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Patrick Ngongba announcement today...

Yes, but he has played against Euro players . College will be a different game set for him .FIBA ball is different. Look at Proctor and how he has adapted . Look at the Maker boys when you look at him or Bol Bol. He looks good over seas until he plays against bodies bigger than him . Taco Fall was good too now you don’t hear his name or the Maker twins or Bol Bol or Mo Bamba for that matter. I think you see him go the g league route .
Check Bol Bol and Mo Bamba's college numbers
 
Cooper reminds me of Matthew Hurt a bit, if Hurt could jump like Gerald Henderson.
 
A more athletic Hurt. I really liked Hurt so that wasn't a put down. The guy was a scoring machine.
 
Second semifinals is on now with VJ Edgecomb. Man do I like him. He so smooth and play so effortlessly
 
A more athletic Hurt. I really liked Hurt so that wasn't a put down. The guy was a scoring machine.
Can't see that comparison. Cooper literally does everything better than hurt other than shooting (Hurt was a premier shooter). I guess they're both pretty tall and white? That's about where the comparison ends for me.
 
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Can't see that comparison. Cooper literally does everything better than hurt other than shooting (Hurt was a premier shooter). I guess they're both pretty tall and white? That's about where the comparison ends for me.
I see the Andrei Kirilinko comparison alot but I think that's selling Flagg short as his ceiling seem much higher. To be honest, he reminds me a bit of KG. Not as tall (yet) but everything starts his his defense and protecting the rim. His offensive game is his second best quality and that's already light years ahead of AK-47 at 17 years old.
 
Check Bol Bol and Mo Bamba's college numbers
Bol Bol stayed injured at Oregon and Mo Bamba was ok but didn’t translate to the pro’s .
Not saying he can’t play but he’s going to go where he can shine and be featured as the head liner . Duke has Flagg already .
 
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This guy looks like an elite shot blocker/rebounder so I say hell yeah. We are going to lose Flip and Young at the very minimum. he can shoot as well so he is already on the NBA radar. Maybe a 2 and done guy?
 
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I see the Andrei Kirilinko comparison alot but I think that's selling Flagg short as his ceiling seem much higher. To be honest, he reminds me a bit of KG. Not as tall (yet) but everything starts his his defense and protecting the rim. His offensive game is his second best quality and that's already light years ahead of AK-47 at 17 years old.
Yeah I like that one. Kirilinko was really athletic and a great defender.
 
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I watched Flagg’s game last night. What really stood out to me was his effort. He rebounds with authority, blocks shots, and makes his teammates better. I got a feeling he might end up being one of my all time favorites at Duke. His basketball IQ is impressive as well.
 
My only concern about Cooper is his slight frame and the massive hype. But no doubt he will be very good. I imagine people will be physical with him like they are with Flip. But I love his game and his drive.
 
The only weakness I see with Flagg is his lack of muscle just like almost every freshman. Bad thing is we're only going to have him for one year which means the chances of him gaining enough muscle will be slim. All it takes is for us to run into another Tennessee type game like last year.
 
The Tennessee comparison is already worn out imo. Yes, they were more physical but that was one of the worst officiated games I've ever seen. I'll take my shot with Flagg more times than not.
I like Flagg a lot, but these freshmen have showed me the physical expectations of 'today's game' are going to be an adjustment for any freshman. In 2024, Flagg's competition will be 21 to 24 year olds. They may not be as talented, but experience and physical wise he will need time to adjust.
 
Not always. Banchero, Keels, and Griffin (and Blakes in that class) were absolutely ready for the physicality right away. I'm not worried about Flagg being pushed around. I absolutely love Evans, but he would be the one I would worry about with size/strength next year.
 
When is the last extra year of eligibility? This year or next? That will always level the playing field from a physicality standpoint because it appears as though Jon is staying the course of five star freshman over transfers.
 
When is the last extra year of eligibility? This year or next? That will always level the playing field from a physicality standpoint because it appears as though Jon is staying the course of five star freshman over transfers.
Transfers will never be a continuing source of players for Duke.
 
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Jon has signed what, five guys? All highly rated from what I hear too. As long as he’s rolling with that, forget about a high end transfer, imo.

What we hope for is McCain, Foster, Reeves, and Mitchell to stay another year.

I wouldn’t be surprised though to see Stewart and Power transfer.
 
Jon has signed what, five guys? All highly rated from what I hear too. As long as he’s rolling with that, forget about a high end transfer, imo.

What we hope for is McCain, Foster, Reeves, and Mitchell to stay another year.

I wouldn’t be surprised though to see Stewart and Power transfer.
I don’t think either transfer, I could see Reeves absolutely but don’t think so on the other two. Having said that it’s 2023-2024, so nothing would shock me.
 
Not always. Banchero, Keels, and Griffin (and Blakes in that class) were absolutely ready for the physicality right away. I'm not worried about Flagg being pushed around. I absolutely love Evans, but he would be the one I would worry about with size/strength next year.
PB would fold at times, Griffin wasn't healthy, Keels and Blakes were tough, they just didn't have jumpshots. Next year's team will depend on Flagg, that requires mental and physical expectations.
 
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I don’t think either transfer, I could see Reeves absolutely but don’t think so on the other two. Having said that it’s 2023-2024, so nothing would shock me.
Reeves doesn't leave if there is not another BIG coming in. Foster and Mitchell are gone. TJ and Stewart need roles.
 
I think Jam has a point. Even Tatum had a learning curve, and Banchero had to learn to play tough. AJ was all over the map that year. I remember SI describing Cam as the next Grant Hill. I'd like to get Mitchell and Blakes back to lead the youngsters. Former 5 stars can make serious NIL money in the portal, so hopefully Stewart and Power can carve out roles. Keep those 4 and Foster and we're good to go. Reeves just needs to get healthy. I'd be happy with one of Foster/McCain back.
Merry Christmas everyone!
 
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From what I've read, McCain is more motivated to leave than Foster. And my opinion is we need Foster next year more than McCain. Foster is the heir apparent at PG.
 
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Imagine we get Sophomore McCain/Foster + 5th year Roach + Flagg + Whoever at Center (Maluach??)

I think we'll get 2/3 of that backcourt and am hopeful for Maluach. If VJ comes in then he'll start for sure
 
I'm hoping for Foster, Blakes and Schutt back plus the freshman in the backcourt. Roach may not be back unless he's making serious NIL and McCain's parents were asked about his 4 year college plan last week and said "things have changed." Would be awesome to get year 2 out of McCain, but if he continues to play like this it is unlikely.
 
A 5th year out of Roach is realistic. He's making some decent money with NIL right now then he would overseas. I'm pretty sure I read one of his deals is $250k which isn't anything to sneeze at.
 
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A 5th year out of Roach is realistic. He's making some decent money with NIL right now then he would overseas. I'm pretty sure I read one of his deals is $250k which isn't anything to sneeze at.
If we are talking about kids staying 3 to 4 years, then our recruiting needs to look different. There needs to be adjustments about getting 2 or 3 4/5 stars recruits, and the others 3 stars for them to stay 4 years.
 
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