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3/09/2022 7:48 pm  #1


Who goes, who comes?

Well the season is mercifully over and what a train wreck it was.  Remember KD's comment, "most talent" he has had at DU....Try not to fall off your seat fellas.  Well KD is right about one thing "we have to win end of March and April", which is obviously a reference to recruiting.  So my question to all is who goes and who comes in?  Now I know whoever we recruit is uncertain at this point, although we apparently have several offers out there, but we can certainly ascertain who needs to go - and let's keep in mind this isn't personal, just objective bball analysis.  So that being said the only guys I would like to see come back in one capacity or another, meaning starter or off the bench, are Hima, Tre, Easely and JJ or Spears.  I am not sure that either or both of the freshman guards stay, and they both have a lot of potential, but I see Primo just forcing too much and not distributing enough as a PG - even though he has scored a lot the last 3 games.  If he can play more under control he could be really good, but again I also really like JJ's outside shot and quickness to the hoop.  Primo is a better drive, cross-over, step back jump shot type of guard.  In any event I expect a lot of roster movement, which is necessary and will free up a number scholarships that we need to hit on, no misses.  What say you guys???

 

3/09/2022 9:23 pm  #2


Re: Who goes, who comes?

I'll be a short as I can about what i'd like to see next year:

Primo:  Please come back!  Mid season was awful for him as it pertained to shooting, defense and bone headed shot selection but after finishing the season the way he did he's proven that a lot of the bad can be chalked up to being a freshman and learning.  He has the stuff to be a guard in the A-10.  Good find and recruit by KD and perhaps KD giving Primo an unlimited leash actually worked as it pertains to Primo's confidence and growth.   I don't know what all the other players thought of the unlimited leash - I expect they resented it as they did not get that luxury and overall it probably hurt the team but it seems to have worked for Primo anyway.

JJ - Still a big upside.  I want him back and fighting to work his way into the starting lineup.

Tre - I want him back playing the 4 spot.  I don't believe he was "as advertised" by the coaching staff but he still can play in this league in the right position.

Easley - Overall, probably the best Duke all season.  He has a role on this team next season.  He does a lot -  rebounding, stealing, and can score as long as he is not the go to scorer.  He can play in this league.

Hima - Completely mismanaged all season.  He should be our back-up center next season getting 15-20 minutes a game and we will watch him blossom into a fine A-10 center.  He's nowhere near that yet but not his fault.

Acuff - I like him as a role player next year coming off the bench.  He can shoot.  I don't believe he can start in this league on a winning team but I hope he proves me wrong down the line.

The Staff needs to fill a lot of holes but the guys I listed above i believe have the stuff to contribute to a winning team in the A-10.

If I didn't mention someone then I think that person hasn't shown he can stay healthy or play at the level this league demands and should probably move on.   

 

3/09/2022 10:14 pm  #3


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Pistol my man, it really doesn’t matter which players come, stay or go. The problem is the coach and his staff. He is way over his head in the A10 in so many facets of the game it isn’t funny. Teams that finished way ahead of us in conference either fired or are going to fire their coaches. Yet we have to stand pat with this terrible coach because of our financial situation. Just look at the seasons Weathers, Williams, Carey, Norman, DunnMartin and Baker had, all on winning teams with the exception of Norman, and they were either their best player or one of their top five. So I ask, what could he possibly do as a coach to become a better coach ? His record is 71-71 overall and 37-53 in conference. Those records occurred with the weakest out of conference schedule in Duquesne history and the weakest five years of the A10. I will root for my beloved Dukes, but there is no way this coach is going to get us where we want to be. He has got 5 million off of the university, and he is going to say anything he can in order to get that last two million out of us, wouldn’t you ? That is why I called him a con artist on a previous message. I have been ridiculed for that and of course for my statements regarding him the past three years. But those posters that ridiculed me, have buried them selves in a hole, and haven’t been heard from in a long time. They know who they are.

 

3/09/2022 11:16 pm  #4


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Let’s also not forget how this coach starts a year and ends a year. This also reflects how he wears on a team. As well as let’s you know how soft his out of conference schedule has been and how coaches second time around figure out how to beat him. It also shows how his teams do not improve throughout the year.
2017-2018 Started 12-4 finished 4-12
2018-2019 started 14-5 finished 5-8
2019-2020 started 10-0 finished 11-9
2020-2021 Covid year
2021-2022 started 6-7 finished 0-17

That is starting 42-16 and finishing 20-46
Absolutely disgraceful !!!

 

3/10/2022 7:56 am  #5


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Wildwood, the A10 has been more difficult  than our out of conference schedule. Don’t you think that might explain that? You admitted you don’t watch the games. That certainly makes it difficult to draw conclusions and make posts…If you are checked out with this staff, then check out. But I’d encourage you to quit making findings based off the sparknotes.

 

3/10/2022 8:35 am  #6


Re: Who goes, who comes?

City Duke, I have asked you in the past, what do you like about this coach and you have yet to respond. This is a discussion board, then make some valid points!!! I have gone to games , watched on ESPN plus and follow the team for the past 50 years. I am going to continue to post wether you like it or not. I will voice my opinion, good or bad about the team and back it up with facts as I am an educated basketball fan. You talk about twisted facts and peoples opinions, you should just look at your recent post. Back up your statements. When the team is in the process of a 17 game losing streak and secured last place by four games, I am not going to the games as often or taking time to watch them on my computer. Your one statement about the conference being stronger than our out of conference schedule is true and proves my point about it being very weak.  OC schedule should prepare you for league play. If you think we improve as a team throughout the season, that’s your opinion. Back it up !!

 

3/10/2022 8:46 am  #7


Re: Who goes, who comes?

First, I would hope that most of the players will be back for next season. I really don't like the idea of singling out anyone here on the board which is open for all to see. However, I will agree that Easley, Primo, JJ, Acuff, Williams, and Hima are surely keepers for my money with Williams at the 4 and maybe spot duty at the 5. Thinking that Barba could be a solid addition as well so hoping he is here. Gunn is an unknown so not certain what to say here about him. Would love to see Rotroff play an injury free season. He certainly showed signs of helping on the inside this season prior to going down. No question we need help on the inside beyond Hima and Rotroff. There must be a player of size brought here who will be an instant contributor, most likely from the portal. Would love to see a 3 point specialist not unlike Micah Mason while I'm at it. Also a PG which is the most important player on any team. Just a few of the right recruits for next year along with the aforementioned players could make us forget all about this year IMO.
As for KD, I would have made that hire in a heartbeat 5 years ago just as Harper and Gormley did. I saw nothing to indicate that we would be 6 -24 in year 5 when that hire was made nor did I see this coming in any of the first 4 years of the new regime. Maybe that's my short sightedness or whatever. I can't say. I hold no one responsible for this past season outside of the coaching staff. Also, I'm completely on board with giving them a chance to turn this thing around next season. If next season should, God forbid, look anything like the past one, then decisions will have to be made. I am and will always be a Duquesne basketball fan and supporter and looking forward to seeing the program back on the tracks starting next season. GO DUKES!

Last edited by El Presidente (3/10/2022 1:20 pm)

 

3/10/2022 9:31 am  #8


Re: Who goes, who comes?

I think all of the players are great kids, however I think there are only four players are "MUST KEEP". They are Primo, JJ, Easley and Williams.  To that core we need to add 4 players, not counting the two commitments to make a giant leap next season.

1. We need at least two skilled big men over 6'8". One who is a monster rebounder and rim defender, and another who can step out and shoot the three to open things up when Williams is playing. 

2.  We need an experienced point guard to rotate with Spears. I see Spears being a combo guard next season.  A grad transfer would fit nicely.

3.  We need a big wing player at least 6'7" who can defend and knock down open shots.

The only player getting more than 25 minutes is Spears 

 

3/10/2022 9:50 am  #9


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Give me the 6 you mentioned above, bring back Barba too.   What happened to Ayers?   Can he afford to transfer again?   He would have to sit out a year right, 2nd transfer?

 

3/10/2022 10:18 am  #10


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Saw a comment above about the current players being great kids. Coach has mentioned attitude issues in the past so I'm hoping this is true. I don't recall him pointing out any problem kids this year. Poor play, yes, but not selfish or lazy attitudes.

As many have acknowledged, there is a bunch of talent on this team, and while some of the coaching has been suspect, is there any indication that KD now has guys with the attitudes that he likes? Wondering if anybody with real knowledge of this could comment. Good grades? Decent campus citizens? If there are no issues in that regard, bring them all back and let's see what this seriously young team can do with this past season behind them and a few more months together. (Of course, some more bulk down low and a sharp shooter wouldn't hurt.) 

 

3/10/2022 10:42 am  #11


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Their team GPA was like 3.35, so seems they have some good students for sure.   My first 2 years at DU I would have loved a 3.35    :-))))    3.35 as a team is impressive IMO.

 

3/10/2022 12:19 pm  #12


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Trying to focus on next year - which we have done for the last 20 years!!!  Okay, got that out of my system.  This season is over.  All of us could provide many examples of mistaken identities on the court, stupid things said by the coach, the AD ignoring the littlest important things such as the music was so loud at the Coop that you honestly couldn't hear the person next to you talk...and there are more.  Please make corrections for next year.

    The press conference was really interesting hearing what the two players had to say and their positive attitude of getting everyone back.  It's now on Dambrot...it's that simple...and that difficult.  Go Dukes!

(Let me add that I thought the writers that covered the Dukes did an Excellent job this year.)

 

3/10/2022 1:19 pm  #13


Re: Who goes, who comes?

With regards to who stays and who goes I'll take the following approach :

1) We need 8 or 9 A-10 level players. No A-10 team rosters more than 10 of these types. It is open for discussion which of the group of 12 we have now fits that bill. I am guessing 4 maybe 5 with a couple of wild cards ( Acuff and Okani ). We also have a couple of complete unknowns ( Gunn and Barba ).

2) For the filling out of the roster I would like the coaching staff to show some consistency in who they recruit. If you are going to stress defense you best recruit players who are WILLING / CAPABLE of playing it. No sense bringing in defensive liabilities and either, not playing the player, or yanking him at every turn when he makes a mistake. this is a failed strategy.

3) Same goes for "I have always played inside out". Any big you bring in better have some offensive game and the guards / wing players better be willing to space the floor , move the ball , hit open shots , and FEED THE POST.  Don't half ass it. Either recruit these types of players or don't. If you don't, come up with a new game plan.

4) Take a hard look at the coaching staff. Loyalty is great, but I would ask why have we had so many bad player evaluations ??? There are always going to be misses but the number that have occurred at DU over the last 5 years is staggering . We better find an answer and fix it, or else it just won't work.

In closing , good thread many interesting points.

 

 

3/10/2022 1:39 pm  #14


Re: Who goes, who comes?

townsonkid wrote:

Give me the 6 you mentioned above, bring back Barba too.   What happened to Ayers?   Can he afford to transfer again?   He would have to sit out a year right, 2nd transfer?

No idea about Ayers other than he has been absent the last 3 games.  I hope all is well in his life but I wouldn't expect him back.  Rarely have I seen a player not on the bench for the end of the season with no explanation and then return.

 

3/10/2022 1:43 pm  #15


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Sounds like we just got a 6'9" kid who was recruited by some heavy hitters(Dayton, Texas A&M, etc).   So that makes 7.   Coming out hot!!!!

 

3/10/2022 1:51 pm  #16


Re: Who goes, who comes?

z duke wrote:

Saw a comment above about the current players being great kids. Coach has mentioned attitude issues in the past so I'm hoping this is true. I don't recall him pointing out any problem kids this year. Poor play, yes, but not selfish or lazy attitudes.

As many have acknowledged, there is a bunch of talent on this team, and while some of the coaching has been suspect, is there any indication that KD now has guys with the attitudes that he likes? Wondering if anybody with real knowledge of this could comment. Good grades? Decent campus citizens? If there are no issues in that regard, bring them all back and let's see what this seriously young team can do with this past season behind them and a few more months together. (Of course, some more bulk down low and a sharp shooter wouldn't hurt.) 

My heart wants to bring them all back too because I saw nothing on the court that led me to believe this wasn't a great bunch of people.  But my mind could not help but realize this group as a whole  is seriously lacking the talent to compete necessary in the A-10.  Any one of them could fill a role but room has to be made to bring in more talent so unfortunately we can't bring them all back.

 

3/10/2022 3:58 pm  #17


Re: Who goes, who comes?

Everyone except Rotroff and Williams are fresh and soph players. All of them have a very good chance of putting on some muscle and come in from off season training better than this year. So I want most of them back. But we could also use a 3 point shooter that has good mechanics and, like Acuff, is around 47% from the 3 pt range. An experienced point guard would be a major pick up. Williams back healthy playing the 4-5 position with Hima at 5, and if possible, but not likely, get someone that can help out at 5,  Coaching wise, I would like to see this coach play more transition, full court press, and play Man and  zone defense depending on our opponents. He plays a very slow half court style of play that, in my opinion, isn't likely to win the A-10.  I doubt he can change, but he should.

 

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