Who's your prediction for game one? Obviously subject to rapid change, I'm going with:
1. Plums. (He deserves a shot).
2. Amile
3. Ingram
4. Allen
5. Thornton
1. Plums. (He deserves a shot).
2. Amile
3. Ingram
4. Allen
5. Thornton
Starting Five
- Thread starter Willcampbell
- Start date
Thornton
Allen
Jones
Ingram
Plumlee
K talked today about Ingram being capable of playing the 4 and Matt Jones perhaps being our most important player because of his leadership. But he also said there could be a variety of starting lineups so it's definitely possible we go with two bigs and have Ingram at the 3.
Allen
Jones
Ingram
Plumlee
K talked today about Ingram being capable of playing the 4 and Matt Jones perhaps being our most important player because of his leadership. But he also said there could be a variety of starting lineups so it's definitely possible we go with two bigs and have Ingram at the 3.
Matt Jones is more than likely going to start. He is the type of kid Coach K loves, and hopefully his offensive game takes a jump from last season. It would be ideal for Duke to have him on the court because his intangibles. He rebounds great for a guard, great defender ( was dominant in the tourney), passes ball well, deceptively good handle, can hit open shots, and can finish off the dribble. This team should be pretty solid defensively early.
Gotta slide Ingram up to PF or bring him off the bench. That's why it won't last.
That's my issue too. To me it's either start jones or start Amile and personally I think Amile deserves it.
A couple items of note from Coach K during his press conference yesterday. He said Ingram has gained 23 pounds (mostly muscle mass) since July 1. That is a great sign for Ingram and for Duke. Also, Coach K noted that Matt Jones "has a level of maturity that is beyond his years."
There are three options that I see as the only way Jones starts long term without injury to a different player:
1. If he's completely over hauled his offensive game and ball handling and he's the best guard
2. Allen has not developed at all and possibly regressed
2. If the only option the coaches are confident in for backing up Thornton is Allen. That would mean in big games that Allen or Thornton have to be in at all times.
My hope is that the coaches are confident in both Allen and Kennard to give Thornton blows. My hope is that Allen continues to grow as he has a really high ceiling. Realistically, I see Jones being a leader, someone that can come in and give a spark defensively, hit some wide open 3's, and probably averaging 15-20 min a game.
1. If he's completely over hauled his offensive game and ball handling and he's the best guard
2. Allen has not developed at all and possibly regressed
2. If the only option the coaches are confident in for backing up Thornton is Allen. That would mean in big games that Allen or Thornton have to be in at all times.
My hope is that the coaches are confident in both Allen and Kennard to give Thornton blows. My hope is that Allen continues to grow as he has a really high ceiling. Realistically, I see Jones being a leader, someone that can come in and give a spark defensively, hit some wide open 3's, and probably averaging 15-20 min a game.
I'd like to see Jones in there when the game is close. The dude makes winning plays on both ends of the court. He is versatile on defense
I agree. I think it will be Thornton, Jones, Ingram, Jefferson and Plumlee to start the year. I think Grayson will start as a 6th man combo guard and play a decent amount at point guard if/when Thornton struggles.
Yeah i think if the thread is about who's in at the end of games you get a completely different lineup(s). One on if we're up a few and one if we're down a few.
See Jones may start, i have no clue, but i think if you start jefferson and plum, then you are really limiting yourself on the offensive end to start the game. IT pretty much limits you to 2 scorers and a spot shooter. That's why i see Allen in that starters role, with Jefferson and Plumlee being the anchor on defense. But who knows, there is so much versatility with the top 8 that it could really be anyone throughout the year. i'm going to stick with DT, GA, BI, AJ and MP3 thought.
I think the only sure starters and Ingram and 2 or more of the 3 captains.
Maybe because he had just learned about it earlier in the day, but coach K was very focused on the arm bar on defense, and how it will help Ingram defend bigs at the 4 when they are back to basket.
May be reading too much into coach K's comment on Obi "situational". I think he was referring to Obi still recovering from an injury and limited ability to practice in certain drills beyond the other 8 ACC caliber players.
However, given how strong Duke appears to be on perimeter, IMO, more time for Ingram at 4 means one of Jeter/Obi is odd man out this year once rotation gets down to 8. Currently it is at 8 due to Obi having been injured and that may be the case later on too due to Chase's potential.
Each of coach K, Amile, Grayson, Matt and MP3 spoke of potential for strong defensive effort, length and athleticism.
Apparently Thornton did not attend either summer session/ pick up and may not be as far along as he otherwise would be. He is quite a ball handler, so while the 5 second rule may hurt Duke's traditional pressure defense, it could help DT break some ankles.
Grayson in particular was impressed with Ingram length, and strong with the ball, despite being frail. He knows how to play to his strengths.
Coach K appears to value Matt Jones as much or more than be did Tyler Thornton. He said whether Matt or Derryck start, they will play a big role when they sub in. So has not annointed DT to starter by default yet.
Coach K expects bigs to play to their strengths with screens and getting to boards for pass or rebound with lots of perimeter oriented motion offense. IMO, the 3 best suited for that at Ingram, Allen and Thornton and Matt occasionally spotting up or breaking for a pass but highly valued for his leadership, maturity and defense.
Kennard and Jeter were barely mentioned across the 4 videos, with Ingram singled out by all and Thornton by some.
So top 6 appear to be Thornton, Allen, Jones, Ingram, Amile and MP3 with Ingram the only sure stater along with 4 of the other 5, and then get what you can in certain situations from Kennard, Jeter and maybe Obi.
When Ingram is at PF, one of MP3/Amile obviously sits.
When Ingram is at SF (or PG), any one of Jones, Allen and Thornton sits with both Amile/MP3 as bigs. Perhaps later in year Jeter and/or Kennard surfaces much like Allen did after Sheed dismissal.
As season evolves could go from 4 returnees and Ingram early to 4 frosh and Allen/Jones late as two extremes.
Too much other experience for Kennard or Jeter to get beyond 7th in rotation early in the year.
Maybe because he had just learned about it earlier in the day, but coach K was very focused on the arm bar on defense, and how it will help Ingram defend bigs at the 4 when they are back to basket.
May be reading too much into coach K's comment on Obi "situational". I think he was referring to Obi still recovering from an injury and limited ability to practice in certain drills beyond the other 8 ACC caliber players.
However, given how strong Duke appears to be on perimeter, IMO, more time for Ingram at 4 means one of Jeter/Obi is odd man out this year once rotation gets down to 8. Currently it is at 8 due to Obi having been injured and that may be the case later on too due to Chase's potential.
Each of coach K, Amile, Grayson, Matt and MP3 spoke of potential for strong defensive effort, length and athleticism.
Apparently Thornton did not attend either summer session/ pick up and may not be as far along as he otherwise would be. He is quite a ball handler, so while the 5 second rule may hurt Duke's traditional pressure defense, it could help DT break some ankles.
Grayson in particular was impressed with Ingram length, and strong with the ball, despite being frail. He knows how to play to his strengths.
Coach K appears to value Matt Jones as much or more than be did Tyler Thornton. He said whether Matt or Derryck start, they will play a big role when they sub in. So has not annointed DT to starter by default yet.
Coach K expects bigs to play to their strengths with screens and getting to boards for pass or rebound with lots of perimeter oriented motion offense. IMO, the 3 best suited for that at Ingram, Allen and Thornton and Matt occasionally spotting up or breaking for a pass but highly valued for his leadership, maturity and defense.
Kennard and Jeter were barely mentioned across the 4 videos, with Ingram singled out by all and Thornton by some.
So top 6 appear to be Thornton, Allen, Jones, Ingram, Amile and MP3 with Ingram the only sure stater along with 4 of the other 5, and then get what you can in certain situations from Kennard, Jeter and maybe Obi.
When Ingram is at PF, one of MP3/Amile obviously sits.
When Ingram is at SF (or PG), any one of Jones, Allen and Thornton sits with both Amile/MP3 as bigs. Perhaps later in year Jeter and/or Kennard surfaces much like Allen did after Sheed dismissal.
As season evolves could go from 4 returnees and Ingram early to 4 frosh and Allen/Jones late as two extremes.
Too much other experience for Kennard or Jeter to get beyond 7th in rotation early in the year.
I'd love to see Ingram run point with Kennard the screener and Matt in one corner, Grayson in the other and Chase down low. Sick situational lineup.
I wonder how often we'll see Jefferson at the five. With his years in the program, he might be able to handle it in spurts.
I bring it up because I think it might make some sense to play Thornton, Jones, Allen, and Ingram at the same time, but I also think we want Jefferson on the floor often.
I bring it up because I think it might make some sense to play Thornton, Jones, Allen, and Ingram at the same time, but I also think we want Jefferson on the floor often.
I absolutely agree. Late game situations let Amile play the 5 and run those 4 guys out there. (If needed FT shooting or offense).
We fans have short memories... No way do we want Jefferson at the 5, that means Brandon at the 4, that sounds like the Jabari/Hood era. Let's please use Obi/Marshall as much as possible at the 5 with Jefferson playing 99% of the game at the 4.
Speaking of short memory, Jefferson played the 5 to close out Wisconsin in April.
Jefferson and Matt Jones are those players every team needs. They don't have to have the ball in their hands to be effective, which is perfect when you have stars around them. Space the floor, cut, defend, screen, and rebound at a high level. It will be hard to keep either off the floor.
LOL, so true. It was only Duke's biggest game of the year and Duke close it out beautifully.
Yup and both will play a lot. Both are leaders and can defend a few positions. Which is going to be huge in order foe this Duke team to succeed.
You're the one with a short memory. Besides, I didn't see anyone saying Amile should exclusively play the five. In fact, no one even suggested that. What we're talking about here is situational, at best. In that regard, there will likely be game situations where it makes sense.
There's only a hanfull of centers in the ACC with the size and skillset to give Jefferson problems at the 5 spot. Auguste, Meeks, Devin Thomas, Charles Mitchell, and Jekiri. He can definitely hold his own there, even for extended minutes if he's not needed to score.
With Marshall, Obi, and Chase there is really no need to do that to Amile. I appreciate what he did down the stretch at the 5 in the SHIP game, but he did not play the 5 a bulk of the year. He did during the Jabari/Hood era and it was not beneficial.
Got some great guys coming back in Plum3, Jones, Amile, & Allen. I'm not in practice, so it's hard to tell which of those will get the start, but all of them will play some quality minutes. Thornton & Ingram will probably be the other starters if they live up to their billing. Hopefully everyone has upped their game this summer.
OFC
OFC
Matt is the wildcard here. Has his offense taken the next step? He's seemed close to doing really good things all over the court on offense the past two years, but not quite there yet. Will he really expand his game? If so, have to imagine he will be the starter.
As mentioned earlier, if he hasn't, with Amile and Marshall on the court that becomes a pretty limited offense and frankly, with Thornton also who may or may not take some time to fully blossom.
So with his clear versatility Grayson could be the starting 2.
But at the end of the day, I think Coach goes with Matt.
As mentioned earlier, if he hasn't, with Amile and Marshall on the court that becomes a pretty limited offense and frankly, with Thornton also who may or may not take some time to fully blossom.
So with his clear versatility Grayson could be the starting 2.
But at the end of the day, I think Coach goes with Matt.
He was also a sophomore during that time- that cannot be overlooked. He's gained a ton of weight, muscle and experience since he had to "man" the 5 during that year. Regardless, he won't be doing the same thing this year but he's much more equipped to do it when needed than he was as a soph.
Again....follow along closely. 1) No one is saying he's going to be the primary center, 2) situations arise during the course of games where it makes sense to go small and veer away from "traditional" lineups, and 3) Amile was 25 pounds lighter, a sophomore and being asked to play that position out of necessity.
By now, anyone who hasn't lived with their head in the sand, should know that K is going to be creative and shuffle with his lineups. In end of game situations for example, don't be surprised if they slide their senior captain to the "five" spot in order to add an additional ball handler and a better FT shooter, while still getting the veteran leadership this team may lack without Amile, and him also being a guy who has proven that in stretches he's more than serviceable at handling said role.
Agreed. NO need to come out right away and announce a starting line up.
Enjoy reading all your opinions on who is going to start, play where! I really enjoy having all these options available, so I know K and staff are really excited.
Every one of you may have picked a lineup that will be on the floor together early in the season. This is great to have so many options, so much talent, for such a great Staff to tinker with.
I can't wait to get started and watch this team grow, they will just keep getting better as the season progresses!! Hang on guys, going to be both exciting and fun!!
Go Duke!!
JC-OFC
Every one of you may have picked a lineup that will be on the floor together early in the season. This is great to have so many options, so much talent, for such a great Staff to tinker with.
I can't wait to get started and watch this team grow, they will just keep getting better as the season progresses!! Hang on guys, going to be both exciting and fun!!
Go Duke!!
JC-OFC
Derryck wasn't here this summer. He was finishing his classes to be instated. Since he wasn't here, K isn't just going to come out and say "here he is, your starting point guard". That wouldn't be great for team morale or trust. Grayson actually worked a lot at point and has run so in practice pretty regularly. He was even told as a high school senior to be ready to play point in a few years. I think DT will be our starting point guard, but he will have to earn it, which he has been doing. The kid is a freak at the 1 spot.
Matt Jones is going to surprise you with his O. He will lead Duke in scoring a few games this season. Amile has learned a 10-15 mid-range. Seriously. Now he just has to trust himself. I think our 5 in games 1-5 will be:
DT
Grayson
Matt
Brandon
Amile
At some point, probably to send a message, we'll see
DT
Luke
Matt
Amile
Chase
And by season's end, if no one is hurt and life is the way it's supposed to be, we'll see
DT
Grayson/Matt
Brandon
Amile
Chase
Grayson is working so hard, but he and Matt are battling for a starting spot right now. And I'm telling you, Matt is now catching up to his junior year in high school in terms of role and confidence. He's playing good ball this year, believe it.
Matt Jones is going to surprise you with his O. He will lead Duke in scoring a few games this season. Amile has learned a 10-15 mid-range. Seriously. Now he just has to trust himself. I think our 5 in games 1-5 will be:
DT
Grayson
Matt
Brandon
Amile
At some point, probably to send a message, we'll see
DT
Luke
Matt
Amile
Chase
And by season's end, if no one is hurt and life is the way it's supposed to be, we'll see
DT
Grayson/Matt
Brandon
Amile
Chase
Grayson is working so hard, but he and Matt are battling for a starting spot right now. And I'm telling you, Matt is now catching up to his junior year in high school in terms of role and confidence. He's playing good ball this year, believe it.
