DennisC91 wrote:

Yes, Dambrot's earned another year but has he earned an extension? Does he want to continue to coach in a college basketball landscape that has changed so drastically? He'll be 65 before the start of next season and admitted he considered retiring after last season's debacle. As the late great Duq81 would always say, you can't let a coach come back with only one year left on his contract. You either extend him or let him go. So something's gotta give here pretty soon. If he stays, his ceiling appears to be a good MAC roster that can be competitive enough to finish middle of the pack, but won't ever have the athletes to beat the better (or some of the lesser) A10 teams when it counts. I expect a retirement announcement effective next March, while Dru Joyce waits in the wings. No inside sources, but the tea leaves tell me that succession plan's already in place. 

First off, I want to congratulate Coach Dambrot on doing what I thought he had no chance to do. A year ago, I said I did not see a scenario where he redeems himself after a season with just 6 wins.  He deserves recognition for that and probably did earn another year if he wants it.  I think this would be a great time for him to retire and leave on a "high note", having returned the Dukes to respectability.  If he decides to stay, I'll be OK with it and hope he surprises me again.  But, after 6 years and 5 opportunites in the A-10 tourney, I think it's time to conclude he's a "middle of the pack" A-10 coach overall and I don't expect that to change, A million $ a year sounds like a lot of money to me, but apparently that's also middle of the pack for A-10 head coaches, so I guess DU is getting decent value.  So, DU is left with the quandry Dennis references above. If coach doesn't decide for himself to  move on, I would rather take a chance on another coach who might get us to the next level, rather than offer an extension at this time.  I know not whether Dru Joyce is the guy

CityDuke wrote:

Tony84 wrote:

I appreciate your optimism, City, regarding a 3rd meeting, but honestly, what are you seeing that suggests we can handle them in a 3rd try on a neutral court?  Heck, right now I am worried w'll be one and done after this beatdown.

The first 37 minutes of the first matchup and the first 13 of this one. Wish we didn’t crumble today, but I really have a hard time blaming them this time. We have been ridiculously resilient all year in these situations, but a 7 point possession and a 14 to 2 free throw discrepancy was the straw that broke the camels back. Emotions are amplified in meaningful games as well. Was just too much for us today. I would LOVE to see them again.

Thanks for your perspective there, City.  I'm now convinced this team is just a bit better than mediocre. I hope we get a 3rd match up with them also, but I bet Fordham would LOVE to face the Dukes as well. let's hope we get that far.

Well, I thought the Dukes were the more talented squad, not so sure now. It's clear which team plays smarter and wants it more.

This has to be one of very few games this year where our opponent has more D-1 experience than we do.  As far as worrying about putting too much pressure on the players to win, I hope the Dukes play with confidence knowing thay are more athletic and deeper than the Rams.  What could be more fun than executing a game plan aimed at playing to our strengths?  Let our Dukes enjoy the regualr season finale by showing they have learned from the experience of playing "Fordham's game" back in January. Fordham is tall and experienced, but Duquesne has better talent.  We can win this one!

Well, I know I am not going to Mckeesport. Who is the big winner?

I think 8-5 OOC
           9-9 A10 play
            17-14 overall

            2-1 A10 tourney
            210 points over those 3 games
This team includes many new faces and I am excited to see what they can do, but I am tempering my expectations.  Feel free to prove me wrong Dukes!

Ok, I see your point.  May I change my prediction to 1 win and 142 points please?

Another exciting game!!  Glad to hear the crowd was into it.  Watching on ATT Sports it did not look like a packed house.  Hope that changes this weekend.  Let's Go Dukes

It seems I have waited forever to see our Dukes beat the Spiders.  I couldn't  watch the game, but sure am glad to see the result.  Too many times Richmond has shot an incomprehensibly high  FG% against us especially from beyond the arc.  They can whine and complain all they like, they have no sympathy from me.  It sure is good to know we can find a way to win even when our best player is having a bad game.  Let's get EW back in good form and keep this going!!  Thanks players and coaches for a great effort and always playing until the buzzer!

Put me down for 19 wins.  I know we have lots of size and depth at least on paper, but the O.O.C schedule has been upgraded and it will take time to assimilate all the new pieces to the team.  As long as we improve on last year's record and get better as the season progresses, I will be happy.  Let's Go Dukes!  Hope to see everyone at Palumbo

Was able to watch this one on TV and glad I did.  There are no easy road games in the A-10, but DU made this one look like it.  We're so much better defensively and on the boards than recent years. Even our percentage from the charity stripe is much improved.  Dukes, keep up the great effort!

I'll be there.  You have a point about how well Dayton fans travel.  Go Dukes

Another season comes to an end!  Why can't we seem to buy a close game?  I do like our nucleus of players, but I don't think this coach can win at this level.  Hope to see everyone here next season for lively discussion of our Dukes.  Take care.