FAM wrote:
I really haven’t seen the immature side of TDK much before...maybe I missed it. Don’t know if you know this, but he and Hughes room together. I sure hope that Hughes isn’t rubbing off on TDM. Would hope it would be the other way around. So I’ll say this for a third or maybe fourth time, Hughes needs to grow up. Passion and an edge is great...he is immature. If he doesn’t clean this up soon, there will be a close game against a good team we are going to lose because off his antics. Yes, Sincere is starting to talk also. This can morph into bad juju for the team. COACH DAMBROT, I luv ya man, but it is up to you to get this guys in check. It’s starting to get out of hand...and...IT DOES motivate the other team.
I also believe that when their star came back in the second half...that was the difference. Call me crazy (please don’t) I am not as upset over this game as when they got blown out by Marshall. Last night, the better team came back in the second half. And I agree, if SIncere thinks he is the best guard in the league, he needs to shut-up about it and based on the last two games, he has been average at best. Hughes wants to be tough but he gets it handed to him with bigger guys at times. Focus back on the team guys. The next game is going to be just as tough up at Mass. after a loss. You can win this one. Go Dukes!
Great post. Much better expressed than mine. This is almost exactly what I was trying to convey.
TDM's immaturity shows itself, for me, when instead of being a calming influence in tough spots, he goes into hero ball mode. The wild bombs & fruitless drives are easy to pick-on. However, his decision making is equally damaging in these moments when he sells out trying for a steal & the other guys get a wide open dagger 3 as well as when he decides he will push up way too hard on a stronger, opposing guard, the player goes immediately around/through/over him, & then the entire Dukes defense has to over-help to the point of giving up easy drives or collecting damaging fouls.
I don't fault his spunk. That is priceless. However, players of his experience level must demonstrate their leadership & basketball maturity by cranking up the intensity in tough spots while sticking to the sound principles of the system & holding teamates accountable for doing the same.
I was encouraged to see KD yank him & get on him last night. That is the first time I can recall him doing that to TDM specifically. It was way overdue. I was equally disappointed to see TDM answer back. If you want to be great, start by being accountable for your actions; goid or bad.
At the moment and particularly at home, URI is the more talented, more experienced, & better team. They aren't 22 points better. The first half is evidence enough of that. The Dukes can beat these teams. It remains to be seen if they will.
Rotroff showed a bit of life. Hopefully that boosts his confidence. Miller really handled the adversity like a freshman. The daggers truly pierced his heart.