Duquesne Dukes Fan Forum » Point Guard

Simms · 1/21/2021 9:55 am

In today's basketball a point guard is arguably the most important position. Do you guys think we should look to Acuff/Bekelja as the PG of the future, or that KD should try to land a good transfer to fill in the spot? I like Acuff's game a lot, but I think he needs to work on his handle and scoring ability. He seems to have trouble dealing with defenders playing him tight. Mike seems like a solid PG, but probably not a starter IMO. I realize they are both freshman so it's super early.

Also, what is the deal with Jaylen Cole-Williams?

PhoenixRising2 · 1/21/2021 10:53 am

The Dukes in essence will be losing 4 guards this year - Dunn-Martin, Murphy, Norman and Carry (assuming that Dunn-Martin and Murphy call it a collegiate career if they have that option of staying). I agree that the PG is the key position, especially in the A10. So I can see the Dukes bringing in both a transfer and a freshman at this position; provided that they can find a high quality transfer. I don't think Dambrot will place himself in the same position that he found himself with Carry.

levon1975 · 1/21/2021 10:55 am

Good points Simms; agree that ballhandling needs to get better for Acuff to play thre point; so with his size, he might fit in better at the 2 if he can find a way to score. It can be tough for a freshman to take on the duties of the point and find ways to search for points for himself. If the opportunity presents to bring in an experienced PG for a year; I would take him.

Crosseye · 1/21/2021 10:58 am

PhoenixRising2 wrote:
The Dukes in essence will be losing 4 guards this year - Dunn-Martin, Murphy, Norman and Carry (assuming that Dunn-Martin and Murphy call it a collegiate career if they have that option of staying). I agree that the PG is the key position, especially in the A10. So I can see the Dukes bringing in both a transfer and a freshman at this position; provided that they can find a high quality transfer. I don't think Dambrot will place himself in the same position that he found himself with Carry.

I like Acuff at the point. Put him there and let him mature. While some may say he's slow or doesn't have a good enough handle, I see it more as he's a bit unorthodox. I do not see him as being unqualified at all. In fact, I think he handles the ball quite nicely and did so admirably against a seasoned Fats Russell.

PhoenixRising2 · 1/21/2021 12:07 pm

Crosseye wrote:
PhoenixRising2 wrote:
The Dukes in essence will be losing 4 guards this year - Dunn-Martin, Murphy, Norman and Carry (assuming that Dunn-Martin and Murphy call it a collegiate career if they have that option of staying). I agree that the PG is the key position, especially in the A10. So I can see the Dukes bringing in both a transfer and a freshman at this position; provided that they can find a high quality transfer. I don't think Dambrot will place himself in the same position that he found himself with Carry.
I like Acuff at the point. Put him there and let him mature. While some may say he's slow or doesn't have a good enough handle, I see it more as he's a bit unorthodox. I do not see him as being unqualified at all. In fact, I think he handles the ball quite nicely and did so admirably against a seasoned Fats Russell.

Crosseye, I also like Acuff a lot (although I didn't say so in my post). I think you may see him become the starter at some point this year (maybe as early as Saturday vs. Lofton). But I guarantee you that Dambrot will ever be caught short at the PG position again, based on the Carry experience and the relaxed transfer rules.

CLK · 1/21/2021 1:43 pm

PhoenixRising2 wrote:
Crosseye wrote:
PhoenixRising2 wrote:
The Dukes in essence will be losing 4 guards this year - Dunn-Martin, Murphy, Norman and Carry (assuming that Dunn-Martin and Murphy call it a collegiate career if they have that option of staying). I agree that the PG is the key position, especially in the A10. So I can see the Dukes bringing in both a transfer and a freshman at this position; provided that they can find a high quality transfer. I don't think Dambrot will place himself in the same position that he found himself with Carry.
I like Acuff at the point. Put him there and let him mature. While some may say he's slow or doesn't have a good enough handle, I see it more as he's a bit unorthodox. I do not see him as being unqualified at all. In fact, I think he handles the ball quite nicely and did so admirably against a seasoned Fats Russell.
Crosseye, I also like Acuff a lot (although I didn't say so in my post). I think you may see him become the starter at some point this year (maybe as early as Saturday vs. Lofton). But I guarantee you that Dambrot will ever be caught short at the PG position again, based on the Carry experience and the relaxed transfer rules.

I am still high from last's night come from behind victory. Very very encouraging.

On Acuff, he has done little more than bring the ball up past half court and pass it off. He has done this well. However, if he is going to be our point guard he needs to to be able to show he can break down the defense with dribble penetration either taking it to the rim or dishing off. He has not shown that yet. I really like the kid. He is big, strong, athletic and defends well. I just don't know if his future is to be a PG or SG.

My thoughts are if Weathers, Hughes don't return we need to rebuild with the best and highest level transfer PG, PF and Center we can get.

BluffHunter · 1/21/2021 1:54 pm

I think Acuff should be our PG of the future, but he is just one year into a possible 5 year tenure. I agree with pretty much everything stated so far. Phoenix is correct with the statement that Dambrot will not rely on a single person to run the show, and CLK is correct that Acuff hasn't proven he can completely spread the floor by breaking down his defender and taking it to the hoop... other than that he was guarded tight by fatts and had no issues being to slow or getting the ball stolen. We should try to pick up a transfer PG with some solid experience in order to have 2 decent options at the 1. I realize Duquesne doesn't have the brand recognition of URI, but look how many P5 transfers they have! Not like it worked for them last night though.

phil95 · 1/21/2021 1:54 pm

CLK's last sentence is, of course, right on. However, I truly cannot imagine, at this time, what the upcoming offseason's comings, goings, & stayings will be. If you consider the last dozen years to have been unpredictable in this respect, I think you will soon have a new standard for offseason chaos.

PhoenixRising2 · 1/21/2021 4:59 pm

phil95 wrote:
CLK's last sentence is, of course, right on. However, I truly cannot imagine, at this time, what the upcoming offseason's comings, goings, & stayings will be. If you consider the last dozen years to have been unpredictable in this respect, I think you will soon have a new standard for offseason chaos.

No doubt that it's going to be epic, phil95.

duq81 · 1/21/2021 9:52 pm

CLK wrote:
PhoenixRising2 wrote:
Crosseye wrote:

I like Acuff at the point. Put him there and let him mature. While some may say he's slow or doesn't have a good enough handle, I see it more as he's a bit unorthodox. I do not see him as being unqualified at all. In fact, I think he handles the ball quite nicely and did so admirably against a seasoned Fats Russell.
Crosseye, I also like Acuff a lot (although I didn't say so in my post). I think you may see him become the starter at some point this year (maybe as early as Saturday vs. Lofton). But I guarantee you that Dambrot will ever be caught short at the PG position again, based on the Carry experience and the relaxed transfer rules.
I am still high from last's night come from behind victory. Very very encouraging.

On Acuff, he has done little more than bring the ball up past half court and pass it off. He has done this well. However, if he is going to be our point guard he needs to to be able to show he can break down the defense with dribble penetration either taking it to the rim or dishing off. He has not shown that yet. I really like the kid. He is big, strong, athletic and defends well. I just don't know if his future is to be a PG or SG.

My thoughts are if Weathers, Hughes don't return we need to rebuild with the best and highest level transfer PG, PF and Center we can get.

Point guard yes, not the other positions. If you want Baker and Harris to transfer, then bring those guys in. If you want to be a championship level team, you put this freshman class on the floor, and watch them develop. Other than at the point, we have the needed talent on the roster right now. I don't want to see one year guys blocking them. Sure, if some stud wanted to come here it would be different, but we know that's not going to happen.

Simms · 1/21/2021 10:18 pm

I would think if we go after a transfer guard that we could nab someone who has 2 or even 3 years of eligibillty left. That is no longer a rare occurence like it used to be.

mudfoot · 1/22/2021 3:31 am

duq81 wrote:
CLK wrote:
PhoenixRising2 wrote:
Crosseye, I also like Acuff a lot (although I didn't say so in my post). I think you may see him become the starter at some point this year (maybe as early as Saturday vs. Lofton). But I guarantee you that Dambrot will ever be caught short at the PG position again, based on the Carry experience and the relaxed transfer rules.
I am still high from last's night come from behind victory. Very very encouraging.

On Acuff, he has done little more than bring the ball up past half court and pass it off. He has done this well. However, if he is going to be our point guard he needs to to be able to show he can break down the defense with dribble penetration either taking it to the rim or dishing off. He has not shown that yet. I really like the kid. He is big, strong, athletic and defends well. I just don't know if his future is to be a PG or SG.

My thoughts are if Weathers, Hughes don't return we need to rebuild with the best and highest level transfer PG, PF and Center we can get.
Point guard yes, not the other positions. If you want Baker and Harris to transfer, then bring those guys in. If you want to be a championship level team, you put this freshman class on the floor, and watch them develop. Other than at the point, we have the needed talent on the roster right now. I don't want to see one year guys blocking them. Sure, if some stud wanted to come here it would be different, but we know that's not going to happen.

duq81 makes an excellent point I haven’t seen mentioned here yet. From the moment I saw that Coach was bringing in Murphy, I thought one or more of the guards wouldn’t be happy. As the early part of the season unfolded, I zeroed in on S.C. as the one based on what I felt was uninspired play. Of course I have no idea if Murphy was the catalyst but his late arrival likely affected team chemistry. Point is I’d hate to lose Baker or Harris for a temporary gamble. Looking forward to Saturday. ✌🏼

Tejas_Duke · 1/22/2021 7:23 am

duq81 wrote:
Point guard yes, not the other positions. If you want Baker and Harris to transfer, then bring those guys in. If you want to be a championship level team, you put this freshman class on the floor, and watch them develop. Other than at the point, we have the needed talent on the roster right now. I don't want to see one year guys blocking them. Sure, if some stud wanted to come here it would be different, but we know that's not going to happen.

Much as I am still disappointed over recent events and the thought that we probably won't be popping champagne corks this March or even next March, I think this is the way to go. Build with the freshman and youth and keep them together.

duq81 · 1/22/2021 8:29 am

Tejas_Duke wrote:
duq81 wrote:
Point guard yes, not the other positions. If you want Baker and Harris to transfer, then bring those guys in. If you want to be a championship level team, you put this freshman class on the floor, and watch them develop. Other than at the point, we have the needed talent on the roster right now. I don't want to see one year guys blocking them. Sure, if some stud wanted to come here it would be different, but we know that's not going to happen.
Much as I am still disappointed over recent events and the thought that we probably won't be popping champagne corks this March or even next March, I think this is the way to go. Build with the freshman and youth and keep them together.

One of our biggest issues has been the revolving door. At some point you need to stick with what you have. The freshman appear to have the necessary talent. It's time to roll with them.

luckymcd · 1/22/2021 8:52 am

I would think even at point guard we should stick with what we have (other than recruiting of course). I would definitely agree that Acuff isn't where we need him to be yet, but even in the land of one and dones the true freshman point guards that are ready to start are the exceptions that prove the rule. If things had gone as planned he'd be seeing even less time at the point than he is, and possibly even none. Take a look at his high school film if you have any doubts about his talent. Right now I think he's doing a good job of holding down the position and not hurting the team while he develops. I'd hope the concerns about a defender playing him tight weren't based on the URI game, as Russell is one of the best defensive guards in the game today. Tyson had a couple bobbles, but I don't think turned the ball over at all against his tight defense.

townsonkid · 1/22/2021 9:12 am

His handle looked damn good vs Fatts Russel, one of the quickest guards in the A10. He is tall, he almost looks like a SF than a PG, but that means nothing. But he is also like 8 games into his college career. I think he can be a fine PG for us, esplosive actually. I see no need to pursue Bekejia as PG, he can be a bench player. Need to invest and play the freshman more and more and more. If they develop as a unit, a FAB 4 if you will, then maybe there is less chance they transfer.
If anything, KD might want to bring in a big big next year via transfer if Hughes leaves, Rotroff is ok, but not strong at anything, Kelly shows flashes, then makes bad mistakes. He needs confidence, but not sure that will develop as a role player. But, he is in his 2nd season, so it might still come to him.
I assume that was Hima I saw on the bench, looked like he towers over Rotroff. He could be a surprise next year.

Last edited by townsonkid (1/22/2021 9:17 am)

CLK · 1/22/2021 9:50 am

duq81 wrote:
CLK wrote:
PhoenixRising2 wrote:
Crosseye, I also like Acuff a lot (although I didn't say so in my post). I think you may see him become the starter at some point this year (maybe as early as Saturday vs. Lofton). But I guarantee you that Dambrot will ever be caught short at the PG position again, based on the Carry experience and the relaxed transfer rules.
I am still high from last's night come from behind victory. Very very encouraging.

On Acuff, he has done little more than bring the ball up past half court and pass it off. He has done this well. However, if he is going to be our point guard he needs to to be able to show he can break down the defense with dribble penetration either taking it to the rim or dishing off. He has not shown that yet. I really like the kid. He is big, strong, athletic and defends well. I just don't know if his future is to be a PG or SG.

My thoughts are if Weathers, Hughes don't return we need to rebuild with the best and highest level transfer PG, PF and Center we can get.
Point guard yes, not the other positions. If you want Baker and Harris to transfer, then bring those guys in. If you want to be a championship level team, you put this freshman class on the floor, and watch them develop. Other than at the point, we have the needed talent on the roster right now. I don't want to see one year guys blocking them. Sure, if some stud wanted to come here it would be different, but we know that's not going to happen.

If Hughes, Weathers, and TDM move on there are big experienced holes to fill. Add to that the experience holes left by Carry and Norman. The core that is left are mostly freshman turned sophomores. The reality is that we are going to have to recruit additional players. The question is HS/Prep or transfers. I know I represent the minority opinion here, but I want to see us get the best experienced players we can get. The advantage is they can help rebuild immediately, and actually reduce turnover because of the one time transfer. It is a new world. I don't see how Baker is impacted by getting an experienced PF or C. If Harris is good enough to compete he will play. You have to recruit at that spot because if Weather's leaves there is no true PF besides Harris at that spot. Personally I want to see the best team we can put on the court we can get, If the last 4 years has taught us anything is you can't please everybody.

townsonkid · 1/22/2021 10:46 am

There will be freshman from other schools transferring, and sophomores, so KD can get one that is young and has some experience. I think the new building will help recruiting. Hopefully it will help these freshman stick around too. The options will be many. Some of our guys will leave too. If they 3 seniors leave, KD can recruit all positions, HS or transfers.

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