I was definitely counting this game as a loss because of their experience and them having a good team last year. Apparently the A 10 is not as strong as I thought by some of the early season struggles of many teams. Therefore, my predictions should be way off and the optimistic predictions of others should be more accurate. Never been so thrilled to be completely wrong.

WashPaRick wrote:

Sophs. and freshmen accounted for all but the 5 points scored by mike Lewis,

Well, that's going to be the case most nights as Mike is the only player not an underclassman (until football ends). All key players back next year, with the bulk of the team still being here for the 2020-21 season as well. Good times are here!


 

Last edited by duq81 (11/11/2018 11:25 am)

duq81 wrote:

WashPaRick wrote:

Sophs. and freshmen accounted for all but the 5 points scored by mike Lewis,

Well, that's going to be the case most nights as Mike is the only player not an underclassman (until football ends). All key players back next year, with the bulk of the team still being here for the 2020-21 season as well. Good times are here!


 

Love it my friend.

On another note, the video product is first class.  Light years better than past years.  The replay option in ESPN+ is really a nice feature.

On one more note, Mike Hughes is awesome.  I really like his intensity and hustle.  He was firing up the crowd.   
 

The crowd was great for the first game. A few more people than usual, even with the penguins game going on. There was a lot more students than usual as well and they were fired up throughout the game chanting and actually providing somewhat of a hostile atmosphere, with that performance, I would hope they would return and bring additional friends. Still a long way to go but if you build it they will come.

Clk, totally agree on Mike Hughes, he is an absolute maniac. My seats are at the end of the Duquesne bench and I watched him pump up his teamouts and the crowd all game long from the bench and on the court.

Not to knock past players but one thing I’ve felt we’ve consistently lacked over the years is both verbal and emotional leaders as well as an identity for the team. You can already see guys like M Hughes, Weathers, and Dunn Martin are all vocal guys and did a lot to pump up the crowd and players.

Dambrot is clearly establishing an identity of toughness, intensity, and getting up and down the court quickly and scoring in bunches. It’s hard to believe this actually looks like what we’ve been hoping for is coming to fruition.

Long way to go this season, but what a start. Because we didn't see these players in an exhibition game, it seemed like Christmas morning to me - opened up a whole bunch of "presents" on the court and they were all really good presents.

In case you missed it, here's the link to the replay of the game on ESPN+ (well worth the $4.99 per month cost).
http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=1f04a502-cb37-40d6-af0e-d6a63963e255
 

duq81 wrote:

WashPaRick wrote:

Sophs. and freshmen accounted for all but the 5 points scored by mike Lewis,

Well, that's going to be the case most nights as Mike is the only player not an underclassman (until football ends). All key players back next year, with the bulk of the team still being here for the 2020-21 season as well. Good times are here!


 

Perfect!
“..... we want the best.  we won’t settle for less...”
 

I am curious Coffee how many people made both games and beer tasting? Going to follow up with Dave Harper and Meghan on this too

Didn't see hoops game WashPaRick but would love it if we have true point in Carry! I thought it hurt us on occasion last year and  maybe more important this year with more depth and  player combinations. As everyone knows the point has to know how to play... meaning recognize what each other players strength is on the floor and putting them in the position to succeed.

Last edited by Judge Jack McVay Jr (11/11/2018 5:42 pm)

I agree that this was a big win.
When WMU took the lead 40-38, I thought we were headed
for another 'same old Dukes'--a succession of bad passes, bad
shots, bad foul shooting and bad decisions.  But no, they regrouped
and beat a very competitive team. No drama at the end, just a solid win.
A great start.
 

Tarin Smith had 22 points for UConn today.

Anyone here know why G Bizeau didn't play?  Is he hurt?  Last I heard he was running with the starting 5 at small forward position.

DukeBaller53 wrote:

Anyone here know why G Bizeau didn't play?  Is he hurt?  Last I heard he was running with the starting 5 at small forward position.

Same with Kelly, I thought KD was praising him for his D and said he was most ready of the freshmen bigs.  I dont think neither is hurt.  Kind of nice to get such a solid effort and not use 3/4 of the new bigs. 

Mike Hughes is an aggressive player who talks to his team during the breaks, takes blame, but also points out others mistakes.  Love that attitude and desire.  Couple him with a 6'11'' guy and DU should have a solid post presence for sure.

Excited to see what happens tonight.