KenOTR73 wrote:

It was mentioned a couple of times, but I want to reinforce the passing. Like night and day from anything we’ve seen in the last 20 years I would say. No disrespect to R.E. but in one sequence you had a drive, kick-out to the top of the circle then two additional passes before a shot was taken. 4 seconds maybe? Two more observations. Coach doesn’t let them take one defensive sequence “off”. Every defensive sequence is run with max energy. You could feel it. Lastly, Dambrot “coaches” every possession. Even when up 50. Pressure the inbounds pass with 6 minutes left and up 50 or so? Why not. Not showboating, teaching. So refreshing.

Yes Ken, and when KD cleared the bench and James ( who scored 13 in 13 min of pt) hit two treys and 3 free throws after being fouled on a three the rest of the team on floor kept passing, trying for steals and played as hard as coach coached to the end.

You can see why Dambrot won 20+ games per season all those years; regardless of the situation, he communicates a consistent message and has the same expectations for his team - especially on the defensive end.

the addition of a healthy chas brown has been huge for the dukes on so many levels. Not only does he bring a physical post presence(though Id be happy if he never dribbled a basketball again), he allows for better match ups and rotation.

 Jordan seems be doing better in off the bench role as serviceable big man. he's played much better since Chas returned.

Eric and TV have been able to play more natural positions, which I think helps them defensively. You don't have true PFs or Cs posting up on them, which has allowed them to be fresher.

Its allowed a nice 3 guard rotation of rene, tarin, and Mike. I said to myself yesterday, Tarin finally looks like a kid that was a B12 recruit and Rene looks looks like the player Brad Stevens wanted. They have both really bought into KDs philosophy and are playing better D.

Kellon brings a football attitude to the court(would love to see how he would improve if he played hoops year round)

Loved seeing eric have a nice game. he's def been thru a lot and gutted it out.

not only kudos to coach d, but also to his assistants. What a hard working, talented staff. Wouldn't be surprised if we lost 1 or 2 along the way to HC gigs....

have a nice 4 game litmus test coming up starting 12.22
 

heelsdukesfan wrote:

the addition of a healthy chas brown has been huge for the dukes on so many levels. Not only does he bring a physical post presence(though Id be happy if he never dribbled a basketball again), he allows for better match ups and rotation.

 Jordan seems be doing better in off the bench role as serviceable big man. he's played much better since Chas returned.

Eric and TV have been able to play more natural positions, which I think helps them defensively. You don't have true PFs or Cs posting up on them, which has allowed them to be fresher.

Its allowed a nice 3 guard rotation of rene, tarin, and Mike. I said to myself yesterday, Tarin finally looks like a kid that was a B12 recruit and Rene looks looks like the player Brad Stevens wanted. They have both really bought into KDs philosophy and are playing better D.

Kellon brings a football attitude to the court(would love to see how he would improve if he played hoops year round)

Loved seeing eric have a nice game. he's def been thru a lot and gutted it out.

not only kudos to coach d, but also to his assistants. What a hard working, talented staff. Wouldn't be surprised if we lost 1 or 2 along the way to HC gigs....

have a nice 4 game litmus test coming up starting 12.22
 

Good points and analysis, heels. There was certainly a positive effect on the rotation with the addition of Chas Brown. That very late pickup seems to be paying dividends.

I think the litmus test starts a little sooner than you - the December 19th game vs. Lamar. Lamar is ranked #167, the 2nd best team the Dukes will have faced up to this point (Pitt #153). Follow this up with tourney games with San Francisco at #163 and Southern Illinois at #156. If the Dukes can win at least 2 of these games, I think it’s a good indicator that the Dukes can win a few games versus the bottom half of the A-10 (7 of the 13 teams are 145 or higher).

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

You can see why Dambrot won 20+ games per season all those years; regardless of the situation, he communicates a consistent message and has the same expectations for his team - especially on the defensive end.

This

...someone let Brian Batko know. He thinks WE have a soft schedule.

PS, of course, I know we do. Then again, we have eight scholarship players and only four have experience.