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SmartDevil
09-27-2007, 05:55 AM
Good to see us pick up this recruit ! Should definitely be a mutually beneficial relationship, perhaps lasting four years.

Now Elliot Williams and Greg Monroe, come on down !

bluedev_92
09-27-2007, 08:24 AM
Sounds like a great get & I really like what I've read about his attitude and work ethic. Welcome to Duke!!:D

rthomas
09-27-2007, 08:47 AM
Louisville lost out on two recruits the same day.
http://www.cardchronicle.com/story/2007/9/27/32716/6237

"The main thing is Coach K," Czyz said. "I really believed in everything he said. He just thinks that I have a chance to be special and so do the assistant coaches. I really like the coaching staff and everything there was organized and professional. Every time I would spend time with those guys they'd tell me what I did wrong and what I did good. They told me how much I can improve."

JasonEvans
09-27-2007, 09:38 AM
I like players who are bouncy ;)

--Jason "welcome to the family!" Evans

sandinmyshoes
09-27-2007, 10:03 AM
Bounce equals potential. So at worst he's a solid four year player, while having the potential to learn the game and shoot for stardom!

BD80
09-27-2007, 10:58 AM
To Duke and to the cool name club. We have had some distinctive names:

Alaa, Bucky, J. Clyde, Coke, Judge, Hayes, Patrick (the Patrick), Luol, Kes, Taymon, Zeno, Burton, Cameron (could he have gone anywhere else?), Langehorne, Wright, Camden, Dahntay, Trajan, Roshown, Garland, DeMarcus, Crawford, Cherokee, Shavlik, Carmen, Sheldon, Weldon, Corren, Carroll.

We've also had some which might have been distinctive if we hadn't had two, Buzzy and Christian.

It sounds like Olek will be a fan favorite from the start, and we should have some fun with Czyz - perhaps Czyzzling?

throatybeard
09-27-2007, 11:35 AM
It sounds like Olek will be a fan favorite from the start, and we should have some fun with Czyz - perhaps Czyzzling?

The Shizz.

Seriously, how is it pronounced? I have no idea.

FreezingDevil
09-27-2007, 11:41 AM
I don't know if I'm happier about the 40 inch bounce in his step or a name that was tailor-made for the Crazies! In all honesty though, I'm most excited about picking up a good kid who has already bought into the Coach K way and will be a great team player. Welcome!

cspan37421
09-27-2007, 11:41 AM
With a "zyz" in his last name, you knew K would have the inside track on this kid. It will be so nice, too, to have a kid really happy to be here, who doesn't have the attitude that he's doing Duke a favor. You know of whom I speak.

I do think K needs some new adjectives. Being "special" is just a description that he's worn out.

riverside6
09-27-2007, 12:21 PM
It's either Chizz or Chitch from what I've heard, not sure which.

micah75
09-27-2007, 12:35 PM
It's either Chizz or Chitch from what I've heard, not sure which.

I'm still trying to figure out how to pronounce Marty's name. Where's Rick Majerus when you need him. We need him to commentate a few of our games early on just to sort things out.

heyman25
09-27-2007, 12:43 PM
Its a good start. I hope he can be a rebounding specialist. One down 2 to go.From his comments I hope he is a quick learner of the game. And he may stay a while.

Ima Facultiwyfe
09-27-2007, 01:02 PM
I do think K needs some new adjectives. Being "special" is just a description that he's worn out.

How 'bout extraordinary, exceptional, prodigious, incomparable, phenominal, bonzer, remarkable,tremendous, wondrous, marvelous, rare.....and my favorite--preternatural.

Love, Ima

prefan21
09-27-2007, 01:10 PM
How 'bout extraordinary, exceptional, prodigious, incomparable, phenominal, bonzer, remarkable,tremendous, wondrous, marvelous, rare.....and my favorite--preternatural.

Love, Ima

Somehow I can't picture Coach K ever describing a player as "bonzer."

:p

whereinthehellami
09-27-2007, 01:44 PM
Here are some links I found on google.

This video (http://uschoops.tv/video/olektv.html) shows some pretty good movement, decent ball handling, and hops that made me look twice at the rims (9 footers?).

Here is the link to his Scout profile (http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=8&c=1&nid=3117524). You have got to think his stock will be going up considering who his finalists were (Louisville and Florida) and the outstanding summer that he had.

This video (http://prepballerstv.com/olekczyz.html) has alot of the same footage of the other one but has a couple of shots from a HS game, including a nice block.

This link (http://www.fullctpress.net/page/page/4635200.htm) is form the Pangos camp where Czyz blew up. Scroll down for his write-up.

OldPhiKap
09-27-2007, 02:07 PM
How 'bout extraordinary, exceptional, prodigious, incomparable, phenominal, bonzer, remarkable,tremendous, wondrous, marvelous, rare.....and my favorite--preternatural.


Yeah . . . but is he amphibious?

dukelion
09-27-2007, 02:20 PM
Olek will be a 4 year player, has a ton of potential and at a postion of need.

I always liked the idea of getting recruits who just recently jumped into the top 100 as opposed to a guy who was top 20 but has since slid to about 60.

It usually means that thet are starting to reach their potential.

Elliot Williams is similar in that he was ranked about 40-60 prior to this year but has sinced jumped into the top 20 of most people rankings.

Expect Olek to continue to move up the ranks and settle somewhere in the 40-50's before he sets foot in Duraham next year.

SilkyJ
09-27-2007, 02:45 PM
Here are some links I found on google.

This video (http://uschoops.tv/video/olektv.html) shows some pretty good movement, decent ball handling, and hops that made me look twice at the rims (9 footers?).

Here is the link to his Scout profile (http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=8&c=1&nid=3117524). You have got to think his stock will be going up considering who his finalists were (Louisville and Florida) and the outstanding summer that he had.

This video (http://prepballerstv.com/olekczyz.html) has alot of the same footage of the other one but has a couple of shots from a HS game, including a nice block.

This link (http://www.fullctpress.net/page/page/4635200.htm) is form the Pangos camp where Czyz blew up. Scroll down for his write-up.


I gotta be honest, I'm happy he's coming, but I seem as a Lee Melch type player at least in terms of how much he'll play. He's got one real attribute: athleticism...and really only hops. He's only 6'7", so he'll be an undersized PF. He doesn't weigh that much, but he's not small either...although he could easily put on 5-10, maybe 15lbs before he ever dones the blue and white (and black, lol)...but I'm not sure we'd want him to put on more than that...

Not to mention of the videos I've seen, it doesn't look like he's got david thompson hops, which is kind of what I was expecting considering he really hasn't played for that long and has no real offensive repertoire...

I don't mean to sound down on him, but I don't think he'll play a major role until his junior year at the earliest, unless transfers/injuries/early entries to the L happen (and they probably will so maybe he will get some PT early on...)

dkbaseball
09-27-2007, 02:53 PM
I do think K needs some new adjectives. Being "special" is just a description that he's worn out.

That's why they call him "Special K." Seriously.

According to the Reno paper, it's pronounced "Chizz."

rthomas
09-27-2007, 04:40 PM
That's why they call him "Special K." Seriously.

According to the Reno paper, it's pronounced "Chizz."


How about "Chizz-ZAM!!"
or
"Chizz-le my whizzle!"

-jk
09-27-2007, 04:44 PM
I gotta be honest, I'm happy he's coming, but I seem as a Lee Melch type player at least in terms of how much he'll play...

Lee was a great help on many occasions, both in leadership and in deed. If Olek lives up to Lee's standard, he'll be a fine asset to the team and to Duke.

-jk

OldPhiKap
09-27-2007, 04:56 PM
Lee was a great help on many occasions, both in leadership and in deed. If Olek lives up to Lee's standard, he'll be a fine asset to the team and to Duke.
-jk

From Wikipedia:

"Senior Season (2005-06) In his final year with the Blue Devils he averaged 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. He also averaged 19.8 minutes per game and played in all 36 of Duke's games. He recorded 16 points versus Davidson College, 12 points against Indiana, 18 against Valparaiso, 17 points and 5 three-point field goals versus Wake Forest, 10 against Clemson, recorded 12 points against N.C. State, and 13 points against Duke's rival UNC."


I'll take it from this kid.

ACCBBallFan
09-27-2007, 05:29 PM
I gotta be honest, I'm happy he's coming, but I seem as a Lee Melch type player at least in terms of how much he'll play. He's got one real attribute: athleticism...and really only hops. He's only 6'7", so he'll be an undersized PF. He doesn't weigh that much, but he's not small either...although he could easily put on 5-10, maybe 15lbs before he ever dones the blue and white (and black, lol)...but I'm not sure we'd want him to put on more than that... Disagree on the not weighing much. He weighs 235 already and does not appear fat at all.

dkbaseball
09-27-2007, 05:39 PM
Disagree on the not weighing much. He weighs 235 already and does not appear fat at all.

Good lord yes. This is a big kid, and when he gets into the Duke weight program he's going to be a beast. I don't understand why people are looking at him through the lens of what limitations might be evident at his current level of development, rather than through the lens of potential. He's just brimming with it. Check out his highlight reel on youtube.

SilkyJ
09-27-2007, 06:07 PM
Lee was a great help on many occasions, both in leadership and in deed. If Olek lives up to Lee's standard, he'll be a fine asset to the team and to Duke.

-jk

Definitely agreed.


Disagree on the not weighing much. He weighs 235 already and does not appear fat at all.

Yea, you are right. I take it back. 235 is a good weight for a 6'7" kid looking to play down low. Not to mention if u start putting weight on this kid, he could lose some explosiveness, which is obviously his best asset


I don't understand why people are looking at him through the lens of what limitations might be evident at his current level of development, rather than through the lens of potential. He's just brimming with it. Check out his highlight reel on youtube.

Youtube highlight reels dont mean squat. Two words: Josh Mcroberts. Lots of people have potential, and I think we'll help him achieve it, but like I said, I just think its gonna take lots of time...much like it did with Lee...

Marty has sick youtube highlight reels too...and yet he averages 7 mpg...

I'm not down on the kid, not at all. Just trying to be realistic in terms of him taking time to develop, and how much of role he will play.

mgtr
09-27-2007, 06:39 PM
Lets see now -- 6' 7", 235 pounds, lots of bounce. Sounds like a Charles Barkley type player to me. Seriously, if Duke went after him, I am persuaded he is likely to be a pretty good player. Desire counts a bunch.

madscavenger
09-27-2007, 06:54 PM
"With a "zyz" in his last name, you knew K would have the inside track on this kid."

Wouldn't you have liked to have been a fly on the wall during the home visit? The conversation with Olek's mother could have been a classic, especially if Mickie sent along some home made paczki, (or mazurek - take your choice).

throatybeard
09-27-2007, 09:19 PM
Where's Rick Majerus when you need him.

Coaching SLU. I'm gonna miss him in the booth, but I may go to a SLU game just for the hell of it. I think they're building a new arena.

Bob Green
09-27-2007, 09:29 PM
The Reno Gazette Journal (http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070927/SPORTS/70927028/1018) lists Olek Czyz as 6'8" 240 lbs. He averaged 18+ ppg & 8+ rpg last season.

I'm optimistic that Olek Czyz is a diamond-in-the-rough recruit. It will be interesting following his development as a Blue Devil.

DevilWolf
09-27-2007, 11:00 PM
Just to give everyone a heads up, I will giggle like a little kid if he's a hustle player and the announcer tells us that Czyz is all over the place, or if he's a good defender and the accouncer tells us that so and so has Czyz all over him.

cspan37421
09-27-2007, 11:12 PM
Given the guesses at pronunciation, it's a good thing his name isn't spelled Jzyz.

yancem
09-27-2007, 11:24 PM
Given the guesses at pronunciation, it's a good thing his name isn't spelled Jzyz.

Now that's just damn funny!!!!

Stray Gator
09-27-2007, 11:26 PM
Lets see now -- 6' 7", 235 pounds, lots of bounce. Sounds like a Charles Barkley type player to me. ....

Czyz-zam!!!

speedevil
09-28-2007, 07:03 AM
i hope czyz plays nothing like lee. czyz stay in the post where we need you

cspan37421
09-28-2007, 07:20 AM
Just to give everyone a heads up, I will giggle like a little kid if he's a hustle player and the announcer tells us that Czyz is all over the place, or if he's a good defender and the accouncer tells us that so and so has Czyz all over him.

Yeah, it will be funny if he comes in as a sub and the announcer says "Duke is inserting Czyz". And... talking about low-hanging fruit,

For our opponents, a loss to Duke and Czyz would be tough to swallow.

whereinthehellami
09-28-2007, 08:24 AM
I gotta be honest, I'm happy he's coming, but I seem as a Lee Melch type player at least in terms of how much he'll play. He's got one real attribute: athleticism...and really only hops. He's only 6'7", so he'll be an undersized PF. He doesn't weigh that much, but he's not small either...although he could easily put on 5-10, maybe 15lbs before he ever dones the blue and white (and black, lol)...but I'm not sure we'd want him to put on more than that...

Not to mention of the videos I've seen, it doesn't look like he's got david thompson hops, which is kind of what I was expecting considering he really hasn't played for that long and has no real offensive repertoire...

I don't mean to sound down on him, but I don't think he'll play a major role until his junior year at the earliest, unless transfers/injuries/early entries to the L happen (and they probably will so maybe he will get some PT early on...)

I agree about the video highlights, you really can't tell much. If you watch the videos again and just focus on the defense you won't find any. Plus he looked to be taller than the guy who was guarding him. I know I always looked good posting up a smaller player.:) But I like that he is bouncy, aggresive, and tries to dunk everything. I love that mentality and you don't find many kids anymore who enjoy the rugby style of the post.

With a kid like this at Duke it really comes down to defense. And you don't see any of that on the youtube videos or at the summer tourneys. But again if he likes to mix it up and has good athletiscm, I'll be looking forward to seeing what he can do in the post and along the baseline.

cspan37421
09-28-2007, 09:17 AM
One obvious problem with the clips linked on the first page is selection bias. You aren't shown any shots he missed. You also aren't shown his defense at all, and frankly there were too many dunks for me to tell anything except that he can finish with a flourish (on nonexistent defense).

dukejim1
09-28-2007, 09:35 AM
Can someone verify with the Basketball office the correct pronunciation of Olek's name. The Herald-Sun weighed in this morning with "chews." Whatever it is, we need to start practicing now so we will be ready to criticize Packer and others next year.

Troublemaker
09-28-2007, 09:35 AM
Um, I'm expecting a much better career from Olek than Lee's, and it's almost certainly going to come to fruition. They are just completely different grades of talent.

Also, with his 40" vertical, he can definitely dunk, so hopefully he'll serve up some Czyz facials over the next few years.

OldPhiKap
09-28-2007, 10:34 AM
"hopefully he'll serve up some Czyz facials"

Ole Czyz!

Patrick Yates
09-28-2007, 10:59 AM
Lets see now -- 6' 7", 235 pounds, lots of bounce. Sounds like a Charles Barkley type player to me. Seriously, if Duke went after him, I am persuaded he is likely to be a pretty good player. Desire counts a bunch.

As much as Duke needs Ollie in the post next year, I hope to eventually see him on the perimeter.

Now, what I am about to say is outside the realm of possibility, but just ponder. LeBron James is 6-7 to 6-8, 240 lbs of athletic muscle. The only difference between Bron and Ollie is that Bron's skillset is far beyond Olek's. Although, virtually every scouting report claims that Olek is a good, aggressive, Defender, so he may already be ahead of Bron in that catagory.

But, again, Bron is lightyears ahead of Olek as far as offensive skills, specifically dribbling, passing, and perimeter shooting. But, that is what practice is for. The nature, and body type, of the wing player is evolving. Olek as the building blocks to be this type of special player.

I am not saying that Olek will ever even approach Bron, but, by Olek's JR year, I would love to see him modeling his game after Battier or Singler. He already is bigger than either of them, and is at least as athletic as the (underated in this regard) Battier. I can really see him as a solid defender in the post from Day One. But in 3 years? An attacking SF (playing the PF slot at Duke, but looking like a wing on the pro level) who can absolutely kill you inside or out.

I have to guess that this is the "vision" that K sold Olek on. He has the athleticism to be a wing player, he only needs the skills work. If he spends the next few summers (and seasons) working on these aspects of his game, the sky is literally the limit.

Olek is EXACTLY the type of Diamond in the rough that I have been lusting after. He may or may not provide significant help immediately (if we get Monroe he will have less opportunity right off the bat), but when he gets his basketball skills up to par with his athletic gifts, he could be special. I know the word is overused, but I think "special" applies to Olek moreso than many other recruits we get (of course that dirty phrase "COULD BE" features prominently as well). Olek is the type of guy that barely plays as a Frosh, and is an All-American after 2 more years, and is a nightmare matchup. I mean, you can teach a kid to dribble, pass, and shoot, but you cannot teach a 40 inch vertical leap to go with a 240 lb body any more than you can teach a kid to be 7 feet tall.

As much as we need him in the post, I do not see him there permanently. Sure, he will always do work in the post, but he could also be a TRUE inside out player. Attacking the basket from the perimeter, or jacking up threes when you lay off him. Patience with him is the key. Next year, he will look lost sometimes, but there will be moments of true epiphany on his part, where we will see the player he should become.

Patrick Yates

ps If, and this may be a big IF, we get Monroe and Williams along with Olek, they might be 3 of the 4 or 5 most athletic kids on the team (depending on Henderson being here or not) from Day 1. That is the way our recruting must be conducted on a going forward basis. I love highly skilled players, but you can teach a freak athlete to shoot. You cannot teach a highly skilled but moribund athlete to be a freak athlete. We can still bring in the skills over athleticism guys, but to be a national power you need 2-3 stud athletes on the court at all times as well.

Turtleboy
09-28-2007, 11:04 AM
You cannot teach a highly skilled but moribund athlete to be a freak athlete.Well, maybe you could have before the fatal illness.

Indoor66
09-28-2007, 11:05 AM
As much as Duke needs Ollie in the post next year, I hope to eventually see him on the perimeter.

Now, what I am about to say is outside the realm of possibility, but just ponder. LeBron James is 6-7 to 6-8, 240 lbs of athletic muscle. The only difference between Bron and Ollie is that Bron's skillset is far beyond Olek's. Although, virtually every scouting report claims that Olek is a good, aggressive, Defender, so he may already be ahead of Bron in that catagory.

But, again, Bron is lightyears ahead of Olek as far as offensive skills, specifically dribbling, passing, and perimeter shooting. But, that is what practice is for. The nature, and body type, of the wing player is evolving. Olek as the building blocks to be this type of special player.

I am not saying that Olek will ever even approach Bron, but, by Olek's JR year, I would love to see him modeling his game after Battier or Singler. He already is bigger than either of them, and is at least as athletic as the (underated in this regard) Battier. I can really see him as a solid defender in the post from Day One. But in 3 years? An attacking SF (playing the PF slot at Duke, but looking like a wing on the pro level) who can absolutely kill you inside or out.

I have to guess that this is the "vision" that K sold Olek on. He has the athleticism to be a wing player, he only needs the skills work. If he spends the next few summers (and seasons) working on these aspects of his game, the sky is literally the limit.

Olek is EXACTLY the type of Diamond in the rough that I have been lusting after. He may or may not provide significant help immediately (if we get Monroe he will have less opportunity right off the bat), but when he gets his basketball skills up to par with his athletic gifts, he could be special. I know the word is overused, but I think "special" applies to Olek moreso than many other recruits we get (of course that dirty phrase "COULD BE" features prominently as well). Olek is the type of guy that barely plays as a Frosh, and is an All-American after 2 more years, and is a nightmare matchup. I mean, you can teach a kid to dribble, pass, and shoot, but you cannot teach a 40 inch vertical leap to go with a 240 lb body any more than you can teach a kid to be 7 feet tall.

As much as we need him in the post, I do not see him there permanently. Sure, he will always do work in the post, but he could also be a TRUE inside out player. Attacking the basket from the perimeter, or jacking up threes when you lay off him. Patience with him is the key. Next year, he will look lost sometimes, but there will be moments of true epiphany on his part, where we will see the player he should become.

Patrick Yates

ps If, and this may be a big IF, we get Monroe and Williams along with Olek, they might be 3 of the 4 or 5 most athletic kids on the team (depending on Henderson being here or not) from Day 1. That is the way our recruting must be conducted on a going forward basis. I love highly skilled players, but you can teach a freak athlete to shoot. You cannot teach a highly skilled but moribund athlete to be a freak athlete. We can still bring in the skills over athleticism guys, but to be a national power you need 2-3 stud athletes on the court at all times as well.

Who is Ollie?

Patrick Yates
09-28-2007, 11:12 AM
I read that somewhere as a nickname for the kid. I think it was a coach.

If the rest of the board can create nicknames or conduct an inane debate on pronunciation, I can spitball with Ollie, which is not at all obvious. I know you like full names, but it just is not going to happen.


As for the Moribund line, well, given the level of athleticism for some of our players in recent years, I might take the dead person in a straight line race.

Patrick Yates

OldPhiKap
09-28-2007, 11:23 AM
As much as Duke needs Ollie in the post next year, I hope to eventually see him on the perimeter.

He has been a face-to-the-basket guy so far without much of an outside jump shot. I don't see him as a SF. If his strength is rebounding and dunking from the blocks, I don't see that translating into a wing player. JMHO.

SilkyJ
09-28-2007, 12:52 PM
As much as Duke needs Ollie in the post next year, I hope to eventually see him on the perimeter.

Now, what I am about to say is outside the realm of possibility, but just ponder. LeBron James is 6-7 to 6-8, 240 lbs of athletic muscle. The only difference between Bron and Ollie is that Bron's skillset is far beyond Olek's. Although, virtually every scouting report claims that Olek is a good, aggressive, Defender, so he may already be ahead of Bron in that catagory.



Um, Lebron has also played the game for a while and has a "feel" for the game, my friend. Also, olek is a good defender in HIGH SCHOOL. Lebron is realy good at all those things you mentioned, in the NBA. Reality to Patrick?

Patrick Yates
09-28-2007, 01:48 PM
Yes, LeBron has a feel for the game, after spending the majority of his time since adolesence playing B-ball (and he was NEVER mentioned as a good defender, that was virtually the only knock on him dating back to HS). Olek has not had that immersion into hoops as yet. And, Bron, like Mayo this year, was old for his class.

All I said was that Olek had the potential to develop into an inside out type player.

In all the stories about his commitment, Olek has mentioned that the tipping point for him was K's "vision" for Olek as a player. Do you think that vision entails being a chained to the post as a 6-7.5 (no consensus, so I will split the difference), 240 lb post player? That will get it done in college, but he is too small for the pros as a post. With his athleticism (which further weight gain might negate), which in HS lends itself to being a post, cause he doesn't have to do anything else, why not look at Bron as a mold. As I said, Olek does not have the same offensive skills. Why couldn't he develop them at Duke? With his size and athleticism, he could make the move to the perimeter if he sharpens his skills.

Granted, he might only be 80% the player LeBron. Guess what? That is still worth a heck of a lot more $-wise than an undersized post player. My point was that players evolve. What they are in HS doesn't translate into their pro career.

McGrady was a player that no one heard of prior to the summer before his senior year. At his middling HS, he was a 6-9 200 lb Center. After a late invite, due SOLELY to another player's last minute cancelation, he was invited to a summer camp where he was freed from the post. His career went on a sharp uptick. He too lacked perimeter skills, but he developed them after spending 2-4 years in the pros. Why not Olek, too? What other vision could have the kid so star struck?

He won't abandon the post, merely grow to incorporate other things.

Patrick Yates

Classof06
09-28-2007, 02:02 PM
Lee was a great help on many occasions, both in leadership and in deed. If Olek lives up to Lee's standard, he'll be a fine asset to the team and to Duke.

-jk


I agree. If he can be Lee Melchionni with a 40 inch vertical, I'll take that any day of the week. I also like this recruit because Duke hasn't had an athletic 6-7 player, especially for defensive purposes, since Luol really. It's pretty important to have a guy that can guard that 6-7 wing/forward on the opposing team, and it looks like Olek fits the part. You cannot underrate athleticism and I think you see Duke beginning to target athletic players a little bit more than before. That is only a good thing.

By the time Olek steps foot on campus, I believe we will be good enough to win a NC, so I doubt we'll be in a position where we need huge contributions from him his freshman year anyway. That being said, I'm glad to have Olek on the team and look forward to having him represent the D.

Believe it or not, the season's getting close, people....

OldPhiKap
09-28-2007, 02:02 PM
I like your enthusiasm, and would love to see all of that happen. But I have to figure that leaping ability = staying down low, unless he has an explosive step and can drive the lanes (which I have not heard). K starts with defense, and that also signals a close-to-the-basket position for a strong rebounder and leaper. Plus, there's a glut at the 2/3 right now as it is and I would see Singler filling out the inside-outside role for the next few years.

I'm not sure how much time he'll be getting, but if he can develop a shot out to about 12 or 15 feet by his senior year that would be about what I'd expect. Anything past that is a bonus. But, like you say -- he's raw and has untapped potential. Maybe Collins can teach him an outside shot.

DevilWolf
09-28-2007, 03:11 PM
I'm extremely disappointed in this news. Does Czyz really address our needs down low against our biggest competition? I'm sure Alex Stepheson over at UNC is literally drooling at the prospect of facing Czyz. He's going to absolutely gobble Czyz up every chance he gets. I'm sure he's already talking a whole gang of trash over there, saying he'll take Czyz anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

JasonEvans
09-28-2007, 03:13 PM
The only difference between Bron and Ollie is that Bron's skillset is far beyond Olek's.

I know you clarified this point a lot, but I swear I snarfed hot tea out my nose when I read that line. It hurt!

The line about Olek playing better D than Lebron is also pretty darn amusing/insane.

You made some great points about Olek and what he can bring to the table for Duke... and I think he could have a lot greater impact than many here seem to think... but you gotta admit PY, comparing him to Bronbron is pretty darn crazy.

--Jason "I want Patrick for a PR agent!! The only dirfference between me and JJ Abrams is that JJ's skillset is far beyond mine" Evans

JasonEvans
09-28-2007, 03:15 PM
I'm extremely disappointed in this news. Does Czyz really address our needs down low against our biggest competition? I'm sure Alex Stepheson over at UNC is literally drooling at the prospect of facing Czyz. He's going to absolutely gobble Czyz up every chance he gets. I'm sure he's already talking a whole gang of trash over there, saying he'll take Czyz anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

Ok, I think we've done all we should with the semi-pornographic humor on how his last name is pronounced. Unless you've got something really clever and new to bring to the conversation in this regard, we've been there.

--Jason

DevilWolf
09-28-2007, 03:16 PM
Jeez, I guess we know where YOUR mind is today.

ACCBBallFan
09-28-2007, 03:31 PM
Patrick is not lacking for unbridled optimism.

Ignoring all the Lebron comparisons, another item I take issue with is that Greg Monroe coming to Duke would slow down Olek Czyz's development.

I actually think it would hasten it as Olek's real value is as a defender, which is one of the points Patrick made that I do agree with.

Link: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/092707aax.html

"He is the first commitment this fall for the Blue Devils, and he will mesh well with last year's front court additions, Kyle Singler and Taylor King, as another interchangeable part in Duke's offense. He plays strong defense, too, so Coach K will be smiling, that's for sure."

Having another skill set like Greg Monroe's to practice against every day in practice, can only make Olek Czyz an even better defender.

captmojo
09-29-2007, 06:50 AM
I too see a lot of dunking going on but I also see, in the video, a refreshing use of the backboard on some layups. How many were missed by Blue Devils last year due to not using the boards? Answering my own question, far too many times. I see players from all over, not just Duke, that don't perform this vital fundamental and end up watching their shot hitting back-rim, rebounding behind and over their heads to the defender who was out of position behind them.

Is it that it just doesn't look cool to use the backboard? I leave the answer here for others. In my opinion, 2 points are 2 points, no extra for style.

Waynne
09-29-2007, 09:13 PM
From the videos he looked like a banger to me, similar to Jon Brockman but with fewer skills. If he can learn to rebound and play defense he should get decent playing time- we need both desperately. I didn't see any signs he has any perimeter skills or the quickness needed to play on the perimeter, but who knows where his skills will be in 3 years.

Karl Beem
09-30-2007, 10:01 PM
you're eyes are brown.
:cool:

OldPhiKap
09-30-2007, 10:22 PM
Sounds like Antonio Lang. Which is a good thing.

yancem
10-01-2007, 09:50 AM
I'm extremely disappointed in this news. Does Czyz really address our needs down low against our biggest competition? I'm sure Alex Stepheson over at UNC is literally drooling at the prospect of facing Czyz. He's going to absolutely gobble Czyz up every chance he gets. I'm sure he's already talking a whole gang of trash over there, saying he'll take Czyz anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

Alex Stephenson? Are you serious? He averaged 6.4 minutes, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 points a game last year and you think that he is licking his chops and talking trash about a match up with anyone? He may turn out to be a solid player but he has done nothing and I mean NOTHING to make me think he can gobble up anyone worthy of a scholarship to any ACC school. If you want to poo poo Czyz then at least use someone who has accomplished something as an example .

JBDuke
10-01-2007, 10:37 AM
Alex Stephenson? Are you serious? He averaged 6.4 minutes, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 points a game last year and you think that he is licking his chops and talking trash about a match up with anyone? He may turn out to be a solid player but he has done nothing and I mean NOTHING to make me think he can gobble up anyone worthy of a scholarship to any ACC school. If you want to poo poo Czyz then at least use someone who has accomplished something as an example .

Yancem, DevilWolf was not being serious. If you read his post in the context of the rest of the thread, especially the ones about how to pronounce Olek's last name, you'll find he was merely being crude.

dkbaseball
10-01-2007, 05:08 PM
Had a conversation today with some of Czyz's classmates at Reno High. A few random facts not yet reported here:

He power cleans 275 lbs. Pretty impressive for any basketball player, especially a high school kid. I think the Duke weight program will turn him into a monster.

One reason he picked Duke over Louisville is because things seemed much more organized at Duke. This a bit of a surprise to me, as I would expect Ricky P. to be compulsive about details.

Another reason is that he felt he fit in better with the players -- the opposite of Patterson.

gep
10-02-2007, 01:11 AM
One reason he picked Duke over Louisville is because things seemed much more organized at Duke. This a bit of a surprise to me, as I would expect Ricky P. to be compulsive about details.

Interesting... my impression of Rick Pitino is that he is a stickler for details. But, so is Coach K... and I think the big advantage for Duke is the *overall* Duke basketball program's organization and attention to detail... from coaching staff, basketball staff, to the basketball office.:cool:

Patrick Yates
10-02-2007, 11:59 AM
Interesting... my impression of Rick Pitino is that he is a stickler for details. But, so is Coach K... and I think the big advantage for Duke is the *overall* Duke basketball program's organization and attention to detail... from coaching staff, basketball staff, to the basketball office.:cool:

I've always kind of suspected that Pitino was a bit helter skelter. He is from the New York Area, and he talks fast and is direct, so I think that he gives off an aura of being a prickler for details.

But the reality is, no so much. His run at UK probably ended as a result of a disasterous recruiting weekend where he brought in Burgess, Battier, and a slew of other high profile recruits. None of the kids felt special, and Battier kind of hinted that the whole thing was shoddy (he was too nice, smart, and PC to outright say it, but he danced arround that statement a few times). Pitino was embarrassed, and the weekend caused UK to miss on a bunch of their top targets that year. Tubby Won the NC the next year, but it was pretty obvious that Pitino's gaffe hurt the talent pipeline for the year after that NC.

Also, the kids Pitino has gotten while at UL strike me a very helter skelter. Pitino instills discipline off court, but his program has always struck me as a little out of control on-court. Lots of running arround and jacking up 3s. It works, and it works well, but a kid looking for structure might not like that, in a similiar manner that a kid who wants to play wide open, undisciplined ball wouldn't like Duke.

You know K is structured and detail oriented. Attending the Point and serving the Military will MAKE you detail oriented. I think that is why K is so appealing to kids with powerful parental figures. K's structure is familiar to them.

Patrick Yates

Fish80
04-07-2008, 01:12 PM
I'm not sure how to pronounce Czyz. Can someone spell this phonetically for me?

nyr484
04-07-2008, 01:15 PM
I believe it is pronounced "Shiz". Not 100%

toughbuff1
04-07-2008, 01:18 PM
I thought it was "Chiz".

jgehtland
04-07-2008, 01:19 PM
That's it. If he plays power forward for us, I hereby dub that position the "4 czyzle".

Ok, that was bad.

Shutting up now.

Franzez
04-07-2008, 01:24 PM
That's it. If he plays power forward for us, I hereby dub that position the "4 czyzle".

Ok, that was bad.

Shutting up now.
He needs a nickname,it'll be hard to cheer for a guy named Olek Czyz and then announcers pronouncing it.

I can tolerate the last name if its pronounced "Chiz",but the first name has to go,imagine if we had Copperyale Harris who had to use the nickname Manny last season.

sagegrouse
04-07-2008, 01:24 PM
I thought it was "Chiz".

And, of course, Czyz is the simplified spelling of the family name. I can't remember, but the original names was either "Czyzewski" or "Czyzciechowski" before the family wised up and shortened it.

sagegrouse

Franzez
04-07-2008, 01:32 PM
And, of course, Czyz is the simplified spelling of the family name. I can't remember, but the original names was either "Czyzewski" or "Czyzciechowski" before the family wised up and shortened it.

sagegrouse
Okay.

Player C

We have a Coach K and now we can have a Player C

MIKESJ73
04-07-2008, 01:35 PM
"Fo' Shizzle my Nizzle"

Ima Facultiwyfe
04-07-2008, 01:45 PM
"Shizzzzz---ZAM!"

Love, Ima

BD80
04-07-2008, 06:54 PM
And, of course, Czyz is the simplified spelling of the family name. I can't remember, but the original names was either "Czyzewski" or "Czyzciechowski" before the family wised up and shortened it.

sagegrouse

Just like Coach K's family did?

mgtr
04-07-2008, 08:34 PM
I think, if he pans out, he will be called Shazam!

weezie
04-07-2008, 08:47 PM
....I think the big advantage for Duke is the *overall* Duke basketball program's organization and attention to detail... from coaching staff, basketball staff, to the basketball office.:cool:


Not to mention the advantage that North Carolina BBQ has over the feeble KY imitator. For a guy who benches 275, well, surely the lad has to have something to eat now and then.

soccerstud2210
04-08-2008, 09:48 AM
That's it. If he plays power forward for us, I hereby dub that position the "4 czyzle".

Ok, that was bad.

Shutting up now.

i actually kinda like that....

soccerstud2210
04-08-2008, 09:48 AM
I think, if he pans out, he will be called Shazam!

although this is a good one too

wumhenry
04-08-2008, 10:36 AM
Not to mention the advantage that North Carolina BBQ has over the feeble KY imitator. For a guy who benches 275, well, surely the lad has to have something to eat now and then.
275, wow! Where did you find that information?

sagegrouse
04-08-2008, 11:19 AM
Given his lifting prowess, would you say Oleg has a "Czyzeled" physique?

sagegrouse

dkbaseball
04-08-2008, 11:40 AM
275, wow! Where did you find that information?

Presumably from me earlier in the thread. But it's power cleans 275.

SMO
04-08-2008, 11:45 AM
Presumably from me earlier in the thread. But it's power cleans 275.

I think power cleaning 275 lbs is much more impressive than benching that much. I wouldn't be surprised if he can bench more than 275. The power clean requires excellent leg strength and quickness:

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/pclean.htm

dkbaseball
04-08-2008, 11:57 AM
I think power cleaning 275 lbs is much more impressive than benching that much. I wouldn't be surprised if he can bench more than 275. The power clean requires excellent leg strength and quickness:

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/pclean.htm

I agree, especially for someone 6-7. That's a lot of distance to move the weight. He's a very strong and explosive young man.

whereinthehellami
04-08-2008, 12:06 PM
Here is a link (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=52213&season=2008&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d522 13%26season%3d2008) to ESPN's free recruiting link on Olek. It looks like it was from last summer.

dkbaseball
04-08-2008, 12:15 PM
Here is a link (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=52213&season=2008&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d522 13%26season%3d2008) to ESPN's free recruiting link on Olek. It looks like it was from last summer.

That's the first assessment I've seen of him that I agree with entirely, though I'd say he's a little taller than 6-6. He's tall enough.

SMO
05-22-2008, 08:45 AM
That's the first assessment I've seen of him that I agree with entirely, though I'd say he's a little taller than 6-6. He's tall enough.

Today's DBR linked to an article claiming Czyz is 6'10". My guess is that was a typo and they meant the other center on the all-star team is 6'10". Can anyone confirm that Olek did or did not have a late growth spurt?

camion
05-22-2008, 09:02 AM
I believe that's 6' 10" in shoes or 6' 8" in cushiony socks, 6' 6" barefoot.

:)

yancem
05-22-2008, 09:06 AM
I believe that's 6' 10" in shoes or 6' 8" in cushiony socks, 6' 6" barefoot.

:)

Man, cushiony socks that will add 2" to your hight, where can I get me some of those?

dkbaseball
05-22-2008, 10:03 AM
Today's DBR linked to an article claiming Czyz is 6'10". My guess is that was a typo and they meant the other center on the all-star team is 6'10". Can anyone confirm that Olek did or did not have a late growth spurt?

I haven't seen him since late March, but at that time he appeared to be about 6-7, which is what the other center mentioned in the story is also. A very big 6-7.

yancem
05-23-2008, 08:47 AM
The two new articles linked from the front page both list him as 6'10" so there is either some poor reporting going on (very likely) or he has grown (not very likely). Either way, its fairly odd!

bdh21
05-23-2008, 09:06 AM
The two new articles linked from the front page both list him as 6'10" so there is either some poor reporting going on (very likely) or he has grown (not very likely). Either way, its fairly odd!

The game program probably listed him as 6'10". Yeah, maybe in shoes on a bad hair day. Listed heights for high school basketball players are as manipulated and unreliable as listed 40-yard-dash times for high school football players. Maybe Czyz has grown a bit in the past few months, but he sure aint 6'10"

NM Duke Fan
05-23-2008, 10:07 AM
Exceedingly unlikely that he is 6'10", but who knows, maybe he is a true 6'8" by now and many young men his age are still growing, I grew an inch after my senior year and one friend grew 3". So it is still possible that Czyz will end up a true 6'9" and at that height he could easily weigh 250 and still be explosive and fast. In fact, that is about the size of a certain very explosive NBA player that just exited the playoffs the other day....

wumhenry
05-23-2008, 11:09 AM
That's the first assessment I've seen of him that I agree with entirely, though I'd say he's a little taller than 6-6. He's tall enough.
Note that in the little thumbnail at the top of the ESPN report, his height is listed as 6'8", and then it says "last updated 5/23/08."

3rd Dukie
05-23-2008, 01:46 PM
"Shizzzzz---ZAM!"

Love, Ima


I LOVE it!! Perfect for one of his monster flushes.

SilkyJ
05-23-2008, 02:02 PM
Exceedingly unlikely that he is 6'10", but who knows, maybe he is a true 6'8" by now and many young men his age are still growing, I grew an inch after my senior year and one friend grew 3". So it is still possible that Czyz will end up a true 6'9" and at that height he could easily weigh 250 and still be explosive and fast. In fact, that is about the size of a certain very explosive NBA player that just exited the playoffs the other day....

I don't think that's the right way to think of it. He can't just throw on 10-15-20 more lbs and expect to have the same explosiveness and quickness just b/c there are other athletes of that size who are as explosive and quick as he is at 6'8 230 or whatever. If he puts on weight and gets up to 250 he might still be fast ENOUGH and explosive ENOUGH, but he would almost certainly lose some quickness/speed and leaping ability.

SMO
05-23-2008, 02:36 PM
Note that in the little thumbnail at the top of the ESPN report, his height is listed as 6'8", and then it says "last updated 5/23/08."

So that gives Duke 5 guys at 6'8" or taller next year. Suddenly not so small!

Carlos
05-23-2008, 02:55 PM
He's 6-5, with the afro 6-9.

devilboomer
05-23-2008, 03:02 PM
Note that in the little thumbnail at the top of the ESPN report, his height is listed as 6'8", and then it says "last updated 5/23/08."

Yup, i'm fairly sure that used to say 6'7".

NM Duke Fan
05-23-2008, 04:04 PM
I don't think that's the right way to think of it. He can't just throw on 10-15-20 more lbs and expect to have the same explosiveness and quickness just b/c there are other athletes of that size who are as explosive and quick as he is at 6'8 230 or whatever. If he puts on weight and gets up to 250 he might still be fast ENOUGH and explosive ENOUGH, but he would almost certainly lose some quickness/speed and leaping ability.

With ordinary, rather slow big men, I completely agree, adding more weight when one has mostly slow twitch fibers can slow one down. My point is that in my view Czyz is an elite fast twitch athlete, and as such that might not be the case. As just one example Le Bron James has plenty of explosiveness now with his added muscle, and there are other elite athletes I could name. Also, if Czyz is already 6'8" he very well might now weigh 240 instead of the formerly listed 235, as a health care professional I figure about 5 lbs per inch of height added for men. So another 10 lbs without slowing down is very possible if he grows to 6'9"; 5 lbs for the added inch of height/bone mass and 5 more lbs of explosive muscle....

SilkyJ
05-23-2008, 04:12 PM
With ordinary, rather slow big men, I completely agree, adding more weight when one has mostly slow twitch fibers can slow one down. My point is that in my view Czyz is an elite fast twitch athlete, and as such that might not be the case. As just one example Le Bron James has plenty of explosiveness now with his added muscle, and there are other elite athletes I could name. Also, if Czyz is already 6'8" he very well might now weigh 240 instead of the formerly listed 235, as a health care professional I figure about 5 lbs per inch of height added for men. So another 10 lbs without slowing down is very possible if he grows to 6'9"; 5 lbs for the added inch of height/bone mass and 5 more lbs of explosive muscle....

as a health care professional I defer to you on the details, but fast twitch or not, if he adds considerable weight (i.e. over the 5lb per inch model) he'll be slower, methinks.

And convenient for your "one example" you just HAPPENED to choose a manchild freak of nature athlete. I think he's an outlier my friend ;)

NM Duke Fan
05-23-2008, 04:26 PM
Yes, I absolutely agree if he adds considerable weight he will slow down, but he is 17 years old. It is hardly unusual to add 5 lbs of muscle after ones 17th birthday and one grows to full height, right? And 5 lbs is hardly considerable.

Re Le Bron, yes he is an elite 'man child.' But have you watched the vids of Czyz, some would say he is also a 'man child' to some degree, I've rarely seen a 17 year old with that developed of a body. His explosivity led to comments from his fellow all stars in the DC game like "You're my favorite white boy now." Cory Magette was also a 'man child' whose added muscle didn't slow him down and Czyz is up there somewhere on the scale. We will see. Lets both hope he doesn't start living on Big Macs and end up at 265!

vango
05-23-2008, 04:26 PM
He's 6-5, with the afro 6-9.

Nice Fletch reference.

It's all ball bearings these days boys.

dkbaseball
05-23-2008, 04:41 PM
Yes, I absolutely agree if he adds considerable weight he will slow down, but he is 17 years old. It is hardly unusual to add 5 lbs of muscle after ones 17th birthday and one grows to full height, right? And 5 lbs is hardly considerable.

Re Le Bron, yes he is an elite 'man child.' But have you watched the vids of Czyz, some would say he is also a 'man child' to some degree, I've rarely seen a 17 year old with that developed of a body. His explosivity led to comments from his fellow all stars in the DC game like "You're my favorite white boy now." Cory Magette was also a 'man child' whose added muscle didn't slow him down and Czyz is up there somewhere on the scale. We will see. Lets both hope he doesn't start living on Big Macs and end up at 265!

I believe Olek turned 18 on Jan. 1, and he looked about 6-7 the last time I saw him. But I'm, of course, in your camp on his potential, even if he doesn't grow any more. He's very strong and very explosive and very motivated, and I think he's going to be an absolute beast for Duke.

altitech
05-24-2008, 12:47 AM
Olek turned 18 in March, He is over 6'8 on the court...

dkbaseball
05-24-2008, 10:37 AM
Olek turned 18 in March, He is over 6'8 on the court...

If you have a decent source of information I suspect you're right. I was getting it from nbadraft.net, which lists his birthday as 1/1/1900. I assumed this was a misprint for 1/1/1990, but now I think it is just a generic birthdate the computer puts down when they have no information.

I'm just guessing as to how tall he is. Standing next to him I estimate him to be roughly the same height as other quite competent Duke forwards I've observed from a similar vantage point, such as GHill and Alarie. He's plenty big and strong enough to do the job at the five for Duke as needed, and I suspect he will be there quite a bit next season. I honestly believe that 10 months from now our main concern about Olek will be the NBA.

dkbaseball
05-24-2008, 11:05 AM
I honestly believe that 10 months from now our main concern about Olek will be the NBA.

Let me clarify this prediction before getting busted by the tempered expectation cops. I think that by the end of next season Olek will be seen as an obvious NBA prospect, and we will be worrying about whether he goes after his sophomore season.

jipops
05-24-2008, 10:01 PM
Let me clarify this prediction before getting busted by the tempered expectation cops. I think that by the end of next season Olek will be seen as an obvious NBA prospect, and we will be worrying about whether he goes after his sophomore season.

I'm not going to bust your chops on this, but unless Olek is another Elton Brand (and he ain't), this isn't happening.

altitech
05-25-2008, 12:48 PM
No, he is not Elton Brand. He is Olek Czyz.

Classof06
05-27-2008, 04:52 PM
Let me clarify this prediction before getting busted by the tempered expectation cops. I think that by the end of next season Olek will be seen as an obvious NBA prospect, and we will be worrying about whether he goes after his sophomore season.

dk,

You've seen him play many more times than anyone else here but we'll see. The bottom line is that freshmen or not, both Olek and MP1 have a much better chance to play a lot of minutes than people realize. I think it's reasonable to say there are some question marks concerning our frontcourt and in that regard, uncertainty provides opportunity.

Until I see Zoubek become and stay healthy, he has to be viewed as an unknown. And while I love the kid, I'm not quite satisfied with Lance Thomas' production (or lack thereof). I've only seen Olek play once but I'm willing to bet that he could match Lance's 4 ppg and 3 rpg given 19 minutes a game. Call it a hunch.

DevilDan
05-27-2008, 05:33 PM
To Mr. Classof06 ... I think you're onto something with Czyz. Take the returning four that are Paulus, Henderson, Scheyer, and Singler... Paulus and Henderson are solid. Scheyer will get more shots, and Singler will be stronger.

Forgive me fellow Duke fans, but I will not miss Nelson. He's a great guy, and a great leader. But his offense in the last ten games of the year was: drive the middle, and either (1) turn the ball over, (2) get his shot stuffed, or (3) miss the shot, get fouled, and miss the free throws. Long live DeMarcus, but....

Czyz has to get a chance to play, with the veteran crew surrounding him. He explodes off the dribble, takes it to the rim with conviction, AND he makes his free throws. Plumlee is another good addition, with size and (we hope) improving strength. God love Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek ... we're still hoping.

The key is the frontcourt, and how it can contribute. Even if it means losing a game here and there in the first 4-5 weeks, give these guys a chance. I would rather lose early, than LATE. This team has every chance to match (or improve on) last year's record. GO DUKE !

SilkyJ
05-27-2008, 07:43 PM
I honestly believe that 10 months from now our main concern about Olek will be the NBA.

[tempered expectations cops]

No seriously, that sounds absolutely crazy but I hope you're right. The more I hear about this kid the more I am convinced he will get serious minutes this year.


No, he is not Elton Brand. He is Olek Czyz.

No, he is Olek "The" Czyz.

Or Olek the Barbarian.

mgtr
05-27-2008, 08:14 PM
Forgive me fellow Duke fans, but I will not miss Nelson. He's a great guy, and a great leader. But his offense in the last ten games of the year was: drive the middle, and either (1) turn the ball over, (2) get his shot stuffed, or (3) miss the shot, get fouled, and miss the free throws. Long live DeMarcus, but....



I think that DeMarcus brought a lot to the team, and left no energy unexpended. What bothered me the most at the end of the season was his driving to the basket and missing a one foot shot by four inches. While he was in tremendous condition, his legs must have been gone at the end. Too bad that he couldn't end his career at Duke on a high note.

El_Diablo
05-27-2008, 09:19 PM
on a high note.

Like Joakim Noah!

TIDDY-BOOM!

Ignatius07
05-27-2008, 10:51 PM
To Mr. Classof06 ... I think you're onto something with Czyz. Take the returning four that are Paulus, Henderson, Scheyer, and Singler... Paulus and Henderson are solid. Scheyer will get more shots, and Singler will be stronger.

Forgive me fellow Duke fans, but I will not miss Nelson. He's a great guy, and a great leader. But his offense in the last ten games of the year was: drive the middle, and either (1) turn the ball over, (2) get his shot stuffed, or (3) miss the shot, get fouled, and miss the free throws. Long live DeMarcus, but....

Czyz has to get a chance to play, with the veteran crew surrounding him. He explodes off the dribble, takes it to the rim with conviction, AND he makes his free throws. Plumlee is another good addition, with size and (we hope) improving strength. God love Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek ... we're still hoping.

The key is the frontcourt, and how it can contribute. Even if it means losing a game here and there in the first 4-5 weeks, give these guys a chance. I would rather lose early, than LATE. This team has every chance to match (or improve on) last year's record. GO DUKE !

Not to turn this thread into one about Nelson, but I feel that your post is overly negative. He was obviously sick in the NCAA Tournament (say what you will about the other guys on the team, and I don't make excuses on behalf of Duke to any opposing fans, but Nelson was clearly sick in the post-game interviews), despite his protestations to the contrary, and it's unfair to conclude - as you seem to do - that he never scored in the final 10 games.

We are all disappointed about how he and others played at the end of the season, but to extend that to prove Nelson's ineffectiveness is a bit much. I would agree that Duke will not lose much on offense, but not because DN was/is not talented offensively. I just think between Singler, Henderson and Scheyer (those who I expect to contribute consistently on offense) and the other guys (who, as role players, will occasionally step up big), we will not be wanting much on the offensive end.

We will miss his on-the-ball defense and rebounding. Nolan (and perhaps Elliot) has the potential to be a ballhawk, and Gerald (and perhaps Olek) clearly has the tools to be an elite rebounder, but whether they refine and hone these aspects of their games remains to be seen. It is one of the questions of the offseason.

I only saw Czyz in the DC-area all-star game, where my reaction was more tempered than most. He displayed very good athleticism, but I was disappointed with his hands (he seemed to miss quite a few rebounds I would expect someone of his jumping ability to be able to get). I doubt he is going to go gangbusters in the beginning of the season - that seems to only happen with guys who perform extremely well at those HS all-star games. Hopefully he can become a steady contributor next season, though I think it would be terribly disappointing if he is starting (because it would mean that Lance and Brian - after 2 full seasons in the ACC - are still not living up to expectations).

bdh21
05-28-2008, 10:11 AM
If we underachieved at the end of the year due to Demarcus' lackluster play, perhaps we overachieved earlier in the year due to Demarcus' brilliant play.

sagegrouse
05-28-2008, 11:28 AM
WRT to the impact of freshmen at Duke, there seem to be four points of view:

1. The consensus (if any) of the rating services

2. The opinions on the DBR

3. What the coaching staff thinks before practice begins

4. What happens during the summer and the pre-season (which, of course, is determinative)

Frequently, the first three positions are out of alignment. E.g., JJ was thought on this Board to be a player that would have trouble earning minutes as a freshman. The coaching staff thought he was ahead of everyone else in a very strong recruiting class and would certainly play a lot.

sagegrouse

CameronCrazy'11
05-28-2008, 10:05 PM
WRT to the impact of freshmen at Duke, there seem to be four points of view:

1. The consensus (if any) of the rating services

2. The opinions on the DBR

3. What the coaching staff thinks before practice begins

4. What happens during the summer and the pre-season (which, of course, is determinative)

Frequently, the first three positions are out of alignment. E.g., JJ was thought on this Board to be a player that would have trouble earning minutes as a freshman. The coaching staff thought he was ahead of everyone else in a very strong recruiting class and would certainly play a lot.

sagegrouse

so, in other words krzyzewski and the assistants are better at evaluating the skills of Duke basketball players than a bunch of speculators on the internet? I think this is something we all know, but sometimes seem to forget. Whether it's recruiting or allotting playing time, I'm confident that K and company know exactly what they're doing.

nyr484
05-29-2008, 03:32 AM
Like Joakim Noah!

TIDDY-BOOM!

haha

wumhenry
05-29-2008, 11:12 AM
No, he is Olek "The" Czyz.

Or Olek the Barbarian.
I hope "Olek the Barbarian" doesn't catch on. Implying that Poland is uncivilized is pretty dumb, especially if you're cheering for a team with a head coach named Krzyzewski.

slower
05-29-2008, 11:28 AM
I hope "Olek the Barbarian" doesn't catch on. Implying that Poland is uncivilized is pretty dumb, especially if you're cheering for a team with a head coach named Krzyzewski.

It's a movie reference, for cripes sake.

The listener infers, the speaker implies.

slower
05-29-2008, 11:31 AM
Lighten up, Francis.

- Sgt. Hulka -

SMO
05-29-2008, 12:26 PM
Lighten up, Francis.

- Sgt. Hulka -

I hope the name blue devils doesn't catch on. Implying that those affiliated with Duke are satanic would be troubling.;)

wumhenry
05-29-2008, 01:07 PM
It's a movie reference, for cripes sake.
That is less than obvious to yrs truly. If the guy's first name were "Conan", I wouldn't see a problem here.

slower
05-29-2008, 01:25 PM
That is less than obvious to yrs truly. If the guy's first name were "Conan", I wouldn't see a problem here.

Looks like I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue.

(That's also a movie reference)

/switches back to iTunes

wumhenry
05-29-2008, 01:31 PM
Looks like I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue.

(That's also a movie reference)

/switches back to iTunes
And your point is ...?

bdh21
05-29-2008, 02:01 PM
And your point is ...?

Hakuna Matata, bud!

Oriole Way
05-29-2008, 05:10 PM
I must have just stumbled onto a thread train wreck.

Anyway, I'm glad Olek has been excelling in these all-star games.

DevilDan
05-29-2008, 08:16 PM
It would be great if Czyz develops quickly, he looks to be a dynamic player. The key is for Coach K to get Czyz & Plumlee integrated into the offense, and start contributing something inside. Zoubek and the bad foot may not be ready (again) for the season, and Lance Thomas--can he toughen up and start finishing his moves inside (and making baskets + free throws)?

The other four (Singler/Henderson/Paulus/Scheyer) are solid -- with help from Williams, Smith & Pocius, our game in the open floor and on the perimieter is solid. If we can get that #5 spot to produce 15pts / 10 boards (even by committee), then a drive for the National Championship is within reach.

And two other thoughts... we're not going to miss Taylor King (who only wanted to shoot, and was not concerned about developing the rest of his game). And, God love him (because he's apparently a great guy and leader), we're not going to miss the game that DeMarcus played in Feb-March (drive to the rim... and either make a turnover--35% of the time ... or get stuffed--25% ... or miss the shot, get fouled, and go to the line and MISS the free throws--35%. The remaining 5%, something good actually happened). I really agonized for him.

At least Olek and Miles are good FT shooters. I wish it started tomorrow ... from sunny California, GO DUKE !

roywhite
05-29-2008, 08:39 PM
It would be great if Czyz develops quickly, he looks to be a dynamic player. The key is for Coach K to get Czyz & Plumlee integrated into the offense, and start contributing something inside. Zoubek and the bad foot may not be ready (again) for the season, and Lance Thomas--can he toughen up and start finishing his moves inside (and making baskets + free throws)?



DevilDan...I generally agree with your points, but the key will be to get Czyz & Plumlee quickly integrated into the defense. Reasons being that Coach K always stresses learning team defense for newcomers to get playing time, and inside defense (and rebounding) are the biggest team needs. Scoring and offensive efficiency can come later; we have returning players who can deliver in those areas.

If Czyz and/or Plumlee can become effective inside defenders and rebounders, then we'll really have something.

Ignatius07
05-30-2008, 12:15 AM
The other four (Singler/Henderson/Paulus/Scheyer) are solid -- with help from Williams, Smith & Pocius, our game in the open floor and on the perimieter is solid. If we can get that #5 spot to produce 15pts / 10 boards (even by committee), then a drive for the National Championship is within reach.

Not so fast. I think a "drive for the National Championship" is potentially within reach, but not for those reasons. To summarize quickly, Henderson, Singler and Scheyer are our undisputed best three players. Unfortunately, none of them plays one of the two most important positions on the floor - point guard and big man/5/center/"Duke" center. Paulus is a solid basketball player, but he is not a solid point guard, in my opinion. So I think our chances for a title depend more on the development of guys like Nolan and Zoubek or Lance than Czyz and Plumlee.

Really the only fair thing to expect from Plumlee and Czyz is to be able to contribute good, spot minutes, maybe 5 a game. There's going to be 12 recruited scholarship players on the roster next year. Granted, as many have pointed out, the minutes in the paint are more up for grabs, but I don't think a 6'7" Czyz at the 5 is going to be a huge success in his first season in the ACC.

DevilDan
05-30-2008, 03:23 AM
Good points, guys ... you're right--the new players do need to learn Coach K's defensive scheme . After seeing Czyz in his prep tapes and the all-star game, I'm thinking that he could become an inside presence in time--I hope a short time. The memories of seeing Thomas getting pushed around, and the thought that Zoubek may be starting over again this fall following his latest rehab, has me looking for other answers inside.

I hope Lance comes back stronger and tougher, and that Brian can get on the floor and just react and play (I always get the feeling that he's overthinking everytime he touches the ball). Plumlee looks to be more of a finesse player, so that makes me root for Olek more and more. Let's keep our fingers crossed, put it in Coach K's hands, and see what happens. It should be a lot of fun.