The point guard/TDM dilemma was on full displays night. He did a wonderful job with the things he is best at. His scoring punch was awesome. It was a huge factor in the Dukes staying close & taking the lead.

Unfortunately, his being a defensive liability, crap shot selection down the stretch, lack of assists, too many turnovers, & general non-point guard skill set largely negated his strong scoring/shooting night.

For several reasons, TDM  has to be on the floor a lot; especially in crunch time. His threat as scorer, FT shooting, & ability to dish as a secondary ball handler are crucial in a close game. However, his shortcomings as a lead guard & leader (no pun intended) are also amplified in these situations.

What are the alternatives?

Baptism by fire for Acuff takes away scoring. Mikey B. running the show late is a non-starter. If Murphy can't hit more of those shots that look so good coming out of his hands, he is not much of a threat.

Maybe Baker should be given a chance as a point forward of sorts late in games? He doesn't turn the ball over much, has a good handle, & would allow TDM to both spread the floor as a deep threat & be the secondary ball handler that better suits him.

With the great defense being played & the offense having been more coherent in recent games, & better FT shooting; this point guard thing is now the biggest hurdle to overcome. I do not envy KD's having to figure out a solution to this one.

I felt a key turning point was when we went up 5 in the second half and the Bonnies missed a shot and it was a weird rebound underneath where it looked like Hughes may have mistimed his jump and the SBU guy got the rebound, scored and was fouled by Mike for a 3 point play.  Instead of getting the ball up 5 it was a 2 point game and we didn't score at the other end.  We go up 7 at that point and I think we may have had a different outcome.  Good point by all though and I am so sick of the whining by Schmidt and his assistant coaches.  I so want to just kick their asses, but as Iron Duke pointed out the Bonnies will be a load next year and will probably be the favorite to win the conference.

Dukes Schedule:  2020-21 Men's Basketball Schedule - Duquesne University Athletics (goduquesne.com)

Looking at the schedule we have 8 remaining scheduled games. Four at home and four away.  There are two open dates (if I read it right) where the SLU and Richmond game could fit giving us two more games.  That decision would have to be made by the League.  

We would have to win all 8 scheduled games, not counting  the 2 possible make up games to match our 11 win total from last year (not counting A10 Tournament Games).  Looking at the 8 scheduled games, I think they are all winnable.  If the Dukes win the next two games against Fordham and  St. Joe it will give us some momentum, and then who knows.  It may not look like it today, but we are getting better given the hand we were dealt with Carry quitting.  With the kind of suffocating defense we play (most of the time) I know we are capable of beating all of these teams.  

CLK wrote:

Dukes Schedule:  2020-21 Men's Basketball Schedule - Duquesne University Athletics (goduquesne.com)

Looking at the schedule we have 8 remaining scheduled games. Four at home and four away.  There are two open dates (if I read it right) where the SLU and Richmond game could fit giving us two more games.  That decision would have to be made by the League.  

We would have to win all 8 scheduled games, not counting  the 2 possible make up games to match our 11 win total from last year (not counting A10 Tournament Games).  Looking at the 8 scheduled games, I think they are all winnable.  If the Dukes win the next two games against Fordham and  St. Joe it will give us some momentum, and then who knows.  It may not look like it today, but we are getting better given the hand we were dealt with Carry quitting.  With the kind of suffocating defense we play (most of the time) I know we are capable of beating all of these teams.  

As difficult as things have been so far this season I am with you, CLK.  
 

Crosseye wrote:

Ironduke81 wrote:

Much impressed with Bonnie’s offensive sets. Ball movement. Back door layups. Reminded me of KC football offense vs. Randy Fichner Steeler offense. The Dukes Freshman stand on the parameter no movement. Horrible. Not on Dambrots staff because they just came out of HS. Bonnie’s all JR,s next year top 20. Dukes played well but Schmidt got it going up in Western NY. Sincere  killed this season as well as screwed his teammates. Go Dukes

I was reading this post with great interest as it is very intriguing and makes much sense. Until I got to the word "horrible." There was very little about Duquesne's play in this game that was "horrible," if anything. The freshman were doing very little standing around from my vantage point. In fact, they were very active for much of the time. Have to disagree with that one description, Iron duke. But mostly I love your posts, "my friend."

Crosseye I agree let me clarify. Hughes weathers & Dre great passers. My point is the new young guns throw inside & float out for a three. Maybe I missed this but did you ever see one of the guards flash thru the paint for a back door pass from the Dukes 4 or 5. I think the flow of the game will come with playing time for these talented & lengthy guards. Horrible strong choice of words I agree. The Bonnie’s will win the A10 Tourney come March. 
 

A note on St. Bonny talent. There coach does a lot with what he gets. According to PSN The Winston kid who just transferred to Bobby Mo was the highest rated recruit of his tenure and he was a 3 star.