I'm calling it: Jordan Goldwire is Tyler Thornton 2.0

[scottdude8]

I had an inkling this might be the case when he committed, but after three games I'm convinced. Jordan Goldwire is gonna be our next Tyler Thornton, and TBH I couldn't be happier since TT was one of my favorites. Consider the similarities:

—Both were overlooked, 3* recruits who people didn't expect much of in their freshman years, if ever
—Both also came in a recruiting class including a top PG, making them even more overlooked
—Both were known as defensive specialists in HS, including shutting down many higher ranked PG recruits
—Both have surprised by contributing very early in their respective Duke careers

I won't jinx things by mentioning the big event that happened in TT's freshman year that we all hope Goldwire's doesn't have in common.

Nonetheless, I'm of the mind that nothing but good things can come if Goldwire continues to merit 5-10 minutes of run a game. Not only does this allow Duval some rest (we all know freshman can get a little run down, especially in a K 7/8 man rotation), it will ensure Grayson doesn't have to step over and run the point, allowing him to focus on refining his role as an off-ball guard that he certainly seems to be relishing. Plus, getting that little bit of PT each game will vastly accelerate Goldwire's development (for an example, take a look at recent Michigan basketball history and all the guys who took huge leaps between their freshman and sophomore years, helped by the experience they got playing some minutes as opposed to none as freshmen), to the point that he might be a major bench contributor in years 2/3 and maybe even a senior starter and leader in year 4.

Yes, this may be way down the list of important stories to come out of the first week of the regular season, but I'm a sucker for PG's who play great D and can run an offense. I'm psyched.

[Newton_14]

I had an inkling this might be the case when he committed, but after three games I'm convinced. Jordan Goldwire is gonna be our next Tyler Thornton, and TBH I couldn't be happier since TT was one of my favorites. Consider the similarities:

—Both were overlooked, 3* recruits who people didn't expect much of in their freshman years, if ever
—Both also came in a recruiting class including a top PG, making them even more overlooked
—Both were known as defensive specialists in HS, including shutting down many higher ranked PG recruits
—Both have surprised by contributing very early in their respective Duke careers

I won't jinx things by mentioning the big event that happened in TT's freshman year that we all hope Goldwire's doesn't have in common.

Nonetheless, I'm of the mind that nothing but good things can come if Goldwire continues to merit 5-10 minutes of run a game. Not only does this allow Duval some rest (we all know freshman can get a little run down, especially in a K 7/8 man rotation), it will ensure Grayson doesn't have to step over and run the point, allowing him to focus on refining his role as an off-ball guard that he certainly seems to be relishing. Plus, getting that little bit of PT each game will vastly accelerate Goldwire's development (for an example, take a look at recent Michigan basketball history and all the guys who took huge leaps between their freshman and sophomore years, helped by the experience they got playing some minutes as opposed to none as freshmen), to the point that he might be a major bench contributor in years 2/3 and maybe even a senior starter and leader in year 4.

Yes, this may be way down the list of important stories to come out of the first week of the regular season, but I'm a sucker for PG's who play great D and can run an offense. I'm psyched.

As noted in the other thread, JG has a long way to go to match what TT gave. Thanks for your post Scott, and this is not directed to you at all, but I have never been a fan of comparing players although sometimes it is hard to not do that.

So far I love what #14 (Love that number! Woot!) has provided and he doesn't really remind me of any former player. I am just very pleasantly surprised he is this good. I think his rating was way off. Props to our coaching staff for seeing promise in the kid.

Last night was a very big stage and he acquitted himself very well in my opinion. He most certainly was NOt overwhelmed at all out there. As K would say "He embraced the moment and was not afraid of the moment at all"...

He fits this particular team really well..

[ElSid]

In my post game glow, I compared him to Frank Mason and then Quinn Cook. I think it's unfair to the old players and Jordan. Definitely comes from a good place, though.

We're expressing surprise that he saw any minutes in the MSU game, that he played pretty well, causing a turnover and hitting a trey, and that he played with Trevon Duval for a few positive possessions.

Maybe we title this the Jordan G Appreciation Thread. Probably early for that.

Wonder how Tyler is enjoying his Marquette job!

[elvis14]

So far I love what #14 (Love that number! Woot!)

Just wanted to add that, like Newton_14, I love Goldwire's number. It's obviously the best one :-)

On another note, I'm OK comparing players to others but I don't think we have seen enough of Jordan to accurately pick a comp for him.

[ncexnyc]

Great thread.

I recall the many debates we had over Tyler here on this very forum. Some people never understood the faith and trust Coach K. placed in that young man and the concept of grit and intangibles went right over their heads.

Now I haven't seen all that much of Jordan to say yea or nay on this matter, but from what little I have seen he does seem a bit more skilled offensively than Tyler was.

As a fan of Tyler's I wouldn't mind seeing a 2.0 version.

[mgtr]

My most remembered moment of TT was at the end of the Kansas game in Hawaii. The game was close, and Tyler hit two three-pointers from the corner! Wonderful. That did it, we won.

[elvis14]

Great thread.

I recall the many debates we had over Tyler here on this very forum. Some people never understood the faith and trust Coach K. placed in that young man and the concept of grit and intangibles went right over their heads.

To be clear, there were also people who understood the faith and trust, understood the concept of grit and intangibles (i.e. nothing went over their heads) and still didn't agree that TT should have gotten the PT he got. Understanding and disagreeing were not mutually exclusive.

[Furniture]

Personally I think that Jordan is better than Tyler. I am no expert but TT seemed to be a misfit PG. Jordan looks a natural. Anyway I like/liked both of them.

[DukieInBrasil]

Personally I think that Jordan is better than Tyler. I am no expert but TT seemed to be a misfit PG. Jordan looks a natural. Anyway I like/liked both of them.

Someone pointed out the TT was a PF in a PG body, and i think that's about right. I agree that J-Gold looks more natural at the PG position, and if he has a career as good (or so) as TT, that'll be fine. He looks to me to have more offensive potential, but there's a lot more to it than that.

[camion]

I’m happy that JG is being JG. I really like the kid.

[chriso]

Super impressed with Goldwire. One thing I noticed, as Bilas pointed out, he caught the ball in shooting position, meaning he was looking to shoot if open. I also noticed that he was happy with the shot but did not get carried away, like he expected to make it. Okay, that's two things.

[rickshawboycall911]

Tyler Thornton Career average: 18.5 Minutes a game 3PPG 2APG 2RPG. Has there ever been a player to get so many minutes that produced so little statistcally?