Hey Rob, glad to see "Monday Overreactions!!! continue on your substack. I am a big fan of your content, thanks for continuing to pump it out. I am a Duke fan and think you are on the money about the lack of two way players, it was a big problem last year, too. However, Baker in the starting line-up was quickly corrected with DJ Steward starting the second half. I think K's ideal line-up is ultimately Johnson, Steward, Roach, Hurt and Moore...that would mean Hurt has to be able to guard 5s and you are quite correct to question that possibility. Both traditional big are brand new and at opposite ends of the spectrum...Grad Transfer Patrick Tape and Freshman 7 footer Mark Williams. I am sure we'll see them against MSU tomorrow night, and maybe that will give us an indication as to whether or not Duke plays small all year. Johnson was protecting the rim against Coppin, but Coppin was also a 5 out squad that jacked 3s and didn't really go inside much. With the youth, lack of a preseason and the elimination of a vaunted home court advantage, Duke fans have to take the long view this year. It may be the rare K squad that is a lot better in March than in December.
Hey Rob, glad to see "Monday Overreactions!!! continue on your substack. I am a big fan of your content, thanks for continuing to pump it out. I am a Duke fan and think you are on the money about the lack of two way players, it was a big problem last year, too. However, Baker in the starting line-up was quickly corrected with DJ Steward starting the second half. I think K's ideal line-up is ultimately Johnson, Steward, Roach, Hurt and Moore...that would mean Hurt has to be able to guard 5s and you are quite correct to question that possibility. Both traditional big are brand new and at opposite ends of the spectrum...Grad Transfer Patrick Tape and Freshman 7 footer Mark Williams. I am sure we'll see them against MSU tomorrow night, and maybe that will give us an indication as to whether or not Duke plays small all year. Johnson was protecting the rim against Coppin, but Coppin was also a 5 out squad that jacked 3s and didn't really go inside much. With the youth, lack of a preseason and the elimination of a vaunted home court advantage, Duke fans have to take the long view this year. It may be the rare K squad that is a lot better in March than in December.