BTW.... lots of credit to the coaching staff for not rushing Reece and Gunn back. The conference season is way more important than the non-con, and these are the injuries that could plague the entire season.

Same thing, but different circumstances with Easley. Very talented player, but we saw what happened a few years ago when there was no discipline/accountability. I have no idea what the issues are, but I hope that he gets it together and rejoins the team on the floor. I'd sacrifice a win now for better team dynamics in the long run. This has already gone beyond a slap on the wrist, so Coach must be weighing the personal and team dynamics.
 

I love this year’s schedule (and the results even more so). We’ve always assumed the Dukes road back to the big dance was through the A-10. This kind of schedule opens up the possibility (though still a long shot) of an at-large bid because we can point to a great record (or at least potential at this point) against tournament teams. 9 of the 20 teams we play from Kentucky through Loyola were in the NCAA tournament last year or the year before. Starting with Tuesday, 11 of the next 15 opponents have been in at least one of the last five tourneys. If we can win these games and continue the solid play in conference, the Dukes could make a very interesting blind resume come March.

Something I was surprised at while looking at upcoming games. Checked out the box score of NMS and San Diego and saw that Eric Williams Jr. plays for San Diego. By the way NMS pretty much shut him down.

luckymcd wrote:

I love this year’s schedule (and the results even more so). We’ve always assumed the Dukes road back to the big dance was through the A-10. This kind of schedule opens up the possibility (though still a long shot) of an at-large bid because we can point to a great record (or at least potential at this point) against tournament teams. 9 of the 20 teams we play from Kentucky through Loyola were in the NCAA tournament last year or the year before. Starting with Tuesday, 11 of the next 15 opponents have been in at least one of the last five tourneys. If we can win these games and continue the solid play in conference, the Dukes could make a very interesting blind resume come March.

 In my opinion we would have to win out non conference play and have 2 and mayyyybe 3 losses at most in non con to better teams in the confernce. We'd have to be the champions of league play, hard but possible!

BluffHunter wrote:

luckymcd wrote:

I love this year’s schedule (and the results even more so). We’ve always assumed the Dukes road back to the big dance was through the A-10. This kind of schedule opens up the possibility (though still a long shot) of an at-large bid because we can point to a great record (or at least potential at this point) against tournament teams. 9 of the 20 teams we play from Kentucky through Loyola were in the NCAA tournament last year or the year before. Starting with Tuesday, 11 of the next 15 opponents have been in at least one of the last five tourneys. If we can win these games and continue the solid play in conference, the Dukes could make a very interesting blind resume come March.

 In my opinion we would have to win out non conference play and have 2 and mayyyybe 3 losses at most in non con to better teams in the confernce. We'd have to be the champions of league play, hard but possible!

I would think that if the team can finish with a total of 4 losses - 3 in conference and the Kentucky loss, an NCAA slot would be forthcoming. Not even a bubble issue. 
 

Motor wrote:

Here are the records and Ken Pom ratings for the remaining home non-league games.
They are a combined 28-14
Our Record 6-1 Ken Pom 112

After Ball State which we should not take lightly nor anyone lightly we will have our hands full.
I would love to sweep them all what Dukes fan wouldn't but I'd also settle for 5-1
If Reece is not 100% let him sit out Ball State also. We can sure use him and Gunn for the rest.

Team         Record Ken POM. Updated Nov 6
Ball St.            4-3        212
Marshall         6-1        105     7-1 -105
N. Mexico St. 3-2        132     4-2- 135
DePaul            4-3        101    5-3- 93
Indiana St.      7-1        130    8-1 -113
Winthrop        4-4        209.    4-5 -223

I updated these numbers just keeps getting tougher
Dukes 7-1 -116

Marshall is next, thats all that matters.   Keep on truckin!!!

Anyone been to that burger place where Red Ring was?   Any good for pregame?  They have booze?