Man, I really disagree with this analysis. TDM was quite bad, particularly defensively, for the first 30ish minutes of the game. During that time period, he also made his usual 2 or 3 ill-advised drives & threw up 2 slightly soul-crushing deep balls at inopportune moments. Additionally, the first & larger of the comeback runs largely came to a halt as a result of 2 unforced turnovers from him. While he wasn't the only reason that the lead bulged back out to 11 points, he was certainly responsible for a fair chunk of the blame. I thought KD might burst an artery because TDM was so out of defensive position on one of the plays that got Dayton back on track.

It would be foolish to suggest that TDM was anything thing but awesome during the 2 comeback runs. He was the spark. He is frequently the spark when the Dukes do their best work.

It is also wrong to suggest that he does more harm than good for games at a time. His overall contribution has been positive in every game I have ever seen him play. However, in my opinion, the margin by which his contribution is more positive than negative is too narrow far too often due to his mental errors & lack of discipline.

Several posters have voiced approval of KD having sent an a accountability message to Big Mike by giving Rotroff the start & making sure the press/fans knew why. I too am in that camp.

KD seems to be a guy that does his best to let players work through these kinds of issues on their own & with a minimum of public intervention. While there is plenty of speculation that he pushed EW out or Eric was a cancer on the team or EW left because of being mistreated, no normal fan really knows the truth because KD & staff handled that situation with professionalism & disciplined, mature communications. Whether you like the outcome of the EW situation or not, this is a sign of a much-improved program.

I feel like KD has been very, publicly, consistent in these matters with the exception of handling TDM's decision making. One of my friends & fellow Dukes fan is convinced that KD has a rare & undiagnosed case of TDMnesia. I think he is right. Tavian seems to get a pass where others do not.

At this point, TDM isn't going to get taller & is unlikely to show massive improvement as a shooter. That is fine. However, I just know, deep in my Dukes soul, that if TDM was reigned in a bit & held more accountable for his decision making, the Dukes would have won a few more games over the last season and a half.

CLK wrote:

Phil , if you reread my post I specifically referenced his play in the second half.  Although you will not give the kid any credit, others recognized his efforts.

https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/2020/01/30/inside-the-dukes-does-close-matter/

His stat line indicates that he made 4 three pointer out of nine shots, had 4 assists, 4 steals and only  three turnovers.  I remember two of those turnovers occurring in the first half.  Really seems harsh to point to his play in your comments.

https://goduquesne.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2019-20/dayton/boxscore/11114

Your our other  point on TDM of “that if TDM was reigned in a bit & held more accountable for his decision making, the Dukes would have won a few more games over the last season and a half”, the same could be said of several other players.  The reverse is also true that if it not for key shots and spirited play we could have lost more games.    

Finally, in regard to your comment on TDMnesia, I would say that some posters suffer from TDM Derangement Syndrome.  Just my opinion.

I wasn't referring to & did not quote your post. I was commenting on the next post from luckymcd saying this was TDM's "most complete game in his time here ". Perhaps I should have been more clear. Everything in your post from the quality of the article you linked to the props due to TDM for his second-half performance is spot-on.

I very much enjoy luckymcd's posts. They frequently make me think because I don't always agree with him. I was just adding to the discussion of a topic that interests me. In general, disagreeing with someone else's ideas is not a hostile act & this instance was certainly not intended for that purpose. 

If my post seemed particularly pointed & Irubbed luckymcd the wrong way, my apologies. That was not my goal.

Maybe you might consider rereading my post. In what way is this me NOT giving Tavian any credit for Wednesday's contribution & his entire body of work?
"It would be foolish to suggest that TDM was anything but awesome during the 2 comeback runs. He was the spark. He is frequently the spark when the Dukes do their best work."

Much obliged for inferring that my opinion on TDM is deranged. Great job keeping the discourse civil & sticking to discussing Dukes basketball. You certainly proved that your opinion is not only superior to mine but also more rational.

TDMnesia is a clever & funny quip. I wish I would have thought of it. I'm pretty sure KD can handle the satire. This board is fast becoming a humor-free zone.

I shall now dismount my high horse & return to the previously scheduled basketball programming. BEAT LASALLE!

The problem is social media N communicating without speaking in person or by voice. I take no side  but say that but for TDMS 3s we dont get back into that game. Hes 5'7 of hustle n guts. Gotta love his tenacity, but he can be a liability at times. I think it gets to the deeper issue of guard depth which has already been addressed.

Well said.

I hope our Dukes are feeling the desperation today. A resounding victory is needed not only to get back on track but to substantiate this season's earlier success. A businesslike showing that results in a 10-15 point win is just what the doctor ordered.