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2/22/2022 12:09 pm  #51


Re: Team has checked out

The biggest root cause of this season's collapse is the second and third recruiting classes. These would have been the seniors and juniors on this year's team (juniors and sophomores with Covid bonus year) and what do we have to show for those two recruiting classes? Austin Rotroff.

Hughes, Weathers and TDM got the job done more or less, they made us competitive and respectable even if they didn't always have the right supporting cast around them, especially after the in-season departures last year. But they obviously weren't going to stay forever and there was no one left to take over when they left. My understanding is that Keith usually had capable players ready to take over and assume larger roles when good players graduated at Akron. For whatever reason that process was botched at Duquesne. Everyone else in those second and third recruiting classes (not including Baylee Steele) either wanted out or wasn't good enough to stay. The fourth recruiting class gave us a project with a lot of potential upside in Hima and three rotational/role-player types in Acuff, Bekelja and Okani. So the only way to save this season, realistically, was to nail the transfer portal. We were all pretty excited about getting a shot-blocking big from the MVC, a stretch four with 3-point range from the Big 12 and a versatile swingman from the Southern Conference who supposedly could play any position from the 1 to the 4 and had been the JUCO player of the year. Oh and we got two talented but overlooked prep school guards while everyone else was recruiting the portal? Sounds great on paper, right? Throw it altogether and we've got a team that's taken us back to the Nee Era. Chemistry issues were to be expected, but this has gone far beyond that I'm afraid.

I'm sorry to say that I'm in open-the-windows mode at this point. Coach's comments give me little confidence in his ability to right the ship, no matter how good a coach he's been throughout his career. But will things really be much better for the next coach? What if we're just stuck in this pattern where some kids will succeed at Duquesne but will simply use the program as a springboard to bigger and better things, while other kids aren't good enough to play at this level and will transfer out or never be more than role players? And even those role players might transfer out to become bigger stars on lesser teams, see Norman, Lamar. The new transfer rules have made this reality much easier to imagine. Building and maintaining a successful program at Duquesne is going to be a tall order for any coach, regardless of reputation or experience level.

Last edited by DennisC91 (2/22/2022 4:54 pm)

 

2/22/2022 12:50 pm  #52


Re: Team has checked out

Wildwood13 wrote:

A83 as I stated previously; many fans as well as respected columnist thought this was a great hire. He came from a program that posted many twenty win seasons. Unfortunately to secure him we had to pay him a million a year and give him a lengthy contract. The coach has had five seasons for himself to change my opinion of him. I was willing to take a wait and see approach. I did but I could see all the shortcomings this coach had coaching the Dukes. On the other hand regarding the AD; I have seen him being creative with scholarships, giving the coach what ever he needed to be successful, getting the funds together to revamp the new playing and training facilities. I have met with him on several occasions and in my opinion he gets checks in all the boxes except for this hire. The AD and I have talked about the coach in length and we just don’t see eye to eye on that topic. The other two sports I follow, but not to the extent of men’s basketball are women’s basketball and football. I really believe the football has been an upgrade since Harper came on board. But the Judge could maybe expand on this topic as he is more knowledgeable of the program than I. I know the women’s basketball team has hit a snag, but I like the fact that he has a shot at any local player of talent. I again would like to hear from Skeptical Al on this subject as he follows it closer. As far as the inner workings of the athletic department, I have no clue or opinion. In closing, I just think he deserves at least two shots at hiring a men’s basketball coach. 

Wildwood I would agree with your overall assessment of Dave Harper and especially as it relates to the football program. Duquesne football  has certainly  a raised  profile( still ways to go)and substantially increased athletic revenues to the general athletic budget during Dave's tenure and oh yes....secured our first FBS win this season. I know that Rooney field improvements along with doming of McCloskey Field are future goals. I think overall he has done most things right with men's BB too,except perhaps Coach D.   To A83's point, I would agree that we still have to do better and I would submit specifically , improvement to media coverage . But again he did get an ESPN radio deal for football and basketball.I  also must say that I thought Coach D was a great hire at the time  (although I had a pipe dream that young Mike Rice would be given a look and a shot at redemption after Rutgers and I am not unbiased in that regard)  and have continued to support Coach D and urged patience. I am now not  so sure and maybe it is time to move on.Personally,I am glad it's not my decision.

Last edited by Judge Jack McVay Jr (2/22/2022 1:22 pm)

 

2/22/2022 1:46 pm  #53


Re: Team has checked out

Dennis, it's hard to argue with anything in your post.  It appears that a very difficult road lies ahead for the program without some type of bold action on the part of the University; or a change in the landscape of college basketball.  I don't see the latter happening since the system is now rigged to aid the P-5 schools and the NCAA will do nothing to give the P-5 reason to dump the NCAA and keep all of the money for themselves.  
I think we have seen enough in the last 45 years to know not to expect any bold action by Duquesne that would radically change the course of the basketball program.  Most of their attempts at improvement could be classified as "too little too late" and have amounted to throwing good money after bad to try and patch a sinking ship.  There were plenty of opportunities over those 45 years where a bold investment in the program might have prevented the gradual deterioration while it was still salvageable; but I fear that it may be too late to save a once-proud and winning program.  

 

2/22/2022 2:15 pm  #54


Re: Team has checked out

Dennis, good point about the second and third recruiting classes setting a porous foundation.  As to the fourth recruiting class I agree about Hima, but given his potential and what he has shown us in limited minutes he could be a real difference maker a year from now if given the opportunity.  Acuff could be a rotation player off the bench and maybe Okani as well, although I am concerned with how raw Okani is and the length of time it will take him to further develop.  Again, I already see improvement in Hima and he has not even played over 15 minutes yet this season!!  As to Bekelja........well, I've already expressed my opinion in prior posts. 

 

2/22/2022 2:18 pm  #55


Re: Team has checked out

Levon you got it right , For Duquesne its too little too late,45years of blundering toward basketball and
this is the program you get for pissing around with little committment.Duquesne needs to own it and
realize going to a lesser conference might be good for everybody

 

2/22/2022 8:12 pm  #56


Re: Team has checked out

stew wrote:

Levon you got it right , For Duquesne its too little too late,45years of blundering toward basketball and
this is the program you get for pissing around with little committment.Duquesne needs to own it and
realize going to a lesser conference might be good for everybody

As the late DU81 said, moving to a lower conference in no way guarantees success.   And so then your stronger players aren’t poached by the P5.   They are poached by the A10, MVC and Mountain West. 

You want to see an empty arena have the big conference game be Canisius.

 

2/22/2022 8:48 pm  #57


Re: Team has checked out

A83 wrote:

stew wrote:

Levon you got it right , For Duquesne its too little too late,45years of blundering toward basketball and
this is the program you get for pissing around with little committment.Duquesne needs to own it and
realize going to a lesser conference might be good for everybody

As the late DU81 said, moving to a lower conference in no way guarantees success. And so then your stronger players aren’t poached by the P5. They are poached by the A10, MVC and Mountain West.

You want to see an empty arena have the big conference game be Canisius.

People will come to see a winning program. Knock off a few mid majors in OOC and people will come to see Canisius, especially when the Dukes are mentioned as a bubble team.
 


Vicimus Atlanticum decem
 

2/22/2022 8:52 pm  #58


Re: Team has checked out

Tejas_Duke wrote:

A83 wrote:

stew wrote:

Levon you got it right , For Duquesne its too little too late,45years of blundering toward basketball and
this is the program you get for pissing around with little committment.Duquesne needs to own it and
realize going to a lesser conference might be good for everybody

As the late DU81 said, moving to a lower conference in no way guarantees success. And so then your stronger players aren’t poached by the P5. They are poached by the A10, MVC and Mountain West.

You want to see an empty arena have the big conference game be Canisius.

People will come to see a winning program. Knock off a few mid majors in OOC and people will come to see Canisius, especially when the Dukes are mentioned as a bubble team.
 

No they won’t.   RMU ran the NEC and could barely draw 1,000 people in their old place that seated 2k.  Only game they could sell out was NEC championship game if they hosted.  Even semifinals were always empty.

 

2/22/2022 9:15 pm  #59


Re: Team has checked out

I agree A83, if they move down to a lower conference, I myself will quit following the Dukes.

 

2/22/2022 9:21 pm  #60


Re: Team has checked out

Lower conference and I also am gone.  No matter how low things seem to have gone this year, I do not go in reverse.  Period.  Nearly 50 years of waiting does not change that - I am a proud ‘71 graduate.

 

2/22/2022 9:42 pm  #61


Re: Team has checked out

kcc173 wrote:

Lower conference and I also am gone. No matter how low things seem to have gone this year, I do not go in reverse. Period. Nearly 50 years of waiting does not change that - I am a proud ‘71 graduate.

Well, I am pretty much already gone. Already contacted ticket office that I won't be renewing my season tickets. Not going to continue beating my head against a wall after 50 years, trying to win in what (thanks to the new transfer rules) is now pretty much a rigged game. Drop to a conference more compatible to a private Catholic school without a tradition of winning and without the deep pockets of the pubic schools and I may hang around.
 


Vicimus Atlanticum decem
 

2/22/2022 9:54 pm  #62


Re: Team has checked out

The conversation of dropping out of the A10 is ridiculous. Make Duquesne Great Again. MDGA .

 

2/22/2022 9:56 pm  #63


Re: Team has checked out

Pretty much what remains of the fan base is quitting.    Hey AD and staff members that lurk here,  are you reading this?   I actually respect people for walking away.

 

2/22/2022 9:59 pm  #64


Re: Team has checked out

Ironduke81 wrote:

The conversation of dropping out of the A10 is ridiculous. Make Duquesne Great Again. MDGA .

Yeah.  This will make me quit as well.   I am not wearing any red hat with that bullshit on it.

 

2/22/2022 10:26 pm  #65


Re: Team has checked out

Hey new guy here. I am a Niagara University grad and a soon to be proud Duquesne parent as my daughter is deposited for the fall of 22. I will tell you this you do not want to move down to the MAAC level where my alma mater is. The conference is about to be blown up which the shifting going on. NU would kill to be Duquesne and the alums all dream of ways of getting to the A10.I look at your league and almost all schools are like Duquesne minus a few UMass/URI/GMU. You have resources and a great city. Things will turn for DU.The revenue and exposure are so valuable that the A10 brings. I look forwrd to being a Dukes fan going forward even if I am a Niagara alum !! Go Dukes !!..... by the way what about Wojo as replacement for KD ? Maybe the Marquette gig was expectations just a bit unrealistic ?

 

2/22/2022 10:32 pm  #66


Re: Team has checked out

Not walking away yet. Also would hate to see the Dukes giving up on the A-10 and descending to a lower conference. That would be running up the white flag instead of staying and fighting like hell to be a good team in a good conference. Let's not over react over one losing season in the last five. I'm not happy with the results this season to be sure but not certain that drastic measures are called for just yet. Next year will tell me more about it all than this year.  GO DUKES!!

Last edited by El Presidente (2/22/2022 10:35 pm)

 

2/22/2022 10:34 pm  #67


Re: Team has checked out

I just wish somebody leading Duquesne realizes whatever upgrades Dambrot got its not enough and if you
want to challenge Dayton and VCU and St.Louis then you gotta spend lots more money for good coaches
more money to recruit around the world and keep improving facilities and improving the fans experience.That means a more efficient athletic department with folks who are passionate and not passing time.A purge is needed to upgrade basketball at Duquesne.

 

2/22/2022 10:41 pm  #68


Re: Team has checked out

stew wrote:

I just wish somebody leading Duquesne realizes whatever upgrades Dambrot got its not enough and if you
want to challenge Dayton and VCU and St.Louis then you gotta spend lots more money for good coaches
more money to recruit around the world and keep improving facilities and improving the fans experience.That means a more efficient athletic department with folks who are passionate and not passing time.A purge is needed to upgrade basketball at Duquesne.

This I agree with.   Someone should hire the entire RMU staff.   They do so much more with so much less.

 

2/22/2022 10:47 pm  #69


Re: Team has checked out

A83 wrote:

stew wrote:

I just wish somebody leading Duquesne realizes whatever upgrades Dambrot got its not enough and if you
want to challenge Dayton and VCU and St.Louis then you gotta spend lots more money for good coaches
more money to recruit around the world and keep improving facilities and improving the fans experience.That means a more efficient athletic department with folks who are passionate and not passing time.A purge is needed to upgrade basketball at Duquesne.

This I agree with. Someone should hire the entire RMU staff. They do so much more with so much less.

I don't know much about the athletic department staff but agree that if there are people just punching in and out they need to be gone! Period!! Nothing is more destructive to any enterprise than people who just put in time and have no commitment to their jobs!!  

 

2/22/2022 11:04 pm  #70


Re: Team has checked out

I dont know the first thing about marketing or sales but putting boots on the ground and going door to door
to talk to Duquesne alumni face to face.Sell your passion,know your product and work your tail off this summer.
I dont think stuff like that gets done.I think its sitting in a office,making some calls to basketball supporters
and watching the clock and punching out and b.s.ing your boss with a story. Sell the program,work passionately!!

 

2/22/2022 11:15 pm  #71


Re: Team has checked out

stew wrote:

I dont know the first thing about marketing or sales but putting boots on the ground and going door to door
to talk to Duquesne alumni face to face.Sell your passion,know your product and work your tail off this summer.
I dont think stuff like that gets done.I think its sitting in a office,making some calls to basketball supporters
and watching the clock and punching out and b.s.ing your boss with a story. Sell the program,work passionately!!

Go to local high schools, visit with office staff prior to an assembly that has a motivational speech tone.  I got Dambrot to my high school when he was first hired.  Many on the staff follow the Dukes just because he came and they enjoyed his visit.
 

 

2/22/2022 11:26 pm  #72


Re: Team has checked out

For crying out loud ,Duquesne spends 45 million dollars and opens the fieldhouse to the public for its first game of season to 1,500 empty seats.???????Thats embarrassing and then you go out to the parking garage after the game
and wait a hour to leave the frickin garage??? Duquesne announces a give away of basketballs and the staff
manning the gate dont even know there was supposed to be a giveaway.???There is a serious lack of commitment
by athletic dept.on a night to showoff and its a huge embarrassing  moment for Duquesne.

 

2/22/2022 11:32 pm  #73


Re: Team has checked out

A83 wrote:

stew wrote:

Levon you got it right , For Duquesne its too little too late,45years of blundering toward basketball and
this is the program you get for pissing around with little committment.Duquesne needs to own it and
realize going to a lesser conference might be good for everybody

As the late DU81 said, moving to a lower conference in no way guarantees success. And so then your stronger players aren’t poached by the P5. They are poached by the A10, MVC and Mountain West.

You want to see an empty arena have the big conference game be Canisius.

Didn't we try that back in '93?  Maybe what became the Horizon Conference would take us back?  Right now we could be fighting it out with IUPUI (which with their conference record of 1-14 would allow us to be competitive).  

Change conferences... no thank you.

Last edited by indygjm (2/22/2022 11:33 pm)

 

2/23/2022 9:19 am  #74


Re: Team has checked out

anderson wrote:

Hey new guy here. I am a Niagara University grad and a soon to be proud Duquesne parent as my daughter is deposited for the fall of 22. I will tell you this you do not want to move down to the MAAC level where my alma mater is. The conference is about to be blown up which the shifting going on. NU would kill to be Duquesne and the alums all dream of ways of getting to the A10.I look at your league and almost all schools are like Duquesne minus a few UMass/URI/GMU. You have resources and a great city. Things will turn for DU.The revenue and exposure are so valuable that the A10 brings. I look forwrd to being a Dukes fan going forward even if I am a Niagara alum !! Go Dukes !!..... by the way what about Wojo as replacement for KD ? Maybe the Marquette gig was expectations just a bit unrealistic ?

WELCOMING Your Daughter to the Bluff (and hopefully You to this board --  HOPING watching quality basketball games (male and female) will be a part of her stay her --  Wojo is an interesting name to be thrown into the mix if the job becomes available.

Your daughter wouldn't "happen" to have a 6'2 Female friend who is deadly from 3 point range (or a 6'9 male friend with the same traits) who would be interested in joining her would she??
 

 

2/23/2022 10:13 am  #75


Re: Team has checked out

Tejas_Duke wrote:

People will come to see a winning program. Knock off a few mid majors in OOC and people will come to see Canisius, especially when the Dukes are mentioned as a bubble team.
 

Oh my, Tejas, if that isn't channeling Brian Colleary in 1992, I don't know what is. How did that work out again?

 

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