Let's talk about Amile Jefferson expectations

[crazyduke3]

To begin with, I think it's fair to say that the play of Amile has been heavily discussed in the past 4 years and even possibly he's been given a tough treatment. His name has certainly been involved in some heated debates on this board in years past, last year very much so. Some thought he was unfairly criticized, while others thought for his third year he should be a better player than he showed to be (I was in this camp, for the record). But in the end, he contributed stall-worth defense to help fuel our 5th national title. And really, in the end, that's all that mattered.

But this is a new year, as well as his last year. So what do we expect or rather you expect?

His a senior, he's a captain and he's a experienced champion.

Fair or not, I have high expectations of him this year. I believe he's capable of a lot, so I expect a lot (to be sure, it doesn't matter what I expect.)

My two hopes for Amile, in terms of improvement are as follows; better free throw shooting and good offensive execution.

I'm pretty content with his defense, obviously I hope it's a little better than last year (and it was good last year), but I'd like to finally see him be a important piece on offense. Now, I'm not saying he needs to become a big time scorer or even a much better scorer. But as a senior PF who will see big minutes this year, he needs to have a big impact on our offense. Better passing, good screens, helping the young guys to know the plays, cleaning up the offensive boards and possibly drawing some fouls. If he could become just a little more reliable on the free throws, that would be a tremendous asset in so many ways. As for now, his FT shooting is a concern of mine still.

Overall, third team All-ACC would be good (but hey didn't Quinn get snubbed altogether on that list?)

I'm thankful for the young man and his four years here. What are looking for in our senior?

 

[Willcampbell]

I've always liked Amile and never criticized him. I think he plays "within himself," meaning he does what he does well and doesn't try to make himself something he's not. He doesn't have to be a big scorer, just like last year. We've got plenty of guys to handle that load.

I agree free throw shooting is a priority, and I would like to see him continue to improve on the offensive glass, where he's very good already. Better passing, perhaps, and not put the ball on the floor.

Real value will continue to be his leadership and enthusiasm. I expect in a few years we will be bringing up his name in one of the "Unsung Heroes" threads.

OFC

 

[HuffyJB]

He will be a hard guy for Coach to take off the floor because he exemplifies a lot of the intangibles that K really values. A suspect a statistical uptick, but a relatively minor one. I don't think he becomes a double figure scorer, but I think he will be just below that (like 9 a game or so). With the largely unproven scorers being required to take the mantle, he very well could become a double-figure guy.

I see him as around a 9 and 6 guy who is an exceptional leader and teammate.

 

[dbav]

I expect him to be a regular starter. I expect him to be an emotional and vocal leader. I expect him to be a defensive presence. That's it really.

 

[Willcampbell]

I thought of one other thing that will challenge Amile: no one is going to double team MP3 like they did Jah.
OFC

 

[Duke=Boom!]

It would be huge if Amile could develop a 16 to 17 foot jumper. He is a senior so at this point I'm unsure if its possible. But this would be a plus for Duke offense when he is on the floor.

 

[timo0402]

Just be who he is- defensive leader and stopper. Versatile on the glass on both ends and play with heart and passion. Has to be a vocal leader (which he is) and encourage guys to embrace who they are.

 

[skysdad]

If he meets Coach K's expectations then I'm fine with that. I feel that if we ask what we expected of every player on this team we would be undefeated averaging about 150 points a game, holding the opposition to less than 40 per game, shooting more than 95% as a team from the free throw line, 65% from the field, 45 % from beyond the arc and out rebounding the opposition 5-1. And yes Amile can do the things listed above. I've been a supporter of Amile. He could have easily gone to NCSU or elsewhere and got a lot more PT and his stats would have been hiher but he chose Duke and what he could do for us and I believe he has accomplised that. OFC

 

[pisgah101]

I love Amile and have since day 1. He gives it all and he's good at what he does IMO. Glad we have him and MP3 one more year

 

[DukeDenver]

I expect Amile to be exuberant while opening his mouth widely and beating his chest with one fist. He brings the energy nightly. There's no let up in his or Matt Jones' game. Plumlee too, although sometimes he needs to back off the gas, LOL.

 

[dukiejay]

If people are basing improvement only on improvement in numbers then they may come away disappointed. I don't expect Amile to score more than 7-8 points per night, and he may not average much more than 5-6 rebounds a game either.

On every team, whether it be a national title contender, middle of the road, or sub-.500 kind of team, players are asked to fill roles. Amile probably has the versatility to score double digits as a focal point in some offenses. But at Duke, he's not asked or expected to provide that.

So, for my expectations....he needs to be a leader. He has to defend. He has to take what other teams give him and not force. His role isn't going to be defined solely by points and rebounds, and his worth isn't defined by gaudy numbers. Amile just needs to play to his strengths.

 

[DukeDyNasty22]

Amile will a big piece to what Duke does this year. Each year expect a player to make a huge leap their senior year. Nolan, Quinn, Mason, John Scheyer, and Demarcus nelson all made there seniors years their best. I can see Amile becoming a star senior player this year 12 and 8 rebs. He knows he doesnt have Jah this year and mason before so he now has the opportunity to make his stamp again on Duke. Winning a national championship was amazing feat for him.

I remember when he was called to duty against Nc state when Kelly was injured. He wasn't ready for the spot light then but over 4 years of development in dukes program he now is going to be one of the Go to guys! I maybe wrong but this is Amile year to shine

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

in my house, we call Amile the lemur. I think his energy will be crucial in a few games this year. But as stated above, he will only disappoint you if you let your expectations for him exceed reality.

 

[LTDukeFan]

...So, for my expectations....he needs to be a leader. He has to defend. He has to take what other teams give him and not force. His role isn't going to be defined solely by points and rebounds, and his worth isn't defined by gaudy numbers. Amile just needs to play to his strengths.

This.

I think Amile (as well as Matt) are defined this year by their leadership on and off the floor not the stats in the box scores. I can see the coaches putting either Matt or Amile on the floor just to give the team an anchor of focus.

 

[JCColsCane]

I really look for Amile to be more aggressive offensively this year. Not that he will be a big scorer, but he will be more aggressive in trying to score. He is a senior, he knows someone has to set an example for the younger players, and he is much more mature.
Amile will be what he has always been, a team first player with a great attitude and love for Duke. If we as fans can settle for that, we will all be pleasantly surprised by the year he is going to have. No great expectations, just be Amile.
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

He's always played hard and to his strengths. I expect that will continue. The kind of player every coach and team needs.

OFC