Yeah, I recall DeMarcus guarding opposing PFs and Cs quite a bit...I doubt we're going to ask Blakes to do that. But if he's a versatile defender because of his length, certainly that will be hugely beneficial. On a sidenote, I hadn't realized DeMarcus got Serbian citizenship (back in 2012).
Welcome Jaylen!! Definitely glad for this pick-up. A solid PG for 3-4 years is always nice to have and seems like a high character guy with a bunch of potential.
Yeah, I'm going to get whiplash from the yo-yo attitudes on this forum.
Does everyone remember how disappointing last season was and how we eked out an over .500 record?
I'm all about optimism, but I want to see us play Gonzaga before we start making proclamations about how our bench can beat someone's (anyone's) starters.
Yeah, if we base it purely on recruiting rankings, it probably IS better than many if not most ACC starting lineups. A top-25, two top-50s, a fringe top-100, and a top-200.
In terms of performance? Probably only two are ACC starter worthy.
Regardless, I am quite pleased with the recent additions. We now have the practice depth, backup PG, and some more physicality to work with.
I like the depth that the team will have next season. Using the OP list of bench players:
Blakes(PG) a 4 star who might be a 4 year player. He has good size and from the videos he probably won't have a big problem with the added distance on his three point shots. He also seems like a kid that has confidence and good basketball IQ. I don't expect him to be a starter but he should give Roach some rest when needed.
Baker(SG) improved his defense this past season and it seemed to affect his shooting early on. He's a hustler and team first guy. I hoping for bigger things from him this season. Even though his minutes may not increase unless he begins the year hot from three point land.
Keels(SF) a five star who was considered a very good shooter in high school. I don't know if the added distance will affect his three point shot. I have not seen enough video on his range. If he can keep defenses honest by making those 3s it can open up things for Banchero, Griffin and Williams. He has a good opportunity for getting good minutes. It's going to be interesting to see how he competes with Griffin and Baker.
Coleman(PF) looked to be a stud that won't back down against anyone. I think he has a chance to become one of Duke's top defenders. His minutes will be determined on how much he improves on offense. I really like his attitude and I hope he gets enough minutes to not even think about the transfer portal.
John(C) will be important in backing up Williams and should be an improvement over Tapé. I'll go out on a limb and say he will be an improvement over Tapé. He adds size and looks to be a good athlete. He certainly seems to be good defender but may need improvement on defensive rebounding.
I think maybe Keels and John might start on some of the other ACC teams and Joey might be a 6th man(first off the bench) with a team that really needs a 3 point shooter.
I love the potential of Blakes, Keels and Coleman. I hope they're around for at least 3 years.
GoDuke!
Moreover, moreover, moreover -- given the basketball disaster by Duke standards this year, isn't it hubris to be musing about the strength of our second team in 2021-22? We need to have the first team win most of its games in the upcoming season. Boy, would that be an improvement!
Sage Grouse
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'When I got on the bus for my first road game at Duke, I saw that every player was carrying textbooks or laptops. I coached in the SEC for 25 years, and I had never seen that before, not even once.' - David Cutcliffe to Duke alumni in Washington, DC, June 2013
Welcome Jaylen! LGD GTHcGTH!
Ozzie, your paradigm of optimism!
Go To Hell carolina, Go To Hell!
9F 9F 9F
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Last edited by CameronBlue; 04-20-2021 at 09:23 AM. Reason: a low bow to Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester. RIP Chuck.