Countdown to craziness schedule

[Liftee]

I think the point is, with the weapons we have at other positions, we just need Roach to be solid, not make mistakes, guard the opposing point guard, and make the occasional 3 to keep the defense honest.

I'm concerned as to whether he can occasionally break down a defender and whether he has the speed to defend a point guard. I didn't see those qualities on a regular basis last year.

 

[christophero]

The thing to remember with Roach is he is paired with Keels who is bound to be up and down. So I am in the camp that we need him to be more than average to be all we can be. Especially with AJ out for who knows how long, which will set him back even further. I can appreciate our optimism, but after last year we have a lot to prove. I really want us to beat kentucky. Then I well feel better ha.

 

[df64]

For me, it's more important for Roach to be an efficient scorer than a volume scorer. If they pack it in, double down low, then Roach needs to get the ball to the open guy and or knock down the open shot. If they give him an open lane, he is more than capable of attacking.

The key is efficiency and not forcing things. He can be a very consistent contributor on O without being a high or even consistent scorer.

 

[sheyduke]

My point is me just wanting to see can he get in the mind set of being a floor general and not having to constantly score. He will have to show that he can run the team with confidence and be the head of the snake . Like many are saying he will be . I want to see him continue to have eight assist and two turnovers with a couple steals.

 

[christophero]

Who was guarding him? Because it will get better. But I have faith in Roach. But I want to see him against better competition.

 

[christophero]

There is new footage up of a 5 on 5 on DBR. Sorry I don't have the link, but if you go to Duke basketball report you can watch it. I'll give some impressions.
1. Moore again looking much better. His game is much smoother.
2. Williams with a nice block on Theo.
3. Blakes hits a 3. He looks good.
4. New big guy with a jump hook on Mark. Gets blocked ha.
5. Blakes with an and one thru contact. I see some DeMarcus Nelson in him.
6. Banchero looks good, and is taking it to the rack some more.
7. Roach and Keels did not really stand out.
8. baker with a 3 and a nice drive. Looks like he's ready for minutes.

 

[Liftee]

Agree with your comments Chris. Moore is looking great. Really running the floor, hitting the boards, a little of everything.

I am sticking with my "I like Blakes for some minutes" argument. Roach and Keels were quiet except for Roach's alley-oop to Mark which is becoming a staple of his game. But quiet is not the same as bad.

I'd like to see more of Paolo's offensive game than backing in and shooting over his left shoulder over smaller defenders but he is very smooth handling the ball and he may be the kind of guy who takes what the defense gives him. So it's not a real criticism.

Mark is so much fun to watch. We were lucky he came back.

I'm ready to see them against some real competition.

 

[christophero]

I agree Blakes is ready, but Moore looks so good coach might shorten the bench and move Moore to the pg when Roach is out. But if Moore and Roach are out, then Blakes could get a few minutes. I could be wrong, but I don't imagine we will see Blakes against Kentucky. Moore and Banchero look like the guys coach will always want one of them on the floor. The CTC full game is on youtube now. I'm gonna watch it today.

 

[Liftee]

You're right Blakes might be a second half of the season guy. Nothing wrong with that. But we're kidding ourselves if we think we'll go the entire season without an injury or illness to Keels, Moore and Roach.

Agreed on Paolo and Moore. They are the calming influences. They'll both get as many minutes as they can handle.

 

[christophero]

I just watched half of CTC. A few thoughts. Keels could be our backup pg. His handle looks good, and he's pretty far ahead of Blakes. I don't see a ton of separation between Roach and Blakes, but it is early. Neither really stood out. Theo with a few nasty blocks. Mark looks great, really altering shots and dunking. Banchero a bit off on his shot and free throws but with some nice plays. Moore and Baker look good. They are vets and are playing like it. Bates Jones with 2 buckets, he's not spectacular but we could plug him in if foul trouble. I like our experience. Theo really brings a lot defensively and can finish. Theo had a great block on Moore. I can see why the staff didn't go after another transfer, as Theo and Keels look legit. We look much more physical than last year.
2nd half observations.
1. 2 Alley oops to Keels. Keels looks really good. He had 19 and led all scorers.
2. Blakes with an airball and turnover.
3. Banchero driving for the and one. Then misses the FT. I think he is 0-3 on FTs.
4. Baker with a step back 3. He is looking confident. He did miss his next 3 shots though.
5. Mark Williams playing with a swagger. He is going to have a big year.
6. Theo John with another dunk. he might be the best back up big in the country this year.
7. If AJ returns and is ready, a starting 5 of Moore, Keels, AJ, Banchero and Williams seems to be our ideal starting line up. Roach, Baker and Theo as back ups. Roach needs to find his confidence; he looks tentative.

 

[timritterus]

 

[christophero]

I believe we scrimmage Villanova today. Interested to see how we stack up.

 

[christophero]

Hearing good things, esp. about Banchero. Will add when I find out more.

 

[timritterus]

Sounds like we beat Nova in the scrimmage and Paolo dominated. Keels and Moore also played well. All third hand though.

 

[christophero]

Wow. Impressive. Banchero had 29 and 12 according to someone on DBR. Keels with 18, Moore with 16. Highlights are up at Duke Basketball!

 

[df64]

Very good sign that 2 of our potential "question marks" heading into the season played great against a veteran, top 5 team. Same goes for Paolo.

 

[christophero]

Agreed. Roach, Keels, and Moore all looked great.

 

[df64]

What about Mark? Very little word on him.

 

[KDSTONE]

What about Mark? Very little word on him.

I wish laettner could teach these guys about toughness and then we wouldn’t have to worry about how many but pound that sh— into the sand

 

[KDSTONE]

Wow. Impressive. Banchero had 29 and 12 according to someone on DBR. Keels with 18, Moore with 16. Highlights are up at Duke Basketball!

I’d like to see laettner and rancheros one on one. Paulo would not stand a chance

 

[GAAP]

I’d like to see laettner and rancheros one on one. Paulo would not stand a chance

Huevos Rancheros?