If it works out that way then I think Goldwire/Roach/Steward would be a fine backcourt. Obviously it would be nice to add another five star shooter but having that core with three guys who would have an entire year of experience playing together would be great. Moore might even play some at the 2 given the depth we would have at the wing and “big wing” positions. Still a lot of moving pieces for next year, my expectation right now ranges from “about the same as this season” to “preseason number one” depending on who returns and who commits.
A very daring, out on the limb prognostication by UC ! He is usually very good and precise. Please take this in the humorous way it was intended.
Roach’s stats were not very good against NC State. If they all improve Steward,Roach and Goldwire will be fine , but they all need major improvement for Duke to contend for a 6th National Championship. Banchero Griffin Williams Brakefield and Coleman need good feeds to score . Hopefully Baldwin will choose Duke as well.
Unsure about Griffin at the 2 but I could see Roach and Steward as the starting backcourt on a national championship team. The raw skills are there and they should be much improved next season after working on some individual areas and a year in the Duke system. We won’t need them to dominate games - just hold their own with steady play against any other backcourt in the country which they should be able to do.
Keels is not a player that should be over looked as far as an impact as a FR. Keels is a big guard in about the size of G Henderson or Gary Trent Jr. Not only is he physically developed, but he is showing this season that he is very capable at dishing the ball, scoring and rebounding. He also has the tools to be a very good defender. Believe me, I really like DJ Steward, but if Duke were to land Keels, I think there would be a definite battle for who is starting out of them.
As backcourt of Roach, Steward, Keels and JGold could be one of the best in the Country.
Rich
"Failure is Not a Destination"
Coach K on the Dan Patrick Show, December 22, 2016
Hmmm, play in a packed Cameron with rabid fans who know what it's like to miss a year of their undergrad basketball experience against ACC opponents living out your dream after a dismal (for Duke standards) year or start your life? I know what I'd choose!
Rich
"Failure is Not a Destination"
Coach K on the Dan Patrick Show, December 22, 2016
I agree! But lots of folks have taken time to reevaluate their priorities in the last year or so. I just don't take it as a given that he would want to make another run. He certainly doesn't owe Duke anything at this point.
Or, this season could fuel that competitive fire and make him want to go out with a very different narrative. Who knows?
You misunderstand me. I'm not betting that he is leaving. Just acknowledging the possibility that he might not want to stay. Seems short-sighted to believe otherwise.
I'd say he's likely coming back, but it isn't a given.
Far from a "pie bet" level of certainty either way for me.
Dudes get better when they get older and the Freshman to Soph leap is a pretty common thing.
I also think having a guy like Bachnero will help us with floor spacing as he is going to be a magnet, attracting attention, which will create more opportunities for other players.
Why are you wasting time here when you could be wasting it by listening to the latest episode of the DBR Podcast?
Small point to add here, but I don't think a grad transfer is an option for Goldwire. I think you only get to use the extra year at the school you currently attend. So Tape and Goldwire could come back, but only to Duke.
As for your point, I think it's unlikely that Goldwire leaves. But you never know. Pocius left a year of eligibility on the table, although he had overseas opportunities. So did Randolph, and it didn't seem at all likely he'd have ready-made pro opportunities. It's not out of the question that Goldwire could do the same.
Again, I would expect Goldwire to return, but it's not a guarantee.