Player Development

[dukemsu]

I have to say that all the comments about Zoubek and LT and Marty and Greg, and well, the whole team, are reflections of what we've been fed as fans.

Due to the hyper-focus on recruiting, we just expect freshmen to come in as immediate contributors if not finished products. Unfortunately, we (and I'm as guilty as anyone) forget how rare guys like Durant, Oden, or in Duke History, Laettner or Brand or Deng really are. Hurley was positively awful in parts of his freshman year. Guys like Ferry and Hill, who were undeniably great players later in their careera, were mistake prone players who shone largely by being guided by very experienced teammates. Remember Shane's freshman year, when he was basically a charge-taking specialist? Three years later, he was all-Everything and the unquestioned leader of a National Champion. That took time.

My point is, we just aren't patient as fans. This team is flawed. It's flawed because last year, two guys who aren't here anymore took every big shot. It's flawed due to nagging injuries and guys playing out of position. It's flawed because our most talented player can't seem to find a comfort zone or consistent role and for whatever reason, the coaching staff hasn't been able to guide him to one.

I don't mean to come across as a lecturer. There are people on this board who know far more than I do. But these kids are trying to put it together. I for one am going to try to enjoy the flashes of brilliance and try to look forward to better days for these kids. They will continue to develop, as long as the staff continues to guide them and they continue to listen.

LGD

dukemsu

[DevilYouthCoach]

I totally agree. What you say about Hurley, Ferry and Hill is accurate. I recall how all of the frosh on our tennis team grew stronger and smarter through the season, but still could rarely beat an upperclassman. Age and size matter in all sports. Not to mention the smarts that only comes with experience. Compare the Deng playing for the Bulls with the Deng who played for us three years ago. They're totally different critters.

I also think that this team has had to try to grow with no real role models, due to the unfortunate recruiting goofs/accidents of the past three years. They are having to learn the "Duke way" in a different manner from the past, when there was an orderly succession, so to speak. In a way, this team is having to re-invent itself as a champion team. Next year is really going to be interesting! In fact, next week could be really interesting too.

[BlueDevilBaby]

Although this season is not over yet, I'm excited for the next. I really hope McBob stays!:)

[Dukefan4Life]

I understand every freshman cant be a ogden or durant. I do expect more out of my favorite teams recruited players though! we try and recruit the best players in the country for a reason! i understand sometimes this doesnt happen right away but when i see our guys not playing or when they do play struggle it does get to me! I know the season isnt over and we still have the NCAA but i hope we can take the time in the offseaon to really gell and come together as a team and be ready for next year with the new incoming freshman! GO DUKE! :D

[DevilAlumna]

These young men are just that -- young! Think of when you were 18-21, and what levels of consistency and decision-making you could maintain under pressure, and then ask yourself how reasonable it is to put such expectations of perfection on these guys.

I think the inconsistencies and mistakes show through a lot more this year because we are without senior leadership/experienced players. In years past, the role-players had time to develop and grow and take in all the coaching because the go-to guys and experienced players deflected a lot of the attention (and offered their own teachings.) This year, we're asking those role-players to be the leaders *and* still develop on a frantic pace.

It's got to be tough on the coaches too -- rather than having 3-4 guys to really work with, they've got the whole bench that needs their help.

Although it's been a frustrating season in terms of ups and downs, it's been exciting to see the possibilities and flashes of brilliance by all the players. And although I'm sure next season will be better, I just am drooling for McRoberts/Paulus' senior year!

[SECulp]

I agree 100%.

[BlueDevilBaby]

Please stay, McBob!

[SharkD]

In addition to polishing raw talent, incoming freshmen need serious physical conditioning. Most people seem to forget this.

Not only is conditioning important to on-court performance, it's also critical to preventing injuries... which have, admittedly, caused problems for McRoberts, Paulus, Nelson and McClure.

I'm honestly looking forward to next year -- I think Duke will be back in form, perhaps unexpectedly, for a change.

[mapei]

I think one thing that some people are missing is that really good players almost never stay four years anymore. The comparisons to the 91-92 teams don't fit, for me, because that was a different era. (JJ and Shel were sterling exceptions, although even they didn't exactly dominate the NCAAs with their maturity in their junior and senior seasons.) In 21st century basketball, it's the JWills, Boozers and Brands who are more typical of championship teams.

Really good players don't have that much time to mature in college anymore. If you want to win, you need players who can mature in two or 3 years. Now part of me hates that, because I actually like the "student" part of "student-athlete" and think that all the players leaving early are making a joke of it. But it's the way it is.

(I should add that, as a Georgetown fan, I fervently hope that junior and Big East player of the year Jeff Green returns to graduate. The Hoyas will contend for the title next year if he does. But that strikes me as a pretty big ask, unfortunately.)