[AdamJCallejaParticipant]

What are your guys’ thought on Duke’s chance of repeating?

I honestly think they have a very strong chance. I’ve always been really high on Derrick Thornton Jr. and if Brandon Ingram can back up the hype he’s been getting this summer than they can be scary.

[GStatesince88Participant]

I don’t see Duke getting to the Final 4 with that young lineup. I would be surprised to see them in the elite 8. Although they have some solid depth at the guards spots, forwards Ingram and Jeter need some time to get used to the physicality of the college game.

[GStatesince88Participant]

I don’t see Duke getting to the Final 4 with that young lineup. I would be surprised to see them in the elite 8. Although they have some solid depth at the guards spots, forwards Ingram and Jeter need some time to get used to the physicality of the college game.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Rebounding and defense will be an issue

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Rebounding and defense will be an issue

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 If they want to repeat Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen have to carry them.. Luke will be the go to scorer, along with Grayson and Brandon.. But I just think Thorton will struggle and Ingram needs to add weight and toughness.. We will see

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 If they want to repeat Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen have to carry them.. Luke will be the go to scorer, along with Grayson and Brandon.. But I just think Thorton will struggle and Ingram needs to add weight and toughness.. We will see

[ph90702]

Any talk of Coach Wooden being the greatest college basketball coach should cease if Duke wins the national championship next year.

[ph90702]

Any talk of Coach Wooden being the greatest college basketball coach should cease if Duke wins the national championship next year.

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 I think they have a solid chance. A few good in instances of good fortune will have to come their way, but can I see them making a deep run. They have the guard play in Thornton, Allen, Jones, Kennard and Ingram who is listed as a G/F. They have the big bodies with Plums (7’0 250), Obi (6’9 265), Jeter (6’10 240), and Jefferson who is now up to 225 at 6’9 which is great size for a college 4. In a response to an earlier post, they won’t be bad at rebounding because those 4 guys are all GREAT rebounders. The guards can get in there and pick up a few as well. Defensively, that have a chance to be better than last year. K has often stated that he believes Thornton is the best perimeter to come out of the past few classes. Jones is an excellent on ball defender. Grayson has all the tools to be a great defensive player and I see him taking a step up this year in that department. Did anyone see what Jefferson did to Kaminsky in the championship game? He shut him downnn when he guarded him after Jahlil got in foul trouble. Someone said it will depend on if Ingram and Jeter will adjust to the physicality of college ball, which I agree with, and think they will. And another pointed out how young they were, which I also agree with, but retort by asking does age really matter these days? Those are their 2 main issues right now.

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 I think they have a solid chance. A few good in instances of good fortune will have to come their way, but can I see them making a deep run. They have the guard play in Thornton, Allen, Jones, Kennard and Ingram who is listed as a G/F. They have the big bodies with Plums (7’0 250), Obi (6’9 265), Jeter (6’10 240), and Jefferson who is now up to 225 at 6’9 which is great size for a college 4. In a response to an earlier post, they won’t be bad at rebounding because those 4 guys are all GREAT rebounders. The guards can get in there and pick up a few as well. Defensively, that have a chance to be better than last year. K has often stated that he believes Thornton is the best perimeter to come out of the past few classes. Jones is an excellent on ball defender. Grayson has all the tools to be a great defensive player and I see him taking a step up this year in that department. Did anyone see what Jefferson did to Kaminsky in the championship game? He shut him downnn when he guarded him after Jahlil got in foul trouble. Someone said it will depend on if Ingram and Jeter will adjust to the physicality of college ball, which I agree with, and think they will. And another pointed out how young they were, which I also agree with, but retort by asking does age really matter these days? Those are their 2 main issues right now.

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 I am truly glad Kennard is in Duke blue, as I believe he will be a great Duke player in the near future…but jeeeez you people are starting to seriously overrate him. Go to scorer on the team? Lol really? He shouldn’t even start! This first year he will be a shooter off the bench and I could see him running some back up point. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is a phenomenal talent and I’m super glad to have him. I just don’t think he’ll be making that much of an impact off the rip like many people believe. Ever since he broke LeBrons Ohio high school basketball everyone acts like he’s a god-send. Semi Olejeye averaged almost 40 in high school too……….

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 I am truly glad Kennard is in Duke blue, as I believe he will be a great Duke player in the near future…but jeeeez you people are starting to seriously overrate him. Go to scorer on the team? Lol really? He shouldn’t even start! This first year he will be a shooter off the bench and I could see him running some back up point. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is a phenomenal talent and I’m super glad to have him. I just don’t think he’ll be making that much of an impact off the rip like many people believe. Ever since he broke LeBrons Ohio high school basketball everyone acts like he’s a god-send. Semi Olejeye averaged almost 40 in high school too……….

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

No.  The thing about the Duke freshman last year is that they played with a toughness and swagger very reminiscent of MKG and Anthony Davis in 2012.  Tyus Jones absolutely stunned me last year.  I knew he wasn’t very quick or athletic, but he was so tough it didn’t matter.  He was clutch and took it to everybody he played against.  He’ll always have my respect as a Carolina fan.  I think it helped Tyus and Okafor knew each other well before the went to Durham and it helped out immensely with team chemistry.  Winslow was obviously a beast also.  This years Duke class is many notches below last year.  I think Derryck Thornton and Brandon Ingram will be solid but they are nowhere near the talent level of a Winslow, Tyus Jones or Okafor in my opinion.  Duke once again will be without any dominant post presence.  Chase Jeter is solid but nowhere near Okafor’s level.  I think Luke Kennard is vastly overrated.  Grayson Allen has a chance to be very good.  I think Quinn Cook’s leadership in the backcourt last year helped fuel Duke’s run.  He was a stud for them all year with his outside shooting.  Where does the leadership come from this year?  I don’t think teams led by all freshmen winning and NCAA title will be the norm in college basketball and in my opinion, Duke does not even sniff a final four this year. 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

No.  The thing about the Duke freshman last year is that they played with a toughness and swagger very reminiscent of MKG and Anthony Davis in 2012.  Tyus Jones absolutely stunned me last year.  I knew he wasn’t very quick or athletic, but he was so tough it didn’t matter.  He was clutch and took it to everybody he played against.  He’ll always have my respect as a Carolina fan.  I think it helped Tyus and Okafor knew each other well before the went to Durham and it helped out immensely with team chemistry.  Winslow was obviously a beast also.  This years Duke class is many notches below last year.  I think Derryck Thornton and Brandon Ingram will be solid but they are nowhere near the talent level of a Winslow, Tyus Jones or Okafor in my opinion.  Duke once again will be without any dominant post presence.  Chase Jeter is solid but nowhere near Okafor’s level.  I think Luke Kennard is vastly overrated.  Grayson Allen has a chance to be very good.  I think Quinn Cook’s leadership in the backcourt last year helped fuel Duke’s run.  He was a stud for them all year with his outside shooting.  Where does the leadership come from this year?  I don’t think teams led by all freshmen winning and NCAA title will be the norm in college basketball and in my opinion, Duke does not even sniff a final four this year. 

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 Valid points Tarheelraven. You are right, this recruiting class is good but nowhere near last years. In his lone year Tyus probably cemented himself as my favorite Duke player ever. The kid has stones. So I’m not expecting Thornton to even hold a candle to him. But he will be better defensively and I’ll take that. I definitely agree with you on Kennard being overrated, but I will also propose that Ingram is being underrated. Everyone is quick to point out how skinny he is but neglects to mention he’s 6’9 with a 7’3 wingspan. A guy that tall/long with the guard skills is a match up nightmare. I don’t think he’ll have as good as an impact as Winslow did defensively (his length will cause some shooters trouble tho), but his offensive game will be tremendous. I can see him being in top 3 pick discussions by the end of the year. Jeter isn’t Okafor AT ALL but he does have a nasty jump hook and a developing mid range game. They can count on him to do a little bit work down low. You are right about Quinn’s leadership being invaluable but Jefferson, Jones and Plums are all great leaders in their own right. Jefferson is the most vocal Duke player since Lance Thomas. This won’t be a magical, story year like last year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this team rallied for a final four run. 

Side note: Can’t wait for the DUKE-UNC game. UNC is looking like early favs but I want to see stumble out of the gates as usual. However, both games should be great ones. I think we split and one of us plays Virginia for the ACC. Idk what it is but they have owned that tourney lately smh. Gotta bring back to Tobacco

 

[I.C.Y.U.NV.MEParticipant]

 Valid points Tarheelraven. You are right, this recruiting class is good but nowhere near last years. In his lone year Tyus probably cemented himself as my favorite Duke player ever. The kid has stones. So I’m not expecting Thornton to even hold a candle to him. But he will be better defensively and I’ll take that. I definitely agree with you on Kennard being overrated, but I will also propose that Ingram is being underrated. Everyone is quick to point out how skinny he is but neglects to mention he’s 6’9 with a 7’3 wingspan. A guy that tall/long with the guard skills is a match up nightmare. I don’t think he’ll have as good as an impact as Winslow did defensively (his length will cause some shooters trouble tho), but his offensive game will be tremendous. I can see him being in top 3 pick discussions by the end of the year. Jeter isn’t Okafor AT ALL but he does have a nasty jump hook and a developing mid range game. They can count on him to do a little bit work down low. You are right about Quinn’s leadership being invaluable but Jefferson, Jones and Plums are all great leaders in their own right. Jefferson is the most vocal Duke player since Lance Thomas. This won’t be a magical, story year like last year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this team rallied for a final four run. 

Side note: Can’t wait for the DUKE-UNC game. UNC is looking like early favs but I want to see stumble out of the gates as usual. However, both games should be great ones. I think we split and one of us plays Virginia for the ACC. Idk what it is but they have owned that tourney lately smh. Gotta bring back to Tobacco

 

[IlladelphParticipant]

Given that it is very hard to repeat as a national champ even if the team is experienced, I don’t like Duke’s chances to repeat.  Even back in the day before the one and done era, dominant college teams were characterized by high level talent and loads of experience.  Duke definitely will have the talent, but lack of experience is a problem.  Could they repeat? Yes.  Is it likely? No.  Just look at Kentucky for crying out loud.  If having the best overall collection of talent clinches the chip for you, then Kentucky should have won the last 5 years in a row.  But talent without big college game experience only gets you so far.  Chemistry is always a wild card too, as the personalitites of the players contribute greatly to the success or lack of success of a team.

That said, they do have the talent to win it all so there is a chance.  But with the roster turnover, and the lack of experience, I think they will have the same chance as several other teams.  I definitely don’t think that they are a favorite.  

[IlladelphParticipant]

Given that it is very hard to repeat as a national champ even if the team is experienced, I don’t like Duke’s chances to repeat.  Even back in the day before the one and done era, dominant college teams were characterized by high level talent and loads of experience.  Duke definitely will have the talent, but lack of experience is a problem.  Could they repeat? Yes.  Is it likely? No.  Just look at Kentucky for crying out loud.  If having the best overall collection of talent clinches the chip for you, then Kentucky should have won the last 5 years in a row.  But talent without big college game experience only gets you so far.  Chemistry is always a wild card too, as the personalitites of the players contribute greatly to the success or lack of success of a team.

That said, they do have the talent to win it all so there is a chance.  But with the roster turnover, and the lack of experience, I think they will have the same chance as several other teams.  I definitely don’t think that they are a favorite.  

[IlladelphParticipant]

Also, I think that Luke Kennard is under-rated.  He is a polished player who can play defense, and has a high IQ.  Duke fans are going to love the guy.  I bet that he will emerge rapidly as  afan favorite, and he will be starting I bet.  Oh, and he can shoot pretty well too.

[IlladelphParticipant]

Also, I think that Luke Kennard is under-rated.  He is a polished player who can play defense, and has a high IQ.  Duke fans are going to love the guy.  I bet that he will emerge rapidly as  afan favorite, and he will be starting I bet.  Oh, and he can shoot pretty well too.

[ncballer]

 This is all speculation on my part and I recognize my baby blue glasses out the get go.  

I don’t think Thornton is on Jones’ level.  I think they are similar passers, but Thornton is not the shooter, nor does he have the strength that Jones has.  He is a good player that should have an immediate impact, just don’t think he is on Jones’ level.  Not to say he is not a solid pickup, but I just don’t think he is as good as Jones was at the same stage.  

Ingram is an absoulute stud and I hate that the Dookies stole him from us.  If what my connections in Durham have told me is true and that Sean Obi has looked worse than Marshall Plumlee, then he may be seeing a lot of time at the PF spot.  On the one hand it would be good for him to pull out opposing PF’s to the perimeter, but him guarding back to the basket players will be tough.  Duke’s interior defense (especially if Obi isn’t ready to contribute) may be an exploited weakness if Ingram, Jefferson and Jeter have to man the 4 and 5 for heavy minutes like I expect.  As much as I love Ingram as a player, I don’t think he is as good as Jabari was when he entered, but none the less will merge into a superstar once he reaches his potential.  

I see them going out in the sweet 16, but next season if they are to land Giles as expected they will be the runaway favorites for the title.  

Many teams would kill to roll out this roster:

PG Thornton
SG Jones
SF Allen
PF Ingram
C  Jefferson

Bench:

SG Kennard
PF Obi
C  Plumlee
PF/C Jeter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ncballer]

 This is all speculation on my part and I recognize my baby blue glasses out the get go.  

I don’t think Thornton is on Jones’ level.  I think they are similar passers, but Thornton is not the shooter, nor does he have the strength that Jones has.  He is a good player that should have an immediate impact, just don’t think he is on Jones’ level.  Not to say he is not a solid pickup, but I just don’t think he is as good as Jones was at the same stage.  

Ingram is an absoulute stud and I hate that the Dookies stole him from us.  If what my connections in Durham have told me is true and that Sean Obi has looked worse than Marshall Plumlee, then he may be seeing a lot of time at the PF spot.  On the one hand it would be good for him to pull out opposing PF’s to the perimeter, but him guarding back to the basket players will be tough.  Duke’s interior defense (especially if Obi isn’t ready to contribute) may be an exploited weakness if Ingram, Jefferson and Jeter have to man the 4 and 5 for heavy minutes like I expect.  As much as I love Ingram as a player, I don’t think he is as good as Jabari was when he entered, but none the less will merge into a superstar once he reaches his potential.  

I see them going out in the sweet 16, but next season if they are to land Giles as expected they will be the runaway favorites for the title.  

Many teams would kill to roll out this roster:

PG Thornton
SG Jones
SF Allen
PF Ingram
C  Jefferson

Bench:

SG Kennard
PF Obi
C  Plumlee
PF/C Jeter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 ncballer, you’re my man because we both love the baby blue, but Ingram at power forward?  I know he’s skilled but he has the strength of a 7th grader.  I would love Ingram to guard Brice Johnson or Isaiah Hicks on the block.  If Ingram is guarding power forwards on a nightly basis, he will be abused mercifully.  Of course on the flip side, he could take bigger guys out on the perimeter, but I don’t think there is anyway K puts Ingram on the block.  Do you have inside information on Chase Jeter?  I know he was a top ten recruit but I think he’s very overrated.  The fact that Duke no longer has Okafor inside means teams don’t have to double the post and they can stay home on shooters which makes Duke much easier to guard than last year.  Duke didn’t steal Ingram from us.  North Carolina dropped the ball on academics for 2 decades and got caught for it.  They only have themselves to blame for that,  I guarantee if we didn’t have the academic scandal, Ingram would be wearing Caroline blue. 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 ncballer, you’re my man because we both love the baby blue, but Ingram at power forward?  I know he’s skilled but he has the strength of a 7th grader.  I would love Ingram to guard Brice Johnson or Isaiah Hicks on the block.  If Ingram is guarding power forwards on a nightly basis, he will be abused mercifully.  Of course on the flip side, he could take bigger guys out on the perimeter, but I don’t think there is anyway K puts Ingram on the block.  Do you have inside information on Chase Jeter?  I know he was a top ten recruit but I think he’s very overrated.  The fact that Duke no longer has Okafor inside means teams don’t have to double the post and they can stay home on shooters which makes Duke much easier to guard than last year.  Duke didn’t steal Ingram from us.  North Carolina dropped the ball on academics for 2 decades and got caught for it.  They only have themselves to blame for that,  I guarantee if we didn’t have the academic scandal, Ingram would be wearing Caroline blue. 

[ncballer]

 I honestly believe it is a risk that Duke is going to have to take.  Jeter is more of a Center is a 4 year guy in my opinion.  He and Jefferson are pretty redundant if you ask me.  I do think Jeter will end up being a better player down the line.  Jeter does most of his damage close to the rim on the block, but on the circuit when matched with players that were stronger and his size looked very mediocre.  I agree he is overrated.  I don’t think we will be seeing him and Jefferson out on the floor at the same time because they are virtually the same player and that would affect floor spacing trying to open the lane for slashers like Ingram, Allen and Thornton.  

I am also of the camp thinking that Kennard is slightly overrated.  I think Grayson Allen was a much better player at the same stage and he struggled with inconsistancy last season.  I also think that Frank Jackson is a better player than both Allen and Kennard and it &$#%#&@! me off that the will be playing 8 miles down the road.  Think stronger Marcus Paige, kid is a stud.  

By the way TarHeelRaven, the momentum is starting to shift in the recruiting arena.  Tony Bradley is a really good get for us who is college ready right now (albeit he is close to his ceiling), and I am hearing good things about Woods.

 

[ncballer]

 I honestly believe it is a risk that Duke is going to have to take.  Jeter is more of a Center is a 4 year guy in my opinion.  He and Jefferson are pretty redundant if you ask me.  I do think Jeter will end up being a better player down the line.  Jeter does most of his damage close to the rim on the block, but on the circuit when matched with players that were stronger and his size looked very mediocre.  I agree he is overrated.  I don’t think we will be seeing him and Jefferson out on the floor at the same time because they are virtually the same player and that would affect floor spacing trying to open the lane for slashers like Ingram, Allen and Thornton.  

I am also of the camp thinking that Kennard is slightly overrated.  I think Grayson Allen was a much better player at the same stage and he struggled with inconsistancy last season.  I also think that Frank Jackson is a better player than both Allen and Kennard and it &$#%#&@! me off that the will be playing 8 miles down the road.  Think stronger Marcus Paige, kid is a stud.  

By the way TarHeelRaven, the momentum is starting to shift in the recruiting arena.  Tony Bradley is a really good get for us who is college ready right now (albeit he is close to his ceiling), and I am hearing good things about Woods.

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

I think that it’s really sad that we are getting excited about a commitment from a solid 4 star guy who will most likely be a four year player.  I’m not saying Tony Bradley isn’t talented, but a Harry Giles he is not.  I’m on the fence about Woods.  He seems like a Dexter Strickland clone, an explosive athlete with no outside jumper.  Strickland was so frustrating to watch during his UNC career.  He never improved his jumper in 4 years and just never took off.  He had elite athleticism but left so much to be desired with his overall game.  My expectations for the 2016 were being in the running for Bam Bam, Dennis Smith and Harry Giles, all North Carolina guys.  Bam Bam and Dennis seem like State leans and Giles best friend Tatum is at Duke so I don’t know where that leaves us.  You seem to have the inside scoop on guys so keep me informed friend.  I’m all the way up in Maryland so I’m completely out of the loop. 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

I think that it’s really sad that we are getting excited about a commitment from a solid 4 star guy who will most likely be a four year player.  I’m not saying Tony Bradley isn’t talented, but a Harry Giles he is not.  I’m on the fence about Woods.  He seems like a Dexter Strickland clone, an explosive athlete with no outside jumper.  Strickland was so frustrating to watch during his UNC career.  He never improved his jumper in 4 years and just never took off.  He had elite athleticism but left so much to be desired with his overall game.  My expectations for the 2016 were being in the running for Bam Bam, Dennis Smith and Harry Giles, all North Carolina guys.  Bam Bam and Dennis seem like State leans and Giles best friend Tatum is at Duke so I don’t know where that leaves us.  You seem to have the inside scoop on guys so keep me informed friend.  I’m all the way up in Maryland so I’m completely out of the loop. 

[ncballer]

UNC does need a stud one and done guy to get back to being truly relavent in AAU chatter again.  The closest realistic get that fits that criteria from everything I hear is Miles Bridges.  Think Justise Winslow.  He always wanted to get recruited by UNC, kept them on all his cuts even without an offer.  

Woods’ jumpshot is inconsistant, but then again I was at the Glaxo Invitational game where he hit 8 three pointers and dropped 40 points on Dennis Smith.  Woods’ biggest problem right now is that he overthinks on the court.  He wants to be considered a pure PG and would have a lot more success if he just played the game.  

My guys tell me it’s Duke or WFU for Giles.  Bam Bam and Dennis have a lot of people in their inner circle that will keep them from UNC (Adidas).  Bam in particular is a huge UNC fan though and when he was first offered Boo Williams said that he thought he might commit on the spot.  

That’s the latest I got for you brother!  I think we haul in Bradley, Woods, Lauri Markenenan, Brandon Robinson and if we are lucky Miles Bridges.  

 

 

 

 

[ncballer]

UNC does need a stud one and done guy to get back to being truly relavent in AAU chatter again.  The closest realistic get that fits that criteria from everything I hear is Miles Bridges.  Think Justise Winslow.  He always wanted to get recruited by UNC, kept them on all his cuts even without an offer.  

Woods’ jumpshot is inconsistant, but then again I was at the Glaxo Invitational game where he hit 8 three pointers and dropped 40 points on Dennis Smith.  Woods’ biggest problem right now is that he overthinks on the court.  He wants to be considered a pure PG and would have a lot more success if he just played the game.  

My guys tell me it’s Duke or WFU for Giles.  Bam Bam and Dennis have a lot of people in their inner circle that will keep them from UNC (Adidas).  Bam in particular is a huge UNC fan though and when he was first offered Boo Williams said that he thought he might commit on the spot.  

That’s the latest I got for you brother!  I think we haul in Bradley, Woods, Lauri Markenenan, Brandon Robinson and if we are lucky Miles Bridges.  

 

 

 

 

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