Duke Preview
by F1NS on Jan 15, 2012 11:34 AM EST
in Clemson Basketball
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Duke brings their high-powered offense to Littlejohn today. The Dukies average just over 80 points per game, good enough for 11th best in the nation, and rank 6th in the nation in overall field goal percentage. Coach K's club has 4 guys that average over 10 ppg in Austin Rivers, Seth Curry, Mason Plumlee, and Ryan Kelly.
Duke's backcourt is home to 2 of the best pure shooters in the country in freshman phenom Austin Rivers (14.4 ppg) and Liberty transfer Seth Curry (12.2 ppg), but the Dukies have struggled to find the right guy for the point guard position. Quinn Cook has one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the country, and played a stellar game in his first start of the year in the ACC opener against Georgia Tech, but he had a bad game against Virginia, and was only on the court for 12 minutes. It's likely that Cook gets the start again at point, but it's also possible that Coach K will look at other options for the position. Rivers and Curry will likely light things up, but the level of play from the point is less of a sure thing.
Duke's frontcourt is tall, with the Mason and Miles Plumlee and Ryan Kelly all listed at at least 6-10. Devin's going to have his hands full.
Which Clemson team shows up? Will it be the team that destroyed one of the ACC's best teams in Florida State? Or will it be the team that couldn't even beat BC's all freshmen squad? The Tigers have to play their best game of the season if they want to beat the Blue Devils.
For us to beat Duke, a lot has to go right. Devin has to wake up. Andre and TJ have to shoot lights out. Tanner and Milton have to limit their turnovers and mental mistakes. And we have to actually make some free throws at the end of the game. If we can do all of these things (that's a BIG if), then we have a shot.
I'm not expecting a win today. What I want to see out of this Tigers team today is a team that plays hard and doesn't quit. I want to see guys play harder (Devin) and make less mental mistakes (Tanner, Milton). We aren't talented enough to win unless we play the best game of the year. And after suffering through the BC game, I expect this team to come out and play hard.
A lot of people don't think that these Tigers have even a chance against Duke. Most I've talked to are expecting a blow out, and who can blame them? People don't expect Devin to wake up. They don't think Milton can play with any confidence. They don't think Tanner can stop turning the ball over. They don't think TJ and Andre can go shot for shot with Curry and Rivers. I'm not so sure myself that we can change these things today, but I'm hoping these Tigers can prove me wrong.
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Its wishful thinking...
Tanner has turned it over all year, milton still looks confused add to his role on the team, and devin Is an even bigger disappointment than his brother was. Im ready for brownells guys to come in so we can really see what he’s worth.
by Clemfan on Jan 15, 2012 3:14 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Big for recruiting too
All the 2012 commits are coming, along with Rooks in ’13. Stephens, Thornwell and LJ Peak also from ’13. Several from 2014 as well.
The Chad is in attendance.
He’s sitting a few rows in front of and in the section to the right of my wife and me (upper bowl nonetheless). Maybe his offensive spark will rub off on the Tigers ;)
by matchless on Jan 15, 2012 6:01 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Any recruits or additional people there?
Would be nice to know.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
I saw someone in a Clemson track suit
With an all access pass around his neck and an entourage behind him. Not sure who he is though.
by matchless on Jan 15, 2012 6:07 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Starters for tonight:
Per @aimclemson :TJ Sapp, Tanner Smith, Andre Young, Milton Jennings, Devin Booker.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
I like that we're attacking
we’ve got to put Duke on the back foot and keep them there. They will get their points.
a 4-0 start by the Tigers forces an early TO by Duke
Booker had a good follow behind attempt of a Jennings layup, he missed it but secured the offensive rebound. If our team can maintain any sort of momentum we can force Duke out of their comfort zone.
Nice move by Tanner to feed MJ for the dunk
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Jennings is playing well
haven’t said that in a while.
Duke attempting a single man press
We are getting good straight up lanes to the basket. If Clemson is to win they need to abuse those chances as much as possible, and if they are fouled, make each basket count.
Young, Sapp, Hall, & Narcisse need to be mindful of this.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
5 man sub is looming
Still I’ll take it while we got it…
Duke hasn't faired too well on the road this year
I think a loud crowd and early Clemson aggressiveness could knock them off their game. Should be good one if we can continue this
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
You can tell the freshmen have been soaking up what BB is preaching
Good moving the ball around
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Link to watch
http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/102396/1/watch-(6)-duke-vs-clemson.html
Since it’s on ESPNU, it’s not on ESPN3.com.
We are getting good hands on the ball
Forcing them to protect the ball more than push. I like this, trying to hold my excitement
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Matched up against the younger Plumlee
Not the best matchup, Bobo will slow us down in the transition game, but he can be a good weapon if we feed him low.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
If Bobo
Can limit the turnovers I think he can have a big game
He keeps putting himself out of position on Defense
One of my biggest issues with him. Rarely can get a defensive rebound, but will eat a team alive on the offensive side. Never figured that one out.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Whomever this Allison Williams is, hi
AS for our free throw chances, currently we are 5-6. Good start
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
You think anyone has ever told him or his brother to just stop?
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Sullivan should not be covering Kelly
Too young, inexperienced to be playing against him for extended minutes.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Is that due to them finally getting hot
or are we getting tired?
I haven't been watching too closely
But Duke’s guards have been able to get separation and get some open 3 looks. Not sure if we are getting picked or just being lazy on D. Have to stay within reach of them on the perimeter.
by matchless on Jan 15, 2012 7:03 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
We need to slow the game down.
We won’t win this kind of fast paced game with their shooters
Getting hard to watch
Too many stupid, quick 3 pointers, getting no calls on Duke traveling. And stupid fouls.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
I miss Trevor and Grant
we need a bulldog in the middle
We just need Devon, MJ, and Bobo to just play
Force it around, make Duke respect your inside presence
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Jennings is soft at times
Booker doesn’t always play his best, and Bobo is still akward in his height.
We have to capitalize on foul shots and any layup chances
Getting to close to the time for us to keep messing around.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
Announcers need to shut up
Duke had flopped at least 5 times already!
I appreciate what Tanner tries to do in terms of heart and effort, but his stupidity and mistakes have truly killed us this year along with numerous others on this team…
Henderson-Sports 06
MFFL & Caniac
by Henderson-Sports 06 on Jan 15, 2012 7:51 PM EST reply actions
Maybe Milton is growing up today!
by TigerFan74 on Jan 15, 2012 7:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If he plays like this next game then I'll agree
need to see consistancy
That wasn't tipped by duke there
by Clemfan on Jan 15, 2012 8:01 PM EST via Android app reply actions
If we play like this the rest of the year
we’ll win a lot of games. Just couldn’t stop their shooters. Too many open threes made and some crazy shots that can’t be defended
Another game lost at the free throw line.
by matchless on Jan 15, 2012 8:08 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
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