According to many of the experts, Duke won't beat Gonzaga. I think that Duke is actually a matchup nightmare for the Zags. Thoughts?
Gonzaga
- Thread starter Crank_it_loud
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In my younger years I worried about the elite 8 and on...... We could almost take it for granted we would be there. I have the ultimate confidence is this group but I will never look past another game in the tournament after the last few years..... And that's fine with me!!!
Literally one game at a time for me!
Literally one game at a time for me!
I like Dukes chances if we get to the elite 8 against Gonzaga or Iowa State...but both are extremely good teams that could beat us.
I feel Duke has an advantage against teams unfamiliar against our style...but that came more into play with our man-to-man pressure then it likely will this year.
Pangos and Wiltjer can really shoot making them hard to zone against
I feel Duke has an advantage against teams unfamiliar against our style...but that came more into play with our man-to-man pressure then it likely will this year.
Pangos and Wiltjer can really shoot making them hard to zone against
Hard not to notice most all the analysts picking the Zags. They have become the sentimental favorate to make the final four because they are always good but never make a deep run. They do however have the talent to be a FF team this year but if it comes down to it I like our chances. Right now I just worried about the first weekend. Still shellshocked from years past.
I'm with WI# on this. In my younger years, I'd be looking at possible later match-ups. Now, I just want them to beat North Florida or Robert Morris. IF that occurs, I'll then shift my attention SDSU or St. Johns. Taking nothing for granted anymore. I think I'll enjoy the wins more because of this.
Gonzaga is good. I think they're being discounted some because of their name and past tournament success. But you know what? The same kind of holds true for us, as well.
The bottom line is that what happened last year and three years ago has no impact on this season. I hope we're fortunate enough to get an opportunity against Gonzaga or Iowa State because it would mean we're playing in the Elite Eight.
The bottom line is that what happened last year and three years ago has no impact on this season. I hope we're fortunate enough to get an opportunity against Gonzaga or Iowa State because it would mean we're playing in the Elite Eight.
When Iowa St. is shooting it well they're very good. They do, however, lack any kind of size. I think Okafor could have a big game against them, but their shooters can quickly offset that advantage. What I like about playing Iowa State is they're not a team that looks to get into the lane a lot....which is good for our group.
That said, I hate even discussing them right now, or anyone else for that matter, because we have a lot of work to do just to get there. If there's anything the last three years have taught us it's that we can't take anybody lightly.
That said, I hate even discussing them right now, or anyone else for that matter, because we have a lot of work to do just to get there. If there's anything the last three years have taught us it's that we can't take anybody lightly.
Gonzaga's very, very talented. They basically outplayed Arizona at Arizona for most of the game, and soundly beat a number of good teams (SMU, Georgia, UCLA, St. John's). With that said, it's a program that hasn't been able to knock off a legit, top 5-10 or so elite team in many many years -- and tends to lose close contests against better teams. Despite many pretty good seeds, moreover, Gonzaga hasn't made it pas the Sweet 16 with Mark Few. Now, none of that necessarily means they will lose. The past is not always prologue, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if they break these trends. However, I certainly don't view Gonzaga as a team we can't beat or wouldn't have at better than 50/50 chance of beating. They are good. But, I certainly prefer them as a 2 over Arizona, UVA and Kansas.
Iowa St is very good and would be tough for Zags or Duke to beat. The thing I do like about them matching up with Duke is I feel Winslow could over match him athletically and physically at the 4.
I think Niang may be able to beat Winslow up in the post, and I do think ISU would secure a pretty big strategic victory if we have to downsize to Winslow at the 4 for most of the game -- as that significantly neutralizes our size advantage. Yes, we would have a hobbled Okafor at the 5 who's still good offensively, but not really rebounding / defending well -- but aside from that, ISU would then be as big or bigger than us at the 1-4 spots. IMO, while I'm sure we'd see some Winslow at the 4, I think Jefferson's the better defensive matchup over a 40 minute game and it also protects Winslow from foul trouble.
Sorry, but one (1) game at a time, please! I hope this young team can get that through their heads and play their best for at least 40 minutes, one (1) game at a time, please!!
Go Duke!!
JC-OFC
Go Duke!!
JC-OFC
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