CTS wrote:

NapaDuke I’m with you. I was looking our bigs and appreciating the athleticism that they bring. We have a good group there which is often hard to put together and they have more years remaining. I also think Dru thought Edwards was going to be a key contributor which hasn’t happened so it’s changed the lineup as well and rotations.

I’m curious to see if Williams is available with his size and ability to move players. If not maybe he takes a medical year. Also really helping Jake can get and stay healthy this year as I believe his play is one of the missing pieces right now.
I agree about Edwards. He is best for us as someone that can drive to the hoop. Off the bench, I see him switching off with Corbett. His perimeter shooting hasn't been good, but he is a slasher to the hoop. Crawford and Dinkins have been very impressive these last two games. UCI is as good as RI and if these Dukes get a win against RI, then I think the Dukes will be on track.
It’s great to see the team coming together, playing good D, and finding their offense. I think a lot of teams are going to underestimate the Dukes with the worst record in the A10 right now.

luckymcd wrote:

Most of all I hope the last two games weren’t a flash in the pan, or a matter of Towson not being very good and Irvine being worn out. These Dukes definitely looked different though, so I’m cautiously optimistic. Some of the losses are inexcusable even if they were still finding themselves, but you had to think Coach Dru would have some growing pains moving into the head spot for the first time. All will be forgiven if the now rapid development continues. The next challenge will be fitting Jake back in when he’s healthy. You don’t want to upset the chemistry we just found, but he’s too big a contributor to sit too long if he’s healthy.

Well said. They are starting to figure things out. This is the team I envisioned before the season started. I'd bring DiMichele back slowly when he's healthy. Think they'll be fine whether he's healthy or not. Just beat a really good UCI team by 16 points (and it wasn't really that close) that was ranked #34 in the NET rankings. Love DiMichele, but think this team is starting to gel even without him, so no rush to bring him back until he's totally healthy. Looks to me that guys like Crawford stepping up in his absence which can only be a good thing in the end. 

Last edited by Rayrich (12/24/2024 9:38 pm)