Chingachgook 1826 wrote:

CLK wrote:

https://www.bracketbustershoops.com/p/offseason-review-can-the-duquesne?utm_campaign=post&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Elliot Crowe of Bracket Busters provided a glowing and objective view of our Duquesne Dukes. His review of the new and existing players and what their potential holds makes me wish the opener is tomorrow.  I agree with his enthusiasm for this team.
Of course he points out that the Dukes aren't perfect and who would dispute that. I was not too surprised with his statement, "My largest concern is their front court" since I've expressed the same concern. His notation that we only have two players as tall at 6'9 and that we have two potential frontcourt starters, Dixon and Wilborn (who he projects as our PF) is interesting. He thinks that since our two "rotational players"-Hronsky and Barre "have not played in elevated roles" and have only averaged 7 and 8.3 minutes of game experience may make our frontcourt a potential soft spot. I will say that I agree with his assessment as they are similar to observations and comments that I have mentioned as well. I wish coach could have found an experienced big center to add depth (without losing any of the real talent he did get)
In the past we have all puzzled over how Dambrot seemed to have more players than scholarships and roster spots. Somehow it worked out every year. I wish Coach Dru could pull off that magic hat trick with a big guy this year. Fantasy, I know).
Bracket Busters closed it's analysis of our frontcourt with, "Overall, this is a pretty weak frontcourt" Here I part ways in agreeing with them about our frontcourt--thin? Yes. Weak? That's a ridiculous over statement. We are what we are: a team of exceptional forwards and guards. This team's makeup will give opposing coach's nightmares trying to game plan Duquesne. We are talented, a deep roster, versatile. I think we can play whatever way we want  and change up enough ways as to drive teams nuts. Having said that, my fantasy is still the cherry on top.
We will play Dru-ball and we will be a team to be reckoned with.

 
I’ve made the same observation.  Dixon can’t get into foul trouble or we may have some problems in the second half.  The one thing that makes up for this is the range of guards and “small” forwards with some heft all above 6’4” to rebound and double team a power center by committee. 

Someone like Necas may play offense from just outside the paint but deny the ball inside the paint on defense.

Last edited by coffee (6/15/2024 10:53 am)

Chingachgook 1826 wrote:

You're right, I missed that Bracket Buster didn't mention Necas. I like Necas a lot. I feel he will become a
factor as his game matures. Perhaps it was my imagination but I thought he looked as tall as Dixon (maybe even a tad taller) last year when the team huddled up. I assume the team updates heights and weights each year. Perhaps that will confirm my height perception of Necas from last year. While I feel the frontcourt is a bit thin we can adapt by committee. I look for more consistent scoring and rebounding from in close this year.

You can pull up the BYU game and in the second half, you can see both Dixon and Nacas are in the game and both winning the paint, together. They are, in that game, the same height? They both are very clearly defending in the paint. They both play taller than their size.  I think Necas along with the rest of this very well stocked team are going to be a nightmare for their opponents this fall. He just might be able to help out at center.

Last edited by NapaDuke (6/16/2024 10:37 am)

Necas is tall, and has skills to shoot 3s, dribble drive.   Hopefully he got a taste of success late last year and will grow more this year.   Dixon is an enforcer and I think he likes that role.   Wants to dunk and block shots.   IDK why they cant play at the same time and be successful.   Add Wilborn into the mix and we have a powerful front court.   If Barre comes along after his issue, then we are rock solid.   
There were some pics of players on campus this weekend, one was Dixon, but couldnt tell if he has gotten any bigger.   He just looks like a cool cat tho.   

New Roster List.  Not sure if I believe some of these heights or weights.  Also, Lucas Prolla, the recent walk-on, not shown on this list.  Probably will be updated later this summer.

2024-25 Men's Basketball Roster - Duquesne University Athletics (goduquesne.com)

Let people sleep on Necas. He will start and be a nightmare matchup for the other members of the league.

CLK wrote:

New Roster List.  Not sure if I believe some of these heights or weights.  Also, Lucas Prolla, the recent walk-on, not shown on this list.  Probably will be updated later this summer.

2024-25 Men's Basketball Roster - Duquesne University Athletics (goduquesne.com)

Our guys from last year have the same measurements.   Not sure on the new guys compared to last year.   If Dixon and Necas added any size, its not reflected in this newest roster.


 

Watched the BYU game first time. I was at the game. After knowing the outcome less stress. My observations for next season is kudos that Coach Joyce kept the core group. Necas & Dixon monster game.Jake played like a 5 th year senior. Hronsky & Barre contributed to a couple of big plays.  My second point, if the new transfers play reflect their scoring output against previous power 5 schools this team is loaded. My only concern is can Kareem carry the load for the majority of the season at point guard. Not a criticism of Kareem I love this kid. This team could be even better than last years A-10 Champions. Go Dukes.