Early Entrants

• swamisez

  

  btw, this is what irks me the most. The statement is such a departure from K.
  
  "Our whole program is overjoyed with having Kyrie here for one year and that he has the chance now to pursue a dream of being a high draft pick and a great player in the NBA," Krzyzewski said. "We are totally supportive of Kyrie, his family and his decision. We look forward to continuing to work with him during the upcoming months leading to his entry into the NBA and afterwards while he is an NBA player."
  
  Here is the quote when Luol left after one
  "We're supportive of Luol's decision," said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "Based on our information, it is apparent that he will be a high pick in this year's NBA Draft. We will thoroughly examine any available information and utilize our resources here at Duke to help Luol make a decision that is best for him and his family."
• ironman02

  GOONx19;735088 wrote:I got a chance to talk to DeAndre Liggins today, and he said he thinks Knight's gonna come back one more year. I know this kind of thing never means anything, but apparently Knight will be able to graduate next year if he comes back. He had like 30 hours coming into school and had a loaded schedule in the fall semester. Liggins also said he would think about going pro this year because he's got to start looking out for his kid (his girlfriend had a son the first week of February), but he's not sure because he doesn't think he's ready to leave Lexington yet.

  Did he say anything about Jones?
• reclegend22

  

  swamisez wrote:btw, this is what irks me the most. The statement is such a departure from K.

  I understand where you're coming from, swami, but, with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship, Coach K could never have expected Irving to stay and therefore might as well praise the kid's memorable tenure -- while brief -- in Durham. Irving fought like mad to get back onto the floor for his teammates, subscribing to an exhaustive and rigorous rehab and training regimen that would ensure he was able to fulfill his dream of playing for Duke in the NCAA tournament, when other players of his particular position (read: possible top NBA draft pick) might have just called it a year and set their focus on the pros. I think K understands that Irving's heart was always in the right place and K is big on that kind of stuff. He is the author of "Leading with the Heart," you know. Basically, he's the president of hearts. (Unlike Roy, who doesn't own one. Instead of a heart, I think he has a cap gun.)
  
  That's just my take.
• Hb31187

  

  reclegend22;735127 wrote:I understand where you're coming from, swami, but, with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship, Coach K could never have expected Irving to stay and therefore might as well praise the kid's memorable tenure -- while brief -- in Durham. Irving fought like mad to get back onto the floor for his teammates, subscribing to an exhaustive and rigorous rehab and training regimen that would ensure he was able to fulfill his dream of playing for Duke in the NCAA tournament, when other players of his particular position (read: possible top NBA draft pick) might have just called it a year and set their focus on the pros. I think K understands that Irving's heart was always in the right place and K is big on that kind of stuff. He is the author of "Leading with the Heart," you know. Basically, he's the president of hearts. (Unlike Roy, who doesn't own one. Instead of a heart, I think he has a cap gun.)
  
  That's just my take.

  
  Lol oh gimme a break
• karen lotz

  

  reclegend22;735127 wrote:Basically, he's the president of hearts.

  
  
  lol'd
• Azubuike24

  

  ironman02;735096 wrote:Did he say anything about Jones?

  
  If Brandon and DeAndre return, UK will be insane.
  
  Jones is the most replaceable of the 4 who could leave (Lamb, Knight, Liggins, Jones).
  
  I think Jones' stock has dropped a bit, but Gilchrist, Davis and Wiltjer coming in who are all legit PF/C's may really make it tough for him to raise his stock.
  
  Teague, Knight, Lamb, Miller and Liggins would be an absolutely sick group of 5 though...
• DeyDurkie5

  

  reclegend22;735127 wrote:I understand where you're coming from, swami, but, with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship, Coach K could never have expected Irving to stay and therefore might as well praise the kid's memorable tenure -- while brief -- in Durham. Irving fought like mad to get back onto the floor for his teammates, subscribing to an exhaustive and rigorous rehab and training regimen that would ensure he was able to fulfill his dream of playing for Duke in the NCAA tournament, when other players of his particular position (read: possible top NBA draft pick) might have just called it a year and set their focus on the pros. I think K understands that Irving's heart was always in the right place and K is big on that kind of stuff. He is the author of "Leading with the Heart," you know. Basically, he's the president of hearts. (Unlike Roy, who doesn't own one. Instead of a heart, I think he has a cap gun.)
  
  That's just my take.

  
  
  you truly just wrote one of the faggiest things ever on the oc..and that's saying a lot. president of hearts? LOL
• Azubuike24

  

  Another site out there has Josh Selby as declaring AND hiring an agent.
  
  http://collegehoopsupdate.com/html/early_entrant.php
• GOONx19

  

  ironman02;735096 wrote:Did he say anything about Jones?

  
  No, but the general feeling on campus is that he'll leave. I personally think Davis will overshadow him anyway, and that even though his stock's dropped it'll probably take more of a hit if he comes back. Looking at our lineup for next year, though, it sure would be nice to have his size.
• cbus4life

  reclegend22;735127 wrote:I understand where you're coming from, swami, but, with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship, Coach K could never have expected Irving to stay and therefore might as well praise the kid's memorable tenure -- while brief -- in Durham. Irving fought like mad to get back onto the floor for his teammates, subscribing to an exhaustive and rigorous rehab and training regimen that would ensure he was able to fulfill his dream of playing for Duke in the NCAA tournament, when other players of his particular position (read: possible top NBA draft pick) might have just called it a year and set their focus on the pros. I think K understands that Irving's heart was always in the right place and K is big on that kind of stuff. He is the author of "Leading with the Heart," you know. Basically, he's the president of hearts. (Unlike Roy, who doesn't own one. Instead of a heart, I think he has a cap gun.)
  
  That's just my take.

  
  Lol. Seriously?
• cbus4life

  UK will be fine if Jones leaves...Knight is the key.
• Azubuike24

  

  Anyone who watched UK at the end of the year (when they were really clicking), Terrence Jones was the 4th or 5th option on offense. Calipari's offense at it's best features the guards and wings to be able to drive and create either shots for themselves, get to the foul line or kick it out for jump shots. As Miller and Liggins stepped up, Knight established himself as the #1 options and Lamb being so deadly outside, Jones and Harrellson did most of their work on the glass. Now, UK did try to get Jones involved at times, but with Teague, Miller, Lamb and possibly Knight and Liggins back next year, it will be very tough for Jones to raise his stock. Add to the fact that Gilchrist, Davis and Wiltjer will all get minutes, the shots are going to be less available for Jones. It doesn't mean he can't continue to improve as he certainly showed his improvements passing, handling the ball, on defense and doing the intangibles, but it will be very tough.
  
  One of the reasons people are picking UK isn't just because who they bring in, but they are bringing in two kids like Gilchrist and Davis who will be beasts from day one on the boards and defensively and be perfect compliments to all of those other guys who will be handling the ball and asked to create the offense. In theory, Jones' game doesn't fit this offense like those guys do, and even though they are very talented, their styles fit even better into what we saw Calipari really start to produce the second half of this year.
  
  The biggest key for next year is going to be how quickly Marquis Teague picks things up. Even with insane talent, this offense requires a point guard to be poised and really "get it" to make a deep run. Rose, Evans, Wall and Knight all "got it" by conference play and shined, will Teague get the minutes and/or have the poise to do that as well? He's surely got the talent and I wouldn't doubt Cal's ability (he's 4 for 4 so far), but who knows.
• se-alum

  

  reclegend22;735127 wrote:I understand where you're coming from, swami, but, with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship, Coach K could never have expected Irving to stay and therefore might as well praise the kid's memorable tenure -- while brief -- in Durham. Irving fought like mad to get back onto the floor for his teammates, subscribing to an exhaustive and rigorous rehab and training regimen that would ensure he was able to fulfill his dream of playing for Duke in the NCAA tournament, when other players of his particular position (read: possible top NBA draft pick) might have just called it a year and set their focus on the pros. I think K understands that Irving's heart was always in the right place and K is big on that kind of stuff. He is the author of "Leading with the Heart," you know. Basically, he's the president of hearts. (Unlike Roy, who doesn't own one. Instead of a heart, I think he has a cap gun.)
  
  That's just my take.

  You serious Clark??? That post was hilariously delusional.
• Prescott

  You serious Clark??? That post was hilariously delusional.

  This isn't his first delusional post!!!
  

  with the now infamous injury that deprived us of a fifth national championship,

  Funny how things work out. Injuries to other players gave duke a 2010 championship and now an injury to a duke player supposedly cost duke. Last time I looked at the box score from Arizona's 93-77 thrashing of duke, Irving played 31 minutes and scored 28 points. Yea, that injury absolutely killed duke.
• swamisez

  

  Sure I think Duke with a completely healthy and experienced Irving would have been a more viable contender for the National Title and likely would have earned the second or third #1 seed. Which may have kept them from going west, and ultimately away from Arizona. But these scenarios are what they are.
  
  My point is, I don't want K bringing in players who won't commit to Duke for more than 2.5 -3 years (allotted time necessary for academically strong persons to earn credits enough to graduate, given summer courses, winter term, etc.) I really hope Will Avery, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, Kyrie Irving are the exception and not future norms. I don't care how many rings he wins. A top flight academic institution is what Duke is first and foremost and to bring in players that don't take full advantage of that makes me question any givings to the athletic endowment fund or sending potential prospects to their camps.
• Prescott

  My point is, I don't want K bringing in players who won't commit to Duke for more than 2.5 -3 years

  k changed with the times. He went after Wall and lost. He went after Irving and won. How long will Rivers stay?
• wildcats20

  

  I don't know if it was official before or not, but it's official now.
  
  The Morris twins are in with an agent.
• centralbucksfan

  Azubuike24;735225 wrote:Anyone who watched UK at the end of the year (when they were really clicking), Terrence Jones was the 4th or 5th option on offense. Calipari's offense at it's best features the guards and wings to be able to drive and create either shots for themselves, get to the foul line or kick it out for jump shots. As Miller and Liggins stepped up, Knight established himself as the #1 options and Lamb being so deadly outside, Jones and Harrellson did most of their work on the glass. Now, UK did try to get Jones involved at times, but with Teague, Miller, Lamb and possibly Knight and Liggins back next year, it will be very tough for Jones to raise his stock. Add to the fact that Gilchrist, Davis and Wiltjer will all get minutes, the shots are going to be less available for Jones. It doesn't mean he can't continue to improve as he certainly showed his improvements passing, handling the ball, on defense and doing the intangibles, but it will be very tough.
  
  One of the reasons people are picking UK isn't just because who they bring in, but they are bringing in two kids like Gilchrist and Davis who will be beasts from day one on the boards and defensively and be perfect compliments to all of those other guys who will be handling the ball and asked to create the offense. In theory, Jones' game doesn't fit this offense like those guys do, and even though they are very talented, their styles fit even better into what we saw Calipari really start to produce the second half of this year.
  
  The biggest key for next year is going to be how quickly Marquis Teague picks things up. Even with insane talent, this offense requires a point guard to be poised and really "get it" to make a deep run. Rose, Evans, Wall and Knight all "got it" by conference play and shined, will Teague get the minutes and/or have the poise to do that as well? He's surely got the talent and I wouldn't doubt Cal's ability (he's 4 for 4 so far), but who knows.

  
  Thats if Cal is still around to run the offense. Sure are a lot of rumblings that he is interested in returning to the NBA if the right situation is there.
• GOONx19

  

  There hasn't been anywhere near the amount of rumblings that surfaced last summer.
• swamisez

  

  Both k and Roy withdrew from wall sweeps when he was linked to world wide Wes. Duke didn't lose on wall as much they didn't try to win as much as uk
• swamisez

  

  GOONx19;736148 wrote:There hasn't been anywhere near the amount of rumblings that surfaced last summer.

  
  NBA labor deal to blame?
• georgemc80

  I can't believe any athlete would leave early this year. (at least by hiring an agent). The NBA will not be playing basketball until sometime in 2012. Their labor goose is cooked. They are far apart, teams are losing money, players don't understand, owners don't care. The lockout/stoppage is perhaps a lock. These kids are making a huge mistake.
• Prescott

  Shoe contracts, at for the top picks.
• wildcats20

  

  Breaking News on ESPN....
  
  
  Kemba Walker is turning Pro.
• karen lotz

  

  Perry Jones is NOT declaring, and will return to Baylor for his sophomore season. A bit of a shock.