Great write up. Felt like I was rewatching the game while reading it.
Duke officially has a big 3- Moore, Paolo and Mark. Eventually AJ will come along and be that super sixth man we’ve been waiting for. Despite both guys shooting poorly on Friday, I was extremely impressed with the fight of Keels and Jeremy. This team fights like hell. It’s fun to support guys that are fighters even when things aren’t falling for them.
Can’t forget to mention Theo’s two critical buckets over Timme in the second half. The zags could have pulled away during that stretch. Those two buckets were in a way, similar to those two late 3s that Andre Dawkins hit in the first half of the elite 8 game in 2010. Obviously not the same stage but those buckets kept us in it in a huge huge game.
Theo made some critical buckets and plays defensively when Duke needed them most, for sure. He was a huge part of that victory. You're right, this team fights. They are really connected as a group. It's fun to watch.
FT's were certainly a concern. I understand the pressure is a whole different ballgame against Gonzaga than it was against The Citadel, but they were on two different extremes. Moore's ability to be clutch in those situations was definitely a promising development, though.
Griffin still has a lot of development and catching up to do after missing so much time. Clearly his talent/skill level is off the charts. He'll get there, but it's going to take more time than I think most want/expect. Joey certainly hasn't been consistent, and needs to be, but I don't want to completely discredit some of the intangibles - energy, toughness, fiery attitude he brings. His teammates talks frequently about what he brings in that regard. Now, that's not to discount some mistakes, but he has value. I don't know that he will ever really be more than that, though. If he can bring Jack White level contributions, that would be big for Duke.
Great write up. Felt like I was rewatching the game while reading it.
Duke officially has a big 3- Moore, Paolo and Mark. Eventually AJ will come along and be that super sixth man we’ve been waiting for. Despite both guys shooting poorly on Friday, I was extremely impressed with the fight of Keels and Jeremy. This team fights like hell. It’s fun to support guys that are fighters even when things aren’t falling for them.
Can’t forget to mention Theo’s two critical buckets over Timme in the second half. The zags could have pulled away during that stretch. Those two buckets were in a way, similar to those two late 3s that Andre Dawkins hit in the first half of the elite 8 game in 2010. Obviously not the same stage but those buckets kept us in it in a huge huge game.
Theo made some critical buckets and plays defensively when Duke needed them most, for sure. He was a huge part of that victory. You're right, this team fights. They are really connected as a group. It's fun to watch.
I really enjoy the post game write ups! Great stuff.
Some things going forward…
- Duke’s FT shooting. Needs to get better. If Duke would have shot 70% as a team, this game would have be much more in hand.
- Although Joey hit those 2 3s, he just hasn’t stepped up… yet or if he will. AJ? Enough said.
Thanks, Anthony! Glad you enjoy them.
FT's were certainly a concern. I understand the pressure is a whole different ballgame against Gonzaga than it was against The Citadel, but they were on two different extremes. Moore's ability to be clutch in those situations was definitely a promising development, though.
Griffin still has a lot of development and catching up to do after missing so much time. Clearly his talent/skill level is off the charts. He'll get there, but it's going to take more time than I think most want/expect. Joey certainly hasn't been consistent, and needs to be, but I don't want to completely discredit some of the intangibles - energy, toughness, fiery attitude he brings. His teammates talks frequently about what he brings in that regard. Now, that's not to discount some mistakes, but he has value. I don't know that he will ever really be more than that, though. If he can bring Jack White level contributions, that would be big for Duke.