Duke visiting Canada!

[bluenorth]

I heard an interesting rumor that the Blue Devils would be visiting Canada during the pre-season this year. The presence of RJ Barrett could be a factor in this (possible) trip. Barrett's father, Rowan, is an executive VP with Basketball Canada. If the rumor is true, I'd expect Duke to play in Ottawa, as both Carleton U. and the U of Ottawa are located there and feature strong programs (Carleton has won the Canadian championship at least a dozen times since 2002-03). Another possibility is Ryerson University, located in Toronto. Ryerson recently lost the Canadian final on a last second shot.

Trips such as this one have been made many times in recent years by D. I programs, usually in late August or early September. They get to start training early, and of course there is the bonding aspect while traveling. For a young team it can be a good way to get the season going. Of course, they have to be aware that the games can be harder than anticipated. Carleton in particular has been a tough opponent for visiting squads. Add in the different FIBA style rules (four quarters, 24 second shot clock, etc.) and it can be a bit of a wakeup call for visiting teams.

Has anyone else heard of this possibility?

-----------

Edited to add link to confirmation post (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?41805-Duke-visiting-Canada!&p=1070914#post1070914) for folks just getting here for the first time and wanting to skip the speculation.

-jk

[BD80]

I heard an interesting rumor that the Blue Devils would be visiting Canada during the pre-season this year. The presence of RJ Barrett could be a factor in this (possible) trip. Barrett's father, Rowan, is an executive VP with Basketball Canada. If the rumor is true, I'd expect Duke to play in Ottawa, as both Carleton U. and the U of Ottawa are located there and feature strong programs (Carleton has won the Canadian championship at least a dozen times since 2002-03). Another possibility is Ryerson University, located in Toronto. Ryerson recently lost the Canadian final on a last second shot.

Trips such as this one have been made many times in recent years by D. I programs, usually in late August or early September. They get to start training early, and of course there is the bonding aspect while traveling. For a young team it can be a good way to get the season going. Of course, they have to be aware that the games can be harder than anticipated. Carleton in particular has been a tough opponent for visiting squads. Add in the different FIBA style rules (four quarters, 24 second shot clock, etc.) and it can be a bit of a wakeup call for visiting teams.

Has anyone else heard of this possibility?

Great idea. 4 freshman starters. Great use of time and resources.

[Truth&Justise]

College teams are allowed to take foreign trips once every four years (https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-11-03/college-basketball-foreign-tours-give-college-hoops-teams). Duke was scheduled to go to the Dominican Republic at the start of this season, but abruptly cancelled just before the trip started (http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/coach-knee-replaced-duke-cancels-trip-dominican-republic/story?id=49141352). The official reason given was Coach K's knee surgery. But I suspect part of it may also have been waiting to see if the team could get Bagley.

All of which is to say, a trip to Canada would be possible because Duke didn't take the planned trip last year. In fact, the last one I can remember is the 2011 trip to China and Dubai (https://today.duke.edu/2011/02/bballtour.html). Anyone remember any others?

[UrinalCake]

The naysayers will claim that K only scheduled the DR trip so that he could get in the extra practices, and that the knee surgery was fake. Anyways, I did not realize that it would not "count" as our once in five years international trip. Going to Canada would be cool, and getting the extra practice time would of course be great with this young team. Also I know several of the college teams that traveled overseas last year ran into security/travel issues abroad, so staying closer to home sounds like a good idea.

[Truth&Justise]

The naysayers will claim that K only scheduled the DR trip so that he could get in the extra practices, and that the knee surgery was fake. Anyways, I did not realize that it would not "count" as our once in five years international trip. Going to Canada would be cool, and getting the extra practice time would of course be great with this young team. Also I know several of the college teams that traveled overseas last year ran into security/travel issues abroad, so staying closer to home sounds like a good idea.

Sorry, to be clear, I don't actually know for sure if our DR trip would count. I'm assuming no, because, you know, we didn't go. I'm not sure how many extra practices we fit in ahead of time, or if we balanced that by sacrificing practices later (or any other means of addressing it). So until you hear from someone official, it remains a relevant question.

[scottdude8]

This would be absolutely amazing since I'm moving to Toronto in a couple of months :)

[devildeac]

Ymm.

8253

Might need its own thread on the OTB, too.

:o :rolleyes:

[kostar]

This would be absolutely amazing since I'm moving to Toronto in a couple of months :)

Welcome to Toronto! You'll love our city - enjoy it take it in, explore and EAT - the restaurants and fusion spots here will have your taste buds a buzzzzz

Will be keeping my eyes on this potential Duke trip to Canada, would love to catch that event.

[flyingdutchdevil]

Ymm.

8253

Might need its own thread on the OTB, too.

:o :rolleyes:

I respect your beverage selections. Not your love of potatoes, some nasty brown sauce, and the byproduct of the cheese making process. I will not poutine my mouth!

[devildeac]

I respect your beverage selections. Not your love of potatoes, some nasty brown sauce, and the byproduct of the cheese making process. I will not poutine my mouth!

Blasphème!

Scandaleux!

Absurde!

(try them with some brisket ;))

And, yes, I see what you did there. ;)

[bluenorth]

Welcome to Toronto! You'll love our city - enjoy it take it in, explore and EAT - the restaurants and fusion spots here will have your taste buds a buzzzzz

Will be keeping my eyes on this potential Duke trip to Canada, would love to catch that event.

If Toronto is on the agenda, leave extra time to get anywhere. The traffic is constant. But with the difference between the US $ and the Canadian $, you'll find ways to compensate.

[Wander]

I heard an interesting rumor that the Blue Devils would be visiting Canada during the pre-season this year.

User name checks out

[bluenorth]

User name checks out

Thanks!

[sagegrouse]

If Toronto is on the agenda, leave extra time to get anywhere. The traffic is constant. But with the difference between the US $ and the Canadian $, you'll find ways to compensate.

How's the metro system? I have used it int he past and thought it was good?

[TomJoad]

Here's hoping! Another welcome to Toronto.

[proelitedota]

We should at least do the 10 practices first. If the trip doesn't work out we can always have K replace another body part. :cool:

[Pghdukie]

Is this the year Maui is scheduled?

[terrih]

Yes, Maui is scheduled for this year. I am hoping to make it over again! It is a great time!

http://mauiinvitational.com/news/2016/10/26/general-2018-tournament-features-strongest-field-in-history.aspx?path=general

hopefully the link works- I don't put those in too many of my posts.

[bluenorth]

How's the metro system? I have used it int he past and thought it was good?

It has "challenges" now. It often operates at capacity, and is experiencing more breakdowns due to aging infrastructure. Almost every weekend some section of the subway is closed for repairs. Buses and streetcars can be OK, depending on where you want to go and time of day.

[53n206]

College teams are allowed to take foreign trips once every four years (https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-11-03/college-basketball-foreign-tours-give-college-hoops-teams). Duke was scheduled to go to the Dominican Republic at the start of this season, but abruptly cancelled just before the trip started (http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/coach-knee-replaced-duke-cancels-trip-dominican-republic/story?id=49141352). The official reason given was Coach K's knee surgery. But I suspect part of it may also have been waiting to see if the team could get Bagley.

All of which is to say, a trip to Canada would be possible because Duke didn't take the planned trip last year. In fact, the last one I can remember is the 2011 trip to China and Dubai (https://today.duke.edu/2011/02/bballtour.html). Anyone remember any others?

England a few years prior to that. Seem to remember that one of our players mentioned that it was fun flying commercial. His team flight experience in USA limited to charter planes.

[dukelion]

How's the metro system? I have used it int he past and thought it was good?


Toronto is a phenomenal city but to be blunt traffic and transit are a bit of a mess and are really holding the city back from it's true potential.....it's the main reason I moved away as I just couldn't handle two hours of traffic to get across the city on any given day. If you can live downtown close to your work/friends then you've found Nirvana.

Now I call Ottawa home and was fortunate enough to catch Syracuse vs Carleton a few years back at the Canadian Tire Centre which was a phenomenal game. Carleton truly has a great program and dominated Syracuse until the last five minutes where the Orange made their run and barely got the game into OT. OT was another great quarter where the Orange eventually pulled it out......good times.

If Duke shows up this summer......lets just say that I'll be one happy Ottawan (yes that's what they call someone from Ottawa).

[MartyClark]

Hey, if it happens I am in for a Canada trip. I refuse to eat those crazy poutine things but will otherwise enjoy Canada in the summer.

If it happens, it would be fun to meet up with some of you in the Great North.

[UrinalCake]

England a few years prior to that. Seem to remember that one of our players mentioned that it was fun flying commercial. His team flight experience in USA limited to charter planes.

I think the London trip was the very first one that any college program ever took. K was credited with discovering this "loophole" that allowed him extra practices and an early start to the season. Everyone screamed bloody murder about it... and then started doing it themselves.

[Troublemaker]

I heard an interesting rumor that the Blue Devils would be visiting Canada during the pre-season this year. The presence of RJ Barrett could be a factor in this (possible) trip. Barrett's father, Rowan, is an executive VP with Basketball Canada. If the rumor is true, I'd expect Duke to play in Ottawa, as both Carleton U. and the U of Ottawa are located there and feature strong programs (Carleton has won the Canadian championship at least a dozen times since 2002-03). Another possibility is Ryerson University, located in Toronto. Ryerson recently lost the Canadian final on a last second shot.

Trips such as this one have been made many times in recent years by D. I programs, usually in late August or early September. They get to start training early, and of course there is the bonding aspect while traveling. For a young team it can be a good way to get the season going. Of course, they have to be aware that the games can be harder than anticipated. Carleton in particular has been a tough opponent for visiting squads. Add in the different FIBA style rules (four quarters, 24 second shot clock, etc.) and it can be a bit of a wakeup call for visiting teams.

Has anyone else heard of this possibility?

You may be right, bluenorth. (I've actually been looking forward to an announcement since you posted. This trip just makes too much sense NOT to be true.)


Peter Yannopoulos‏ @PeteYannopoulos (https://twitter.com/PeteYannopoulos) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/PeteYannopoulos/status/991380539482427392)
Breaking: Looks like Coach K and the #Duke (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Duke?src=hash) Blue Devils will be in #Montréal (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Montr%C3%A9al?src=hash) this summer for a Foreign Tour & play McGill, potentially at Place Bell in Laval. They’ll also play Ryerson in Toronto. Chance for fans to see https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f1e8-1f1e6.png phenom RJ Barrett. More details to follow. #RDS (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RDS?src=hash)

[budwom]

Montreal, now that's a real city.

[Heaven's Guardian]

How does one get tickets for pre-season trips? Are they made available through Duke, or are they just sold by the local organizers? I live just outside of Montreal, so I definitely need to get my hands on tickets for this.

[53n206]

Montreal, now that's a real city.

Don't omit Toronto or Vancouver. All wonderful cities, each for different reasons.

[mattman91]

Don't omit Toronto or Vancouver. All wonderful cities, each for different reasons.

I vote for Calgary. Beautiful background and a short drive to Banff. Definitely my favorite part of Canada.

[BigWayne]

Well, apparently, you can take your team on a trip anywhere in the world every year as long as you don't play any games there. You can also carry along an ESPN reporter to broadcast back what your linebackers think of the Eiffel Tower, since there must be nothing else worth reporting now that the NFL draft is over.

[OldPhiKap]

My favorite Canadian City is Windsor, but that’s because I got my maple leaf tattoo there before the last Duke bowl game.

Beats Juarez for game tats, even though El Paso was a better bowl town than Detroit.

[hallcity]

Will Duke be playing Carleton University? They've won 13 of the last 15 Canadian college basketball championships. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carleton_Ravens)

[phaedrus]

No love for Winnipeg? At least we have a hockey team now.

[OldPhiKap]

Mrs. OPK goes to Alberta and Banff every autumn so I’ll vote for that. Look forward to joining her on the trips when the kids are in college or beyond. (sooner than I am ready for, though)

[madscavenger]

Blasphème!

Scandaleux!

Absurde!

(try them with some brisket ;))

And, yes, I see what you did there. ;)

There's a place called The Lucky Monk in South Barrington (Illinois) where the poutine comes smothered in stout beef gravy. i keep pestering them to sell the gravy in jars at checkout (ain't gonna happen). They make fresh batches before opening and sometimes during the day. Heavenly.

[bluenorth]

You may be right, bluenorth. (I've actually been looking forward to an announcement since you posted. This trip just makes too much sense NOT to be true.)


Peter Yannopoulos‏ @PeteYannopoulos (https://twitter.com/PeteYannopoulos) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/PeteYannopoulos/status/991380539482427392)
Breaking: Looks like Coach K and the #Duke (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Duke?src=hash) Blue Devils will be in #Montréal (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Montr%C3%A9al?src=hash) this summer for a Foreign Tour & play McGill, potentially at Place Bell in Laval. They’ll also play Ryerson in Toronto. Chance for fans to see https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f1e8-1f1e6.png phenom RJ Barrett. More details to follow. #RDS (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RDS?src=hash)


I'm hearing that one potential opponent for Duke would be the University of Toronto. U of T's gym seats 2000, which is pretty good for Canada but not big enough for an event like this. The game would likely be at a different facility, maybe in Mississauga (a suburb just west of Toronto).

[Indoor66]

Stampede to Calgary.

[rasputin]

Don't omit Toronto or Vancouver. All wonderful cities, each for different reasons.

Where's the love for Quebec?

[NSDukeFan]

Montreal, now that's a real city.
It is a beautiful and fun one.

Don't omit Toronto or Vancouver. All wonderful cities, each for different reasons.
Agreed

I vote for Calgary. Beautiful background and a short drive to Banff. Definitely my favorite part of Canada.
I love the mountains, but there's another awesome area of Canada

Will Duke be playing Carleton University? They've won 13 of the last 15 Canadian college basketball championships. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carleton_Ravens)
I hope this would be one of the matchups as they would give Duke a good run for an exhibition game. Their coach seems amazing with what he's accomplished. Ottawa is a nice city and close to Montreal and Toronto.

No love for Winnipeg? At least we have a hockey team now.
And a seemingly well supported team.

Where's the love for Quebec?
Another great city, but I can't let this go any further without my East Coast and Halifax plugs. It also would be nice for Duke to play the winningest university coach in Canada 🇨🇦... coach K.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Konchalski Bonus: he coaches St. FX in Nova Scotia, less than 2 hours from Halifax, but unfortunately, a 13ish hour drive from Montreal and 19ish from Toronto.

[BD80]

Where's the love for Quebec?

Would make a great country.

Ontario hates having to print everything in French.

[MartyClark]

It is a beautiful and fun one.

Agreed

I love the mountains, but there's another awesome area of Canada

I hope this would be one of the matchups as they would give Duke a good run for an exhibition game. Their coach seems amazing with what he's accomplished. Ottawa is a nice city and close to Montreal and Toronto.

And a seemingly well supported team.

Another great city, but I can't let this go any further without my East Coast and Halifax plugs. It also would be nice for Duke to play the winningest university coach in Canada ����... coach K.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Konchalski Bonus: he coaches St. FX in Nova Scotia, less than 2 hours from Halifax, but unfortunately, a 13ish hour drive from Montreal and 19ish from Toronto.

Nova Scotia is great. 40 years ago I bike/camped around the peninsula with a bunch of law school buddies. One of the highlights of my life. If Duke plays in Montreal, my wife and I may have to make the trek to Nova Scotia also.

[devildeac]

Nova Scotia is great. 40 years ago I bike/camped around the peninsula with a bunch of law school buddies. One of the highlights of my life. If Duke plays in Montreal, my wife and I may have to make the trek to Nova Scotia also.

NSDukeFan will buy the beer.

(amirite? ;))

[mattman91]

NSDukeFan will buy the beer.

(amirite? ;))

As long as it's not some Alexander Keith's swill.

[devildeac]

As long as it's not some Alexander Keith's swill.

NSDukeFan has posted some on Ymm, Beer (but not recently and not enough;)) and has very good tastes so I doubt any swill. ;)

[jimsumner]

No love for Winnipeg? At least we have a hockey team now.

If they only moved that team to Atlanta, imagine how successful they could be.

[NSDukeFan]

NSDukeFan will buy the beer.

(amirite? ;))

Or let you sample from my basement.

[NSDukeFan]

As long as it's not some Alexander Keith's swill.

No Alexander Keith’s at my house right now, but lots of other options.

[NSDukeFan]

If they only moved that team to Atlanta, imagine how successful they could be.

Too soon.

[mattman91]

No Alexander Keith’s at my house right now, but lots of other options.

is that an invite?

[budwom]

I'd love to meet some folks in Montreal, and perhaps in my native region of Vermont if people trek northward by car...our last snow melted yesterday (it was 88 degrees), so it's safe to visit, and Vermont is one large beer spa these days.

The only potential fly in the poutine that I see is someone's tweet (hopefully wrong) that Duke might play McGill (good) in Laval (bad). Laval is nowheresville, while Montreal is world class. Lava's not terribly far away, but pointlessly out of the way.

[NSDukeFan]

is that an invite?

Sure

[hallcity]

We may be getting an announcement tomorrow and Carleton may be on the schedule:

Carleton Ravens
‏ @CURavens
11m11 minutes ago

Stay tuned for tomorrow as we have a surprise for you 🤔

[OldPhiKap]

We may be getting an announcement tomorrow and Carleton may be on the schedule:

Carleton Ravens
‏ @CURavens
11m11 minutes ago

Stay tuned for tomorrow as we have a surprise for you ��

We should not play Carleton. They may turn us into a newt:

https://www.thesocial.ca/news/bizarre/the-13-most-bizarre-courses-you-can-study-at-a-can


Have you been a little bitter since J.K. Rowling revealed there’s a whole wizarding world out there you’ll never be a part of? Well, young Muggles are getting a second chance at Hogwarts with Carleton University’s “Study in Conjuring Arts” program.

In other words, you can finally major in magic. Yes, seriously.

The Ottawa university announced last week that they are currently accepting “applications, nominations and expressions of interest” for the Allan Slaight Chair for the Study in Conjuring Arts. The program will fulfil Slaight’s life-long dedication to the scholarship of magic.

According to Carleton’s posting, the areas of research include, “psychology, history, literature, communication, media, religious studies, and theatre” and focus on “perception, illusion, deception, influence, and the history of magic.”

[devildeac]

We should not play Carleton. They may turn us into a newt:https://www.thesocial.ca/news/bizarre/the-13-most-bizarre-courses-you-can-study-at-a-can

But...



...we'll get better.

:o

[NSDukeFan]

We should not play Carleton. They may turn us into a newt:

https://www.thesocial.ca/news/bizarre/the-13-most-bizarre-courses-you-can-study-at-a-can

If it doesn’t turn you into a newt, it makes you stronger?

[bluenorth]

We may be getting an announcement tomorrow and Carleton may be on the schedule:

Carleton Ravens
‏ @CURavens
11m11 minutes ago

Stay tuned for tomorrow as we have a surprise for you ��

Carleton would be the obvious choice, as they've been the dominant force in Canadian university basketball for over a decade (noted by another member). I believe that last year they beat Vandy and Alabama. Not in Duke's class, but a young group of Blue Devils might find Carleton to be a handful, especially if they play under FIBA rules with local refs

[Tripping William]

If it doesn’t turn you into a newt, it makes you stronger?

You'd have to ask this guy:

8343

[OldPhiKap]

You'd have to ask this guy:

8343

Well, he stayed a Newt.

[IrishDevil]

We should not play Carleton. They may turn us into a newt:

https://www.thesocial.ca/news/bizarre/the-13-most-bizarre-courses-you-can-study-at-a-can


But...



...we'll get better.

:o

Does this mean that, in addition to measuring height and reach in cinder blocks, DBR will start measuring weight in terms of ducks?

[Newton_14]

If it doesn’t turn you into a newt, it makes you stronger?

Hey what’s wrong with a Newt?? 😜

[NSDukeFan]

Hey what’s wrong with a Newt?? 😜

Sorry for my speciesist comment?

[devildeac]

Does this mean that, in addition to measuring height and reach in cinder blocks, DBR will start measuring weight in terms of ducks?

Well, they float and so does wood...

[BD80]

Well, they float and so does wood...

So if ol' roy throws a player under the bus, he's a witch?

[devildeac]

So if ol' roy throws a player under the bus, he's a witch?

And, what do we do with witches?

[kmspeaks]

We should not play Carleton. They may turn us into a newt:

https://www.thesocial.ca/news/bizarre/the-13-most-bizarre-courses-you-can-study-at-a-can

And yet this is a more serious course of study than anything that athletes at uNC are involved in.

[OldPhiKap]

Of course, after making fun of Carleton for having a sorcery major, I seem to recall Duke having a paranormal studies program in the early/mid 80’s I think.

[Indoor66]

Of course, after making fun of Carleton for having a sorcery major, I seem to recall Duke having a paranormal studies program in the early/mid 80’s I think.

Duke was a pioneering institution for the field of parapsychology. The field was led by Dr. James B. Rhine who came to Duke in the late 1920's. There used to be the Institute of Parapsychology on Buchanon Blvd just east of East Campus.

Google it and learn.

[jimsumner]

Duke was a pioneering institution for the field of parapsychology. The field was led by Dr. James B. Rhine who came to Duke in the late 1920's. There used to be the Institute of Parapsychology on Buchanon Blvd just east of East Campus.

Google it and learn.

There was a time when Duke was best known to the non-sports world for Dr. Rhine and the Rice Diet.

Come to think of it, that would make a great name for a rock group. :)

[Indoor66]

The Rice Diet was the province of Dr. Walter Kempner. Buchanon Blvd. was also the home of several Rice Houses where meals were served and patients cared for. Buddy Hackett was a regular and Elvis did a stint in the 70's to lose weight.

[sagegrouse]

There was a time when Duke was best known to the non-sports world for Dr. Rhine and the Rice Diet.

Come to think of it, that would make a great name for a rock group. :)

Yes, but JB Rhine's parapsychology was total nonsense, in the view of most Duke faculty from that era. Dr Rhine did have a sense of humor and some degree of humility. When he addressed freshman assembly, he said his colleagues sometimes referred to "parapsychology" as "perhaps psychology."

[jimsumner]

Yes, but JB Rhine's parapsychology was total nonsense, in the view of most Duke faculty from that era. Dr Rhine did have a sense of humor and some degree of humility. When he addressed freshman assembly, he said his colleagues sometimes referred to "parapsychology" as "perhaps psychology."

But he could bend spoons.

[Green Wave Dukie]

Hey what’s wrong with a Newt?? 😜

I say nothing at all is wrong with a Newt. And you can ‘Mark’ that down.

[rasputin]

The Rice Diet was the province of Dr. Walter Kempner. Buchanon Blvd. was also the home of several Rice Houses where meals were served and patients cared for. Buddy Hackett was a regular and Elvis did a stint in the 70's to lose weight.

Participants in the Rice Diet program used to be regular participants in mock trials and such when I was in law school.

[budwom]

Participants in the Rice Diet program used to be regular participants in mock trials and such when I was in law school.

I watched the local premier of The Godfather in Durham and upon taking my seat heard an awfully familiar (and awful) voice behind me, Buddy Hackett. He was in the Rice Diet program but got tossed out, I believe, for ordering pizzas, which for some reason seems to have violated some provision of the diet. Details, details. But I also knew a sportswriter from Jersey City who came to Durham at 370 lbs and left at about 150 pounds. Good way to spend the basketball season for him...

[Indoor66]

I watched the local premier of The Godfather in Durham and upon taking my seat heard an awfully familiar (and awful) voice behind me, Buddy Hackett. He was in the Rice Diet program but got tossed out, I believe, for ordering pizzas, which for some reason seems to have violated some provision of the diet. Details, details. But I also knew a sportswriter from Jersey City who came to Durham at 370 lbs and left at about 150 pounds. Good way to spend the basketball season for him...

Buddy "attended" so often that he bought a house in Willowhaven and was a member of the Country Club. He loved his golf.

[madscavenger]

On the subject of 'Duke visiting Canada?', has there been any official verification from Duke athletics eh?

[hallcity]

Jordan Henry [Ryerson play by play announcer]
‏ @Jor_HenryVia sources: Duke Men’s Basketball is making a pre-season trip to Canada. Sounds like they'll play Ryerson August 15th at @hersheycentre in Mississauga, University of Toronto Aug. 17th at Hershey and McGill Aug. 19th at Bell Place in Laval. A homecoming showcase for @RjBarrett6

The prior word was that the trip was supposed to last through 8/21. If so, that would allow another game with Carleton, which has won the Canadian college championship thirteen of the last fifteen years but there's nothing about Carleton in this tweet so maybe that's not happening.

[hallcity]

Got this from Jordan Henry when I asked about Carleton:

Jordan Henry
‏ @Jor_Henry
19s19 seconds ago
Replying to @SocSecBlog @hersheycentre and

Talked to Carleton head coach Dave Smart two days ago, he told me "We tried, they had no interest"

[hallcity]

Steve Wiseman says the games will be televised "in some form" and that it's "in the works."

[Rich]

Mrs. OPK goes to Alberta and Banff every autumn so I’ll vote for that. Look forward to joining her on the trips when the kids are in college or beyond. (sooner than I am ready for, though)

OPK, get to Banff as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed. The Canadian Rockies are a sight to behold. Bring your hiking boots.

[hallcity]

Jordan Henry
‏ @Jor_Henry
1m1 minute ago

Confirmation from @DukeMBB via @stevewisemanNC:
Duke vs. @RyersonRamsMBB 7 p.m. Aug. 15

Duke vs. @Blues_Hoops 6 p.m. Aug. 17

Duke vs. @McGillMBB 3 p.m. Aug. 19

"Ticket and television information is still being finalized and will be announced at a later date, said Mike Cragg"

[UrinalCake]

Hooray, the season is less than three months away!

[mattman91]

OPK, get to Banff as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed. The Canadian Rockies are a sight to behold. Bring your hiking boots.

I second this, I absolutely loved Banff.

[devildeac]

A suggestion where to eat if anyone attends the Duke games in Canada:


http://synd.imgsrv.uclick.com/comics/dr/2018/dr180523.gif

[bluenorth]

Jordan Henry
‏ @Jor_Henry
1m1 minute ago

Confirmation from @DukeMBB via @stevewisemanNC:
Duke vs. @RyersonRamsMBB 7 p.m. Aug. 15

Duke vs. @Blues_Hoops 6 p.m. Aug. 17

Duke vs. @McGillMBB 3 p.m. Aug. 19

"Ticket and television information is still being finalized and will be announced at a later date, said Mike Cragg"

The two games in Mississauga (suburb west of Toronto) will be nasty to get to, especially the one on Friday at 6:00pm. Traffic is bad all the time in that area, but it gets worse on a Friday in the summer when cottagers flee the city in all directions (although mostly north). If you're planning on attending, choose your hotel carefully for location, and then leave extra time to make the commute.

[budwom]

The two games in Mississauga (suburb west of Toronto) will be nasty to get to, especially the one on Friday at 6:00pm. Traffic is bad all the time in that area, but it gets worse on a Friday in the summer when cottagers flee the city in all directions (although mostly north). If you're planning on attending, choose your hotel carefully for location, and then leave extra time to make the commute.

Yeah, Mississauga and Laval, I have to say from a visitation standpoint, they could have put the games in more desirable locations.

[sagegrouse]

Holy moly! At a restaurant named Bombay Bhel. Link. (https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/25/americas/canada-restaurant-explosion/index.html)

[NSDukeFan]

Yeah, Mississauga and Laval, I have to say from a visitation standpoint, they could have put the games in more desirable locations.

Was there a concern that the team wouldn’t get to see enough Canadian suburbia?

[scottdude8]

Is there any news as to how to get tickets to the games? Particularly, the one in Toronto?

[TomJoad]

Goduke.com announcement here: http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211717188&DB_OEM_ID=4200

ESPN in the US and TSN in Canada. Tickets on sale in June.

[budwom]

Was there a concern that the team wouldn’t get to see enough Canadian suburbia?

Afraid perhaps they'll all go nuts on St. Catherine St. Opportunity lost, Montreal and T.O. are so great, and Laval and Mississauga so aren't.

[NSDukeFan]

Afraid perhaps they'll all go nuts on St. Catherine St. Opportunity lost, Montreal and T.O. are so great, and Laval and Mississauga so aren't.

I completely agree.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

I took a few minutes to look at the rosters for the schools. Almost all of their players are Canadian - one would think they would raid the US more for players. Each school has a lot of coaches. Ryerson has a 7-2 player from Senegal who started 9 of 23 games and averaged 5.8 ppg. All teams have at least a few guys who are 6-8 or bigger. There is a player named Christopher Barrett on Toronto but I don't think he is related. No other names stood out.

Toronto was 13-11 last year. Ryerson was 17-6 and looks like they lost in the finals of two post season tournaments, though it looks like their leading scorer is graduating (hard to tell the class years). McGill was 26-12. McGill played a lot of exhibitions vs. American teams, losing to Alabama (96-57), SMU (86-83), Towson, Siena, Hofstra and Lamar and beating UTEP twice, Kent State and St. Francis of Brooklyn.

[Troublemaker]

I took a few minutes to look at the rosters for the schools. Almost all of their players are Canadian - one would think they would raid the US more for players. Each school has a lot of coaches. Ryerson has a 7-2 player from Senegal who started 9 of 23 games and averaged 5.8 ppg. All teams have at least a few guys who are 6-8 or bigger. There is a player named Christopher Barrett on Toronto but I don't think he is related. No other names stood out.

Toronto was 13-11 last year. Ryerson was 17-6 and looks like they lost in the finals of two post season tournaments, though it looks like their leading scorer is graduating (hard to tell the class years). McGill was 26-12. McGill played a lot of exhibitions vs. American teams, losing to Alabama (96-57), SMU (86-83), Towson, Siena, Hofstra and Lamar and beating UTEP twice, Kent State and St. Francis of Brooklyn.

Yeah, in the national semifinals this past season, Ryerson actually eliminated Carleton, the team that has won 13 of the past 16 national championships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U_Sports_Men%27s_Basketball_Championship#Brac ket

It's possible Ryerson will provide some good competition.

ETA: it looks like McGill was also in the Final Four and gave Carleton a good game in the 3rd place game.

[Bluedog]

Yeah, in the national semifinals this past season, Ryerson actually eliminated Carleton, the team that has won 13 of the past 16 national championships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U_Sports_Men%27s_Basketball_Championship#Brac ket

It's possible Ryerson will provide some good competition.

ETA: it looks like McGill was also in the Final Four and gave Carleton a good game in the 3rd place game.

I don't understand why Duke was not interested in playing Carleton...odd.

[hallcity]

I don't understand why Duke was not interested in playing Carleton...odd.

People will say Duke was ducking a team that might be able to give them a game. I'm afraid those people will be right.

[NSDukeFan]

I don't understand why Duke was not interested in playing Carleton...odd.

I was wondering the same.

[budwom]

I don't understand why Duke was not interested in playing Carleton...odd.

Playing Carleton in Ottawa would violate the evident Let's Play In Inferior Cities theme of this tour. Unless we played them in Chicoutimi.

[Troublemaker]

People will say Duke was ducking a team that might be able to give them a game. I'm afraid those people will be right.

Perhaps, but the fact that Duke scheduled two other Final Four teams (including one that eliminated Carleton) means we didn't load up on scrubs, either.

[NSDukeFan]

Playing Carleton in Ottawa would violate the evident Let's Play In Inferior Cities theme of this tour. Unless we played them in Chicoutimi.

Made me laugh. (Though probably few others).

[porkpa]

The last time I saw McGill University, who we are scheduled to meet in Montreal, play, they were not capable of giving an average US high school team a game.
Of course, that was almost 60 years ago.

[budwom]

The last time I saw McGill University, who we are scheduled to meet in Montreal, play, they were not capable of giving an average US high school team a game.
Of course, that was almost 60 years ago.

Yeah, I was kind of surprised, too. I get to Montreal all the time, but rarely follow McGill sports, and share the same recollection. Just a bunch of players who happened to be students.

[NSDukeFan]

... Just a bunch of players who happened to be students.

Pretty much like Duke basketball? 🤔

[budwom]

Pretty much like Duke basketball? 🤔

sure! Hey, McGill was in the national sports news yesterday as an offensive lineman who players for the KC Chiefs just graduated from McGill medical school (and a fine one it is).
Few people in the U.S. appreciate what a fabulous university that is...

[porkpa]

Its generally considered to be the number one university in all of Canada. Duke/Harvard are the McGills of the United States.

[devildeac]

Its generally considered to be the number one university in all of Canada. Duke/Harvard are the McGills of the United States.

Safety school. :rolleyes:;)

[Troublemaker]

Haven't watched, but WRAL has a Coach K presser from today up: https://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke/video/17592104/

23 minutes long at least.

Based on the title, he will discuss the Canada trip among other things.

[Troublemaker]

Haven't watched, but WRAL has a Coach K presser from today up: https://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke/video/17592104/

23 minutes long at least.

Based on the title, he will discuss the Canada trip among other things.

Brant Wilkerson with a sampling of quotes from the presser: http://www.greensboro.com/sports/accxtra/five-takeaways-duke-s-krzyzewski-makes-million-donation-talks-hoops/article_6c74be76-6432-11e8-9f82-2b0e85daee78.html

More on his twitter feed: https://twitter.com/BrantGNR

It looks like there will be lots of stuff of interest to Duke MBB fans.

[bluenorth]

Its generally considered to be the number one university in all of Canada. Duke/Harvard are the McGills of the United States.

Actually, U of T is generally considered to be the #1 school in Canada, consistently rating ahead of McGill in such polls as the Times Higher Education rankings. With over 80,000 students (that is not a typo) U of T offers a lot of different faculties. As far as their basketball team goes, it would help if more of their students played the sport. McGill does have a good team, and you can't beat Montreal for a bilingual (that's French and English) experience.

[awhom111]

I took a few minutes to look at the rosters for the schools. Almost all of their players are Canadian - one would think they would raid the US more for players. Each school has a lot of coaches. Ryerson has a 7-2 player from Senegal who started 9 of 23 games and averaged 5.8 ppg. All teams have at least a few guys who are 6-8 or bigger. There is a player named Christopher Barrett on Toronto but I don't think he is related. No other names stood out.

Toronto was 13-11 last year. Ryerson was 17-6 and looks like they lost in the finals of two post season tournaments, though it looks like their leading scorer is graduating (hard to tell the class years). McGill was 26-12. McGill played a lot of exhibitions vs. American teams, losing to Alabama (96-57), SMU (86-83), Towson, Siena, Hofstra and Lamar and beating UTEP twice, Kent State and St. Francis of Brooklyn.

It's hard for these schools to get American players because you basically have to qualify for admission as a regular student and most players with those levels of academic qualification have plenty of options in the United States. Is it still fashionable for Americans to apply to Canadian schools? When I was applying, some of my classmates threw in British Columbia or McGill.

I think it would be interesting if some American players tried to play collegiately in the Philippines. Some of the college leagues there allow each school to field one foreigner, which traditionally has been used on West African players who are below the radar of American schools. Some of them have developed into pretty decent players. Americans with Filipino roots have headed over there during high school, but those are not usually high D1 type players other than Ray Ray Parks, who returned to the country of his birth due to financial reasons and the health of his father, an American who was a legendary foreign player in their pro league. One of their recent signing is Taane Samuel of New Zealand, who is definitely a D1 caliber player. While their league is technically amateur, the legal and illegal benefits that schools can provide are substantial, to the point where players have to take pay cuts to turn pro and thus often stay in college for as many years as possible including redshirting.

[budwom]

It's hard for these schools to get American players because you basically have to qualify for admission as a regular student and most players with those levels of academic qualification have plenty of options in the United States. Is it still fashionable for Americans to apply to Canadian schools? When I was applying, some of my classmates threw in British Columbia or McGill.

I think it would be interesting if some American players tried to play collegiately in the Philippines. Some of the college leagues there allow each school to field one foreigner, which traditionally has been used on West African players who are below the radar of American schools. Some of them have developed into pretty decent players. Americans with Filipino roots have headed over there during high school, but those are not usually high D1 type players other than Ray Ray Parks, who returned to the country of his birth due to financial reasons and the health of his father, an American who was a legendary foreign player in their pro league. One of their recent signing is Taane Samuel of New Zealand, who is definitely a D1 caliber player. While their league is technically amateur, the legal and illegal benefits that schools can provide are substantial, to the point where players have to take pay cuts to turn pro and thus often stay in college for as many years as possible including redshirting.

I don't know about fashionable, but I know a lot of kids up here who go to school in Canada because it is often MUCH less expensive..varies by school and by program, though.

[bleachers]

I wouldn't walk across the road to watch the Blue Devils clobber McGill and Toronto let alone drive out to Laval or Mississauga. Last year McGill may have been somewhat competitive but they have graduated three of their best players. Toronto is a middle of the road basketball program - rarely getting past the first round of the conference playoffs (and, we Canadians are so fair that just about everybody makes the playoffs).

Ryerson may be competitive but they too have lost a lot from last year's team including one of the very best players to ever play at the university level.

[BD80]

… we Canadians are so fair that just about everybody makes the playoffs … .


And everyone gets a participation trophy shaped like a beer can, with beer in it.

[budwom]

I wouldn't walk across the road to watch the Blue Devils clobber McGill and Toronto let alone drive out to Laval or Mississauga. Last year McGill may have been somewhat competitive but they have graduated three of their best players. Toronto is a middle of the road basketball program - rarely getting past the first round of the conference playoffs (and, we Canadians are so fair that just about everybody makes the playoffs).

Ryerson may be competitive but they too have lost a lot from last year's team including one of the very best players to ever play at the university level.

I'm inclined to agree about the value of the trip as a fan, going to Laval for that level of game is tough to justify. Going to Laval for anything is tough to justify. Sad!

[porkpa]

Here's a tidbit somewhat divorced from the topic, but related to McGill University.
This week, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif a starting guard for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, graduated from the McGill University school of medicine, long considered one of the best medical schools in the world.
He is definitely the only doctor to ever play in the NFL as an MD and to my knowledge is the only NFL player to ever become one.
Here's a coincidence. Andy Reid, the coach of the Chief's mother is also a doctor who graduated from McGill.

[Troublemaker]

I wouldn't walk across the road to watch the Blue Devils clobber McGill and Toronto let alone drive out to Laval or Mississauga. Last year McGill may have been somewhat competitive but they have graduated three of their best players. Toronto is a middle of the road basketball program - rarely getting past the first round of the conference playoffs (and, we Canadians are so fair that just about everybody makes the playoffs).

Ryerson may be competitive but they too have lost a lot from last year's team including one of the very best players to ever play at the university level.

Well, I don't think Canadian schools have an NBA early-entry problem, right? So I pretty much assume most years these schools will be graduating important seniors off the team, but if they're good programs, they can backfill with quality from their rising seniors, juniors, etc.

Bottom line is we're playing two Final Four programs, including one that beat Carleton. I'm comfortable that on a "scaredy cat" scale of 1 to 10 that Duke's not registering much higher than a 3 here.

I also think in general we're giving too much importance to the competition level. My interest in this trip isn't for Duke to play competitive games against Canadian colleges. It's more the "first look" factor at our freshmen, seeing what roles/positions they start out playing, seeing how our team interacts with each other and seeing if anyone starts to fill the leadership void. Duke could be playing 3 Canadian middle schools and I'd still be intrigued.

[English]

Here's a tidbit somewhat divorced from the topic, but related to McGill University.
This week, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif a starting guard for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, graduated from the McGill University school of medicine, long considered one of the best medical schools in the world.
He is definitely the only doctor to ever play in the NFL as an MD and to my knowledge is the only NFL player to ever become one.
Here's a coincidence. Andy Reid, the coach of the Chief's mother is also a doctor who graduated from McGill.

Well, to take this even further from the topic at hand--the first part is possibly/likely true, but the latter isn't--Myron Rolle, formerly of the NFL, has become a neurosurgeon currently going through his residency at, excuse me, Harvard University. Impressive dude.

[porkpa]

Indeed. Both of them undoubtedly are.

[subzero02]

I wouldn't walk across the road to watch the Blue Devils clobber McGill and Toronto let alone drive out to Laval or Mississauga. Last year McGill may have been somewhat competitive but they have graduated three of their best players. Toronto is a middle of the road basketball program - rarely getting past the first round of the conference playoffs (and, we Canadians are so fair that just about everybody makes the playoffs).

Ryerson may be competitive but they too have lost a lot from last year's team including one of the very best players to ever play at the university level.

I'd walk across the road to watch Zion drop the hammer on some Canucks. I can't wait to see how our freshmen play together.

[porkpa]

The McGill game is scheduled for the Bell Centre, where les Candiens play. It seats around 18,000. I wonder how many the game will draw.

[budwom]

The McGill game is scheduled for the Bell Centre, where les Candiens play. It seats around 18,000. I wonder how many the game will draw.

Nyet, you;'ve got the wrong Bell Center (Oh how I wish you were right on this one). They will play in the Bell Center in Laval, a half hour west of downtown Montreal, seats 10,000, but you
won't find my heroic (if somewhat inept) Canadiens there...

[porkpa]

Damn!!!

[Troublemaker]

Looks like Zion's thumb is okay -- he had injured it in the McDonald's game -- because he's now playing pickup at the K Academy.

Looks good, too! If Duke can space the floor, nobody's going to be able to guard this guy off the dribble.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqEOagFEQL

[flyingdutchdevil]

Looks like Zion's thumb is okay -- he had injured it in the McDonald's game -- because he's now playing pickup at the K Academy.

Looks good, too! If Duke can space the floor, nobody's going to be able to guard this guy off the dribble.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqEOagFEQL

I still can't get over how big Zion is. He does not have a basketball body. And I've never said that about a kid who isn't Brandon Ingram skinny or Sean May fat...

[luvdahops]

Looks like Zion's thumb is okay -- he had injured it in the McDonald's game -- because he's now playing pickup at the K Academy.

Looks good, too! If Duke can space the floor, nobody's going to be able to guard this guy off the dribble.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqEOagFEQL

Agreed. He has a great combination combination of first step, strength, hops and finishing ability. Very reminiscent to me of a young Charles Barkley, albeit left-handed and maybe not quite as quick or explosive off the ground. His jumper form looked pretty good in that video, too, although his release is pretty slow. If Zion can make jump shots with any consistency, he will be a very tough cover, especially - as noted above - if we have decent spacing on offense.

[Acymetric]

Looks like Zion's thumb is okay -- he had injured it in the McDonald's game -- because he's now playing pickup at the K Academy.

Looks good, too! If Duke can space the floor, nobody's going to be able to guard this guy off the dribble.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqEOagFEQL

There was a lot of unnecessary angst about this in the Zion thread when it happened. Was always much ado about nothing, but good to hear I suppose.

[flyingdutchdevil]

Anyone see the promotional picture?

Features five individuals: a ginormous RJ, a large Zion, and smaller Coach K, Tre, and Cam.

No Bolden. No Javin. No non-freshman players whatsoever.

Nice job, Duke.

8414

[budwom]

Anyone see the promotional picture?

Features five individuals: a ginormous RJ, a large Zion, and smaller Coach K, Tre, and Cam.

No Bolden. No Javin. No non-freshman players whatsoever.

Nice job, Duke.

8414

Well, I communicated with them and finally got them to stop calling the venues Montreal and Toronto, so small steps! Yeah, pretty oblivious way to honor your upperclassmen...

[CDu]

Anyone see the promotional picture?

Features five individuals: a ginormous RJ, a large Zion, and smaller Coach K, Tre, and Cam.

No Bolden. No Javin. No non-freshman players whatsoever.

Nice job, Duke.

8414

Oy. Not a good look. I realize we're all-in on the one-and-dones, and the stars of the team are almost certainly going to be the freshmen. But, yeah, gotta show some love to the guys who stick around and provide the continuity for the program. Leaving off the two upperclassmen who are supposed to provide the veteran leadership is a pretty rough move.

[weezie]

Proving to be quite the challenge to buy tickets.
Lord above, how I hate Ticketmaster..........

[TomJoad]

Finally managed to get tickets for the Reyerson game, but no luck so far with the U of T game. It's an impossible system to navigate.

[OldPhiKap]

Proving to be quite the challenge to buy tickets.
Lord above, how I hate Ticketmaster......

Could be the tariffs.

[madscavenger]

i thought they weren't going to be available until noon tomorrow. Please clarify.

[devildeac]

Could be the tariffs.

Pretty steely response there, big guy.

:rolleyes:

[weezie]

Finally managed to get tickets for the Reyerson game, but no luck so far with the U of T game. It's an impossible system to navigate.

The system crashed when the tickets first went up. At about noon it was straightened out.


Could be the tariffs.

No tariff can keep me from my team. I scoff at tariffs. :cool:


i thought they weren't going to be available until noon tomorrow. Please clarify.

Iron Dukes had early access. 6/15/18 noon it opens up to the public.

[TomJoad]

i thought they weren't going to be available until noon tomorrow. Please clarify.

Iron Dukes and alumni got a one-day lead. I don't think it was a huge advantage.

I was able to eventually get tickets to both area games, by the way.

[madscavenger]

Iron Dukes and alumni got a one-day lead. I don't think it was a huge advantage.

I was able to eventually get tickets to both area games, by the way.

An "offer code" is required for pre-sale. i couldn't find anything at the alumni site. Where do i need to go?

[BD80]

... It's an impossible system to navigate.

Probably because Canadians use the metric system.

And drive on the wrong side of the road ...

[OldPhiKap]

Probably because Canadians use the metric system.

And drive on the wrong side of the road ...

And their bacon is round. Seriously?

[sagegrouse]

An "offer code" is required for pre-sale. i couldn't find anything at the alumni site. Where do i need to go?
You need to be an Iron Duke.

[hallcity]

Probably because Canadians use the metric system.

And drive on the wrong side of the road ...

Wrong side of the road?

[BD80]

Wrong side of the road?

God save the Queen and all ...

[madscavenger]

Guess i won't need my decoder ring. That's a relief. Thanks, all.

[NSDukeFan]

Wrong side of the road?

...And speak Canadian

[budwom]

...And speak Canadian

got to use my French a wee bit in Frelighsburg, Quebec yesterday...always find it interesting that just one mile across the border, French is the predominant language. Like taking a European vacation at a tiny fraction of the cost.

Yesterday's menu included barbecued rabbit shoulders. I'd never heard of such a thing...seems like perhaps the front legs...absolutely delicious, I can report.

[scottdude8]

Got my tickets to the Toronto games. So excited!

[MattC09]

A couple hours after ordering my tickets to the August 17th game in Toronto, I found out I had work obligations I couldn't miss. If anyone needs tickets, I have a pair I can't use for face value.

[hallcity]

From Steve Wiseman at the N&O
Ticket sales for Duke's Canadian exhibition games are brisk.
Aug. 15 vs. Ryerson at Mississauga: 400 remain
Aug. 17 vs. U of Toronto at Mississauga: <1K remain
Aug. 19 vs. McGill at Laval: Lower bowl sold out so they opened upper deck. 2K available

https://twitter.com/stevewisemannc/status/1011406756323438592?s=12

[budwom]

From Steve Wiseman at the N&O
Ticket sales for Duke's Canadian exhibition games are brisk.
Aug. 15 vs. Ryerson at Mississauga: 400 remain
Aug. 17 vs. U of Toronto at Mississauga: <1K remain
Aug. 19 vs. McGill at Laval: Lower bowl sold out so they opened upper deck. 2K available

https://twitter.com/stevewisemannc/status/1011406756323438592?s=12

kudos to Mr. Hallcity for listing the correct cities...

[nmbnancy]

Anybody know the team hotel for the Mississauga portion of the tour ?

[budwom]

probably something like The Beaver Arms or something...Mrs. Sauga is quite the different venue...

[HaveFunExpectToWin]

Good news... looks like all three Canada games will be broadcast

Bad news... on ESPN+

https://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2018/07/duke-canada-tour-matchups-and-all-access-series-to-be-streamed-exclusively-on-espn/

[budwom]

Good news... looks like all three Canada games will be broadcast

Bad news... on ESPN+

https://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2018/07/duke-canada-tour-matchups-and-all-access-series-to-be-streamed-exclusively-on-espn/

can we get that via the Watch ESPN app?

[Troublemaker]

can we get that via the Watch ESPN app?

Yes, if I'm reading this article about ESPN+ correctly (https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/12/espn-streaming-launches/).

However, you would have to subscribe to ESPN+ and log in.

This content will not be free.

[hallcity]

can we get that via the Watch ESPN app?

Apparently so. (https://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2018/04/new-re-imagined-espn-app-with-espn-direct-to-consumer-streaming-service-launches-to-sports-fans-today/)

[kAzE]

I've watched every Duke game the past few years via Sling TV with their sports package. I wonder if it will include these games . . .

if not, I'll just pay the $5 for a 1 month sub. Well worth the $5. If they have a free trial, even better. Just need it for a week :)

Hopefully they won't make any other Duke games ESPN+ exclusive . . .

[HaveFunExpectToWin]

can we get that via the Watch ESPN app?

IIRC, ESPN+ only streams from the updated ESPN app, which also has the same content that the Watch ESPN app has and much more like stats, scores, etc. You can subscribe inside the app and there’s a free 1 week trial.

[hallcity]

Didn't we hear originally that these games were going to be on the deuce? Not that it matters much to me but I wonder whether the games will still be broadcast in Canada.

[awhom111]

Didn't we hear originally that these games were going to be on the deuce? Not that it matters much to me but I wonder whether the games will still be broadcast in Canada.

Yes, the link above mentions which TSN each game is on as well as RDS coverage of the McGill game.

[1991 duke law]

So who is coming down to the Toronto games?

As a Toronto (not Mississauga (where the games are being played)) resident, happy to provide any assistance or information to those who may need or want it.

[scottdude8]

So who is coming down to the Toronto games?

As a Toronto (not Mississauga (where the games are being played)) resident, happy to provide any assistance or information to those who may need or want it.

My wife and I will be there at both! We just made the move to Toronto a couple months back, so it turned into perfect timing for this trip, haha. So I'm not nearly as experienced a Torontonian as duke law but I'm also willing to provide some advice to anyone coming!

[OldPhiKap]

On a more serious note, players for those involved in the tragedy there last night.

[1991 duke law]

On a more serious note, players for those involved in the tragedy there last night.

More craziness. These things are not supposed to happen here.

[nmbnancy]

So who is coming down to the Toronto games?

As a Toronto (not Mississauga (where the games are being played)) resident, happy to provide any assistance or information to those who may need or want it.

We are coming up ! Coming from Florida and trying to decide where to stay. I contacted Duke and the Promoter for the event and neither knew anything about a designated "Fan" hotel or any Duke events. They also did not want to give out the team hotel.

Have you heard anything ? Also is there an alumni association in the area and have they designated a Duke friendly bar ?

[budwom]

am waiting with eager anticipation to hear of some high rolling Iron Duke who books a room in Toronto and wonders why no one there knows where the games are...same true to some extent about Montreal...
Just checked GoDuke.com, front page of hoops page still lists the two venues as Toronto and Montreal...clueless.

[1991 duke law]

We are coming up ! Coming from Florida and trying to decide where to stay. I contacted Duke and the Promoter for the event and neither knew anything about a designated "Fan" hotel or any Duke events. They also did not want to give out the team hotel.

Have you heard anything ? Also is there an alumni association in the area and have they designated a Duke friendly bar ?

I have heard nothing on that front. But the games are - as noted - in Mississauga. That is west of the city and is not close to downtown toronto. The best choice may be to stay downtown and plan transportation to the game. I do not know the cost of an Uber from downtown to Mississauga but I doubt that it is inexpensive.

There is a duke club in toronto I believe but I have heard nothing regarding any planned events.

If you want additional help (not that I have provided much) let me know.

[TomJoad]

I have heard nothing on that front. But the games are - as noted - in Mississauga. That is west of the city and is not close to downtown toronto. The best choice may be to stay downtown and plan transportation to the game. I do not know the cost of an Uber from downtown to Mississauga but I doubt that it is inexpensive.

There is a duke club in toronto I believe but I have heard nothing regarding any planned events.

If you want additional help (not that I have provided much) let me know.

Adding my $.02 worth, I pulled up an estimate of Uber and taxi fares from a random downtown Toronto hotel, the Fairmont Royal York, which came up with $36 for Uber and $65 for a taxi. These rates are for moderate traffic and you will be going during rush hour, so they will be considerably more. https://ride.guru/estimate/100%20Front%20St%20W,%20Toronto,%20ON%20M5J%201E3, %20Canada/5500%20Rose%20Cherry%20Pl,%20Mississauga,%20ON%20L 4Z%204B6,%20Canada Prices are in CAD, so if you convert to US$ it will lessen the pain somewhat.

An alternative is to stay at an airport hotel in Mississauga which will be closer to the arena, but not an attractive location in my opinion.


An "out-of-the-box" alternative is to rent a car and stay in Niagara Falls or Niagara on the Lake about 1 1/2 hours away.

[NSDukeFan]

Does the Go Train from Union Station still operate and would it bring you near the game venue, if you wanted to stay along the Subway line downtown Toronto?

[CrazyNotCrazie]

I did a Google map direction from Union Station in downtown Toronto to the arena in Mississauga and public transportation will involve at least one transfer and take 1.5 hours. The arena looks fairly close to the airport so one could easily stay at an airport-area hotel and it should be an easy trip from there. I was in Toronto not long ago and was amazed at how easy it was to get downtown from the airport on the UP express trains - they are clean, new and reasonably priced, and get you to Union Station very quickly and easily. Toronto is a great city so I strongly suggest that anyone who is traveling there for these games not just go to the basketball games but also take advantage of the opportunity to see Toronto.

[bluenorth]

Another two cents worth: if you decide to stay in downtown Toronto (the better to enjoy some of the sights and restaurants), then leave lots of time to get to the game site, especially for the Friday game. With a 6:00pm tipoff (that had to be a TV decision) on a Friday evening, traffic will be nasty to get to the game facility.

[bluenorth]

Oh, one more thing to keep in mind. When the games were announced the game site was called the Hershey Centre. As of July 1 that sponsorship deal lapsed, as Hershey did not renew the relationship. The arena is now called the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. So if your driver is cruising the area and can't spot the old Hershey sign, that's why.

[nmbnancy]

Thank you for the information. We still haven't decided where to stay. I agree the airport hotels are closer, but not very exciting. Hopefully we will find some Duke Fans along the way

[budwom]

Mrs. Sauga is a very nice woman, but exciting she is not. I'm still captivated by the official Duke schedule which shows the games as being in Toronto and Montreal, which is true if Cameron games can be considered as being in Raleigh.

[1991 duke law]

While I do not live near the airport (so I am no expert on what is around the airport) I would nonetheless still not recommend staying at that location. If your sole and limited purpose is to be in and out and only see the game, that may be workable. But otherwise, you would be far better off to stay either in Yorkville or downtown. Yorkville is midtown and very close to and easy to get to downtown. In both locations there are numerous restaurants and bars should that interest you.

There are multiple hotels in both locations although the price point may be less expensive in some of the downtown hotels. I anticipate that the team is staying either downtown or midtown, because this trip is presumably more than just basketball. If they wish to have any cultural or other interesting experiences, it will not be in Mississauga.

[BD80]

Mrs. Sauga is a very nice woman, but exciting she is not. I'm still captivated by the official Duke schedule which shows the games as being in Toronto and Montreal, which is true if Cameron games can be considered as being in Raleigh.

Your Canadian is atrocious, it's Ms. Sauga.

[budwom]

Your Canadian is atrocious, it's Ms. Sauga.

apologies, eh?

[NSDukeFan]

Your Canadian is atrocious, it's Ms. Sauga.

Mizsauga?

[BD80]

Mizsauga?

eyup.

[Spanarkel]

Mrs. Sauga is a very nice woman, but exciting she is not. I'm still captivated by the official Duke schedule which shows the games as being in Toronto and Montreal, which is true if Cameron games can be considered as being in Raleigh.

Well, for an American comparison to Toronto/Mississauga, the Adidas Gauntlet "ATLANTA" AAU basketball tournament is actually held in Emerson, GA, a mere 38 miles from downtown Atlanta. The size of the ATL metro area is roughly that of Massachusetts, so the distance of just over 20 miles between Toronto and Mississauga honestly doesn't seem that far to me. I realize someone will miss the game if they show up in downtown Toronto like the Duke schedule indicates.

[budwom]

Well, for an American comparison to Toronto/Mississauga, the Adidas Gauntlet "ATLANTA" AAU basketball tournament is actually held in Emerson, GA, a mere 38 miles from downtown Atlanta. The size of the ATL metro area is roughly that of Massachusetts, so the distance of just over 20 miles between Toronto and Mississauga honestly doesn't seem that far to me. I realize someone will miss the game if they show up in downtown Toronto like the Duke schedule indicates.

Yup,that's true...it's just that when Duke plays in the Meadowlands, the schedule calls it East Rutherford, NJ, not New York City.

[UrinalCake]

Anybody know enough about our opponents to say what kind of games we should expect? Are we talking like RPI top-50 level teams? Top-100? Any players that could actually be on the NBA radar? I guess I want to know whether our team will actually be tested, or if these will be more like glorified practices.

[mattman91]

Anybody know enough about our opponents to say what kind of games we should expect? Are we talking like RPI top-50 level teams? Top-100? Any players that could actually be on the NBA radar? I guess I want to know whether our team will actually be tested, or if these will be more like glorified practices.

Totally guessing here, but I would expect the level of competition to be comparable to that of a d2 team we would play in pre season exhibitions.

[hallcity]

Totally guessing here, but I would expect the level of competition to be comparable to that of a d2 team we would play in pre season exhibitions.

I don’t know how to compare the talent but I do know that the Canadian teams can practice year round. Duke gets 10 practices IIRC. Also, I expect the games will be played under FIBA rules. Those factors help even the odds for the Canadian teams.

[1991 duke law]

I have not seen a Canadian university basketball game in over 25 years. And I have no friends who can provide any insight. The interest in Canadian varsity sports is not very high.

I anticipate it will be low level competition. And the athleticism will be fundamentally different between the Canadian schools and Duke. The only potential disadvantage for the Blue Devils is their youth and inexperience.

[bluenorth]

I would not expect it to be high level. Although teams can practice year-round, there are always some players missing due to other commitments, such as summer jobs or living elsewhere. On the other hand, the U of T team traveled to Taiwan about a month ago to play in a tournament there. Not sure if Ryerson or McGill have had similar trips.

The FIBA rules aren't as different as they used to be. The big adjustment is to a 24 second shot clock, and to the penalty free throws (two shots on the 5th team foul and beyond in each quarter - no 1 and 1). But some of the Duke players have had international experience already (especially Barrett), so I doubt that will be a factor beyond the first quarter of the first game.

[bluenorth]

A bit more information: McGill played Ole Miss on the weekend, losing by 40. They play Cincinnati tonight, and two more D1 schools before meeting Duke.

Ryerson lost in the 2017-18 national final and graduated two players from that team. They do have a 7'2" player from Senegal, but I have no idea if he's a project or is more polished. Overall I'd expect the Ryerson game to be the most competitive of the three matches on the tour.

[NSDukeFan]

I believe Canadian university teams had a 22-49 record against Division 1 teams last summer and 16-29 the summer before. These would tend to be the top Canadian teams vs. a mix of division 1 teams with a few power 6 games sprinkled in. These would also likely be a bigger deal to the Canadian teams. http://usportshoops.ca/mbb2017/cisncaa.html

[weezie]

Does the Go Train from Union Station still operate and would it bring you near the game venue, if you wanted to stay along the Subway line downtown Toronto?

So what's the deal? Is this a thing this Go Train?

How should we plan on getting from downtown to the Hershey/FineFoods Whatever Center?

Anybody have suggestions?

weezie thanks you!

[BD80]

I have not seen a Canadian university basketball game in over 25 years. …

I anticipate it will be low level competition. And the athleticism will be fundamentally different between the Canadian schools and Duke. ...

The best player on the court will be Canadian ...

[dukelion]

So what's the deal? Is this a thing this Go Train?

How should we plan on getting from downtown to the Hershey/FineFoods Whatever Center?

Anybody have suggestions?

weezie thanks you!

You'd need to take a bus after the Go Train. It's a pretty terrible place for public transit as it's essentially surrounded by highways.

Just take an Uber and give yourself plenty of time with as TO rush hour traffic is some of the worst on NA.

[weezie]

Thank you dukelion!

[1991 duke law]

The best player on the court will be Canadian ...

Yes, but he plays for Duke.

[dukebluesincebirth]

A bit more information: McGill played Ole Miss on the weekend, losing by 40. They play Cincinnati tonight, and two more D1 schools before meeting Duke.

Ryerson lost in the 2017-18 national final and graduated two players from that team. They do have a 7'2" player from Senegal, but I have no idea if he's a project or is more polished. Overall I'd expect the Ryerson game to be the most competitive of the three matches on the tour.

Ooohhh... the 7’2” guy from Senegal sounds like a Zion poster waiting to happen.

[dukelion]

A bit more information: McGill played Ole Miss on the weekend, losing by 40. They play Cincinnati tonight, and two more D1 schools before meeting Duke.

Ryerson lost in the 2017-18 national final and graduated two players from that team. They do have a 7'2" player from Senegal, but I have no idea if he's a project or is more polished. Overall I'd expect the Ryerson game to be the most competitive of the three matches on the tour.

Cincinnati 79, McGill 53

[Spanarkel]

Ooohhh... the 7’2” guy from Senegal sounds like a Zion poster waiting to happen.

I don't think that Nike invites a lot of stiffs to its basketball academy in LA.

http://www.ryersonrams.ca/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=109834&SPID=13629&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211767296&DB_OEM_ID=22300

[bleachers]

As reported above, McGill were beaten very easily by both Cincinnati (26) and Ole Miss (almost 50 points!). They had a decent team last year but lost a lot of seniors off their squad. Will be a game where the Blue Devils will easily win and will get a chance to play their full line up.

Neither Toronto nor Ryerson have played a game against NCAA opposition yet this summer. For what it is worth:

Ryerson will probably provide some opposition. They have had very good teams the past few years. However, they did lose their star player from a year ago (has graduated and turned pro in Serbia). He was one of those amazing talents that come to a team "once in a lifetime". Ryerson's record since 2000 against a team like the Carleton Ravens is 6-38 (they were 1-3 last year).

Toronto will be very much "up against it" playing a talented team like the Blue Devils. I can't see them providing any sort of opposition. Their record since 2000 against a team like the Carleton Ravens is 2-34 and those two wins came years ago.

Btw, Carleton beat the Bearcats by 19 and the Rebels by 18 over the last week. Would have been an interesting game had the Blue Devils chosen to stop off in Ottawa - just saying:).

[budwom]

The vicious Vermont Catamounts (highway robbed at Cameron a few years ago) are playing their own three games vs. Canadian teams, and at least the two Montreal games are actually in Montreal itself, though the venues are very small...I think they play McGill this weekend...as others have noted, McGill will provide little competition this year (except academically, great, great school).

[1991 duke law]

The vicious Vermont Catamounts (highway robbed at Cameron a few years ago) are playing their own three games vs. Canadian teams, and at least the two Montreal games are actually in Montreal itself, though the venues are very small...I think they play McGill this weekend...as others have noted, McGill will provide little competition this year (except academically, great, great school).

My whole family attended McGill and my daughter was offered a scholarship to attend (instead she chose UVA) - so I have familiarity with the school. I feel bad not pumping up a Canadian institution, but McGill is not nearly as great as Americans think it is. It may be the only Canadian school that people in the US know about, but Harvard (or Duke) it is not. It is a fine school but its greatness is clearly overstated by those that are not Canadian.

[Indoor66]

My whole family attended McGill and my daughter was offered a scholarship to attend (instead she chose UVA) - so I have familiarity with the school. I feel bad not pumping up a Canadian institution, but McGill is not nearly as great as Americans think it is. It may be the only Canadian school that people in the US know about, but Harvard (or Duke) it is not. It is a fine school but its greatness is clearly overstated by those that are not Canadian.

I always heard that McGill had very high marks for its school of hotel management and related studies.

[TJ99]

Per twitter - "Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will NOT play in Duke's 3 games in Canada next week. Jones has a hip injury and Reddish a sprained groin."

[mattman91]

Per twitter - "Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will NOT play in Duke's 3 games in Canada next week. Jones has a hip injury and Reddish a sprained groin."

darn.

[duke4ever19]

Per twitter - "Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will NOT play in Duke's 3 games in Canada next week. Jones has a hip injury and Reddish a sprained groin."

This sucks. Not to take anything away from the other studs, but Tre Jones is the one guy I was most wanting to see in action on this trip.

[OldPhiKap]

Per twitter - "Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will NOT play in Duke's 3 games in Canada next week. Jones has a hip injury and Reddish a sprained groin."

"It's over."


(Thanks for the update, TJ)

[devildeac]

Per twitter - "Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will NOT play in Duke's 3 games in Canada next week. Jones has a hip injury and Reddish a sprained groin."


"It's over."


(Thanks for the update, TJ)

Simultaneous vigils? :o:rolleyes:

(Sprained groin? You're going to have to 'splain that one.:o)

[uh_no]

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2018/08/duke-basketball-freshmen-cam-reddish-tre-jones-miss-canada-tour-injuries

chron article on the subject

[UrinalCake]

The Jones hip injury is concerning, as it’s been an issue since earlier in the summer. Hope they can all get healthy soon.

[OldPhiKap]

(Sprained groin? You're going to have to 'splain that one.:o)

“Other side effects may include blindness”

[sagegrouse]

The Jones hip injury is concerning, as it’s been an issue since earlier in the summer. Hope they can all get healthy soon.

So, who plays point guard? It looks like Jordan Goldwire will get some playing time. Also, Alex O'Connell, since there are only two recruited guards besides Tre Jones on the roster.

Then we have our star walk-ons, Mike Buckmoire and Brennan Besser.

Is it generally believed that R.J. Barrett cna play all five positions, a la Grant Hill? If so, he may get some run at point guard.

[ChillinDuke]

The Jones hip injury is concerning, as it’s been an issue since earlier in the summer. Hope they can all get healthy soon.

While concerning, I often wonder if injury updates like this are more geared at hiding the ball, so to speak. A little gamesmanship on the rest of our competitors, notably Kentucky who we open up against on 11/6. Although, they would have seen our exhibition games at that point (although those will likely have some amount of gamesmanship as well).

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but sometimes I dunno. I would be inclined to do stuff like that if I were a coach, assuming the players were onboard with not playing.

- Chillin

[BD80]

Per twitter - "... Reddish a sprained groin."

Cringe. Shudder.

At least he'll be able to rehab on the Canadian trip. While the rest of the team is laying on their backs for stretching, Cam can lay face down on the ice, as long as he avoids the curling stones ...

[Truth&Justise]

While concerning, I often wonder if injury updates like this are more geared at hiding the ball, so to speak. A little gamesmanship on the rest of our competitors, notably Kentucky who we open up against on 11/6. Although, they would have seen our exhibition games at that point (although those will likely have some amount of gamesmanship as well).

Probably wishful thinking on my part, but sometimes I dunno. I would be inclined to do stuff like that if I were a coach, assuming the players were onboard with not playing.

- Chillin

One of the big advantages of the early trip was getting a chance for a young team to play together, and that experience will be very different now without Tre Jones and Cam Reddish. I take your point that they might be overly cautious this early, but I doubt it's gamesmanship--getting experience together at this point is more valuable than denying scouting material for Kentucky.

[budwom]

My whole family attended McGill and my daughter was offered a scholarship to attend (instead she chose UVA) - so I have familiarity with the school. I feel bad not pumping up a Canadian institution, but McGill is not nearly as great as Americans think it is. It may be the only Canadian school that people in the US know about, but Harvard (or Duke) it is not. It is a fine school but its greatness is clearly overstated by those that are not Canadian.

I'm sure you know more about McGill than I do, though I know a lot of grads from there who liked it, and a quick look at rankings of top Canadian universities has it consistently in the top three, which can't be too bad.

[UrinalCake]

One of the big advantages of the early trip was getting a chance for a young team to play together, and that experience will be very different now without Tre Jones and Cam Reddish.

When we only have these guys for six months, getting an early start and extra playing time together would have been invaluable. Not just in the games, but in the 10 extra practices that we were afforded - K said that Jones and Reddish are participating in basketball-related activities, but that doesn't sound like they're practicing with the team. It's a bummer. Had we not been forced to cancel last year's trip due to K's hip surgery, maybe the team would have ultimately identified sooner that it needed to play zone and had more time to figure it out. Who knows.

As far as team bonding, I would assume that Jones and Reddish will still travel with the team and participate in off the court stuff, so that's good.

[UrinalCake]

So who wants to predict our starting lineup? I'm going with

Barrett
Alex
Jack
Zion
Bolden

with Javin and Goldwire being the first two off the bench

[1991 duke law]

I'm sure you know more about McGill than I do, though I know a lot of grads from there who liked it, and a quick look at rankings of top Canadian universities has it consistently in the top three, which can't be too bad.

Agree, I was not suggesting that it is not a good school. But for better or for worse, there is a fundamental difference in the college/university system in Canada and the US.

There is no meaningful exclusivity with Canadian universities. Essentially, if you are a good student you will get into every university that you apply. That would include McGill, University of Toronto,etc. This does change for law school and medical school, although there is again no remarkable difference between top and bottom. So in other words, there’s no such thing as an exceptionally difficult University to get into in Canada.

So the easy contrast to make is getting into Harvard, Yale, Princeton or even Duke is so competitive that exceptional students frequently and regularly get rejected. That is not the case with McGill or any other Canadian school.

On the positive side, there is no intense stress and pressure in high school as every good student will get likely get into their school of choice. And there is something to be said for that. On the negative side, no school in Canada can provide the exceptional experience that you can get at a school like Duke. And Canadians who suggests otherwise are fooling themselves.

[budwom]

^interesting...thanks for the info.

[wk2109]

So who wants to predict our starting lineup? I'm going with

Barrett
Alex
Jack
Zion
Bolden

with Javin and Goldwire being the first two off the bench

I think Javin will start instead of Jack, and Zion will start at the 3. R.J. will start. I'm undecided between Alex and Jordan at the last spot. I'm guessing it will be Jordan so that R.J. doesn't have to start at the point. But I'd guess that R.J. will end up having to run the point when Jordan sits.

[budwom]

now there's even less of a case for buying ESPN+.

[tteettimes]

Simultaneous vigils? :o:rolleyes:

(Sprained groin? You're going to have to 'splain that one.:o)

Too much weight on one side

[jipops]

now there's even less of a case for buying ESPN+.

Really my only reason for watching this would be to see Zion trying to dunk everything at every single opportunity.

With Jones and Reddish out, it's not likely the team is going to accomplish nearly as much as initially hoped with this trip. Apparently these two guys have barely practiced at all so far. So they will likely be just starting to become acquainted with each other on the floor as the season begins.

[UrinalCake]

I think Javin will start instead of Jack, and Zion will start at the 3. R.J. will start. I'm undecided between Alex and Jordan at the last spot. I'm guessing it will be Jordan so that R.J. doesn't have to start at the point. But I'd guess that R.J. will end up having to run the point when Jordan sits.


A starting lineup of

Goldwire
RJ
Zion
Javin
Bolden

has only one scoring threat and zero shooters. Our offense would basically be one-on-five. Even with Alex starting in place of Goldwire, we have three non-shooters on the floor and no spacing.

I agree that Javin should be higher than Jack on the depth chart, but given our positional needs without two of our starting guards/wings I think we have to start Jack. We'll get to see if his awesome three point shooting in practice carries over to the games.

[wk2109]

A starting lineup of

Goldwire
RJ
Zion
Javin
Bolden

has only one scoring threat and zero shooters. Our offense would basically be one-on-five. Even with Alex starting in place of Goldwire, we have three non-shooters on the floor and no spacing.

I agree that Javin should be higher than Jack on the depth chart, but given our positional needs without two of our starting guards/wings I think we have to start Jack. We'll get to see if his awesome three point shooting in practice carries over to the games.

I think Zion is also a scoring threat. It's unlikely that he'd be a top-3 player if he weren't. I also expect Bolden to be able to score efficiently in the post, especially if the Canadian teams' bigs are only 6'7"-6'8". Plus, if R.J. plays the point, that presumably takes away from his primary strength as an off-ball scorer. That being said, there are no great options here. Not having Tre and Cam -- whom I imagine are the #1 and #2 options at PG -- leaves the team in an obvious bind.

I hear what you're saying about Jack and Javin and the positional needs they fill, but Javin was already a spot starter on last year's team. I think he's FAR ahead of Jack on the depth chart based on their bodies of work thus far -- at least far enough that I'd be very surprised if Jack started ahead of him.

[hallcity]

I’m looking at the WatchESPN app and I’m not seeing an ESPN+ option either for the 7 day trial or for a pay option. What am I doing wrong?

[jimmymax]

Oh Canada. No Cam or Tre..

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2018/08/duke-basketball-freshmen-cam-reddish-tre-jones-miss-canada-tour-injuries

[dukelifer]

Oh Canada. No Cam or Tre..

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2018/08/duke-basketball-freshmen-cam-reddish-tre-jones-miss-canada-tour-injuries

Those are big losses. Will get to see how Barrett can run the point.

[UrinalCake]

I think Zion is also a scoring threat. It's unlikely that he'd be a top-3 player if he weren't. I also expect Bolden to be able to score efficiently in the post, especially if the Canadian teams' bigs are only 6'7"-6'8".

Zion is a scoring threat, but Zion at the 3 is significantly less so. And Zion at the 3 with two non-scoring bigs clogging the paint makes Zion a non-scoring threat IMO. Similarly, Bolden will have a harder time scoring with three defenders in the paint. We were already worried about spacing and outside shooting before these injuries, and now we’ve taken away our primary playmaker and potentially our best shooter (maybe second best behind Alex).

Our opponents are going to be overmatched so we’re going to win these games regardless. It’s a shame we won’t get to see the whole team together and see what lineup combinations work.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Oh Canada. No Cam or Tre..

http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2018/08/duke-basketball-freshmen-cam-reddish-tre-jones-miss-canada-tour-injuries

...and so it begins. Is this bad luck, or is there a flaw in the Duke conditioning/training system?

(also, will there be Dan Meagher sighting?)

[Saratoga2]

...and so it begins. Is this bad luck, or is there a flaw in the Duke conditioning/training system?

(also, will there be Dan Meagher sighting?)


At least no one is out with a broken bone in his foot. How many years has that injury plagued Duke?

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

At least no one is out with a broken bone in his foot. How many years has that injury plagued Duke?

You hush your mouth!

/braces himself

[wk2109]

Zion is a scoring threat, but Zion at the 3 is significantly less so. And Zion at the 3 with two non-scoring bigs clogging the paint makes Zion a non-scoring threat IMO. Similarly, Bolden will have a harder time scoring with three defenders in the paint. We were already worried about spacing and outside shooting before these injuries, and now we’ve taken away our primary playmaker and potentially our best shooter (maybe second best behind Alex).

I don't know enough about Zion's game to say definitively whether he's strictly an interior scoring threat or could still score effectively on the perimeter as a 3.

I think calling Marques a non-scoring big is inaccurate. He's not a Jahlil or Marvin, but he's at least displayed a serviceable baby hook and some other decent post moves. Now that he's (hopefully) healthy, I think he'll be an even bigger scoring threat inside.

[OldPhiKap]

I don't know enough about Zion's game to say definitively whether he's strictly an interior scoring threat or could still score effectively on the perimeter as a 3.

I think calling Marques a non-scoring big is inaccurate. He's not a Jahlil or Marvin, but he's at least displayed a serviceable baby hook and some other decent post moves. Now that he's (hopefully) healthy, I think he'll be an even bigger scoring threat inside.

Agree, I do not think we have seen a fully healthy Bolden yet.

[dukelifer]

Agree, I do not think we have seen a fully healthy Bolden yet.

I have a feeling that Bolden is going to be a handful this season- just a feeling.

[bluenorth]

Agree, I was not suggesting that it is not a good school. But for better or for worse, there is a fundamental difference in the college/university system in Canada and the US.

There is no meaningful exclusivity with Canadian universities. Essentially, if you are a good student you will get into every university that you apply. That would include McGill, University of Toronto,etc. This does change for law school and medical school, although there is again no remarkable difference between top and bottom. So in other words, there’s no such thing as an exceptionally difficult University to get into in Canada.

So the easy contrast to make is getting into Harvard, Yale, Princeton or even Duke is so competitive that exceptional students frequently and regularly get rejected. That is not the case with McGill or any other Canadian school.

On the positive side, there is no intense stress and pressure in high school as every good student will get likely get into their school of choice. And there is something to be said for that. On the negative side, no school in Canada can provide the exceptional experience that you can get at a school like Duke. And Canadians who suggests otherwise are fooling themselves.

I'll have to disagree with you about admission to McGill and U of T. Good students regularly are turned away from these schools. For example, if you want to get into engineering at Toronto, you'd better have an average in the 90s to be comfortable. That said, there are several Canadian schools that use the mirror test for admission: hold a mirror to the applicant's face, and if a mist forms then take her/him. But then that's true of every country's post-secondary system. To form a more complete picture of the universities, it's useful to refer to the various international rankings.

[Troublemaker]

...and so it begins. Is this bad luck, or is there a flaw in the Duke conditioning/training system?

(also, will there be Dan Meagher sighting?)

Tre's hip injury was already pre-existing from high school. And Cam's groin injury isn't lower leg like so many Duke injuries are. I don't think Duke's conditioning/training is a factor here. Further, last season Duke experienced good health.

If one listens to the Coach K presser (http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?clip=5895960&db_oem_id=4200 ), he states that they expect Tre and Cam to be ready by the start of fall practice. Probably by Labor Day.

I'm very disappointed they won't play in Canada, but hearing Coach K's presser, I can't push the panic button just yet. We should be okay here.

I'll look forward to seeing RJ and Zion in primary/secondary ball-handling roles.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Tre's hip injury was already pre-existing from high school. And Cam's groin injury isn't lower leg like so many Duke injuries are. I don't think Duke's conditioning/training is a factor here. Further, last season Duke experienced good health.
.


Well yeah, I was just throwing that out there for consideration. I certainly hope there's no systemic problem in conditioning/training. And yeah, last year was good - but when you take the last two seasons plus this pre season - it's a pretty crappy record.

[dukelifer]

Tre's hip injury was already pre-existing from high school. And Cam's groin injury isn't lower leg like so many Duke injuries are. I don't think Duke's conditioning/training is a factor here. Further, last season Duke experienced good health.

If one listens to the Coach K presser (http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?clip=5895960&db_oem_id=4200 ), he states that they expect Tre and Cam to be ready by the start of fall practice. Probably by Labor Day.

I'm very disappointed they won't play in Canada, but hearing Coach K's presser, I can't push the panic button just yet. We should be okay here.

I'll look forward to seeing RJ and Zion in primary/secondary ball-handling roles.

Hopefully both guys will get to practice soon. I expect to see Jack and AOC get productive minutes. Need shooters on this team.

[1991 duke law]

I'll have to disagree with you about admission to McGill and U of T. Good students regularly are turned away from these schools. For example, if you want to get into engineering at Toronto, you'd better have an average in the 90s to be comfortable. That said, there are several Canadian schools that use the mirror test for admission: hold a mirror to the applicant's face, and if a mist forms then take her/him. But then that's true of every country's post-secondary system. To form a more complete picture of the universities, it's useful to refer to the various international rankings.

I guess the point is that getting an average of 90 in Toronto in this day and age is not quite the great accomplishment that it once was. My daughter’s high school class was approximately 150 students. Admittedly, it is a school with good students. But a 90 average is not viewed as a great achievement.

To put a better point on this, in her school perhaps the top 5-7% of her class might get admission to a top 10 American college. But the top 30% will get admitted to McGill and at least 50% will be admitted to the University of Toronto. For sure, the numbers may change if you are applying for a specific more competitive program – such as commerce or engineering.

Keep in mind - UofT has a total undergraduate class of 43,000. McGill - 27,500. Population of Canada - 35 million. Duke University total undergraduate class of 6,500. Population of US - 325 million. As you might imagine, the competition for admission to a top US college is dramatically greater than McGill or UofT. Not even close. And that is why my daughter was offered scholarships to every Canadian school but did not even bother to apply to H, Y, P or S knowing that she would not be competitive.

But in order to pull this back to basketball – go Devils! See you in four days.

[bluenorth]

I guess the point is that getting an average of 90 in Toronto in this day and age is not quite the great accomplishment that it once was. My daughter’s high school class was approximately 150 students. Admittedly, it is a school with good students. But a 90 average is not viewed as a great achievement.

To put a better point on this, in her school perhaps the top 5-7% of her class might get admission to a top 10 American college. But the top 30% will get admitted to McGill and at least 50% will be admitted to the University of Toronto. For sure, the numbers may change if you are applying for a specific more competitive program – such as commerce or engineering.

Keep in mind - UofT has a total undergraduate class of 43,000. McGill - 27,500. Population of Canada - 35 million. Duke University total undergraduate class of 6,500. Population of US - 325 million. As you might imagine, the competition for admission to a top US college is dramatically greater than McGill or UofT. Not even close. And that is why my daughter was offered scholarships to every Canadian school but did not even bother to apply to H, Y, P or S knowing that she would not be competitive.

But in order to pull this back to basketball – go Devils! See you in four days.

While you cite some interesting numbers, and there are plenty of those (eg. Canada has less than 100 universities, and the US has over 2600 - who knew?), the really relevant one would be the cutoff average, below which an applicant does not gain admission. Not everyone who wants to go to a specific university does get in. I'm sure that the coaches at McGill and Toronto would attest to the number of potential recruits who didn't make the grade (literally) for admission. Which does bring us back to basketball and this week's games. While they would be more competitive if the Canadian schools had lower standards and better athletes, they would still be Duke wins. So while we can agree to disagree about admissions, I'll join you in saying Go Devils!

[HaveFunExpectToWin]

I’m looking at the WatchESPN app and I’m not seeing an ESPN+ option either for the 7 day trial or for a pay option. What am I doing wrong?

Install the ESPN app, not WatchESPN.

[hallcity]

Install the ESPN app, not WatchESPN.

What's the difference between the ESPN and WatchESPN apps? Is the ESPN app enough anyway? My iphone shows a separate ESPN+ app!

[Indoor66]

Will someone please recap the exact dates and times for the 3 games?

[Bluedog]

Will someone please recap the exact dates and times for the 3 games?

Wed 7pm, Fri 6pm, Sun 3pm (EST)
Ryerson, Toronto, then McGill

[Indoor66]

Wed 7pm, Fri 6pm, Sun 3pm (EST)
Ryerson, Toronto, then McGill

Thanks - I just saw the story on the front page. I "Subscribed" to ESPN+ for a week using the ESPN App. I am all set.

[budwom]

just fyi...as much as Canada abounds with gorgeous scenery, the main route (the horrible 401) between T.O (or Mrs. Sauga) and Montreal (or Laval) is boring beyond belief.
Things can be improved by taking less expeditious routes...once you're done in Canada, drop down into Vermont, we want your tax dollars (further hint: do NOT cross the border at the main
crossings where the Interstates are as you're apt to wait in line for a looooong time...drive a few minutes out of your way and cross at a secondary location, vastly shorter wait times, if any).

[kostar]

Very excited to be in the arena to watch this group play on Wednesday at Paramount Fine Foods Centre!

[HaveFunExpectToWin]

What's the difference between the ESPN and WatchESPN apps? Is the ESPN app enough anyway? My iphone shows a separate ESPN+ app!

ESPN+ is a service within the ESPN app. It should be available on most of the TV streaming devices (Roku, ATV, Fire), as well as phones, tablets, etc.

Links for iOS and Android:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/espn-scorecenter/id317469184?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.espn.score_center&feature=search_result

Some overview on the service, if you're into that kind of thing:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/what-is-espn-plus/

[Troublemaker]

It's slightly annoying that Kentucky just finished their foreign trip in the Bahamas, and apparently all their games were broadcast on the SEC Network (and apparently UK looked pretty darn good). Meanwhile, Duke fans unfortunately have to sign up for (and remember to cancel) ESPN+ to watch our guys play.

[Indoor66]

Just cancel on Sunday. No big deal.

[hallcity]

ESPN+ is a service within the ESPN app. It should be available on most of the TV streaming devices (Roku, ATV, Fire), as well as phones, tablets, etc.

Links for iOS and Android:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/espn-scorecenter/id317469184?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.espn.score_center&feature=search_result

Some overview on the service, if you're into that kind of thing:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/what-is-espn-plus/

I consider it nuts that I have to have load two ESPN apps in order to watch all ESPN broadcasts. I’m glad I’ve got this worked out in advance. I expect much wailing and gnashing of teeth about this Wednesday night.

[UrinalCake]

Just had a UNC fan tell me that Duke is obviously cheating by playing these games so early, because the season doesn't start for months, but the NCAA will let K get away with anything. I didn't even bother to respond. I'll just wait for their reaction when they find out their beloved team is playing a similar set of games in the Bahamas later this week. And maybe I'll ask them if the other team's drum major is playing center like the last time they played there (when UNC lost one of the games) :p

[nmbnancy]

Anybody have any news of a Pep Rally or Team send off on Wednesday ? How about a Duke Fan bar in the area ?