FINAL FOUR BOUND

[Friction.]

Our guards weren’t as tough and good defensively as they are this year when we beat them last year. Shead was better than uzan and he was 1-5 before injury. Stat wise Cryer and sharpe look the same. We can beat them.

Was thinking the same thing. Plus last year I think the game was played in Dallas with this one in SA so the home court stuff not really sweating.

Cryer is an excellent player but was abusing McCain last year. Roberts is phenomenal and an unpopular take is that I think he will have his way with Mal who generally was struggling 1-on-1 with good post players (assuming we keep Coop as weak side help). Pat doesn’t take any s**t but I think Maliq Brown, if he can handle it, would be an absolutely luxury to have. Literally the perfect counter to someone like Roberts. That Milos is such a great pickup by Coach Sampson but I’m curious how he handles a more physical, bigger guard with more length. Can’t remember who that Mashack kid from Tenn was guarding yesterday but a decent comp to what we have.

Jon also gets a full week to prep (as does Houston). Another luxury since they are insanely difficult to prep for.

 

[dukeblue77]

We do have a size advantage with our guards however not as small as Bama’s guards. Gave a size advantage with our frontline as well. Won’t we do not have are the amount of fans Houston will have.

 

[Mac9192]

We know Houston is a physical team. Every possession will be important. That's why the line is 4.5. Think it will be a game where Ngongba and Gillis will be needed.

 

[christophero]

Another great thing about the final four is it is great publicity for your program. For an entire week the press will focus on these four teams. Thrilled to be back in the FF. Houston should be a close game, I feel better about it with Brown back.

 

[AlanInNJ]

I just don't see this team getting pushed around like we have in some year's past. Yes it's gonna be physical, but I think this Duke team has shown multiple times this season that they can hold their own against bully ball teams. I agree, a healthy(ish) Brown is an important piece. Look, it's the FF with all four number 1's in play. I don't expect anything easy, but I like our chances to make it to Monday night!

 

[DukeDallas9192011015]

I've watched a lot of Houston this year as I expected to run into them if we made a deep tourney run. The first thing that sticks out is they consistently jump on teams early and try to dominate the first 4 minutes. They go up 12-2 or 12-4 A LOT, and that's exactly what they did against Tennessee. They bring the fight, and play physical immediately. They also did this exact thing to us last tournament, then we finally got settled in. However this year, we also jump on teams early and have all tournament, so the first 4 minutes of this game will be fascinating.

I'll be honest, I am worried about Maluach and the strength of their bigs. Maluach struggles against bulky physical bigs (like Omer from Baylor) and he can get pushed around some. However, Maluach had his best game of the season against Bama so lets hope he keeps it up.

We will have to work harder than ever for our points, but I think we will score enough to win as long as don't let them dominate the glass. They are really good at getting O-rebounds and kicking out to their shooters for three's, all 3 of their guards are solid 3 point shooters. We eliminate this and we will win.

 

[CbusDukie]

Houston’s bigs don’t really shoot from the outside - Robert’s has attempted 0 three point FGs all year. I would think that means Duke can run the guards off the 3 point line while also playing Mal in drop coverage to protect the rim. This is what Jon tried to do early against Bama until their backup big hit the 2 threes. Mal will have 6+ inches so he really just needs to play straight up and stay out of foul trouble. Coop’s rebounding is going to be very important too.

Given the size discrepancy it will be interesting to see what Houston does on defense. They can’t put Robert’s on Coop and I think Duke’s size will allow them to hunt matchups; ie pick and rolls with whomever Cryer is guarding similar to what they did with Sears.

Evans is probably unplayable here but I expect Gillis, Maliq, Pat and Caleb to get burn.

 

[pisgah101]

Houston’s bigs don’t really shoot from the outside - Robert’s has attempted 0 three point FGs all year. I would think that means Duke can run the guards off the 3 point line while also playing Mal in drop coverage to protect the rim. This is what Jon tried to do early against Bama until their backup big hit the 2 threes. Mal will have 6+ inches so he really just needs to play straight up and stay out of foul trouble. Coop’s rebounding is going to be very important too.

Given the size discrepancy it will be interesting to see what Houston does on defense. They can’t put Robert’s on Coop and I think Duke’s size will allow them to hunt matchups; ie pick and rolls with whomever Cryer is guarding similar to what they did with Sears.

Evans is probably unplayable here but I expect Gillis, Maliq, Pat and Caleb to get burn.

I disagree I think Evans can bust them

 

[pisgah101]

houston hasn’t played an offense or a defense of our caliber all year. We haven’t played a defense this stout either but we have shut down much better offenses. If we play Duke basketball we win by double digits

 

[pisgah101]

We’re now a 5.5 point favorite

 

[CbusDukie]

I disagree I think Evans can bust them

Happy to be wrong but don’t think he can handle the physicality and not sure Jon will be willing to waste possessions on his immediate heat checks. In this first half against Bama he had the nice backdoor then took a 40 footer and gave up an end of shot clock 3 on a fly bye when a controlled close out would have resulted in a contested 30 footer. Think his night was done after that.

 

[kingbluedevil]

Happy to be wrong but don’t think he can handle the physicality and not sure Jon will be willing to waste possessions on his immediate heat checks. In this first half against Bama he had the nice backdoor then took a 40 footer and gave up an end of shot clock 3 on a fly bye when a controlled close out would have resulted in a contested 30 footer. Think his night was done after that.

Evans took 2 shots and made 1 so he had a good night. This is the type of game you definitely play Evans first half because he will spread the defense for Coop and Kon. Houston will do everything they can to keep Evans from making shots because like Scheyer said his buckets seem to mean more getting the crowd going.

 

[Jjallen]

I disagree I think Evans can bust them

I didn’t want to get in a shooting contest with Alabama when we knew we could get whatever we wanted inside. This is different. If Evans is making 3s, he can help in this game. If he is not though, we have better ball handlers and defenders. I expect him to get his chance early. I’m guessing there will be Houston students behind the goal during the first half, seems like the type of energy Evans prefers.

 

[Mac9192]

Word is @bleediteveryday30 told his therapist “we’re going to the Final Four!”

His therapist responded “No, you’re not down to your final four, you have at least 12 more.”

 

[pisgah101]

Word is @bleediteveryday30 told his therapist “we’re going to the Final Four!”

His therapist responded “No, you’re not down to your final four, you have at least 12 more.”

Bahahahaha man I want a @bleediteveryday30 @christophero podcaat. Guys make it happen

 

[bleediteveryday30]

Bahahahaha man I want a @bleediteveryday30 @christophero podcaat. Guys make it happen

We can always have Coors, Mich Ultra, and Nathan's Hotdogs!

 

[bleediteveryday30]

 

[christophero]

My goodness Sion is jacked. I would not want to have to guard him.

 

[jeffrey236]

With apologies to Charlie Pride (for his song, “Is anybody goin’ to San Antone?) and an inspirational nod to Jim Sumner:

A three draining from beyond the arc
‘Reese Proctor is here to play
Maluach swats it into the stands
He makes the Mountaineers pay

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Kon Knueppel posts the Bears inside
Leaves his defender good as dead
But he passes it on to Sion James
Who dunks it on his head

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Alabama Tide came in scoring mad
They hung one-13 on Brigham
But they never saw a defense like they saw
From the Brotherhood from Durham

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Yonder comes a team from Houston Tex
They’ve got some serious players
But our Flagg will fly higher than their guys
He’s used to dragon slayers

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Caleb Foster is a stud of a guard
He plays with such a swagger
Evans shoots from so far out
He’s our long distance dagger

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Maliq Brown goes down for the count
Twice he separated his shoulder
But with one good arm he plays through the pain
And causes another turnover

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Pat Ngongba (you better learn his name!)
He’s our unheralded hero
He’ll take your biggest guy
And hold him to zero

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Mason Gillis came down from Purdue ,
His stats don’t tell the story
His calling card says “I’ll do what you need
If it brings the team some glory”

We’re looking forward to Monday night
We don’t care who it is
‘Cause Monday night we’re going to claim
Natty title number 6

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

 

[bleediteveryday30]

With apologies to Charlie Pride (for his song, “Is anybody goin’ to San Antone?) and an inspirational nod to Jim Sumner:

A three draining from beyond the arc
‘Reese Proctor is here to play
Maluach swats it into the stands
He makes the Mountaineers pay

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Kon Knueppel posts the Bears inside
Leaves his defender good as dead
But he passes it on to Sion James
Who dunks it on his head

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Alabama Tide came in scoring mad
They hung one-13 on Brigham
But they never saw a defense like they saw
From the Brotherhood from Durham

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Yonder comes a team from Houston Tex
They’ve got some serious players
But our Flagg will fly higher than their guys
He’s used to dragon slayers

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Caleb Foster is a stud of a guard
He plays with such a swagger
Evans shoots from so far out
He’s our long distance dagger

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Maliq Brown goes down for the count
Twice he separated his shoulder
But with one good arm he plays through the pain
And causes another turnover

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Pat Ngongba (you better learn his name!)
He’s our unheralded hero
He’ll take your biggest guy
And hold him to zero

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Mason Gillis came down from Purdue ,
His stats don’t tell the story
His calling card says “I’ll do what you need
If it brings the team some glory”

We’re looking forward to Monday night
We don’t care who it is
‘Cause Monday night we’re going to claim
Natty title number 6

Is anybody goin' to San Antone?
It sure ain’t Arizona!
Better yet for all us Blue Devil fans
It’s not North Carolina!

Love it.

 

[christophero]

That scammer guy has tickets and rooms to like 5 different hotels in San Antonio. That doesn't sound sketchy at all. He says he is not a scammer, which should put your mind at ease.

 

[The_Only_Blue]

My goodness Sion is jacked. I would not want to have to guard him.

I wonder who Houston going to use to guard him? Him and Kon should be able to drive both Cryer and Sharpe. And when they do try and trap, there should be players open capable to make 3s .

 

[Jjallen]

I wonder who Houston going to use to guard him? Him and Kon should be able to drive both Cryer and Sharpe. And when they do try and trap, there should be players open capable to make 3s .

How awesome would it be for that 47% 3pt shooting to come from Gillis about now. I don’t know if it’s a must but that would sure make things easier.

 

[bullcity gamer]

ioliva and jeffrey, I was looking at flights and unfortunately there are no nonstop direct flights for my return home on April 8th so I will not be able to make it to San Antonio after all.

Hope the two of you have A Great Time in San Antonio!!!!!!!!

 

[ioliva]

ioliva and jeffrey, I was looking at flights and unfortunately there are no nonstop direct flights for my return home on April 8th so I will not be able to make it to San Antonio after all.

Hope the two of you have A Great Time in San Antonio!!!!!!!!

Damn that sucks man 😕
Call in sick YOLO 🥳
Get a drs note from an online teledoc, 😂

 

[jeffrey236]

ioliva and jeffrey, I was looking at flights and unfortunately there are no nonstop direct flights for my return home on April 8th so I will not be able to make it to San Antonio after all.

Hope the two of you have A Great Time in San Antonio!!!!!!!!

Sorry to hear that, BCG. I’m retired, so I can deal with a lack of direct flights, although inconvenient. 3 legs to get there, 2 to get back. But you can bet I’m just taking carry-on! I like Olivia’s advice though. I can tell from here that you’re not going to be feeling well…

OFC

 

[bullcity gamer]

Happy Birthday to Our Junior Blue Devils Leader, Tyrese Proctor aka The Assassin Aussie

Have A Great Birthday Week Proctor!

 

[bleediteveryday30]

Watching the 2001 title game for the umpteenth time, and man, that was a damn great team. Both teams were outstanding. Also, Billy Packer was terrible at hiding his disdain for Duke. His commentary is hot freaking garbage. Calling us "Duke University" and talking about the referees and the crowd. I really believe this game contributed to Duke receiving increased hate, and Packer was a massive part of it.

 

[christophero]

Packer was insufferable.

 

[bleediteveryday30]

Packer was insufferable.

Oh yeah, he is one of the worst of all time.

 

[christophero]

Brent Musburger was great I loved when he called our ABC games.

 

[bleediteveryday30]

Brent Musburger was great I loved it when he called our ABC games.

I love Brent. He was also the play-by-play for Raiders Radio for a bit. Before I bought NFL ticket (why, I don't know; they just break my heart every year), I would listen to him call our games. He's just a class act.

 

[Jjallen]

I always liked verne. now Brad nessler is probably my favorite.

 

[christophero]

My little league team was the Raiders. I loved the helmet. I was a tight end and safety. I loved football but my mom wouldnt let me play in high school.

 

[bleediteveryday30]

I always liked verne. now Brad nessler is probably my favorite.

Verne and Raft are my favorite duo in college basketball. I love that Bill's first Final Four with Grant and Nantz was our 2015 championship.

 

[christophero]

Brent and Dickie V were funny together.