Can we talk Kansas?

[AlanInNJ]

I am getting excited for this game. My wife got my 15 year old son and me tickets as an early Christmas gift, so we will be at MSG sporting Duke blue!

Clearly we are a young team in a developmental stage right now. Which three point shooting team will show up? I am really looking forward to seeing Tre take the reigns and drive this team. I think his leadership is the key to our success.

What do you guys think about this matchup?

Let's go Duke!

 

[Showenuff]

I think we start the season out 0-1. We'll get better as the season rolls on. Azubuike is gonna give us boat loads of trouble.

 

[jwill133]

The Tre versus Dotson matchup is gonna be great. Both were 5 star recruits, both probably expected to be in the NBA right now. Both are potential first team All-American guys. Dotson a better scorer than Tre, but I think Tre will lock him up.

I think for Duke to win, the biggest thing is we have to control Azubuike in the paint. Carey and Hurt cannot get into foul trouble, and I gotta say, I'm worried Azubuike puts Carey on the bench. Javin is gonna have to play big.
If we can neutralize the paint, and hit some three's, than I like our chances.

Were probably gonna be underdogs coming into this game. No big deal, we were also underdogs against UK last November.....

 

[Friction.]

Should be a great matchup. I like Vern’s chances against Dok given his incredible footwork and ability to move away from the paint. I think we will figure out real quick how good Hurt is with De Sosa’s defense and McCormick in the paint.

Personally, I think it comes down to Dotson and Tre. I love Dotson’s game - hoping we can button him up. I like the game being at Cameron Square Garden.

 

[christophero]

Funny i was just going to say we need MSU Javin if we're going to win. I think we lose but it should be close. Be nice to see Baker hit a few threes. I'm interested to see how Goldwire plays; he's been a stud so far.

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

It would be nice if we get Dok in foul trouble early and get him on the bench most of the game.

 

[DukeDenver]

A ton rests on Wendell’s offense and Vernon’s defense/rebounding. Hopefully a star is born.

 

[christophero]

So far Hurt has looked like he can score at will. Wonder how he does against KU. I think he gets 20.

 

[GAAP]

Azubuike is gonna give us boat loads of trouble.

He might not be that much of a factor since he’s about 45 years old.

 

[bullettoothtony]

Just don't see us winning this one.

Obviously I hope I'm wrong.

 

[christophero]

As long as we don't get blown out and it makes us a better team I'm okay if we lose. And I hardly ever say that.

 

[Quavarius]

Just don't see us winning this one.

Obviously I hope I'm wrong.

Agreed, unfortunately. We are 0-2 against Kansas in the CC.

 

[Quavarius]

Since we beat them in Hawaii in 2011 on some late game heroics, they’ve beaten us in OT twice (they blew us out in 2013). Our luck has got to change against those cheaters!

 

[christophero]

does anyone think we can win lol. I can't remember the last time it was this subdued.

 

[Quavarius]

does anyone think we can win lol. I can't remember the last time it was this subdued.

I would have felt better had Marquis returned since Kansas returned a lot from their front line last season. Hopefully, we can get their BIGS in foul trouble.

 

[christophero]

Javin needs to be a monster. Esp. if Carey struggles. A front line of Bolden, Carey and Hurt would have been formidable.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

I don't know exactly what to expect at this junction. I believe (hope) that NW Missouri was/is much better than many of us thought (D2 or not), and Fort Valley, well, we did what we should to a team that is that much inferior to us...still...it's hard to say how this will play out against Kansas.

I'm like DJ (and others) in thinking that we'll go stretches without scoring, so it is imperative that Duke plays very solid defense. We need to force some turnovers and get out in transition as much as possible (and score when we get those opportunities). It would help a lot if we're able to make enough 3's to keep the Kansas defense honest, and to make some fts. Oh, and for goodness sake, NO INJURIES.

I think this will be a tough game for Duke to win, but it would be really nice for our confidence (the team's and ours).

OFC

 

[peterjurkinsquirtsroywilliams]

Duke needs to pressure the ball as much as possible. Our strengths on offense seem to be in the post. Hopefully, K will employ the lineup from last game, they seem to provide the best defense.

 

[jwill133]

does anyone think we can win lol. I can't remember the last time it was this subdued.

I think we will win. Nobody prepares a team better for this event than K. And I agree that I would much rather be peaking in March than November, but I think K realllllllly wants this one. No way he wants to lose to Self 4 times in a row.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

I think we will win. Nobody prepares a team better for this event than K. And I agree that I would much rather be peaking in March than November, but I think K realllllllly wants this one. No way he wants to lose to Self 3 times in a row.

I think it's going to be tough to get the win, but I still expect we'll figure out a way. As you say, K is the best at this.

OFC

 

[christophero]

Goldwire playing with so much confidence. Several of his plays I thought it was Tre. Love to see that against Kansas.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Goldwire playing with so much confidence. Several of his plays I thought it was Tre. Love to see that against Kansas.

Yeah, I think Goldy started to show his worth to the team towards the end of the season last year, and he's picked up where he left off...except even better. Tre and him are quite a dynamic duo for our backcourt defense.

OFC

 

[jwill133]

I think it's going to be tough to get the win, but I still expect we'll figure out a way. As you say, K is the best at this.

OFC

He sure is. I think he has something up his sleeve. I recall this event 2 years ago when we zoned 40 minutes the whole game, threw MSU completely off guard. Ironically, I think the zone was more so a knock on Duke's man to man defense, but whatever, it worked.

We probably won't be zoning, that takes away what Tre and Jordan do best. But I could see us full-court pressing with Tre and Jordan hounding the ball, and going zone on a few half court possessions to throw off their rhythm.

I also think we may see some funky Duke lineups. Obviously the 2 pg lineup, maybe a big lineup with Hurt, Carey, Javin? A shooting lineup with both AOC and Baker out there? I think anything is in play.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

He sure is. I think he has something up his sleeve. I recall this event 2 years ago when we zoned 40 minutes the whole game, threw MSU completely off guard. Ironically, I think the zone was more so a knock on Duke's man to man defense, but whatever, it worked.

We probably won't be zoning, that takes away what Tre and Jordan do best. But I could see us full-court pressing with Tre and Jordan hounding the ball, and going zone on a few half court possessions to throw off their rhythm.

I also think we may see some funky Duke lineups. Obviously the 2 pg lineup, maybe a big lineup with Hurt, Carey, Javin? A shooting lineup with both AOC and Baker out there? I think anything is in play.

Oh, I think you're spot on, Jwill. K will tax Bill Self's game plan...guaranteed!

OFC

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

Azubuike seems like one of those guys that's been at Kansas for 8 years

 

[retiredsoldier]

does anyone think we can win lol. I can't remember the last time it was this subdued.

I think we will win. Not worried about Azubuike. He's going to have to play defense too. I think Vern, will have a good game after the nerves wear off. I feel he is not only quicker but just maybe more polished in the paint then they realize. Tre and Goldwire will have something to say about Dotson and his ability to get going. I'm going with Duke all day and twice on Sun lol.

 

[Mac9192]

I think we lose a tough one. K is the best of all time, but Self has won the last 3. It seems that he finds the matchup that we have no answer for. I have a bad feeling that Azubuike and their other bigs get ours in foul trouble.
It’s ok though. I would love to see a win, but either way, it’s not the title game.

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

I think we will win. Nobody prepares a team better for this event than K. And I agree that I would much rather be peaking in March than November, but I think K realllllllly wants this one. No way he wants to lose to Self 3 times in a row.

I’m very tired of losing to Kansas!!

 

[dachampishere2]

I’m trying to figure out what Kansas team everyone else is looking at. Can you send me the link please? They literally have one pretty good shooter in their starting 5. If we don’t double the post then that’s Coach K’s fault. They don’t have knockdown shooters that we have to just stay with at all times. This is the old inside-out Kansas that runs a lot of high low. I’m sure we will be fine. We won’t let them just walk it up the court and get in their half court set. Dotson will get tired at some point. We will see who else can handle the ball for them. UA will not be able to guard Vernon without fouling. Hell he can’t guard anyone without fouling. This game will come down to our ball pressure and causing turnovers. We will do that and win the game

 

[HeelsShmeels]

Where’s Bolden at since he got hit by the Cavs? Playing pickup ball with a Big Luke Maye?

 

[christophero]

Kansas is way more experienced than us. Hopefully we can pull this out. They are ranked ahead of us for a reason.

 

[PixelDevil]

I’m trying to figure out what Kansas team everyone else is looking at. Can you send me the link please? They literally have one pretty good shooter in their starting 5. If we don’t double the post then that’s Coach K’s fault. They don’t have knockdown shooters that we have to just stay with at all times. This is the old inside-out Kansas that runs a lot of high low. I’m sure we will be fine. We won’t let them just walk it up the court and get in their half court set. Dotson will get tired at some point. We will see who else can handle the ball for them. UA will not be able to guard Vernon without fouling. Hell he can’t guard anyone without fouling. This game will come down to our ball pressure and causing turnovers. We will do that and win the game

My man

 

[GAAP]

Where’s Bolden at since he got hit by the Cavs? Playing pickup ball with a Big Luke Maye?

Yes.

 

[Mpm277]

Is Azubuike the new Perry Ellis?

I think, as someone above said, Azubuike will be too much for Carey. I see us having trouble to score, but tbf, I don't know too much about Kansas. I would r be surprised at all to drop game 1 of the season.

 

[sheyduke]

This will be Carey’s break out game and I see him getting Azu in foul trouble early.

Dotson isn’t ready for the three guards Duke can throw at him. Duke will need White, Javin, Moore and not a bit surprised if we see a little Robinson in this game.

Wild cards, Baker and Alex . Duke is going to have to hit threes to open lanes and Allow Carey and Hurt to work down low.

Kansas is going to pack the paint on Duke and make them prove it from 17 foot on out.

Go Duke !! I think we win this team is going to improve game after game.

 

[dukehokie]

If Duke can get KU’s bigs out of the game in foul trouble, Duke can win this one. KU’s perimeter bench depth is thinner than thin. They have plenty of bigs, but none of them are mobile.

Unfortunately, that’s a tough game plan for a young team to sustain. I think Duke leads this thing for 25-30 minutes, but Azubuike and Agbaji take over. Agbaji will end up as an All-American candidate. He’s incredible. Rui Hachimura lite.

 

[christophero]

I was really hoping Bolden returned so we would wear teams down ourselves. We need the Javin of last year's tournament.

 

[timo0402]

If Duke can get KU’s bigs out of the game in foul trouble, Duke can win this one. KU’s perimeter bench depth is thinner than thin. They have plenty of bigs, but none of them are mobile.

Unfortunately, that’s a tough game plan for a young team to sustain. I think Duke leads this thing for 25-30 minutes, but Azubuike and Agbaji take over. Agbaji will end up as an All-American candidate. He’s incredible. Rui Hachimura lite.

Drinks are on the line, i hope i lose this bet.

 

[dachampishere2]

If Duke can get KU’s bigs out of the game in foul trouble, Duke can win this one. KU’s perimeter bench depth is thinner than thin. They have plenty of bigs, but none of them are mobile.

Unfortunately, that’s a tough game plan for a young team to sustain. I think Duke leads this thing for 25-30 minutes, but Azubuike and Agbaji take over. Agbaji will end up as an All-American candidate. He’s incredible. Rui Hachimura lite.

I’m just curious to know why y’all think we will allow their bigs to just get the ball in the post and go to work. Our ball pressure will take them out of their half court sets majority of the game. Azubuike has conditioning problems and is very slow. This type of game against a big that will make him move on defense is definitely going to tire him out. Like you said there’s no guard depth. Do you think they’ll be able to handle that continuous pressure? If we lose it won’t be because the big men or dominating us. We’ll lose if they pack the paint and we have a bad shooting night. They aren’t that good. I don’t see it

 

[JohnstonCDevil]

I see our game against Kansas starts at 7:00. As a OFC member, I sure am glad we play first!!!!
OFC