Dukes Court

Monday, December 24, 2007

More Shawn James NBA Talk

Because another week couldn't go by without posting something about Shawn James' NBA prospects, here is a great writeup on James from DraftExpress.com. The writeup was written on 12-12-07.

The Future Looks so Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

PG article on Super Frosh Damian Saunders

Transfers Kojo Mensah and Shawn James have been making Ron Everhart look good all season long, but this year's freshman, Damian Saunders, Bill Clark, and David Theis are making waves now and the future look even brighter for Duquesne.

There have been times this season when I've said to myself, "when Kojo and Shawn James leave Duquesne this team will take a big hit" but now I realize that isn't true. Ron Everhart is not only giving his young players lots of playing time, but the freshman are also playing in crucial situations.

If RE had to chose his best 5 players Damian Saunders would be part of that 5. Saunders is the most talented of the freshman, and he has the speed and

athleticism to be a star in the Atlantic 10. Bill Clark is a RE favorite due to his overall tenacity, tough defense, hussle, and 3 point shooting ability. David Theis is the least used of the freshman, however he did receive his first start of the season Friday night against Saint Francis. Theis may never be a superstar but he has a nice 6'8 build, a strong shooting touch, and at the very least will provide the kind of inside depth that every competitive team needs. Duquesne fans can only hope that the 07-08 recruiting class has as much impact as this group.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Some love for David Theis a Dukes Court favorite

PG article about David Theis

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Bring on Robert Morris

I missed my first Dukes game of the season last night, alas I was stuck in the vast wasteland of Macungie PA at my in laws holiday party. Even more annoying someone at the party monopolized the computer all night so I couldn't even check the score untill well after the game ended. I had to wait till the guy went to eat to dive onto the computer. Who goes to a party and then uses the host's computer? Well I guess I can answer that question by saying, yes I do, but I had to check on my Dukes.

Anyway I am happy to announce I'll be back at the Palumbo Center Friday night for the Dukes game against Robert Morris. The Colonials lost to Saint Francis at home back on December 8th by 9 points so that should bode well for the Dukes. I'll give more of a preview on Robert Morris this week.

Some folks at the Dukes Forum have discussed meeting at Shale's Cafe before or after the game. I think this is a wonderful idea and I plan to have at least one drink after the game with my father. I would encourage everyone to come out to the game as the crowds tend to dwindle during the school's winter break. The Dukes need and deserve our support.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Dukes win!

Aaron Jackson led the Dukes with 16 points tonight

Duquesne got off the schneid tonight with a convincing victory over Saint Francis, 99-80.

Kojo Mensa scored 12 points and had 10 assists for a double double.

Shawn James also had a strong night with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots.

Duquesne finished with a season-low eight turnovers. DU's 13 blocked shots were two shy of the school record set earlier this season at Oakland.

Duquesne's 7-3 start is the best since the 1993-94 NIT team opened with the same record. The last DU team to start a season 8-3 was the 1979-80 NIT squad which began 12-3.

Light heavyweight boxer Roy Jones, Jr., who was in town to watch fellow Pensacola, Fla. native Gary Tucker, spoke to the team in the locker room following the game.

Dukes Court favorite David Theis was a starter for the first time in his Duquesne career tonight. Theis saw 12 minutes of action, scoring 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots.

It should also be pointed out that as of 1:03am Saturday morning Saint Francis has yet to post the score of the game. Hey Red Flash, you are a Division I program, update your freaking website!

I wasn't at the game so if anyone is looking for more details i recommend the Dukes Forum.

Apperently Stephen Wood has a bum ankle and did not dress for the game, who cares RE never plays him anyway.

I have a feeling Dukes fans will be seeing Saunders throwing down dunks like this one for the next 3 years

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Ron Everhart's daughter Gianna has not been feeling well lately and had successful surgery this week to remove her appendix. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Everhart family.

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The Dukes play host to Robert Morris next Friday at 7pm and I am happy to say that I will be in attendance. I'll likely be at Shales before and after the game with my Dad.

The 12 day layoff is OVER!

The Dukes are done with exams and can finally get back to what college is really about, sports.

Game Preview

PG article about the layoff

Trib game preview

I don't know about Dukes Court readers but I have been really hurting while the Dukes have been off, I actually dreamt last night that Duquesne had to go to 3 OTs to beat Saint Francis, and no I am not kidding.

I am predicting that tonight will be the beginning of a winning streak for the Dukes going into A-10 conference play.

Game time tonight is 7pm at the Palumbo, and as always you can listen to the game on 1410am in Pittsburgh or on the Internet via the link of the right side of the page. I will be unable to watch or listen to the game tonight as I will be stuck at my in laws holiday party, I'll do my best to get a post up after the game, but it likely won't be until late.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

(9) Pitt beats (7) Duke at MSG 65-64 in OT - Duquesne's RPI due to go up

It's weird but every time Pitt wins this season Duquesne's RPI will go up because of their loss to Pitt earlier this year. I hate rooting for Pitt, but in a weird way I can now justify enjoying Pitt wins at least to some extent. Of course I am always happy when Duke loses.

Since Duquesne lost to Pitt by 5, and Pitt beat Duke by 1, does that mean that Duquesne could compete with Duke? I have always hated these types of arguments especially in regards to college football:

Well my team beat team X, and team X beat team Y, and team Y beat team Z, and team Z is in the BCS title game so I think my team should be in the BCS title game. This argument was even more annoying before the BCS when several teams would lay claim to the national championship,but i digress.

Levance "Taser" Fields dropped 21 and scored the winning 3 for Pitt.

This is the type of celebration that says "yea I've won big games like this before" or not

In laws update:

I arrived at my in laws tonight at 830pm. Around 9pm I was given permission to turn on the Steelers game on their sick big screen HD. I am thinking to myself, "yes, score, I can watch the entire 2nd half!" No such luck, they do not get the NFL Network.

I hate you NFL Network!

Duquesne gets some love from the AP

It's nice to have the Dukes mentioned in the AP and not have it be about the shooting.

AP Article about Dukes RPI ranking

(6-3) Duquesne hosts (3-7) Saint Francis

Game Notes

Some interesting nuggets:

Duquesne has won 27 of the past 29 games against Saint Francis
A victory over The Red Flash would ensure Duquesne's first winning non-conference record since 1993-94. I was in 8th grade in 93-94
The last time Saint Francis defeated the Dukes was back in 1966
Shawn James has at least 1 block in every game he has ever played in college
Phillip Fayne is 0-8 from the field since the end of the 2nd game of the season
Damian Saunders returned to practice on Monday the 17th and is expected to play after suffering a sprained ankle at the end of the WVU game
Kojo Mensah is 3-16 from the field in Duquesne's last two games
Page 9 of the Game Notes has a nice write up on Duquesne's incoming recruits