Pretty good thread with only a hint of the Dukie arrogance: If you've watched every UK game this year, you've seen Sparks (occasionally) get on a Redick like hot streak, including the moving without the ball part. He got on one of those during the LSU game and nearly saved KY's a$$. Also, KY's Morris is somewhat similar to Williams and Duke doesn't have anyone who defends like Rondo. The Tigers have seen enough this year to be able to handle Duke without any Divine intervention. That said, If Duke brings their "A" game and LSU! doesn't, it could get ugly. I have the ultimate respect for Coach K and the success he's had, but all the fans have done is watch and that doesn't qualify them to walk around like they own college basketball. (This is not directed at Devils2001, only the Duke Nation in general).
I hope my blurb about JJ didnt come off as arrogant. To be honest, JJ is a once in a lifetime type player that we will have in Durham. Its kind of like back in the day if an LSU fan would say "I am not sure if XXX is ready for Shaq." Its not meant to be arrogant but I think you see what my point was. JJ, like Shaq, is one of those special players that other teams focus their game plan on and try to stop but they cant do it. Youre right, some Duke fans may have that smug arrogance about them but I dont think that is representative of the fan base. I have seen Sparks play several times and he does use screens well. But, Sparks usually only rolls off of one screen whereas JJ will be using 2 or 3 screens on each possession. LSU could try to use the G-Town game plan: Let JJ get his 40+ points but shut down the rest of the team. Oh well, looking forward to a classic! 32 hours until tipoff!
As great as JJ is, I still see a hint of the little boy that came to Duke in him. When calls aren't going his way, you can see him get frustrated and start to sulk a little bit. When that happens, his magical shooting touch goes away and he has a game like he did on Senior Night against UNC. And when I talk about him not getting calls, I'm not talking about the "Redick Rules" that everyone else talks about. Great players get calls, that happens all the time. But there are times when it seems like he gets a greater number of calls than he should. Chalk it up to the Duke mystique, Coach K, or whatever you want. We're going to have to be at our best and have a little luck to beat Duke, but Florida State showed us all that it can be done. Just thank God that Dick Vitale can't call the game.
The comparison between Shaq and JJ is flawed. Most teams incorporated and "hack-a-Shaq" defense to slow him down and take his inside game away, putting him on the FT line where he was weak. JJ is quicker and a hell of a FT shooter so no matter what you do you have to hope HE slows himself down. That's the only way I have seen to stop Redick.
If Thomas can keep from reinjuring the high ankle sprain, he's going to be a handful for Duke. Especially when Davis requires double-teaming. But I worry about containing Duke's stud player and I worry about the "K".
i agree. duke will score they are too skilled and experienced not to get 70-80. so for LSU to keep up dmitch and gd will need to get theirs along with 10-15 scrappy points from tt. that leaves some slack. given duke's concentration on the extending the perimeter, i hope tas looks for a lot of short-range jumpers.
Something not many people are talking about is the matchup of the 3's. Tas has been slow out of the blocks for most of this tourney, but I don't know if Duke has anyone that can go inside/outside like Tas. If you send someone out to guard him, you take away your double-team. Maybe my thinking is flawed, but I think that his athleticism could be problem that no one is considering. Just a thought since all the Duke Nation talks about their superior perimeter play, while the Tiger Faithful flex their muscle about our front line...just something to keep in mind. LSU! LSU! LSU! LSU! LSU! LSU! LSU!
The reason I like LSU chances: (1) no pressure to win, Should be a great game![/QUOTE] I really don't mean to be impolite, but that is the difference between the ACC and the SEC. There is always pressure down here. We live and die with competition. Some, just more important than others. But if you have any kind of competition and LSU, UM, ALA, etc are involved, chances are you will be "Tiger baited", "Hotty Toddy", or Roll Tide Roll. Probably with a tailgating experience beyond compare.:lsup: :crystal: :bball:
Lots of our LSU folks on this board don't like it when SF gets on their case about something, because, SF does not pull his punches, and . . . well . . . he can get nasty and mean sometimes. BUT, when a Big Fight starts with people from other schools, don't forget . . . we get SF on OUR side, and, if SF has to, he will get tough with the bad guys on the other team . . . SF is kinda like a tough big brother . . . he may smack one of us around from time to time, but, when the "throw down" starts with the bad guys, SF is standing tall and swinging with both fists . . . out in front. SabanFan: You really do Fight With the Heart of a Tiger. Take care and Thanks.
Somewhat similar??? Psshhh. Nothing special at all about Morris...Besides the fact that he's a HORRIBLE defender. :thumb:
