How Do We Combat Duke?

[Lighthouse]

I wonder how folks are worried about Duke when we can’t beat Tennessee lost 3 of last 4 or Florida will be 3 of last 4 very soon.UK is in a downward spiral, and frankly we are talking about possible NIT bids, Ill tell you guys UNC , Duke Villanova and many others are not having that conversation, haven’t in a WHILE. Duke is not our problem, best look within if you want .to see what’s ailing UK basketball

This thread isn't about this years team per say. The OP simply asks for our thoughts on how do we deal with the latest success by Duke, in getting so many OAD's we were recruiting.

[J.Jennings]

In all reality, the last time i checked Duke has lost like 4 games, Kansas has lost 5, Carolina like 7 or so, and so on, how do we keep up with Villanova lol lol lol lol. Let's face it, so far this just hasn't been our year and we missed on a guy or two that could have made us perhaps not dominate but at least better in the win column so far. If this trend continues on over the course of a couple more years then yes it's a major problem.

[George]

RecSpecs, man. RecSpecs.

The WVU team we annihilated in the 38-1 year had a big dude who wore RecSpecs. I kinda liked him for that reason alone.

[KCKUKFan]

In all reality, the last time i checked Duke has lost like 4 games, Kansas has lost 5, Carolina like 7 or so, and so on, how do we keep up with Villanova lol lol lol lol. Let's face it, so far this just hasn't been our year and we missed on a guy or two that could have made us perhaps not dominate but at least better in the win column so far. If this trend continues on over the course of a couple more years then yes it's a major problem.

And Villanova lost at home to St. John's last night.

Either St. John's has turned into world-beaters in a week, or everybody just sort've sucks right now.

I'm leaning towards the latter.

[justford]

The WVU team we annihilated in the 38-1 year had a big dude who wore RecSpecs. I kinda liked him for that reason alone.

Devin Williams

[KevinHall]

I never really understood the headband = thug argument.

Seems like a headband is the least threatening basketball attire a person can wear. Or maybe second to the ol' Bike knee pad.

Still a few people in this world who think if you have anything more than a flat top haircut and tattoo that says Mother on it you are next to the devil.

[J.Jennings]

And Villanova lost at home to St. John's last night.

Either St. John's has turned into world-beaters in a week, or everybody just sort've sucks right now.

I'm leaning towards the latter.

Over the years i have just learned to chill and not worry about it, we can't win them all. I get ticked like everyone else when we lose but maybe this is just a bad year and i am confident Cal will work hard to make sure these type of things don't happen again. As i have said and i truly believe, Cal actually hates losing worse than we do if that is even possible.

At this point, i just want to get into the NCAA tournament and see what happens. In reality, a bad year actually makes me appreciate the good years even more. Through the Cal era, i think some of us actually have taken this whole thing for granite year in and year out...........

[catfaninin]

Saw the player intro's for the Arizona - UCLA game tonight. Arizona's intro video starts off by saying "We are a players program." So Cal isn't the only one using that line.

And on a separate note. Bill Walton is still a babbling buffoon.

[justford]

Saw the player intro's for the Arizona - UCLA game tonight. Arizona's intro video starts off by saying "We are a players program." So Cal isn't the only one using that line.

And on a separate note. Bill Walton is still a babbling buffoon.

I guess I am in the minority but I love Bill Walton's commentary. Never a dull moment.

[Joneslab]

UCLA beat Arizona in that game at Arizona.

Interesting week in college basketball. North Carolina pretty much whipped Duke last night. Four-point score but it was everything Duke could do to not let that game get away from them.

One of the worst defensive teams I've seen that has top five talent. Anything you want you can get against Duke.

[catfaninin]

UCLA beat Arizona in that game at Arizona.

Interesting week in college basketball. North Carolina pretty much whipped Duke last night. Four-point score but it was everything Duke could do to not let that game get away from them.

One of the worst defensive teams I've seen that has top five talent. Anything you want you can get against Duke.

UCLA not only won they totally controlled the game. Had a double digit lead mostly throughout. I thought Arizona might be the favorite this year. Should know not to put any faith in a Sean Miller coached team.

[Joneslab]

That's why I was making those comments about Tennessee the other night.

The team who wins it this year might come out of nowhere. There are so many teams who have a legitimate shot to make a run to the Final Four.

Still think Villanova is the best but they don't strike a lot of fear in your heart. This could be a season like 2013 or 2014 when there's a lot of strangeness in the bracket. Just nobody that really stands out.

[BobS]

Really, all you need to plan against Duke is just outscore them. Terrible defensive team. Not sure their light will come on to win it all, but they have the horses on the floor and in coaching.

I still think Nova and MSU have the games to win 6 in a row. My dark horses for the Final Four are OSU and Auburn (even though I despise Pearl)

[Joneslab]

Ohio State is one of the teams I actually haven't seen play. Ditto Cincinnati.

I like Purdue, though it's hard to call them a dark horse. Great outside shooting. Very good inside/outside balance.

[lilproUK98]

Maybe Cal needs to change the message. Obviously, it's no longer fresh.

The bigger question is can Cal win it all without 2-3 superstars? I have my doubts, but he'll need to.

The message is a lot of it. Cal needs to scrap the "this isn't for everyone" line...that is killing him. Negative recruiting is as much a strength for Duke as any other method they use. This "The Brotherhood" BS is actually working for them somehow....and I would not be surprised in the least if Capel isn't cheating in some areas...I don't think anyone thinks Duke will get in trouble for anything from the NCAA...they've had players in the past get in trouble and absolutely nothing has happened. They've had transfers, a stunning lack of player development, and there's no comparison in the # of successful of one and done AND two and done players to UK.... our focus and message MUST be on our results and record of success. Period.

We used to have "La Familia" when Orlando was here, we need something like that again. Our recruiting classes, players have no relatable identity in recent years, it's just been a bunch of individual dudes coming here. Quade tried to get a tight group here, but failed on a few guys.