Hey guys, it’s been a nice ride on the board, but I think I’m going to take a break for some time (if not forever).  I’ve enjoyed the conversations but ultimately I think this message board just tends to get me angry and upset.  I feel like the negatively abounds, even when we win, and I’ve enjoyed this year a lot.  I think we have a legit shot to win the A10 tournament, and if we ever do somehow make it to the Dance, I’ll be there!  You can find me on Twitter from here on out tweeting sometimes during the games!

Go Dukes!

Styles1229 wrote:

grammudder wrote:

KD is way too polite to say one of his players is/was a stiff.  Hima fit that mold unfortunately.  Look at his stats at Syracuse and you will see an almost exact duplicate of his competency/incompetency level of last year.  He's gone!  Forget him and wish him the best.  But, don't belabor the point  and criticize  coach KD for not using a player who made absolutely no difference in the plus side of Duquesne's record last year.  I think if he had stayed, he'd most likely  be behind Barre and Dixon for play time. The progression of both of the current freshman big men-Dixon and Barre- should speak volumes as to KD's ability to coach up a player.

All I will say to this is: KD is a lot things both good and bad but "too polite" is not one of them.  

I could link about 20 videos where Keith blames himself for the performance of last years team.  That said, move on and hopefully we can agree that objectively, last year was an outlier season for Dambrot.  

I also want to point out that I think the Hiring of Dru Joyce III was brilliant and that he will really help us going forward.  If you watch the games he is EXTREMELY engaged.

CityDuke wrote:

We have the highest scoring offense in the league going into tonight. They have the best defense in the league. Let’s not overreact

You want this message board to not overreact?  Good luck.

Good win.  It's worth noting that a lot of the A10 have had terrible losses during the Nonconference as well, definitely worse losses than Marshall (who I could see being an NCAAT team).  I see this team winning around 20 games, and I honestly think ANYONE can win the A10 tournamane this year.  Hell, maybe even Fordham.  

The best takeaway from this game was that we lead for almost the entire game, and that we bounced back from two games where we couldn't make a bucket.

If we finish 24-7 and land on the bubble I will be living on cloud nine.  I think its like we end up 10-3 going into conference play.  We will see.  

This was a very nice win.  No chance we finish last in the A10.  Colgate made the NCAA tournament the last 2 seasons.  

The Zone has looked pretty effective honestly.  The effort has been really impressive too.  The jump balls alone show how much we are diving for balls and trying.

Styles1229 wrote:

They explained the reasoning for the Lion a year ago. I have no problem with it. Change is good.

https://youtu.be/NCZW_rB0iH0

Very true.  Plus, we haven't had a true mascot identity before so if you want to start fresh, now is the time I suppose.  It's funny because I love the Lion Logo, but just don't dig the mascot.  Hopefully that will change.in time, especially if we win.

Econ69 wrote:

What about Iona?

No thanks.  We have Fordham to fill the NYC market and Iona is one coach away from being bad again. Cluees was great and so is Pitino obviously, but they don't offer more than Murray State or Belmont IMO who have performed at higher levels. I would trade Iona for Fordham in a heartbeat.  I do, however, have a soft spot for Fordham despite them being awful.  

I’ve stated my belief  before that Dambrot definitely deserves another year, possibly two for stability.  If that doesn’t work, grab Kenya Hunter.  However, some things that give me optimism:
1.  The recruits this year seem
To be higher caliber than normal with offers from better schools.  If all of them sign (I expect they will), and if we can add Grant or Brewer (or better yet, both), then I expect us to be a much improved team.
2. I think the A10 is portioning itself to be the strongest it has been in years.  With Miller and Martin plus Dumphry (not sure if that hire is good or not. He may be gassed), not to mention Loyola Chicago, I truly believe we should be a consistent 4 bid league if things go as I hope.  If that happens, it means being middle of the pack can get NIT invites and that we don’t have to perform at such a high lvl to make the ncaa tournament. 
3.  I believe the in person recruiting will hopefully help us evaluate talent.

I may be wrong, but I am an eternal optimist so I’ll be rooting as hard as ever.  I also don’t begrudge those of you who don’t believe in the team and administration, that’s what forums are for!  Time will tell!

If by some miracle we land Grant and McGriff then I will be completely satisfied with our recruiting.  I don't think we need a huge lumbering center as I believe that Hima, Barre, and Rotroff are more than capable of handling the center in the A10.  

Mike Ignelsi wrote:

Don’t tell me comedy is dead at Duquesne!   Satire my friend. Read it again.

Thank you Mike.  Knee, I was 100% being sarcastic.  I do, however, hope that He chooses to come to Duquesne as he can shine here.

Adou got an offer from Kentucky today.  Although Duquesne and Kentucky are both similar types of programs and synonymous with success, I'm guessing he ends up with Calipari.