MBB: Duke v. UCF (3/24, 5:15 CBS) Pre-Game and In-Game Thread

[pfrduke]

Zion. Tacko. Discuss.

[ndkjr70]

I wanted to avoid a P5 team in the second round so I’m glad about that. But UCF can be a handful. Not worried about Zion getting his, especially in transition, but if they get hot from the arc they’re a tough draw.

I’ve got Duke cruising, still. 8 point lead at half turns into 15 early on and the game isn’t very nerve wracking from there.

[Reilly]

Duke is 15 points better in the SRS.

UCF has played three games against AP-ranked teams: 9-point loss to #12 Houston ... 5-point win @ #8 Houston ... 3-point win over #20 Cincinnati

[84Duke]

I will hate to have to beat Johnny Dawkins and his son, but I hope they will understand it has to be done.

[AustinDevil]

Zion. Tacko. Discuss.

Tacko is certainly willing to discuss.

“‘It’s very hard [to dunk on me],’ Fall told NCAA.com on Friday night. ‘I mean, I won't allow it. I won’t allow it. I won’t allow him putting me on one of his highlight tapes.’”

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26338255/allow-zion-posterize-me

[Skitzle]

Wait... Did Hurley just lose to Dawkins in the first round

(Edit:NM that was the women's game where AzSt played UCF)

[UrinalCake]

Pretty much mandatory that Zion dunks on Taco Man.

[gocanes0506]

I would try to play as many guys as I could this game and up the tempo. Make the big man get up and down the floor. Once he gets tired he’ll do a lot more reaching than moving those feet.

From what I saw last night, as long as the defender is stays goal side of him then Taco doesn’t have much. His points were from dunks on lob passes when the defender was on the high side.

Dawkins knows we switch everything. Do we see a ton of high ball screens hoping Tre switches on Taco?

[AGDukesky]

The biggest guys VCU played were 6”8” 210-215. Fall basically doesn’t jump and he doesn’t keep his hands straight up. We should be able to draw fouls and Bolden has enough size to keep Tacko more honest. He’s a unique player but we simply better across the board. I just hope his size doesn’t get into players” heads and we settle for 3s all game- unless we shoot 41% again of course...

Edit: I forgot VCU had Santos-Silva who is 6’7” 250, but he had that hard fall and wasn’t effective the second half missing much of it

[devildeac]

K played 8 guys >10 minutes with RJ playing the most as he totaled 34 minutes. This, combined with the ~710 PM/early start time last evening, hopefully allows a nice rest/recovery period before Sunday tip-off.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I would try to play as many guys as I could this game and up the tempo. Make the big man get up and down the floor. Once he gets tired he’ll do a lot more reaching than moving those feet.

From what I saw last night, as long as the defender is stays goal side of him then Taco doesn’t have much. His points were from dunks on lob passes when the defender was on the high side.

Dawkins knows we switch everything. Do we see a ton of high ball screens hoping Tre switches on Taco?

RUN RUN RUN.....Falls doesn't play that many minutes anyway....it would be helpful to have him gassed early.....

[arnie]

Duke has never lost to the 8/9 seed and think we’ve been in this position 12 times if I heard correctly. I recall a couple of tight games, including Kansas many years ago. I don’t see UCF as strong competition, but we have to be willing to push the ball as noted above.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Duke has never lost to the 8/9 seed and think we’ve been in this position 12 times if I heard correctly. I recall a couple of tight games, including Kansas many years ago. I don’t see UCF as strong competition, but we have to be willing to push the ball as noted above.

I never like the second round and the 8/9 winner....because 8s and 9s are usually really good teams. Often they're middle of the conference Power 5 teams....who are used to very good competition. That's not the case with UCF or VCU....but while all the top seeds are guaranteed a good second round opponent, some teams get lucky and get to play 12s 13s 14s in the second round. I mean VT versus Liberty? Sheesh.

[cspan37421]

I will hate to have to beat Johnny Dawkins and his son, but I hope they will understand it has to be done.

Agreed. Someone has to be the Fall guy. :D

I'll see myself out ....

[CDu]

UCF is coached by our old friend and Duke legend Johnny Dawkins. They are a solid defensive team (#35 nationally) and a solid offensive team (#58), although their profile is somewhat interesting. They are really big inside, which is what differentiates them.

Defensively, UCF is extremely good at defending both 3s and 2s, and also fantastic at defending free throws (#4 nationally) . They block a lot of shots (#36) and alter a lot of others (#12 in eFG%). What they don't do well defensively is force turnovers (#184) or rebound (#237). Offensively, they are largely a two-man show with balance thereafter. They don't shoot great away from the rim, but excel at drawing fouls (#2). They try to make the game as slow as feasible (#312 in tempo) as their primary big man is glacially slow.

Centers: Tacko Fall (7'6", 310lb senior from Senegal) is the man in the middle. Fall is incredibly tall and long, as evidenced by his 7'6" height. He's a terrific rebounder and an elite shotblocker, and UCF's defense is substantially better with him on the floor. Fall is very limited offensively, basically only scoring at the rim (83% of his shots are at the rim, hitting 80% of them). The problem for Fall is that he is EXTREMELY slow. To be fair, he's very nimble for a man his size. But it's just really hard to get a body that big moving and changing directions. So he tries to camp out in the lane as much as he can. If you are in his area, he will affect the shot. But he isn't going to track anyone very well other than straight-line drives. He also fatigues somewhat, and as such plays just 25 mpg. Fall's backup is Chad Brown (6'9", 245lb senior). Brown is a rugged, athletic role player. He rebounds really well, blocks shots, and can score around the rim, but his skill set is mainly as a screen and roll player and dirty-work guy. Like Fall, he has absolutely no range.

Forwards: Collin Smith (6'11", 240lb sophomore transfer from George Washington) is the starter at forward. Smith is a baseline lurker on offense who isn't afraid to shoot a 3 if left open. He's not as physical as Brown, not as tall as Fall. And he just isn't as impactful as either guy on the boards or blocking shots. But he's a much more capable offensive player, and as such provides a nice pairing with either of those two bigs. The Knights don't really play another big.

Wings: Aubrey Dawkins (6'6", 205lb fifth-year junior transfer from Michigan) is one of the stars on the wing for the Knights, the son of Johnny, and a Durham native. Aubrey is nothing like his dad as a player, but he's still a solid college player. Aubrey can shoot (42% from 3, 81% form the line for his career). But he's pure wing, and more of a wing forward than a wing guard. Occasionally, Dawkins plays a de facto PF when two of their three bigs are out. He's largely a catch and shoot guy, and doesn't do a lot of ballhandling for the Knights. He's not nearly the athlete or playmaker that his dad was. The first backup on the wing is Dayon Griffin (6'4", 210lb senior transfer from La Tech). Griffin is a springy, strong kid who doesn't mind shooting. But he's not a great shooter (34%). He's streaky and can get hot from 3, but mainly After Griffin is Frank Bertz (6'5", 180lb junior JuCo transfer). Bertz is a long, athletic, role player for the Knights. He's a solid shooter and pretty much only shoots as a catch-and-shoot guy. Defensively, he's disruptive and gets some steals. But otherwise, he's very much a role player. The last option is Ceasar DeJesus (6'2", 190lb sophomore). DeJesus is more of a slasher offensively, but he's fairly turnover prone. He's a defensive fill-in more than anything, and just minutes-eater as needed.

Guards: The Knights run a two-guard offense most of the game, with BJ Taylor (6'2", 195lb fifth-year senior) and Terrell Allen (6'3", 185lb junior transfer from Drexel). At least one of them is on the floor at all times, and frequently they share the floor. Taylor is probably better described as a combo guard, a score-first PG type. But he does a lot of the ballhandling for the Knights. He's not explosive or athletic, but he's really strong and smart. He knows how to score, and is a big-time shotmaker for the Knights. He doesn't shoot at a high percentage, but he hits the big shots for them. A tough, tough kid who knows how to get and make his shot, and has some playmaking skills for others too. And he's very solid with the ball. Allen is more of a caretaker on offense, serving primarily as a distributor/facilitator for the Knights. He's athletic and a willing defender, and not a liability as a shooter if left alone. But he's a bit like Tyler Thornton in that regard in that he won't put it up unless he's wide open.

[dukelifer]

UCF is coached by our old friend and Duke legend Johnny Dawkins. They are a solid defensive team (#35 nationally) and a solid offensive team (#58), although their profile is somewhat interesting. They are really big inside, which is what differentiates them.

Defensively, UCF is extremely good at defending both 3s and 2s, and also fantastic at defending free throws (#4 nationally) . They block a lot of shots (#36) and alter a lot of others (#12 in eFG%). What they don't do well defensively is force turnovers (#184) or rebound (#237). Offensively, they are largely a two-man show with balance thereafter. They don't shoot great away from the rim, but excel at drawing fouls (#2). They try to make the game as slow as feasible (#312 in tempo) as their primary big man is glacially slow.

Centers: Tacko Fall (7'6", 310lb senior from Senegal) is the man in the middle. Fall is incredibly tall and long, as evidenced by his 7'6" height. He's a terrific rebounder and an elite shotblocker, and UCF's defense is substantially better with him on the floor. Fall is very limited offensively, basically only scoring at the rim (83% of his shots are at the rim, hitting 80% of them). The problem for Fall is that he is EXTREMELY slow. To be fair, he's very nimble for a man his size. But it's just really hard to get a body that big moving and changing directions. So he tries to camp out in the lane as much as he can. If you are in his area, he will affect the shot. But he isn't going to track anyone very well other than straight-line drives. He also fatigues somewhat, and as such plays just 25 mpg. Fall's backup is Chad Brown (6'9", 245lb senior). Brown is a rugged, athletic role player. He rebounds really well, blocks shots, and can score around the rim, but his skill set is mainly as a screen and roll player and dirty-work guy. Like Fall, he has absolutely no range.

Forwards: Collin Smith (6'11", 240lb sophomore transfer from George Washington) is the starter at forward. Smith is a baseline lurker on offense who isn't afraid to shoot a 3 if left open. He's not as physical as Brown, not as tall as Fall. And he just isn't as impactful as either guy on the boards or blocking shots. But he's a much more capable offensive player, and as such provides a nice pairing with either of those two bigs. The Knights don't really play another big.

Wings: Aubrey Dawkins (6'6", 205lb fifth-year junior transfer from Michigan) is one of the stars on the wing for the Knights, the son of Johnny, and a Durham native. Aubrey is nothing like his dad as a player, but he's still a solid college player. Aubrey can shoot (42% from 3, 81% form the line for his career). But he's pure wing, and more of a wing forward than a wing guard. Occasionally, Dawkins plays a de facto PF when two of their three bigs are out. He's largely a catch and shoot guy, and doesn't do a lot of ballhandling for the Knights. He's not nearly the athlete or playmaker that his dad was. The first backup on the wing is Dayon Griffin (6'4", 210lb senior transfer from La Tech). Griffin is a springy, strong kid who doesn't mind shooting. But he's not a great shooter (34%). He's streaky and can get hot from 3, but mainly After Griffin is Frank Bertz (6'5", 180lb junior JuCo transfer). Bertz is a long, athletic, role player for the Knights. He's a solid shooter and pretty much only shoots as a catch-and-shoot guy. Defensively, he's disruptive and gets some steals. But otherwise, he's very much a role player. The last option is Ceasar DeJesus (6'2", 190lb sophomore). DeJesus is more of a slasher offensively, but he's fairly turnover prone. He's a defensive fill-in more than anything, and just minutes-eater as needed.

Guards: The Knights run a two-guard offense most of the game, with BJ Taylor (6'2", 195lb fifth-year senior) and Terrell Allen (6'3", 185lb junior transfer from Drexel). At least one of them is on the floor at all times, and frequently they share the floor. Taylor is probably better described as a combo guard, a score-first PG type. But he does a lot of the ballhandling for the Knights. He's not explosive or athletic, but he's really strong and smart. He knows how to score, and is a big-time shotmaker for the Knights. He doesn't shoot at a high percentage, but he hits the big shots for them. A tough, tough kid who knows how to get and make his shot, and has some playmaking skills for others too. And he's very solid with the ball. Allen is more of a caretaker on offense, serving primarily as a distributor/facilitator for the Knights. He's athletic and a willing defender, and not a liability as a shooter if left alone. But he's a bit like Tyler Thornton in that regard in that he won't put it up unless he's wide open.

In my watching the game yesterday- it is clear that Fall is important to their D. He is slow but takes up space. It will take Duke a while to figure out how to attack him- maybe RJ floaters. Whatever Duke can do to get him off the floor - particularly with foul trouble- will help a lot. They are very active on D and like to push the ball on O. This is not a bad team. Duke will need to wear them down as they are not very deep.

[GTHroy!]

Tacko is certainly willing to discuss.

“‘It’s very hard [to dunk on me],’ Fall told NCAA.com on Friday night. ‘I mean, I won't allow it. I won’t allow it. I won’t allow him putting me on one of his highlight tapes.’”

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/26338255/allow-zion-posterize-me

Zion is going to ring Tacko’s Bell!

[budwom]

a bit of interior passing would seem to be in order...his lateral movement is minimal...

[DukeDevil]

Zion is going to ring Tacko’s Bell!

I'd love to see Zion dunk all over Fall, but honestly I don't want it to be a situation where Tacko decides he's going to do everything to prevent it and we get one of those bad, high in the air fouls that can really hurt someone as a result. Also, as much as the front page made of his saying he won't allow Zion to put him on a highlight tape as trash talk, when you listen to the whole thing is was far less cocky and far more respectful...like Zion is an amazing talent but I'm not going to roll over and let him do whatever he wants. I'll take any bulletin board material for the team to be incentivized to play hard from minute 1 though.

[OldPhiKap]

Zion is going to ring Tacko’s Bell!

GTHroy wins the Internet for the day — both for the post, and the name.

[devildeac]

Agreed. Someone has to be the Fall guy. :D

I'll see myself out ...

Pretty Tacko of you.

But, as you asked in another thread, "Why should I care?"

[Reilly]

CBS site showing Duke as a 13-point favorite and over/under of 143.5. So, 79-65 gets us a cover and an over.

[Troublemaker]

I would try to play as many guys as I could this game and up the tempo. Make the big man get up and down the floor. Once he gets tired he’ll do a lot more reaching than moving those feet.

I agree with the strategy but would note that we've played uptempo all season with a short rotation.

Hopefully Jack is healthy this game because I think either version of the death lineup (JGold or Jack) could cause UCF tons of headaches.

They're not going to guard Zion with Tacko (even a hard Tacko), so Tacko will have to get to the corner to cover Jack's corner threes. Maybe. People will use the cliche "unstoppable force meets immovable object" to describe Zion vs Tacko, but the real battle might be between Tacko not leaving the paint vs Jack not hitting threes to make Tacko leave the paint. But yeah, it's not ideal for UCF if Zion plays center.



Dawkins knows we switch everything. Do we see a ton of high ball screens hoping Tre switches on Taco?

I'd be surprised if Tacko were agile enough to connect on a screen of Tre to force a switch.

But yes, generally I don't mind switching 1 thru 5, but this seems to be one opponent where that is not ideal. Tacko's catch radius makes entry passes easy if has a "mouse in the house" situation in the paint.

[ncexnyc]

The bigger they are, the Tacko they Fall.

[jv001]

I agree with the strategy but would note that we've played uptempo all season with a short rotation.

Hopefully Jack is healthy this game because I think either version of the death lineup (JGold or Jack) could cause UCF tons of headaches.

They're not going to guard Zion with Tacko (even a hard Tacko), so Tacko will have to get to the corner to cover Jack's corner threes. Maybe. People will use the cliche "unstoppable force meets immovable object" to describe Zion vs Tacko, but the real battle might be between Tacko not leaving the paint vs Jack not hitting threes to make Tacko leave the paint. But yeah, it's not ideal for UCF if Zion plays center.



I'd be surprised if Tacko were agile enough to connect on a screen of Tre to force a switch.

But yes, generally I don't mind switching 1 thru 5, but this seems to be one opponent where that is not ideal. Tacko's catch radius makes entry passes easy if has a "mouse in the house" situation in the paint.

One of the teams that I watched had their point guard switch onto the big but he(pg) quickly recovered back to the opposing point guard. I don't remember the team after watching so much basketball over the last 2 days and I don't know if that defense even has a name, but I do know they ran that defense very well. Their point guard seldom had to guard the opposing teams big man. GoDuke!

[duke96]

One of the teams that I watched had their point guard switch onto the big but he(pg) quickly recovered back to the opposing point guard. I don't remember the team after watching so much basketball over the last 2 days and I don't know if that defense even has a name, but I do know they ran that defense very well. Their point guard seldom had to guard the opposing teams big man. GoDuke!

I wonder if we end up playing a bunch of zone in this game.

[devildeac]

I agree with the strategy but would note that we've played uptempo all season with a short rotation.

Hopefully Jack is healthy this game because I think either version of the death lineup (JGold or Jack) could cause UCF tons of headaches.

They're not going to guard Zion with Tacko (even a hard Tacko), so Tacko will have to get to the corner to cover Jack's corner threes. Maybe. People will use the cliche "unstoppable force meets immovable object" to describe Zion vs Tacko, but the real battle might be between Tacko not leaving the paint vs Jack not hitting threes to make Tacko leave the paint. But yeah, it's not ideal for UCF if Zion plays center.



I'd be surprised if Tacko were agile enough to connect on a screen of Tre to force a switch.

But yes, generally I don't mind switching 1 thru 5, but this seems to be one opponent where that is not ideal. Tacko's catch radius makes entry passes easy if has a "mouse in the house" situation in the paint.

Excellent insight, but I prefer a soft Tacko.

[DavidBenAkiva]

This is an interesting matchup for Duke. The word is out that the best approach to containing Duke is to pack it in on defense. That UCF has a guy that can cover so much space horizontally and vertically around the rim makes this an interesting matchup. That UCF is coached by a former Duke player and assistant coach makes it all the more intriguing of a matchup.

One thing that jumps out a lot when looking at the stats is the interior focus of this UCF Knights team. They take the 10th most free throws in the nation but are among the worst free throw shooting teams at 64.7%. Almost all of that can be attributed to Tacko Fall, who is a 36% free throw shooter but makes 75% of his field goal attempts. It's much better to put Fall on the line than allow him to get the ball in post position around the basket.

Looking at their other offensive stats, and UCF just does not stand out in any category. They are 88th in the nation in 3P% and 89th in 2P%. So it should be no surprise to see that they are 84th in the nation in effective FG%. UCF takes a lot of free throws, doesn't make them very often, but doesn't do anything else particularly well or poorly.

The Knights hang their hats on defense. They are a good but not great shot blocking team. They do not force many turnovers. What they do is make life super difficult for teams to take good shots at the rim or along the perimeter. Tacko Fall makes players think twice about going to the rim. And then UCF surrounds him with a number of quick guards that get in the opponents' face on jump shots. There are just not a lot of clean looks.

Tempo is going to be key in this matchup. UCF plays at a slow pace. While it certainly looks like Fall is lumbering giant, remember that he looks much slower than he is. He doesn't get beat down the court very often. But his stamina is a real issue that can be exploited. I'd like to see if Marques Bolden can get an advantage by running out in transition. That will be the real test - if Bolden can get into the paint before Fall, Duke will have found way to get easy looks.

On offense, expect to see Zion work his way around and past Fall, either off the dribble or from gathering an offensive rebound. I also think Tre Jones, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish could thrive against the Knights by taking a few mid-range jumpers. That's usually a bad idea, but getting to the rim when Fall is on the court might not be the best approach. Better to take a short jumper and exploit Duke's offensive rebounding advantage.

I expect an ugly game early with Duke finding success in the latter part of the 1st half or early 2nd half. Hopefully, Zion and Bolden can force a few fouls on Fall and really open up the lane. This is not going to be an easy matchup, but one that Duke should win. Let's Go Duke!

[curtis325]

This is an interesting matchup for Duke. The word is out that the best approach to containing Duke is to pack it in on defense. That UCF has a guy that can cover so much space horizontally and vertically around the rim makes this an interesting matchup. That UCF is coached by a former Duke player and assistant coach makes it all the more intriguing of a matchup.

One thing that jumps out a lot when looking at the stats is the interior focus of this UCF Knights team. They take the 10th most free throws in the nation but are among the worst free throw shooting teams at 64.7%. Almost all of that can be attributed to Tacko Fall, who is a 36% free throw shooter but makes 75% of his field goal attempts. It's much better to put Fall on the line than allow him to get the ball in post position around the basket.

Looking at their other offensive stats, and UCF just does not stand out in any category. They are 88th in the nation in 3P% and 89th in 2P%. So it should be no surprise to see that they are 84th in the nation in effective FG%. UCF takes a lot of free throws, doesn't make them very often, but doesn't do anything else particularly well or poorly.

The Knights hang their hats on defense. They are a good but not great shot blocking team. They do not force many turnovers. What they do is make life super difficult for teams to take good shots at the rim or along the perimeter. Tacko Fall makes players think twice about going to the rim. And then UCF surrounds him with a number of quick guards that get in the opponents' face on jump shots. There are just not a lot of clean looks.

Tempo is going to be key in this matchup. UCF plays at a slow pace. While it certainly looks like Fall is lumbering giant, remember that he looks much slower than he is. He doesn't get beat down the court very often. But his stamina is a real issue that can be exploited. I'd like to see if Marques Bolden can get an advantage by running out in transition. That will be the real test - if Bolden can get into the paint before Fall, Duke will have found way to get easy looks.

On offense, expect to see Zion work his way around and past Fall, either off the dribble or from gathering an offensive rebound. I also think Tre Jones, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish could thrive against the Knights by taking a few mid-range jumpers. That's usually a bad idea, but getting to the rim when Fall is on the court might not be the best approach. Better to take a short jumper and exploit Duke's offensive rebounding advantage.

I expect an ugly game early with Duke finding success in the latter part of the 1st half or early 2nd half. Hopefully, Zion and Bolden can force a few fouls on Fall and really open up the lane. This is not going to be an easy matchup, but one that Duke should win. Let's Go Duke!


Will we see Vrank in for 5 Hack-a-Tacks?

[follyblue]

First, having seen him live, let me say I love Tacko and found myself cheering for him. His early minutes were abysmal, and he was quickly benched, but he seemed to improve as the game wore on to the great delight of most in the arena. Having said that he is a limited player. He is obviously an astonishingly large person, but,as mentioned, he has virtually no mobility, and he frequently appears to lack full control over his arms and hands. I think his size really does put a limit on his ability to corral balls if he is crowded at all. He won’t be following anyone effectively outside of the paint. UCF guards frequently grabbed rebounds in his vicinity seemingly before he got in motion to grab the ball. It really did not appear to me that he impacted a lot of VCU shots. They simply played away, around, and sometimes straight into him. And of course his minutes are limited by his stamina. He’s a delight to watch, but I don’t see him putting a stop to the Zion show. I’m more worried about making sure we continue with our great defense and preventing the rest of the team from heating up offensively, which they did for spurts yesterday.

[budwom]

once again I think we'll try to pick up the pace by pressuring them on defense and running whenever we can...just hope we don't settle for too many quick three point attempts.

[MChambers]

I wonder if we end up playing a bunch of zone in this game.

Duke hasn't played a lot of zone all year. Why would we tomorrow? Are you worried about switches or about Tacko posting up? If the latter, he's got a very low usage rate.

[wavedukefan70s]

This is an interesting matchup for Duke. The word is out that the best approach to containing Duke is to pack it in on defense. That UCF has a guy that can cover so much space horizontally and vertically around the rim makes this an interesting matchup. That UCF is coached by a former Duke player and assistant coach makes it all the more intriguing of a matchup.

One thing that jumps out a lot when looking at the stats is the interior focus of this UCF Knights team. They take the 10th most free throws in the nation but are among the worst free throw shooting teams at 64.7%. Almost all of that can be attributed to Tacko Fall, who is a 36% free throw shooter but makes 75% of his field goal attempts. It's much better to put Fall on the line than allow him to get the ball in post position around the basket.

Looking at their other offensive stats, and UCF just does not stand out in any category. They are 88th in the nation in 3P% and 89th in 2P%. So it should be no surprise to see that they are 84th in the nation in effective FG%. UCF takes a lot of free throws, doesn't make them very often, but doesn't do anything else particularly well or poorly.

The Knights hang their hats on defense. They are a good but not great shot blocking team. They do not force many turnovers. What they do is make life super difficult for teams to take good shots at the rim or along the perimeter. Tacko Fall makes players think twice about going to the rim. And then UCF surrounds him with a number of quick guards that get in the opponents' face on jump shots. There are just not a lot of clean looks.

Tempo is going to be key in this matchup. UCF plays at a slow pace. While it certainly looks like Fall is lumbering giant, remember that he looks much slower than he is. He doesn't get beat down the court very often. But his stamina is a real issue that can be exploited. I'd like to see if Marques Bolden can get an advantage by running out in transition. That will be the real test - if Bolden can get into the paint before Fall, Duke will have found way to get easy looks.

On offense, expect to see Zion work his way around and past Fall, either off the dribble or from gathering an offensive rebound. I also think Tre Jones, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish could thrive against the Knights by taking a few mid-range jumpers. That's usually a bad idea, but getting to the rim when Fall is on the court might not be the best approach. Better to take a short jumper and exploit Duke's offensive rebounding advantage.

I expect an ugly game early with Duke finding success in the latter part of the 1st half or early 2nd half. Hopefully, Zion and Bolden can force a few fouls on Fall and really open up the lane. This is not going to be an easy matchup, but one that Duke should win. Let's Go Duke!

I believe javin can run fall some aswell.sweating this game .but I believe we can win.

[slower]

I expect an ugly game early with Duke finding success in the latter part of the 1st half or early 2nd half.
I sure hope that this isn't our new normal.

[MrPoon]

Will we see Vrank in for 5 Hack-a-Tacks?

I had the same thought but that flys in the face of keeping the pace up.

Just taking a quick look at the last eight game (I got bored after that).
Fall, 3 fouls 19m L Houston
0 fouls 26 mins win SMU
4f 28m win S FL
3f 32m win Houston
3f 24m win Cinn.
4f 19m loss to Temple
3f 25 loss Memphis
2f 28 w VCU

It’s not clear from that very small sample size if his short minutes are fitness or fouls. But 3 fouls seems the norm. I wouldn’t be surprised if Duke attacks him. Zion especially who can get players if fouls trouble and is strong enough to drive into the body of a shot blocker. But I worry about a strategy that requires good officiating, something rare in NCAAs.

It’s also interesting to note that they lost two of their last three but also played a reasonable mid major schedule with Houston, Cinn and Temple.

To me, its a reasonable second round opponent but not a huge concern. I’m always (many here will know why) concerned more about hot shooting gaurds in the NCAAs. This team doesn’t seem to have that.

[wavedukefan70s]

I was also thinking zions leaping ability may be better than tackos reach .can tacko reach above the box .I'm sure zion can rebound that high.

[Avvocato]

I'd love to see Zion dunk all over Fall, but honestly I don't want it to be a situation where Tacko decides he's going to do everything to prevent it and we get one of those bad, high in the air fouls that can really hurt someone as a result. Also, as much as the front page made of his saying he won't allow Zion to put him on a highlight tape as trash talk, when you listen to the whole thing is was far less cocky and far more respectful...like Zion is an amazing talent but I'm not going to roll over and let him do whatever he wants. I'll take any bulletin board material for the team to be incentivized to play hard from minute 1 though.

Totally agree. I heard the interview this morning. He was pretty respectful of Zion and Duke.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Pretty much mandatory that Zion dunks on Taco Man.

I doubt we see Zion dunk ON him, but I bet we see him dunk around him a few times. No doubt he makes use of his quickness tomorrow night.

[ChillinDuke]

Will be an interesting matchup.

While I certainly respect Tacko's size, he has real cajones to call out Zion. It's easy to envision the difficulty of cookie-cutter straight-line dunks vs Tacko standing straight up. But in reality how often do those happen? How is Tacko going to deal with a slippery post move or a finish in traffic where our player uses a finishing move? I envision a lot of foul opportunities on that front.

Further, 7'6" 310 is plenty of beef to stop a slippery guard from finishing in the lane. But how is Tacko going to feel when 285 lbs of pure power elevates right into him? Absorbing that and trying to defend that can be just as exhausting as running the floor.

- Chillin

[duke96]

Duke hasn't played a lot of zone all year. Why would we tomorrow? Are you worried about switches or about Tacko posting up? If the latter, he's got a very low usage rate.

Switches, when he’s in. Seems if we can keep our big guys under the hoop we should be fine handling Tacko

[MChambers]

Switches, when he’s in. Seems if we can keep our big guys under the hoop we should be fine handling Tacko
As someone pointed out earlier, Tre should be able to avoid switching in screens set by Fall. If he has to switch, another player should rotate on Fall. Duke has handled better pick and roll teams this year.

[DukieInBrasil]

Will be an interesting matchup.

While I certainly respect Tacko's size, he has real cajones to call out Zion. It's easy to envision the difficulty of cookie-cutter straight-line dunks vs Tacko standing straight up. But in reality how often do those happen? How is Tacko going to deal with a slippery post move or a finish in traffic where our player uses a finishing move? I envision a lot of foul opportunities on that front.

Further, 7'6" 310 is plenty of beef to stop a slippery guard from finishing in the lane. But how is Tacko going to feel when 285 lbs of pure power elevates right into him? Absorbing that and trying to defend that can be just as exhausting as running the floor.

- Chillin

This is a service message for the DBR community (and not solely directed at Chillin) in an effort to up our overall linguistic game. When referring to the nearly ubiquitous Spanish language term for 'stones', a la Tyus Stones, the correct word is cojones. The almost always incorrectly spelled word cajones means "large boxes", which honestly isn't an entirely terrible error.

[brevity]

Steve Wiseman, News & Observer: Don’t expect Jack White to play for Duke Sunday (https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article228338634.html)


“We don’t think he’s going to play,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Saturday. “He had a decent workout today with band work and that. He’ll try it out probably and warm up, but I don’t think so.”

[fisheyes]

I don't know how I missed this one but did you realize that Vince Taylor was a member of Dawkin's coaching staff? Who knew?!!! Coach K talked a bit about his first great recruiting class and how he inherited Vince Taylor in his pregame presser. Good stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/DukeMBB/videos/275919489968913/

[84Duke]

I don't know how I missed this one but did you realize that Vince Taylor was a member of Dawkin's coaching staff? Who knew?!!! Coach K talked a bit about his first great recruiting class and how he inherited Vince Taylor in his pregame presser. Good stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/DukeMBB/videos/275919489968913/

Vince the Prince!

[KandG]

Steve Wiseman, News & Observer: Don’t expect Jack White to play for Duke Sunday (https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article228338634.html)

Not surprised by this. Hamstring injuries are dicey and a week recovery from what Jack seemed to suffer seemed optimistic. We can probably get by without him this weekend.

If this had been the Sweet Sixteen or Elite Eight, I'm assuming Jack might have given it a go, but better to be cautious.

[OldPhiKap]

I don't know how I missed this one but did you realize that Vince Taylor was a member of Dawkin's coaching staff? Who knew?!!! Coach K talked a bit about his first great recruiting class and how he inherited Vince Taylor in his pregame presser. Good stuff.

https://www.facebook.com/DukeMBB/videos/275919489968913/

K sounds much better, I hope he is on the upswing.

[kako]

According to SI, Tacko Fall is one of the 60 tallest humans in human history. Just an interesting tidbit.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/03/23/march-madness-tacko-fall-zion-williamson-ncaa-tournament-duke-ucf-second-round

Seems to me making Fall move out of the paint would be a good thing. I don't know if there's enough data to show how Zion does in the midrange game (his 3s are nice but not his forte yet). But if he could hit the midrange shot, then Fall would have to move out to guard him. Then Zion could pass to a cutting Barrett off a screen, avoiding Fall's reach as he's not quick at all. The media wants to make this a Zion v. Fall game, but I don't think that's necessary/realistic. It's a team game. Even if Fall could neutralize Zion (big if), what's UCF going to do about Barrett?

I was JD, I'd tell Fall to block the first 3 Duke shots. It doesn't matter if it's goaltending or not. Try and put the idea that shots will be blocked in Duke's head. John Thompson told Patrick Ewing to do that against Carolina in '82, and it seemed to make a difference.

9F

[-jk]

According to SI, Tacko Fall is one of the 60 tallest humans in human history. Just an interesting tidbit.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/03/23/march-madness-tacko-fall-zion-williamson-ncaa-tournament-duke-ucf-second-round

Seems to me making Fall move out of the paint would be a good thing. I don't know if there's enough data to show how Zion does in the midrange game (his 3s are nice but not his forte yet). But if he could hit the midrange shot, then Fall would have to move out to guard him. Then Zion could pass to a cutting Barrett off a screen, avoiding Fall's reach as he's not quick at all. The media wants to make this a Zion v. Fall game, but I don't think that's necessary/realistic. It's a team game. Even if Fall could neutralize Zion (big if), what's UCF going to do about Barrett?

I was JD, I'd tell Fall to block the first 3 Duke shots. It doesn't matter if it's goaltending or not. Try and put the idea that shots will be blocked in Duke's head. John Thompson told Patrick Ewing to do that against Carolina in '82, and it seemed to make a difference.

9F

Ewing says “Sigh...”

-jk

[duke2x]

Even if Fall could neutralize Zion (big if), what's UCF going to do about Barrett?

This was my main impression watching them play Friday night. If Barrett only scores 10 or we let UCF shoot 50% from 3, it could be a rough night.

UCF hasn't played much P5 level competition this year. They went 1-1 v. Alabama and Missouri. They did have the big win @Houston to split.

Pomeroy has us +16.2. I think 15-17 is about right. Coach K isn't going to run up the score if UCF has an awful night.

[Rich]

Coach K isn't going to run up the score if UCF has an awful night.

That’s the least of our concerns right now.

[uh_no]

Coach K isn't going to run up the score if UCF has an awful night.

what if they have an awful knight though?

[Reilly]

JD Mackin H.S. photo: http://www.dcbasketball.com/gallery-photo-mackin-hs.php

[DrChainsaw]

what if they have an awful knight though?

That was Indiana.

[Green Wave Dukie]

That was Indiana.

Hoosier talking about?

[porkpa]

Do you suppose Tacko's quotes will be posted in the Duke locker room?

[OldPhiKap]

Do you suppose Tacko's quotes will be posted in the Duke locker room?

They asked Zion about the quote in yesteeday’s Press conference. His response was (paraphrasing) “what else is he supposed to say? That he’s gonna let me dunk all over him? He said what he should say.”

They tried to goad Zion into some retort a few times, but this was his constant response. He did not seem concerned.

I’m doubting that Zion needs help motivating.

[MChambers]

According to SI, Tacko Fall is one of the 60 tallest humans in human history. Just an interesting tidbit.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/03/23/march-madness-tacko-fall-zion-williamson-ncaa-tournament-duke-ucf-second-round

Seems to me making Fall move out of the paint would be a good thing. I don't know if there's enough data to show how Zion does in the midrange game (his 3s are nice but not his forte yet). But if he could hit the midrange shot, then Fall would have to move out to guard him. Then Zion could pass to a cutting Barrett off a screen, avoiding Fall's reach as he's not quick at all. The media wants to make this a Zion v. Fall game, but I don't think that's necessary/realistic. It's a team game. Even if Fall could neutralize Zion (big if), what's UCF going to do about Barrett?

I was JD, I'd tell Fall to block the first 3 Duke shots. It doesn't matter if it's goaltending or not. Try and put the idea that shots will be blocked in Duke's head. John Thompson told Patrick Ewing to do that against Carolina in '82, and it seemed to make a difference.

9F

Does UCF play man to man or zone? Hard to see Tacko defending the pick and roll.

[CDu]

Does UCF play man to man or zone? Hard to see Tacko defending the pick and roll.

They do some of both: man and 2-3 zone. I would guess we will see a fair amount of zone today.

[Indoor66]

According to SI, Tacko Fall is one of the 60 tallest humans in human history. Just an interesting tidbit.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/03/23/march-madness-tacko-fall-zion-williamson-ncaa-tournament-duke-ucf-second-round

9F

When did they measure the rest?

[HereBeforeCoachK]

When did they measure the rest?

Not to quibble, "they" (meaning SI) didn't measure any of them...including Tacko......but all of them were measured by someone....

[camion]

Not to quibble, "they" (meaning SI) didn't measure any of them...including Tacko...but all of them were measured by someone...

But is that with or without shoes? And you know how basketball players pad their height measurements. I bet he's really only around 7' 5".


:p

[fathippo]

They asked Zion about the quote in yesteeday’s Press conference. His response was (paraphrasing) “what else is he supposed to say? That he’s gonna let me dunk all over him? He said what he should say.”

They tried to goad Zion into some retort a few times, but this was his constant response. He did not seem concerned.

I’m doubting that Zion needs help motivating.

This was the correct response. Tacko's quote was taken from an interview with Andy Katz in response to directly being asked about Zion dunking on him. The rest of the interview he was very complementary of Zion and Duke. Tacko is an unbelievably nice kid who is hard not to rout for. Wish they weren't in our bracket.

[MChambers]

They do some of both: man and 2-3 zone. I would guess we will see a fair amount of zone today.

I should have known you would know.

[Indoor66]

Not to quibble, "they" (meaning SI) didn't measure any of them...including Tacko...but all of them were measured by someone...

Their claim was in history. That is a lot of measuring done in 1910, 1850, 1727, 1665, 1550, etc. :confused::rolleyes:

[Troublemaker]

Will be an interesting matchup.

While I certainly respect Tacko's size, he has real cajones to call out Zion. It's easy to envision the difficulty of cookie-cutter straight-line dunks vs Tacko standing straight up. But in reality how often do those happen? How is Tacko going to deal with a slippery post move or a finish in traffic where our player uses a finishing move? I envision a lot of foul opportunities on that front.

Further, 7'6" 310 is plenty of beef to stop a slippery guard from finishing in the lane. But how is Tacko going to feel when 285 lbs of pure power elevates right into him? Absorbing that and trying to defend that can be just as exhausting as running the floor.

- Chillin

Yeah, I'm not concerned with Tacko. Historically, Duke seldom loses because of an opposing big man.

If UCF pulls off a shocking upset today, it'll be because one or more of their guards go off.

Cam needs to do a great job on Johnny D's son, Aubrey Dawkins, who seems to be UCF's most efficient scorer and a big wing. And I would slap Tre onto UCF's other perimeter threat, 6'2" BJ Taylor. But I could also see Coach K using Tre to try to pressure UCF's main PG Terrell Allen into turnovers, in which case RJ needs to do the good job on Taylor.

I also look forward to the JGold death lineup doing damage on both ends.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

They asked Zion about the quote in yesteeday’s Press conference. His response was (paraphrasing) “what else is he supposed to say? That he’s gonna let me dunk all over him? He said what he should say.”

They tried to goad Zion into some retort a few times, but this was his constant response. He did not seem concerned.

I’m doubting that Zion needs help motivating.

Zion is amazingly good at staying on message and deflecting questions back to compliments on his teammates. I am sure that is partly the young man's personality, and partly a great coaching job by Duke PR and media relations.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Yeah, I'm not concerned with Tacko. Historically, Duke seldom loses because of an opposing big man.

If UCF pulls off a shocking upset today, it'll be because one or more of their guards go off.

Cam needs to do a great job on Johnny D's son, Aubrey Dawkins, who seems to be UCF's most efficient scorer and a big wing. And I would slap Tre onto UCF's other perimeter threat, 6'2" BJ Taylor. But I could also see Coach K using Tre to try to pressure UCF's main PG Terrell Allen into turnovers, in which case RJ needs to do the good job on Taylor.

I also look forward to the JGold death lineup doing damage on both ends.

This is an excellent point. All the media attention is on Zion and Tacko, but when I think back on painful losses of the past, it's squirrelly guards who find ways to get to the rack or the foul line that have given me PTSD.

[NSDukeFan]

This was the correct response. Tacko's quote was taken from an interview with Andy Katz in response to directly being asked about Zion dunking on him. The rest of the interview he was very complementary of Zion and Duke. Tacko is an unbelievably nice kid who is hard not to rout for. Wish they weren't in our bracket.

I hope we rout them.

[dukelifer]

Yeah, I'm not concerned with Tacko. Historically, Duke seldom loses because of an opposing big man.

If UCF pulls off a shocking upset today, it'll be because one or more of their guards go off.

Cam needs to do a great job on Johnny D's son, Aubrey Dawkins, who seems to be UCF's most efficient scorer and a big wing. And I would slap Tre onto UCF's other perimeter threat, 6'2" BJ Taylor. But I could also see Coach K using Tre to try to pressure UCF's main PG Terrell Allen into turnovers, in which case RJ needs to do the good job on Taylor.

I also look forward to the JGold death lineup doing damage on both ends.
Pervis Ellison and Danny Manning say hello :) but I get your point. Still Duke has historically been more outside oriented than this team. It will be interesting to watch this matchup.

[OldPhiKap]

Zion is amazingly good at staying on message and deflecting questions back to compliments on his teammates. I am sure that is partly the young man's personality, and partly a great coaching job by Duke PR and media relations.

Yup, and K would say that he was raised right by his parents.

[brevity]

Do you suppose Tacko's quotes will be posted in the Duke locker room?

Yes, but they will posted too high in the locker room for anyone to read.

[TKG]

Ball pressure, force live ball TOs and run. That might negate the slight height advantage UCF has in the post.

[Bob Green]

I would guess we will see a fair amount of zone today.

If I'm Johnny Dawkins, I'm packing in the zone and daring Duke to beat me with the 3 PT FG.

[Troublemaker]

Pervis Ellison and Danny Manning say hello :) but I get your point. Still Duke has historically been more outside oriented than this team. It will be interesting to watch this matchup.

Ha, I did say seldom, not never.

[Fish80]

Their claim was in history. That is a lot of measuring done in 1910, 1850, 1727, 1665, 1550, etc. :confused::rolleyes:

Interesting choice of years. I would look more in recent times myself, since average human height has increased over the years. Average height of those measured. Many have gone unmeasured. So who really knows?

Also, the burrito is a tougher opponent than the taco. Just saying. No disrespect to the taco.

[wavedukefan70s]

This game has me nervous.id feel better with our glue guy available.bolden looked good friday very mobile with the brace.ive seen us on tv till friday.we looked quick in person and fairly tall.sometimes teams look slower in person we didnt.
Ran into david Robinson I forgot hes 7 feet.very nice guy.

[Fish80]

If I'm Johnny Dawkins, I'm packing in the zone and daring Duke to beat me with the 3 PT FG.
If I’m Johnny Dawkins, my mirror is broken and I am woefully unprepared for this game. :D

[Rich]

This game has me nervous.id feel better with our glue guy available.bolden looked good friday very mobile with the brace.ive seen us on tv till friday.we looked quick in person and fairly tall.sometimes teams look slower in person we didnt.
Ran into david Robinson I forgot hes 7 feet.very nice guy.

I hope you don't engage in conversation the way you post! :rolleyes:

[wavedukefan70s]

I hope you don't engage in conversation the way you post! :rolleyes:

New laptop is almost here.
This phone does not post everything
Correctly .I'll try to redo that.
This post is actually four sentences with space on my screen.

https://i.ibb.co/PCC2Jz0/Screenshot-20190324-122855-Chrome.jpg (https://ibb.co/PCC2Jz0)

It's insane.

[budwom]

I hope you don't engage in conversation the way you post! :rolleyes:

reminiscent of a 1930s telegram stop

[Indoor66]

I hope you don't engage in conversation the way you post! :rolleyes:

Have to talk fast!😂

[-jk]

New laptop is almost here.
This phone does not post everything
Correctly .I'll try to redo that.
This post is actually four sentences with space on my screen.

https://i.ibb.co/PCC2Jz0/Screenshot-20190324-122855-Chrome.jpg (https://ibb.co/PCC2Jz0)

It's insane.

Odd... What phone is it? We have so little trouble with mobile users generally - and more than 50% of our users are mobile!

-jk

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Yup, and K would say that he was raised right by his parents.

That's also good PR from K. :)

[wavedukefan70s]

Odd... What phone is it? We have so little trouble with mobile users generally - and more than 50% of our users are mobile!

-jk

LG G2x
It's got a few bugs .but it works.
I may need to just get a new one.
I may try apple .I have down loaded a different keyboard.

[BigZ]

Little know fact: UCF is the biggest university in USA

[AZLA]

Little know fact: UCF is the biggest university in USA

Biggest and Tallest student body participant too

[jimsumner]

Pervis Ellison and Danny Manning say hello :) but I get your point. Still Duke has historically been more outside oriented than this team. It will be interesting to watch this matchup.

And Nick Collison. And Emeka Oakafor. And Derrick Brown. And Jared Jeffries. And Paul Davis. And Derrick Williams.

[gocanes0506]

Little know fact: UCF is the biggest university in USA

I believe it is inflated due to their large internet student body.

[CoachJ10]

Are both having Taco for dinner tonight.

[-jk]

LG G2x
It's got a few bugs .but it works.
I may need to just get a new one.
I may try apple .I have down loaded a different keyboard.

Can you get and try a different browser?

-jk

[dukelifer]

I believe it is inflated due to their large internet student body.

And their large body on the middle

[BandAlum83]

Odd... What phone is it? We have so little trouble with mobile users generally - and more than 50% of our users are mobile!

-jk

My biggest problems with mobile posting is fat fingers, auto correct and no desire/patience for proofreading on a screen that shows only a portion of my post at a time.

[BandAlum83]

Little know fact: UCF is the biggest university in USA

By what measure? Acerage? Undergraduate enrollment? Total enrollment? Including online degrees?

[wavedukefan70s]

Can you get and try a different browser?

-jk

I will try that .I'm about leave for Columbia. I will look at that when I get back.

[bbosbbos]

This is the 1st time I know UCF is the biggest university in US. More than 60K students. wow

[ns7]

I will try that .I'm about leave for Columbia. I will look at that when I get back.

Try chrome if it works on your phone. I'm guessing you're on kit kat so hopefully it works.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome&hl=en_US&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorgani c%26utm_term%3Dgoogle+play+chrome&pcampaignid=APPU_1_BMWXXKK7KPLH_QbekZCgBw

[jimsumner]

By what measure? Acerage? Undergraduate enrollment? Total enrollment? Including online degrees?

Biomass. They have a lot of fat students.

I can't believe The Ohio State University is taking this lying down.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Biomass. They have a lot of fat students.

I can't believe The Ohio State University is taking this lying down.

I think they are parked on the divan.

[Acymetric]

Biomass. They have a lot of fat students.

I can't believe The Ohio State University is taking this lying down.

Jim not mincing words on this one!

[sagegrouse]

Biomass. They have a lot of fat students.

I can't believe The Ohio State University is taking this lying down.

I thought Arizona State was the largest US university.

[devildeac]

I thought Arizona State was the largest US university.

But there's a lot more BS at "u"nc.

[jimsumner]

I thought Arizona State was the largest US university.

If you count beer cans.

Wasn't NYU in the mix at one time?

According to Wiki, it's CFU.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_public_university_campuses_b y_enrollment

[Acymetric]

Since the unc game is virtually certain to bleed over into the Duke game, will we be able to get the start if the Duke game on the streaming service?

[BandAlum83]

If you count beer cans.

Wasn't NYU in the mix at one time?

According to Wiki, it's CFU.


https://www.bing.com/search?q=largest+u.s.+university&form=EDGEAR&qs=PF&cvid=154334c98a754d1986219daf7a82759b&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AQj93OAhDTi*HzTv1paQdnif800ikmszvymsnvKx1H3Rd2 oAZ4g0fn7*vJJehIfRPc913hkkvJa7REQ6OfhTQkJlImrB9Cu% 216TtfUMmwUc8P&plvar=0&PC=DCTE

That’s a bald link and doesn’t answer the question I posed “By what measure”. I really don’t care to click through and search and waste time to find it on my mobile.

Sorry, Jim, you should know better.

[weezie]

If you count beer cans...

BadaBump, cymbal crash.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Since the unc game is virtually certain to bleed over into the Duke game, will we be able to get the start if the Duke game on the streaming service?

I suspect they delay the game as it is on CBS.

[BigZ]

By what measure? Acerage? Undergraduate enrollment? Total enrollment? Including online degrees?

Undergraduate

[Acymetric]

I suspect they delay the game as it is on CBS.

I kinda doubt that (because of the cascading effect it has on the rest of the schedule and the fact that there are people physically present at the game).

[Acymetric]

I suspect they delay the game as it is on CBS.


I kinda doubt that (because of the cascading effect it has on the rest of the schedule and the fact that there are people physically present at the game).

I stand corrected, Duke game pushed back 10 minutes already.

[uh_no]

if anyone knows any duke bars in madrid, please let me konw :)

[OldPhiKap]

if anyone knows any duke bars in madrid, please let me konw :)

If there’s soccer on the tv, just ask them to change it. They won’t mind.

[Pghdukie]

if anyone knows any duke bars in madrid, please let me konw :)

Santa Ana's but only if Chico is the bartender.

[hsheffield]

anyone see Charles Barkley and Clark Kellogg demonstrate how Zion could handle Tacko under the rim?

first Charles (back to the basket) plants his behind on Clark to "take his legs away from him"

but then he says you should always face the basket and attack?

oh well, it was borderline entertaining (CBS at the half of the Tenn/Iowa game for those that might have recorded)

[dukelion]

Since the unc game is virtually certain to bleed over into the Duke game, will we be able to get the start if the Duke game on the streaming service?

That half ripped by.....Duke start shouldn't be delayed significantly unless OT happens.

[WiJoe]

If I'm Johnny Dawkins, I'm packing in the zone and daring Duke to beat me with the 3 PT FG.

I'm glad you're not. We'd miss you. Then, I guess we'd never known you.

[Rich]

anyone see Charles Barkley and Clark Kellogg demonstrate how Zion could handle Tacko under the rim?

first Charles (back to the basket) plants his behind on Clark to "take his legs away from him"

but then he says you should always face the basket and attack?

oh well, it was borderline entertaining (CBS at the half of the Tenn/Iowa game for those that might have recorded)

Zion doesn't usually posterize people. His biggest assets are his mobility and quickness so I look for him to try to go around Fall and use his agility to lay the ball in and draw fouls, not to go directly at him. When Zion dunks it's usually on breakaways or when there's no big man under the basket. I would consider an effective attack to get Zion the ball around 10-12 feet from the basket and try to isolate him on Fall where he has room to maneuver around and not go directly at him.

[jimsumner]

That’s a bald link and doesn’t answer the question I posed “By what measure”. I really don’t care to click through and search and waste time to find it on my mobile.

Sorry, Jim, you should know better.


The link I provided

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_public_university_campuses_b y_enrollment

seems to give the information in question.


Enrollment by undergraduate and graduate.

And since I have no idea what a "bald link" is, I'm guessing I didn't know better.

[JohnJ]

...and it even says “by enrollment” in the link without having to click on it.

[dukelifer]

If I'm Johnny Dawkins, I'm packing in the zone and daring Duke to beat me with the 3 PT FG.

Be honest - if you were Johnny D - wouldn’t you let Duke win? ;)

[-jk]

DBR Chat (http://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/misc.php?do=cchatbox) is open!

If it gets a bit slow, refresh the page. If you're on a mobile device, you'll need to select "Blue" at the bottom.

If it's running too fast for you, you can always check out the chat archive (https://forums.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/misc.php?do=ccarc)

As always - please follow the DBR Posting Guidelines.

Let's Go Duke!

-jk

[MChambers]

The link I provided

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_public_university_campuses_b y_enrollment

seems to give the information in question.


Enrollment by undergraduate and graduate.

And since I have no idea what a "bald link" is, I'm guessing I didn't know better.

I learned about bald links recently, when I apparently posted one here. It’s a post that contains a link without providing much of a description of the content at the linked site. I thought your post was fine, but I thought my post was fine too, but a moderator disagreed.

[-jk]

I learned about bald links recently, when I apparently posted one here. It’s a post that contains a link without providing much of a description of the content at the linked site. I thought your post was fine, but I thought my post was fine too, but a moderator disagreed.

There are links that have context in the link itself (such as Jim's enrollment link). There are links that give no hints (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0).

We much prefer the former or a brief description if the latter. Well, just because...

-jk

[uh_no]

If there’s soccer on the tv, just ask them to change it. They won’t mind.

i mean, it is...since euro qualifying is going on....but at least spain paid last night.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Zion's shoes tonight are pretty sick.

https://twitter.com/DukeMBB/status/1109915611826700291?s=19

[OldPhiKap]

i mean, it is...since euro qualifying is going on...but at least spain paid last night.

Another tip — when you ask to change the channel, make sure to do it in English using a firm authoritative tone. Show ‘em who’s boss.

[dukelion]

Seems we never start fast these days....always playing a bit of catch up.

[Steven43]

How did the refs not call a foul on Fall against Zion? Zion was in the act of shooting and Fall hit his arms. That’s an automatic and easy foul call.

[Steven43]

Bolden’s hook shot percentage continues to fall.

[Steven43]

RJ with the three on an assist from Zion.

[slower]

And....there goes my Time-Warner feed.

[CDu]

And...there goes my Time-Warner feed.

Directv out too

[slower]

Seems we never start fast these days...always playing a bit of catch up.

The odds of this being fatal increase every game.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Duke's going to have to find a way to speed this game up.

[BlueDevil16]

Not liking the way things started. Stupid foul from Zion early too. Reminded me of Wendell Carters stupid fouls this time last year vs Kansas.

[arnie]

Bolden’s hook shot percentage continues to fall.

Yep, seems like he could go stronger to the rim on some of these.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Surprised Goldwire only got a minute. Thought they'd keep him on Dawkins. Guess he's just too much of a non factor offensively.

[uh_no]

Another tip — when you ask to change the channel, make sure to do it in English using a firm authoritative tone. Show ‘em who’s boss.

i pointed to my duke ring and said "don't make me call da boss"

outcome: watching the game on my laptop.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

Nice D by Javin thus far

[hallcity]

And...there goes my Time-Warner feed.

You had one job, CBS

[slower]

Directv out too
Somebody at CBS is going ballistic about this, I'm sure. Not good - at all.

[rsvman]

Dawkins looking really good, unfortunately.

[TruBlu]

Comcast hasn’t had any dropouts.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Dawkins looking really good, unfortunately.

Yeah, hopefully halftime cools him off cause he looks like he's going for 20 in the first half.

[-jk]

Comcast hasn’t had any dropouts.

Fine here in MoCo, Maryland.

-jk

[hallcity]

I guess they’ll do something now. The ads are dropping out.

[Ballboy1998]

College basketball needs to take some of that huge stack of money they aren't giving athletes and pay to train and retain competent officials.

[cbarry]

Lots of glitches/ screen freezes on Spectrum/TWC. UGH

Our guys are not in sync either. Will get a good chewing out at the half.

[CDu]

Potentially big bad break for us. Reddish gets a clean block on a 3 but gets called for the foul (his second). Now Dawkins gets to give them the lead and Reddish gets to sit in what has been his best offensive game in a while.

[ChrisP]

College basketball needs to take some of that huge stack of money they aren't giving athletes and pay to train and retain competent officials.

Word! That was a totally clean block Cam just had! Ridiculous!

[4Gen]

Stampede warning.

[downeastdad]

Just felt like Zion's three point play was the beginning of the end for UCF.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Goldwire the x factor. 12-2 run since he went in?

[OldPhiKap]

Goldwire the x factor. 12-2 run since he went in?

Agreed.

[robed deity]

Goldwire changes games. Really something.

[dukelion]

Goldwire and Jones are a menace on D.....love it.

Just need a floor slap.

[subzero02]

Goldwire, Zion, Tre, and Cam... We need to maintain our defensive intensity. We definitely miss Jack White. I think he would've been great in this game.

[J4Kop99]

That is how you close out a half! Great work from goldwire to completely change the feel

[scottdude8]

JG making me look smart :)

But in all seriousness, his defense is giving this team energy once again. Foul trouble on Tacko was big, and I guarantee part of the the halftime gameplan will be how to get his third quickly. Love how Cam is playing too.

As a Michigan fan watching how well Aubrey is playing is bittersweet. Can you imagine if he was a senior on last year’s runner up team?

[cbarry]

End of half- UCF had a shot clock violation. I replayed it, and the ball is in the shooter’s hand with the shot clock above the basket reading 0, and the game clock at 4.9

we should have gotten the ball at 4.9

[kako]

1. The press with JGold is working great but expect UCF to try to counter.

2. A Dawkins has a bone to pick, and he's eating well. Why didn't Duke recruit him?

3. Reddish is having the game we thought he should always have. Hope he plays through the fouls.

4. Can Duke keep the 3's up?

5. Would like to see some bench scoring. Goose egg so far.

Also props to DeLaurier to that block on Fall.

9F

[InSpades]

Duke has 44 points... all from the 4 freshmen starters (not that I'm complaining!).

Goldwire definitely add something on D.

Fall is a handful down low.

Zion had an okay half and you look up and he has 15.

Offense is great... 55%, 45%, 4 turnovers. Need to figure out how to stop Dawkins and Fall and we win this one going away. Fail to find that... might be a close one.

Edit: Cam is playing really well. Tough call on the 3.

[MChambers]

1. The press with JGold is working great but expect UCF to try to counter.

2. A Dawkins has a bone to pick, and he's eating well. Why didn't Duke recruit him?

3. Reddish is having the game we thought he should always have. Hope he plays through the fouls.

4. Can Duke keep the 3's up?

5. Would like to see some bench scoring. Goose egg so far.

Also props to DeLaurier to that block on Fall.

9F

K said yesterday that they would have recruited Aubrey, but assumed he would go to Stanford to play for his dad.

[hallcity]

End of half- UCF had a shot clock violation. I replayed it, and the ball is in the shooter’s hand with the shot clock above the basket reading 0, and the game clock at 4.9

we should have gotten the ball at 4.9

Should have called a TO. We had one.

[wavedukefan70s]

Word! That was a totally clean block Cam just had! Ridiculous!

Absolutely. Bad call.yet 35 for UCF is throwing elbows no call.

[ns7]

End of half- UCF had a shot clock violation. I replayed it, and the ball is in the shooter’s hand with the shot clock above the basket reading 0, and the game clock at 4.9

we should have gotten the ball at 4.9

I thought so to watching live. That plus the foul on the 3...

It's okay, an 8 point lead at half is very solid after surviving a blistering half from Dawkins.

[uh_no]

Fine here in MoCo, Maryland.

-jk

perfect here in madrid....on...uhm....<somedomain>.xyz so you know it's legit.

[ncexnyc]

Hopefully we won't have anymore technical difficulties in the second half. My Spectrum feed cut out several times and it was only CBS, as ABC the channel right above it was just fine.

The team needs to keep the defensive pressure up in the 2nd half as I wouldn't expect our shooting from 3pt land to continue like it has.

[uh_no]

End of half- UCF had a shot clock violation. I replayed it, and the ball is in the shooter’s hand with the shot clock above the basket reading 0, and the game clock at 4.9

we should have gotten the ball at 4.9

thought the same thing. we got screwed out of a chance there.

oh well. roll with it and kill.

[hallcity]

BTW, these AT&T stupid color announcer ads are lame. They’re becoming really annoying.

[dukelifer]

Hopefully we won't have anymore technical difficulties in the second half. My Spectrum feed cut out several times and it was only CBS, as ABC the channel right above it was just fine.

The team needs to keep the defensive pressure up in the 2nd half as I wouldn't expect our shooting from 3pt land to continue like it has.

Same thing happened with ATT

[BandAlum83]

There are links that have context in the link itself (such as Jim's enrollment link). There are links that give no hints (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0).

We much prefer the former or a brief description if the latter. Well, just because...

-jk

On my iPhone, the enrollment part of the link didn’t show. Ergo, for me, it was bald. Even so, is that total enrollment including online programs?

[ice-9]

Great run to close the first half but I’m still concerned about the game. We are up 8 but also shot 46% from 3, which is uncharacteristic for this team and may not continue in the second half. To some extent we are taking what’s given - ie the outside shot, so maybe it is how it should be. But I would feel better if we can attack inside like we usually do and defend their perimeter better.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Great run to close the first half but I’m still concerned about the game. We are up 8 but also shot 46% from 3, which is uncharacteristic for this team and may not continue in the second half. To some extent we are taking what’s given - ie the outside shot, so maybe it is how it should be. But I would feel better if we can attack inside like we usually do.

Yeah and Tacko has 3 fouls to play with the 2nd half. Layups won't be as easy. Hoping Dawkins cools off as Duke does.

[proelitedota]

Yeah and Tacko has 3 fouls to play with the 2nd half. Layups won't be as easy. Hoping Dawkins cools off as Duke does.

Not going to cool off unless we make him cool off.

[dukelifer]

Great run to close the first half but I’m still concerned about the game. We are up 8 but also shot 46% from 3, which is uncharacteristic for this team and may not continue in the second half. To some extent we are taking what’s given - ie the outside shot, so maybe it is how it should be. But I would feel better if we can attack inside like we usually do and defend their perimeter better.

Need to keep the defensive pressure on.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

K said yesterday that they would have recruited Aubrey, but assumed he would go to Stanford to play for his dad.

And if my math is correct he would have been in the class with Jahlil, Winslow, Tyus and Grayson - not sure if there was a spot for him unless we passed on one of them.

[Steven43]

College basketball needs to take some of that huge stack of money they aren't giving athletes and pay to train and retain competent officials.

I’d much rather that money go to training great officials than to student/athletes.

[fgb]

1.
2. A Dawkins has a bone to pick, and he's eating well. Why didn't Duke recruit him?
9F

because if you play for dinner, you need to have a bone to pick every night. it can't be personal.

[WHOneedsSOX]

And if my math is correct he would have been in the class with Jahlil, Winslow, Tyus and Grayson - not sure if there was a spot for him unless we passed on one of them.

Would he have played right away? Or gone more of the Grayson route?

[Steven43]

Cam with another one of his thoughtless drives. Like he’s never done it before.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Ugly start. Ugly, ugly.

[Steven43]

Great run to close the first half but I’m still concerned about the game. We are up 8 but also shot 46% from 3, which is uncharacteristic for this team and may not continue in the second half. To some extent we are taking what’s given - ie the outside shot, so maybe it is how it should be. But I would feel better if we can attack inside like we usually do and defend their perimeter better.

Yep. You’re spot-on.

[rocketeli]

Cam with another one of his thoughtless drives. Like he’s never done it before.

It was a good drive, but a bogus foul call when the defender undercut him.

meanwhile the magic of Tacko Foul is that he apparently, according to these refs never fouls. He is constantly bringing his arms down and clocking people and going over the back with no calls

[kaufmjo]

Ugly start. Ugly, ugly.

Put Goldwater on Dawkins the entire game

[cbarry]

Settle down guys! Go back to zone press with Jordan.

[Steven43]

RJ going right at Fall. Very nice.

[slower]

Zion's handle is terrible today.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Zion's handle is terrible today.

Zion is unbelievable but his handles are pretty terrible lol.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Man we gotta find a way to slow down Aubrey Dawkins

[Steven43]

It was a good drive, but a bogus foul call when the defender undercut him.

meanwhile the magic of Tacko Foul is that he apparently, according to these refs never fouls. He is constantly bringing his arms down and clocking people and going over the back with no calls

Agree with your take on Fall. He gets away with a lot,

[slower]

Javin foul-out coming soon.

[WHOneedsSOX]

RJ going right at Fall. Very nice.

I actually think it's easier to shoot a floater over Tacko than Zion. Tacko is getting up to 10 feet max. Zion is getting up to 12 feet and is quick to get there.

[RollDevils]

That was a bail-out call. Thought Smith was OOC and Bolden held his ground. Ref that called it looked to be behind Bolden.

[cbarry]

Defense- bring in Vranc to play Hack-a-Tacko. Guy can’t shoot FT

[kaufmjo]

Can’t shake these guys. Nothing easy when every team brings their A game against us

[WHOneedsSOX]

That was a bail-out call. Thought Smith was OOC and Bolden held his ground. Ref that called it looked to be behind Bolden.

He brought his hands down which is an automatic call. Or it's supposed to be...

Interesting, Tacko on Jones now. Makes sense.

[ns7]

That was a bail-out call. Thought Smith was OOC and Bolden held his ground. Ref that called it looked to be behind Bolden.

I think they called the swipe, not the block.

[downeastdad]

Why did Javin let Fall have that dunk? Foul him!!!!

[WHOneedsSOX]

Absolutely ridiculous.

[slower]

DeLaurier, predictably, with the stupid, stupid foul.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Why did Javin let Fall have that dunk? Foul him!!!!

Too early to pick up his 4th foul. But then he picks up that cheap one anyways.

[downeastdad]

Great officiating!

[CDu]

Why did Javin let Fall have that dunk? Foul him!!!!

Didn’t want to get his fourth foul.

[ns7]

They need to start calling fouls on Fall when he brings his hands down.

[kaufmjo]

This is an infuriating game to watch

[ncexnyc]

Horrific coaching. Cam gets his 3rd early in the half and he's left in to pick-up his 4th. Javin gets his 4th and for some strange reason he's left on the floor.

[cbarry]

Barrett needs to step up. Start by making free throws.
He has not been solid on FT all year, but I think he will come through right now.

Then, we have to clamp down on D.

Use every available player to hack Tacko on EVERY PLAY. Put them in the bonus and make Tacko shoot free throws!!!

[ChrisP]

I got a really bad feeling. Really , REALLY hope I am wrong, but we do not look like a FF team (to me, anyway)

[CDu]

They need to start calling fouls on Fall when he brings his hands down.

Yep. Two fouls on Zion that weren’t called. Add in the bad call on Reddish’s block of a 3.

[downeastdad]

Didn’t want to get his fourth foul.

Yeah, but we've still got Bolden's three and Vrank's five to give. Either of them are as good on offense as Javin (he says as Javin scores)

[fgb]

Barrett needs to step up. Start by making free throws.
He has not been solid on FT all year, but I think he will come through right now.

Then, we have to clamp down on D.

Use every available player to hack Tacko on EVERY PLAY. Put them in the bonus and make Tacko shoot free throws!!!

this

[jipops]

Goldwire needs to stay in the rest of the game. Only shot we got on D.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Why is Jones still shooting 3s?

[uh_no]

Why is Jones still shooting 3s?

yeah....not happy with his decision making.

[fgb]

Why is Jones still shooting 3s?

he's trying to solidify his spot in the 2nd round of the draft

[ns7]

Why is Jones still shooting 3s?

I don't know. They are wide open but he should probably stop.

[kaufmjo]

Nothing worse than CBS tournament commercial-Rama and listening to a bunch of Barkley commercials

[devildeac]

Too early to pick up his 4th foul. But then he picks up that cheap one anyways.

Yet Z gets mugged on both arms and no call on Tacko

[slower]

This is an infuriating game to watch
One of many, recently.

[ncexnyc]

Wish AOC would get a chance, but at this stage of the game it wouldn't be fair for him.

[g-money]

Why is Jones still shooting 3s?

Because he can make ‘em. Coach K needs to tell him to keep shooting. My $0.02

[CDu]

yeah...not happy with his decision making.

It hasn’t been a good offensive day for Jones and it hasn’t been a good defensive day for Barrett.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Because he can make ‘em. Coach K needs to tell him to keep shooting. My $0.02

Well, there one is. I feel like he can drive around this guy though. Drive at him and finish. Not against tacko though.

[rsvman]

What is going on with the officiating?

[kaufmjo]

Wish AOC would get a chance, but at this stage of the game it wouldn't be fair for him.please do not put him in!

[Steven43]

How many great defensive plays by a Duke player are the refs going to get wrong? It’s incredible how many they’ve blown.

[slower]

If Zion does get a chance to dunk this game, I think he's going to bring the basket down. You can tell he's VERY frustrated..

[AGDukesky]

Refs keeping UCF in it now😡

[kaufmjo]

I honestly can’t tell what is happening g there are so many commercials and no replays. And shoddy commentary of airy zingers by Raftery

[fgb]

What is going on with the officiating?

they're upset that Zion didn't give ucf any bulletin board material?

[jipops]

They got us in a halfcourt game and we’re a very bad halfcourt team.

[WHOneedsSOX]

Hmm not looking good. They can't miss and Duke can't get anything.

And we know Duke is going to have to make free throws going down the stretch...

[kaufmjo]

Oh boy. This is bad

[rsvman]

They keep making long threes.

[slower]

Mods are no doubt preparing to lock the board.

[sbroc012]

about to get Bootsied

[RollDevils]

Did anyone else see Coach K begging for a timeout after our last made basket? Ref never even looked at him. I would put Vrank in and hack a Taco.

[BlueDevil16]

Doesn’t look good. Especially with UcF in the double bonus.

[Sixthman]

Win or lose, we have been thoroughly outcoached

[djp10]

you know it's bad when there are so many posts about the refs

[ChicagoCrazy84]

This isn’t good. Everyone was in love with Duke going in but the old 3 is the great equalizer and Coach K has sacrificed extra scoring for defense and in this game it’s backfiring. We have no answer for Dawkins.

[4Gen]

Sometimes shooting matters. They can. We can't

[ChrisP]

This is what happens when you let an underdog hang around.

[dukelion]

This where we you wish you had a senior leader or two......hope they don't panic down the stretch.....but they look like they're wilting under the pressure out there.

And I don't get the zone with Goldwire.......AOC would be just as effective and add shooting.

[killerleft]

Hmm not looking good. They can't miss and Duke can't get anything.

And we know Duke is going to have to make free throws going down the stretch...

Could be UCF will be the one needing to hit FTs.

[subzero02]

Mods are no doubt preparing to lock the board.

I don't know which Dawkins is performing better...Aubrey or Johnny..

[WHOneedsSOX]

Could be UCF will be the one needing to hit FTs.

Well their 2 guards can.

[djp10]

why is barrett on dawkins?

[subzero02]

I know that I never want to go back to south carolina for an NCAA game.