26-2010, 04:51 PM
I have been having these feelings, too, and I am glad this thread was started.

In addition to the above, it also has to Duke with the ever increasing Duke hatred that is stoked by the media. These kids, especially the Seniors and Juniors, have born the brunt of that assault, and they don't deserve it. If anything, as K has said, they have maxed out every year. What more can we ask of a team then they get the most out of themselves?

I do try and follow the K advice to roll up my windows, define success myself and not let others definitions impact me, but the running story line of Duke's underachievement against seed in the NCAAs bothers the heck out of me. I don't want these guys to be remembered that way and so I am pulling extra hard for a script that involves, to start with, a win tonight.

ReformedAggie
03-26-2010, 04:52 PM
You've all said what I've been feeling. What a wonderful group of fine young men. It has been a real honor to watch them grow and whenever this all comes to its natural conclusion, I will really miss the seniors...just as I'll look forward to watching the maturation of the remaining underclassmen. Thank you Duke.

SoCalDukeFan
03-26-2010, 05:31 PM
Whenever the season ends, I will look back and say what a joyable and entertaining six months. Seeing the growth and maturing of this team has been tremendous. Their appreciation of each other, their school, coaching staff and fans has been great to witness. Attending seven games at Cameron and two ACC Tournament games was pure excitement for my wife and myself. Not sure but would bet our four seniors will all graduate. With this one and done, how does a Kentucky fan embrace their team and watch them mature when they are there for one year. Ours is a complete different philosophy from theirs. Think about what Coach K will be going through hopefully in the next ten days, the joy of a National Championship but the the sorrow of losing four young men that he has molded into champions (win or lose). Ok maybe mushy is the right term!!!

Look at Calipari's approach of cancelling scholarships, etc and a bunch of one and done.

I saw Bob Huggins interviewed. They asked him why he so many New Yorkers on the team. He said that he first looked for guys who could play or something to that effect. No mention any quality - smarts, leadership, character - just guys who could play. You need guys who can play but it takes more than that.

Win or lose I will be proud to be a Duke Alum and Fan. We were lucky that Tom Butters hired Coach K, luckier still that Butters renewed his contract, and luckiest of all that Coach K has stayed at Duke.

SoCal

Dr. Tina
03-26-2010, 08:11 PM
I have a real attachment to this Duke team, too, and I think it is due to our senior class in particular. I just love the way Jon, Lance, and Zoubs have represented the team over the past 4 years. As a Duke fan, I'm not sure I have ever wanted another Duke team to succeed more than this one. I'm sure I have, but I think the character of this team in particular is what makes me want it for them even more. They've had to put up with so much...what with all the Duke hate, pressure to get back to the Final Four, etc...and not always appreciated for the winning seasons they do have. I love the way they play as a team and know their roles. There are a lot of Duke haters that seem to find SOMETHING, as trivial as it usually is, to hate about the guys, but they're grasping at straws. This Duke team has been wonderful to watch, even if it' stressful sometimes. I really want them to get to the Elite Eight tonight and keep this season rolling, but, if they don't, I will still be so proud of them!

MartyClark
03-26-2010, 09:40 PM
I liked this bunch of guys before the season started. I was discouraged during the offseason when Elliot Williams transferred and G went pro. I knew I would follow the team, root for them and generally support them but I really did not think we would have a good season because we were so thin at guard.

I get the feeling we all would like these guys if we knew them as individuals. Win or lose tonight, this has been a very good season.

DevilHorns
03-26-2010, 09:43 PM
Ok, I know you guys are being sincere, honest, and just plain good, but please... stop saying "win or ___." Lets just keep the end of that phrase out of it.

LETS GO DUKE. I KNOW WHAT THIS TEAM IS MADE OF. WE CAN TAKE ON ANYONE. FEARLESS. LETS BE FEARLESS!

monkey
03-27-2010, 12:11 AM
Not sure I ever thought I would say this but I'm really disappointed to not get to see another year of zoubek

striker219
03-27-2010, 12:39 AM
Not sure I ever thought I would say this but I'm really disappointed to not get to see another year of zoubek

I could not agree more. And I'm positive I never thought I would be able to say that. As echoed by many before, this is an infinitely likable team. Go Duke!!!

basket1544
03-27-2010, 12:45 AM
I was watching Lance closely tonight and I'm going to miss him so much after the next 3 games end. This is such a memorable group of seniors this year. I spend my whole week waiting for thier next game or talking about their last game.

GoingFor#5
03-27-2010, 12:46 AM
Who knew - after losing Henderson and Elliott last season, many were writing off Duke.

The Gordog
03-27-2010, 12:51 AM
I must be getting old or else there is truly something special about this team but I look at those pics of the guys getting ready in Houston and interacting with the kids and I'm actually getting dewey eyed. Not one of them that I can remember this year ever sat in front of a mike that he doesn't give props to a teamate or an opposing player. They don't make excuses for themselves. They talk about the esteem in which they hold their school, the Crazies and their fans. Who knows what the weekend will bring, but boy for no other reason than that this group deserves good things to happen to them, I hope it does. I also hope they know they are special and they are appreciated. Enough said. I will go take off my dress now. (not that there is anything wrong with wearing a dress I might add)

In 2006 I was soo sad to see JJ's career end on such a low note because of what an exciting player he was (26 ppg baby!) But this year I feel that when it's all over I will miss Jon and Zoubs and Lance (please not Kyle) just as much for who they are as people, as men. I love these guys.

licc85
03-27-2010, 03:07 AM
The reason you can't dislike this team is because there's so many great storylines happening:

1. We start three seniors who have never been past the sweet 16 until this, their final year

2. There are no arrogant or "dirty" players on this team (think laettner), they just all play really hard, they are unselfish, and embody team basketball

3. Brian Zoubek is finally playing great basketball in his final season after being injured for about 98% of his career

4. Nolan Smith's father, Derek Smith died when he was just a kid, and he wears a tattoo commemorating him on his shoulder

5. Andre Dawkins also plays with a heavy heart, having lost his sister earlier this year in a car crash which happened while she was on her way to see him play

6. Coach K is now a national hero, having won gold in beijing and bringing USA basketball back to the top

If you hate this team, then you have no soul, or you are a UK fan (which implies the lack of a soul)

cptnflash
03-27-2010, 03:31 AM
For me, there will never be another Duke team like this one. I'm a Fuqua 08 grad, so my first year of business school was 06/07, the same year that Jon, Brian, LT, and G were freshmen. I feel like I've grown up with these guys in a basketball sense. I'll always be a Duke fan (my first game behind the backboard in CIS took care of that), but there can never be another team like this for me. And to be honest, I never imagined that these guys would have a legitimate shot at the national title, which of course now they do. This is one of those "once in a lifetime" chances that probably won't materialize, but oh man, if it does.... well, let's just hope it does.

4decadedukie
03-27-2010, 08:10 AM
How could anyone who loves Duke (or is even just affiliated with the University) not get "mushy" about this team, these men? They are EVERYTHING one could hope for in STUDENT ATHLETES, their individual and collective values and attitudes are superb, on the hardwood they have greatly "over achieved" and continuously improved, they all appear to very nice, personable people, and they are outstanding representatives of Duke University.

greybeard
03-27-2010, 08:31 AM
Very nice thread. Very nice posts. As I told Jumbo in an off-the-board note, you folks are extremely fortunate. Nice to see you appreciate why. Congrats to all of you.

lpd1982
03-28-2010, 04:48 PM
Nolan's tweet of a few hours ago..

"This one is for you Dad!! I love you! #43..... Let's go Duke!"

No need to say more.

DevilHorns
03-28-2010, 04:49 PM
Nolan's tweet of a few hours ago..

"This one is for you Dad!! I love you! #43..... Let's go Duke!"

No need to say more.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?id=3196773

a little halftime reading.

RoyalBlue08
03-28-2010, 07:21 PM
Nolan's tweet of a few hours ago..

"This one is for you Dad!! I love you! #43..... Let's go Duke!"

No need to say more.

Nolan is a really special kid. Career high the night he dedicates the game to his Dad. I love his heart. Great job Nolan!

BattierD12
03-28-2010, 08:51 PM
Dick Vitale said it best after the game. "How can you hate these kids? They play hard, they play tough, they play with emotion, they go to classes, they do anything they can for each other. It's all about the word that begins with J and ends with S, and with a little EAL and and OU in there."

Welcome2DaSlopes
03-28-2010, 09:26 PM
Dick Vitale said it best after the game. "How can you hate these kids? They play hard, they play tough, they play with emotion, they go to classes, they do anything they can for each other. It's all about the word that begins with J and ends with S, and with a little EAL and and OU in there."

Great quote, would have been better if it came from Hubert. haha

HowBoutDemDevils
03-28-2010, 10:19 PM
Undefeated in Cameron, ACC Reg Champs, ACC Tourney Champs, Final Four and counting...you can't help but to love this group

Dr. Tina
03-28-2010, 10:23 PM
Nolan's tweet of a few hours ago..

"This one is for you Dad!! I love you! #43..... Let's go Duke!"

No need to say more.

I'm teary reading this! What a great kid! I'm so proud of Nolan! He's just been so superb!

Indoor66
03-28-2010, 10:26 PM
Undefeated in Cameron, ACC Reg Champs, ACC Tourney Champs, Final Four and counting...you can't help but to love this group

Don't forget NIT Pre-Season Champs....

RockyMtDevil
03-28-2010, 10:34 PM
My college roommate is an avid Kentucky fan and so I asked him last night how he could actually cheer for the Cats when one, they have a known cheater as a coach, two, Cousins may be the greatest punk/thug to EVER play college hoops, and three they are all one-and-done?

We are very blessed to not only have a great basketball team, but even greater kids and coaches who make the program what it really is.

Proud to be a Duke fan.

GODUKEGO
03-28-2010, 10:38 PM
My college roommate is an avid Kentucky fan and so I asked him last night how he could actually cheer for the Cats when one, they have a known cheater as a coach, two, Cousins may be the greatest punk/thug to EVER play college hoops, and three they are all one-and-done?

We are very blessed to not only have a great basketball team, but even greater kids and coaches who make the program what it really is.

Proud to be a Duke fan.

Send him this to twist the knife just a little more!!!

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/03/16/ncaa_fouls_on_grad_rate_commitment/

HRAR
03-28-2010, 10:49 PM
I think a really unappreciated aspect of this team, at least for the readers of this site, is that they have really changed the nation's perspective of duke basketball. We have been the evil empire since the Laettner days and this group of seniors have lived with that label their entire career. Only this past week have they gotten recognition for their ability to get down and dirty. All over the nation, college basketball fans respect Duke basketball again and it is all because of Zoubs, LT, Jon, Nolan, and Kyle.

LSanders
03-29-2010, 02:35 AM
Just another reason ...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/tournament/2010/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=5036508


Thanks, Nolan!!

licc85
03-29-2010, 05:42 AM
This article pretty much sums up why this is my favorite duke team to watch EVER

http://bluedevilnation.net/2010/03/this-duke-team-is-one-tight-knit-group/

GODUKEGO
03-29-2010, 08:28 AM
Don't forget NIT Pre-Season Champs....

Don't forget undefeated so far on neutral courts: Chicago, 3 in NYC, Greensboro and the NCAA Tournament.

Rudy
03-29-2010, 08:34 AM
I have a real attachment to this Duke team, too, and I think it is due to our senior class in particular. I just love the way Jon, Lance, and Zoubs have represented the team over the past 4 years. . . . I think the character of this team in particular is what makes me want it for them even more. . . . I love the way they play as a team and know their roles. . . . .

Taking on roles they didn't expect to take and making the team better, this is what makes these three guys so admirable. Jon came in as a scoring shooting guard. He wasn't supposed to be a point and had to do it right away when Paulus was injured Jon's freshman year. After Jon's junior year it was clear he had to be the man at point. His work in the off season to become the ball-control master he has become is remarkable.

Brian has struggled with un-realized expectations ever since he schooled McRobs in his first blue-white game as a freshman. Everyone, maybe even him, expected him to anchor a new low-post offense presence lacking since Shelden left. His getting healthy, embracing his role as a screen-setter and rebounder, and gaining control over his fouling tendencies instead of being a scorer has given an enormous lift to this team the last third of the season.

Lance has had to eat humble pie very early in his Duke experience. I'm sure no elite h.s. player has an ambition to be a defensive specialist, destined for most of his career to be discouraged from shooting and to be assigned constantly to guard much bigger opponents. But Lance has done it and for the last two years appeared to do so with relish.

Then you have the relentless warrior in Kyle. And Nolan yesterday, not only coming up with his greatest game but standing up for his guard-mate near the end. When Jon was shoved after the whistle, Nolan stepped in (face to chin) as if to say, "If you're going after my teammate, you have to go through me first."

hq2
03-29-2010, 08:50 AM
In terms of likeabilty, this would indeed be one of the best of all time. I'd have to rank it up there with the Miracle of '78 team in terms of emotional appeal. What's not to like about them? They're all bona fide student athletes (3 graduating seniors) and all of them are articulate, work hard, and play totally unselfish basketball. They all have positive attitudes, and play hard every minute on the floor. And somehow or other, despite the fact that their offensive arsenal is limited, they somehow or other find ways to win anyway; down the stretch, when the games are close, they make the plays. They're winners, on and off the court. A great bunch of guys!

ArnieMc
03-29-2010, 05:23 PM
My fiance said that they were all adoptable. Well, while we would love to adopt any one of them, we probably couldn't afford to feed all of them.