One minor change you think Coach K should make before the tournament

[Quavarius]

I really think he should start Jeremy Roach. It seemed (during the ACC Tournament) our offense started clicking when he came in the game and he was able to provide instant offense off the bench. I feel that will allow us to jump on teams early and pray our defense returns to what we saw in the regular season. Keels, to me, seems better off the bench, but AJ, our best 3-point shooter, will need to start hunting his shot earlier in the game. I like that he is also driving more, which will keep defenses honest, but his 3-point shooting aided by Keels is a lethal combination.

 

[jeffrey236]

I don’t think AJ has failed to hunt his shot so much as we haven’t gotten him the ball enough. I like your suggestion to start Roach. I’d also like to see Theo get a few more minutes. Would it be possible to have a few minutes where both he and Mark are in the game?

 

[sheyduke]

I’d like to see K utilize his bench more and I think Roach starting will help with that. I think with Keels on the floor with Moore and AJ it’s pretty much easy to read the offense . Keels natural reaction is to shoot a couple times before he decides he’s not making them and attack . Also think Duke should look for open players moving the ball more . I wouldn’t let them shoot a three until a player drove in the paint !

 

[Quavarius]

I don’t think AJ has failed to hunt his shot so much as we haven’t gotten him the ball enough. I like your suggestion to start Roach. I’d also like to see Theo get a few more minutes. Would it be possible to have a few minutes where both he and Mark are in the game?

I mean he (AJ) took 15 three point attempts during the ACC Tournament (that’s an average of 5 per game). From my recollection, he started hunting it later in those games (Miami and VA Tech).
Playing Mark and Theo together? I don’t know. Maybe against a bigger team but it will be difficult to get Paolo any touches around the rim on offense with those two clogging the lanes. Our issue is with smaller teams.

 

[K-oach Q]

-Roach should start and be out PG….but it won’t happen

-Defense should stop overplaying and switching everything. Can’t have Mark Williams on a Guard and Roach on a center…Hedge the screens or fight through them….run some traps…maybe some zone…stop letting the other team get every switch they want.

-Keep Paolo at or below the free throw line. Stop getting him the ball at the three point line or beyond. I shoot better than Paolo from three and that’s not even an exaggeration.

 

[K-oach Q]

Also I’ll add one more…

I liked our starting lineup better early with AJ coming off the bench. Gives us a much better lineup defensively to begin the game and AJ provides huge punch off the bench. I like having a better defensive unit to set the tone and having that impact scorer coming in that nobody else can provide.

 

[Quavarius]

Something else that was missing throughout the ACC Tournament: Pressure defense. I know pressure D has been used against us, but I hope we see more of it (depending on matchups) because all 3 teams from the ACCT got way too comfortable too early and were able to build first half leads against us. Maybe K was resting their legs for the NCAA Tournament, but we’ve got to get back to disrupting other teams offenses with some kind of pressure throughout the game.

 

[Quavarius]

Seems we all agree that Roach should start, since he’s technically the only semblance of a true PG that we have on this team. Hopefully by starting, he will be able to distribute early and if left open, hit some 3’s like he’s been doing later in the season.

 

[Devilinside]

Something else that was missing throughout the ACC Tournament: Pressure defense. I know pressure D has been used against us, but I hope we see more of it (depending on matchups) because all 3 teams from the ACCT got way too comfortable too early and were able to build first half leads against us. Maybe K was resting their legs for the NCAA Tournament, but we’ve got to get back to disrupting other teams offenses with some kind of pressure throughout the game.

We are not quick enough to play pressure defense against a team with quick guards. VT, Miami, UVA, and UNCheat proved that. Roach can stay in front of quick guards. No one else seems to be able to. Our full court pressure often leads to open 3's or lay-ups. OFC

 

[jeffrey236]

I mean he (AJ) took 15 three point attempts during the ACC Tournament (that’s an average of 5 per game). From my recollection, he started hunting it later in those games (Miami and VA Tech).
Playing Mark and Theo together? I don’t know. Maybe against a bigger team but it will be difficult to get Paolo any touches around the rim on offense with those two clogging the lanes. Our issue is with smaller teams.

You’re right about Theo, Mark and Paolo in the game at the same time. I was thinking you’d sub Theo for Paolo - again, just a few minutes.

 

[jeffrey236]

Seems we all agree that Roach should start, since he’s technically the only semblance of a true PG that we have on this team. Hopefully by starting, he will be able to distribute early and if left open, hit some 3’s like he’s been doing later in the season.

And Roach has had some beautiful drives to the basket.

 

[christophero]

Start Roach and mix in some zone.

 

[bullcity gamer]

Would it be better to start Griffin or Keels? I lean more towards starting Griffin and bringing Keels off the bench. Would love to see Baker & Bates-Jones get some minutes to keep the team fresh.

 

[acc hoops]

I would bring AJ and Theo off the bench at first TO. Give Baker , Blakes and Jones 5-8 minutes PT if game is blowout. Less if it is close. Try 2-2-1 zone and see if team closes on shooters. Send 5 guys to the boards on D. Biggest thing would be to tell PB and AJ they are taking the bus home if they do not shoot more than 10 shots. Time for the best players to step up.

 

[Liftee]

I don't think AJ is great at getting his own shot right now unless he has a slower guy guarding him.

My changes would be specifically on defense. I am tired of switching everything, I consider that to be lazy defense. I know we belabor the various ways to defend a pick and roll but that is not the way. Hedge or ice, but do something other than just switch.

And for goodness sake look for someone to box out on every shot, 1 through 5. Tired of seeing the ball go over our big guys' heads on rebounds because they are under the basket instead of putting a body on someone.

 

[timo0402]

-Roach should start and be out PG….but it won’t happen

-Defense should stop overplaying and switching everything. Can’t have Mark Williams on a Guard and Roach on a center…Hedge the screens or fight through them….run some traps…maybe some zone…stop letting the other team get every switch they want.

-Keep Paolo at or below the free throw line. Stop getting him the ball at the three point line or beyond. I shoot better than Paolo from three and that’s not even an exaggeration.

I agree, these aren’t crazy suggestions or fixes. This team can easily adapt and execute these. There has to also be an emphasis on gang rebounding. We have 4 guys minimum that can start the break so there’s really no need for guys to be looking to get out before we’ve secured the boards. Way too many times that we’ve got guys standing around watching each other to see who will grab a board.

Another note- we have to put more emphasis on close outs. Paolo especially. No other word to describe it than lazy on many of his half assed close outs.

 

[JimboSlice00]

Start Roach and bring Keels off the bench

 

[Mac9192]

Quickness is not our problem. The guys are all quick enough. It's getting stuck one on one, with little, or late help. We would score on any team if they played a similar style of d. Other teams spread us out, and as mentioned by most everyone, they run screens on us, creating horrible matchups all game. We have to clean up how we handle this. K is not looking good in regards to this.
Or throw in a few traps, zone on out of bounds...anything to stop the bleeding.

Start Roach. Bring Keels off the bench. We also need some good minutes out of John, and or, Baker.

 

[timo0402]

Start Roach and bring Keels off the bench

Like others, I’d like to see this move too. We’ve said it a million times on our podcast but we need a strong face at PG and Roach seems to be someone that can be a calming force. Id like to see him be the primary ball handler in most situations and go from there. Let everyone else be who they are.

 

[bullcity gamer]

Nicely said timo

 

[AlanInNJ]

"Let everyone else be who there are"!!! Yes, 100 times over, YES!!!

 

[The_Only_Blue]

I agree with starting Jeremy. He's the only guy who can actually break down a defense due to his speed and has decent skill to finish at the rim. Remember the finish at the end of the first half against Syracuse? Decision would be who the 6th man would be... Keels or AJ? I would go with Keels.

 

[sheyduke]

I agree with starting Jeremy. He's the only guy who can actually break down a defense due to his speed and has decent skill to finish at the rim. Remember the finish at the end of the first half against Syracuse? Decision would be who the 6th man would be... Keels or AJ? I would go with Keels.

IMO , keels needs a gut check

 

[christophero]

Keels has been in a slump the last few weeks. He should not be putting up as many shots as he does. He's a good player but after the Kentucky game I think he thought he was our go to guy. He plays good defense and drives well, but otherwise can be very inefficient. Maybe have Keels as the 6th man.

 

[Mac9192]

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article259414949.html

We’re about to find out

 

[denverexpat]

bit off topic...who takes the last shot if it comes to that? Coach K rode RJ for that and it didnt work out when we had Zion...on this team it seems to be Banchero...is that the best choice?

 

[timo0402]

bit off topic...who takes the last shot if it comes to that? Coach K rode RJ for that and it didnt work out when we had Zion...on this team it seems to be Banchero...is that the best choice?

Didn’t he go to Cam against FSU? People also conveniently forget that Zion touched the ball on every single time down the floor against MSU and he deferred to RJ on the last play.

But to your question, it’s situational I think, but if you need an answer I think it has to be Paolo.

 

[tw3301]

Fix the defense.

 

[Duke Blu]

Fix the defense.

This. Has to be the focus. Have to switch it up, have to trap some, not just to cause turnovers but to change pace. As versatile as this team is, as long and athletic, there is no excuse to be a one trick pony on defense.

 

[Quavarius]

Something else I hope K does is do something either before the game or during practice to loosen the players up a bit. I feel this emotional season has them really tight. I’m not sure exactly what it would be, but I know he’s a master motivator and I feel something to take the edge off would help this team as well.

 

[AlanInNJ]

Agreed 100% on K trying to find a way to loosen the team up. They are super tight, they have been since UNC at Cameron. We have all this talent and athleticism. Our top 6 guys would be star, go to guys on nearly any other team in our conference with some exceptions of course. Loosen them up and let them play. Much easier said than done.

On that last shot scenario I would assume K would call a play for Banchero 9 times out of 10 which I would support if we got him the ball in the paint instead of at the top of the key. Driving from the 3 point line is not his strength, not right now anyway. I kinda feel like I would rather set a high screen for Roach and let him drive and score or kick.

 

[hart2chesson]

Start Roach and mix in some zone.

Bingo!!!!!

OFC

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

Start roach....get back to the defense of early season... swirch up some defenses...stop switching everything and fight through a few screens to avoid mark being on an island

 

[pisgah101]

Get Bob knight in as an advisor

 

[The_Only_Blue]

Get Bob knight in as an advisor

Funny you said this because although Dan Dakich isn't liked alot in the Duke community he tells it like it is. About 3 weeks ago or so, he said K was the goat as far as being all around versed in recruiting, coaching, etc. But he said in pure coaching terms Knight is the goat. I took it with a grain of salt because Dakich is an Indiana homer. But none the less, it's good to hear this from another member here.

 

[pisgah101]

Funny you said this because although Dan Dakich isn't liked alot in the Duke community he tells it like it is. About 3 weeks ago or so, he said K was the goat as far as being all around versed in recruiting, coaching, etc. But he said in pure coaching terms Knight is the goat. I took it with a grain of salt because Dakich is an Indiana homer. But none the less, it's good to hear this from another member here.

I actually agree. I think the flat out beat “coaches” if all else is even is Knight 1 pitino 2

 

[Quavarius]

Let me find out Coach K reads the board

 

[The_Only_Blue]

👀👀

 

[christophero]

I knew he'd listen to his buddy Chris.

 

[Quavarius]

Thanks Coach K