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The Pro Am summer league -- Washpa Rick, Saturday, June 07, 05:39:44pm
will be starting in Greentree toward the end of June. Anyone Know if we'll be participating this year?

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Replies:
- Pro Am 2008 -- True Blue, Sunday, June 08, 12:18:07pm
- League update -- True Blue, Friday, June 20, 07:56:33pm
  - A friend of mine said he stopped by Ron's camp and saw both Rodrigo and Milovich. They were both in the weight room and came over to the camp. He said both players are built solid. Rodrigo may be closer to 6'9" and Milovich may be a closer to 6'6". He said Rodrigo was walking fine but was icing down his knee. I would think that the other players should be making their way to campus soon. Rick I wold appreciate any observations if you get to watch any of the games. (NT) -- CLK, Tuesday, June 24, 10:00:23am
    - I think Peggau will be a solid player for us, but with a knee injury I expect some limited stamina. Especially if Ron plays up-tempo. It's nice to have a couple "wide bodies." Even with Achara and James, we were long but a bit thin last year, and got shoved around some. (NT) -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 24, 12:19:59pm
  - I like UPMC-CANCER INSTITUTE to win it all :-) (NT) -- thomas, Wednesday, June 25, 03:59:59pm
    - I like Aliquippa GTE. With Reggie at the helm, those guys will be running up some big scores. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 06:08:29pm
- Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting a look at the new kids. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Friday, June 20, 11:09:29pm
- They have the rosters listed on their website. There's a 6'7 kid named John Flowers who's listed as being from Duquesne. Anybody know who he is? Maybe it's a misprint. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Wednesday, June 25, 09:47:37am
- Looks like Flowers was a freshman at W.V.U. last year. Must be a misprint or he's transferring and we havn't heard about it. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Wednesday, June 25, 09:58:05am
  - Yeah, it's a misprint. I'm glad to see Tuck and Reggie are playing. (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 10:18:02am
- I noticed that Phil Fayne isn't listed. Does anyone know if he has left the team? (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 01:03:53pm
  - He was listed under the preliminary player list. Saunders isn't there either. I'm sure it's nothing (NT) -- Steve19981, Wednesday, June 25, 02:01:07pm
    - Damian isn't listed because of the surgery he had on his ankle. I don't know what the deal is with Phil. (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 02:11:23pm
- I am surprised Peggau is playing. His knee injury must be healing well. (NT) -- CLK, Wednesday, June 25, 02:27:21pm
  - It'll be interesting to see where he is at with it. I'm looking forawrd to seeing him and Patterson on the same team tonight. (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 02:29:37pm
- PRO AM LEAGUE -- Viking04, Wednesday, June 25, 03:21:25pm
  - It's free. (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 03:50:44pm
- Got to see some of the new tonite. Got there late for the 1st game in which Evans, Montiero and Robinson played. Montiero played just like his video. Under control, agood passer and took it to the hole a few times. Evans has good handle, missed a couple of 3's in and out. Found out who Robinson was too late to see anything. A.J. was his usual self ,all over the place giving 100%. Bolding impressed me. He had 15 at the half of his game hitting 3of 5 3's and taking it strong to the hoop. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Wednesday, June 25, 10:37:17pm
- Talked to A.J. about Milovec who had a class tonite. He said he was a really good shooter. Peggau was held out as a trainers decision. Patterson seems limited offensively and looks to about 6'6. A.J. also said Montiero was a very good player. Sherwood, Duty and Newton played. Clark and Theis were not there. Sherwood looked pretty good. Not a lot of defense being played. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Wednesday, June 25, 10:50:14pm
  - AS I've said before it looks like Patterson is a redshirt candidate. Last night he was really crashing the boards, but struggled on the offensive end. He looks to have a ton of potential though. Also, Theis got there, but was too late to register I believe. And I was very impressed with all the freshmen, plus Lucas Newton was knocking down triples from all over the court. (NT) -- BJH, Thursday, June 26, 07:48:16am
- BJH, I left at halftime of the last game did Bolding continue to impress in the second half? How did Robinson look, by the time I figured out which one he was the game had ended. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Thursday, June 26, 09:12:02am
  - Bolding impressed throughout. He was the best player in the gym other than Truck Bryant from WVU. His range is unbelievable. Robinson didn't get many touches, but looks like he has good instincts. I'm looking forward to seeing Aleks Milovic on Monday. (NT) -- BJH, Thursday, June 26, 09:24:25am
    - It should also be noted that AJAX keeps getting better, he was lightning quick last night and is a joy to watch. He's a greta representative for the university. (NT) -- BJH, Thursday, June 26, 09:26:37am
- I saw this comment on the Pitt Rival Board: ** Duquesne's Melquan Bolding was the most impressive freshman there with Dwight Miller a close second. I was thoroughly impressed with this kid. He was coaching up other players, most notably Travon. He acted like he was a senior who was helping out some of the other guys. I would compare him to a Vonteego Cummings type. Wish he was coming to Pitt, but will be rooting for this kid at Duquesne (NT) -- CLK, Thursday, June 26, 10:50:17am
  - If I was to rank I would say Truck Bryant(WVU) was number 1, followed by Bolding and Miller. The kid Bryant was absolutely scoring at will. Monteiro was not far behind though. (NT) -- BJH, Friday, June 27, 10:40:03am
- Pitt comments -- njduqalumni, Thursday, June 26, 11:43:54am
  - Good to hear those things from outsiders. If Bolding is as good as Vonteego, I'll be very very happy. (NT) -- duq81, Thursday, June 26, 05:02:29pm
- Thanks for all of the updates. It keeps us out-of-towners in the loop as far as the players are progressing. Great to hear about Bolding and Monteiro. Any word on why Billy Clark wasn't there? (NT) -- Rosceaux, Thursday, June 26, 07:54:11pm
Evehart Completes Men's Basketball Coaching Staff; Three-time Michigan high school state championship coach Steve Hall named Dukes' assistant -- Phoenix Rising, Tuesday, June 17, 11:10:36am
Link to Official Press Release

Link to Trib Article

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Replies:
- Quick: name another Duquesne coach with links to Cass Tech. -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 17, 01:52:47pm
  - Amen to the R&R for RE. We know what happened two years ago and last year was his health problems. Let's all hope for a quiet and boring summer. (NT) -- Southpaw, Tuesday, June 17, 03:21:13pm
  - That's too easy El Duque - it is Mike Rice (NT) -- Abdul Rahman, Tuesday, June 17, 06:23:04pm
    - It's easy for us, um, oldtimers. I wonder how many young 'uns had it figgered out? (NT) -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 17, 08:30:28pm
      - I couldn't remember so I must be young! Thanks for helping me to shed some years E.D. -- Mulder, Wednesday, June 18, 09:46:39am
        
        Why, you're not that old at all, my friend! You just couldn't find the "remembery." (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 18, 01:06:08pm
- Here is his picture and another article. http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stories/061708aad.html (NT) -- FAM, Tuesday, June 17, 05:22:39pm
- Just a thought. James Still. You heard it here first! (NT) -- DU Dude., Tuesday, June 17, 05:58:47pm
  - What would we do with a deceased Kentucky folklorist? -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 17, 08:08:28pm
    - go to scout.com search him. (NT) -- DUDude, Wednesday, June 18, 09:10:47am
      - Did, Dude. That's where I got the "RE-type player" part. The Kentucky folklorist stuff was meant to be funny. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 18, 01:03:23pm
        
        I figured you were being jovial. (NT) -- DUDude, Wednesday, June 18, 04:47:06pm
        
        I get a kick out of Googling prospect names, and seeing what their namesakes do for a living. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 18, 06:01:51pm
        
        I do too. Which is why I thought this kids name was actually Lebron James Still. Until I started reading the rest of the phrase, like "Lebron James Still not pleased with officials' etc etc". A bottle of wine will do that to you. (NT) -- Purduke, Thursday, June 19, 01:03:09pm
- It's nice to see a guy with so much success get promoted and join the Duquesne staff, we are glad to have you on board (NT) -- The Duke from Dukes Court, Tuesday, June 17, 06:22:40pm
- Excerpt from the Evans announcement: "Don't expect college coaches to forget about the Colts anytime soon. They have two of the state's top sophomores with 6-3 Dmitri Abner and 6-8 Jarrell Pratt" -- saw one listing with Abner as state's Top Soph prospect this year. (NT) -- Purduke, Tuesday, June 17, 10:17:14pm
- Welcome Coach Hall. We are excited you have joined The Family here at Duquesne. Go Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Wednesday, June 18, 08:58:05am
  - I am liking everything about this program from better players, seasoned coaches and great A.D. Duquesne seems to be putting it all together. (NT) -- philldogg, Wednesday, June 18, 09:59:15am
- Ron has done an outstanding job of rebuilding his coaching staff. Not only has he put together a staff with solid recruiting connections at the high school, prep, JC and international levels, he has added three coaches who know how to win championships. We are really lucky to have Ron as our coach. (NT) -- CLK, Thursday, June 19, 08:25:09am
  - Luck....divine intervention yes. (NT) -- El spiritu, Friday, June 20, 03:16:05am
    - Amen! (NT) -- Dominus Vobiscum, Friday, June 20, 08:44:22am
      - Won't you eat my sleazy pancakes just for Saintly Alfonzo? (NT) -- Et cum Spiritu tuo, Thursday, June 26, 01:02:38pm
- Winners breed winning (NT) -- Rosceaux, Thursday, June 19, 10:24:02am
Board monitors... -- El Duque, Monday, June 23, 04:54:27pm
Can you let me know privately why a post was deleted? Just curious ...

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Replies:
- I am curious too. I said some negative things about lawyers. But nothing profane. And I did mention a personal experience. It is your board and I respect your right to delete what you wish, but I am curious also. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 05:12:31pm
  - The one representing the basketball players has some powerful political influence. Plenty of public articles to document the relationship with AG office. (NT) -- The truth is out there, Monday, June 23, 05:17:57pm
    - I have no idea what that means. I never referenced AG office. I referenced a two-bit lawyer. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 05:19:50pm
      - Well, let me make a guess. -- Pettifogger Muldoon, Monday, June 23, 05:28:24pm
        
        Guess no one safe around here. Pretty scarry stuff if you ask me. Some can file lawsuits for anything they want, while others have to fear voicing opinions. The world is spinning wildly out of control. (NT) -- An avid reader and poster, Monday, June 23, 05:32:20pm
        
        And it was in control when? (NT) -- P. Muldoon, Monday, June 23, 07:42:56pm
        
        Thanks for the explanation. Sorry if I stopped short of calling her a shyster. :). I did express my thoughts on her methods in person. I guess I was trying to make the point about how lawyers can manipulate. I understand why it was pulled and I will not make same mistake again. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 05:39:00pm
        
        Reading the Voy user agreement is a good thing to do. I was curious about it so I just took a look. -- Paddy, Monday, June 23, 05:54:36pm
        
        Point taken. I will mind my p's and q's in the future. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 05:59:24pm
        
        You were ok until you put her name in the post. While you can get away with a lot with regard to public figures, private citizens are a different story. (NT) -- duq81, Tuesday, June 24, 06:54:46am
      - Sorry, didn't mean to put words in your mouth. Just saying the particular attorney was one of two who contributed to AG campaign and got to participate in some lawsuits against credit card companies that netted (or will net) millions in fees, without bringing any benefit to consumers. That's what I get out of the articles, anyway. (NT) -- The truth is out there, Monday, June 23, 05:29:38pm
        
        No problem at all. Sorry if I stirred a hornets nest. Just venting over the sad situation. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 05:42:25pm
    - Don't worry about political influence. Your ballot is your trump card. (NT) -- Stevie, Tuesday, June 24, 02:41:24pm
      - My ballot doesn't buy me multi-million dollar favors the way her contributions to the AG's campaign did. (NT) -- The truth is out there, Tuesday, June 24, 05:43:28pm
        
        Then vote out your AG. Where you the only person who noticed? (NT) -- Stevie, Wednesday, June 25, 10:23:19am
        
        Not my AG. Just pointing out some facts. (NT) -- And that's the truth, Wednesday, June 25, 11:02:51am
- I won't call her a shyster, but she is a bad lawyer. I don't think there is a person familar with the situation that Coach Everhart showed a wanton disregard towards these kids after the shooting. The school may (or may not) have been negligent in providing security. However, they weren't shot at the dance, but after it. Would it have made a difference if the kids stashed the guns outside of the union and retrieved them after the dance? The proximate cause of the injury was not the university, but the stupid kids that shot our players. This is clearly an insurance play. (NT) -- Atlanta Dave, Monday, June 23, 06:24:26pm
  - To make things clear. I didn't call the lawyer involved in the DU case a shyster. I called out another lawyer for her practices in a traffic accident that I was a witness to. (NT) -- Southpaw, Monday, June 23, 06:38:45pm
  - Do you know the definition of Proximate Cause and the different contexts in which it can be used? (NT) -- Esquire, Monday, June 23, 07:00:13pm
  - More inside about how to establish a cause of action for negligence -- In Plain English, Monday, June 23, 07:15:28pm
    - Yawn! Wake me up when this is over. (NT) -- Mike Ignelsi, Monday, June 23, 07:33:40pm
      - I find this interesting, Mike. -- VBC, Monday, June 23, 08:10:01pm
    - Better not to bore people with finformation and facts when making them up is so much more fun and interesting. (NT) -- Mysterio, Monday, June 23, 07:55:01pm
      - Make that "information." (NT) -- Mysterio, Monday, June 23, 07:55:57pm
        
        I would listen to Mysterio. He's pre-med. (NT) -- El Duque (aka Otter), Tuesday, June 24, 12:16:55pm
        
        I play a lawyer AND a doctor on late night TV commercials -- Mysterio, Tuesday, June 24, 04:26:16pm
        
        In NJ, you could sue yourself for malpractice AND serve on the jury -- all from the comfort of a jail cell. All you have to do is be elected mayor in any Hudson County town. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 06:10:25pm
        
        Or maybe Governor. Or a US Senator. (NT) -- Mysterio, Wednesday, June 25, 11:34:53pm
        
        NJ politicians are honest! (NT) -- Ron Zellman, Thursday, June 26, 07:03:51am
        Our governors don't seem to have any luck with women. The last one, well, let's say he plays for the other team now. The current one did a little "play for pay," which also helped him get elected. (NT) -- El Duque, Thursday, June 26, 10:50:12am
  - I guess the school should create a cocoon of absolute safety, or face being sued when bad things happen to students on campus. This attorney is looking for deep pockets for which to assign blame. I hope that not only that we fight it, but that alumns will shun these two from here on forward. They no longer deserve our support. Waiting until they left the university before they sued was also quite cowardly. I have no respect for these kids any more. (NT) -- Atlanta Dave, Monday, June 23, 10:28:41pm
- Relax this thing will settle as per the directives of the insurance carrier. The attorneys will stipulate to a confidentiality agreement. Every one involved will move on in life except Mr. Norm. (NT) -- Its no longer Duquesnes call to end this mess, Monday, June 23, 09:24:15pm
  - I wonder how long it will be before the real lawsuit comes (Sam Ashalou)? (NT) -- duq81, Tuesday, June 24, 07:00:38am
    - That one has already been filed. (NT) -- Someone in the know, Tuesday, June 24, 09:54:10am
RE top story ESPN mens college basketball! Great story about RE & this once proud program. -- Thank God for the cause & IC, Wednesday, June 25, 09:38:49pm
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Replies:
- Got your link right here my man: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3460312. Interesting take on the lawsuit: "James and Mensah, unhappy with their playing time last year ..." As Arnold Horshack once said, "Ohhhhhhhhohhhhh!" (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 10:38:36pm
  - James and Mensah star in the new broadway show, "It's All About Me!!!" Director, Norm Ostrin. See this award whinning show as it hits the road and your pockets. (NT) -- DU93, Thursday, June 26, 01:58:59am
RE Gets Contract Extension -- Rogabee, Wednesday, June 25, 12:41:58pm
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_574552.html

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Replies:
- That is good news. Congrats to da Coach! (NT) -- Southpaw, Wednesday, June 25, 01:16:04pm
  - Ditto! (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 25, 01:17:07pm
- That is the best news of all during this wild off season. Great work by GA and the administration. (NT) -- Rosceaux, Wednesday, June 25, 02:47:56pm
- Ron is a great guy, and the best coach we have had on the Bluff in many many years. While some money hungry (deleted) may attempt to villify him, the people who matter at DU know the truth, and have voiced their support by this extension. In a couple of years after DU has made an NCAA tourney run, I hope we read of another contract extension by DU. GO DUKES! (NT) -- CLK, Wednesday, June 25, 03:37:21pm
- He's earning a living honestly. Now it's time for Shawn James and Kojo Mensah to learn to do the same (Stuart Baldonado too). (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 03:39:28pm
  - DU stepped up and showed support for coach. The worm has turned for DU bball, onward and upward!!! I get more excited about hoops on the Bluff more and more each day. (NT) -- thomas, Wednesday, June 25, 04:21:39pm
- This came at a great time...it kind of says to those two meat heads who are filing the lawsuits that their word is worthless. Congrats. RE! Go Dukes. (NT) -- FAM, Wednesday, June 25, 04:10:24pm
  - Question, did the "meat heads" just show up and ask for a scholarship? Who in the world would have brought that situation with them ? Give those kids a break, this isn't about basketball, they were shot at and hit. Duquesne let the thugs into the campus, now be prepared to pay for lack of protection. (NT) -- Danny's Shadow, Wednesday, June 25, 04:35:29pm
    - I hope you are not a DU grad they way you are quick to judge DU. Let's let the legal system decide. Duquesne did not let the thugs into the Campus. Rick Bode, the attorney representing Duquesne, disagreed. "We had no notice and no way of anticipating these random criminal acts. None. The contention that the doorman was a representative of the university is false. He was taking tickets. He had no ties to Duquesne." -- CLK, Wednesday, June 25, 05:23:47pm
    - Danny, step back into the shadows where you belong. -- Always a Duke, Wednesday, June 25, 05:57:35pm
    - Tell me, oh wise one: How would you have kept those thugs off campus? (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 06:00:50pm
      - A great big wall, with guards with metal detectors and guns, all along the watchtower. -- Mysterio, Wednesday, June 25, 11:43:03pm
- Definitely a good move. You don't want to leave him in a position where he might leave for a job only a little bit better than this one. This makes it so that it will take a big $$ offer from big state U to get him out of here. That will only come if he's a big winner. I'd then happily wish him well; (NT) -- duq81, Wednesday, June 25, 04:51:32pm
- Good Points FAM and DUQ1. Look, this will get ugly. Let's get back to DU bball. Has anyone gone to any of the summer games to see our guys? (NT) -- STEVE, Wednesday, June 25, 06:27:46pm
Dukes Steak Fry. Hey if you guys want to hear what's going on with all of the programs and meet all of the coaches, I suggest you attend the Dukes Steak fry in the North Hills at the Avonworth community Park Pavillion August 7th. I went to the South Hills fry and had a terrific time. I spoke with Greg Amodio, Ron Everhart, Bill Barton, Suzie McConnell-Serio, Jerry Schmitt and a bunch of great Dukes Fans. The food and refreshments were great. They really give you a rundown on where we are and headed. Go to goduquesne.com and click events for all of the details. Go Dukes! -- Log, Saturday, June 21, 12:25:11pm
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Replies:
- Steak Fry @ Scott Twp. Park -- Always a Duke, Saturday, June 21, 02:14:16pm
  - I wasn't able to make it on Thursday and my schedule isn't looking good for the next one, either. Thanks for the info and I'll be looking forward to reading people's reports after the next one. (NT) -- VBC, Sunday, June 22, 11:50:32am
- At the steak fry I asked the AD about the specifics of a reported game in the 2008-2009 season with a big name opponent that will be televised on ESPN. He confirmed that such indeed was true but felt that it would be inappropriate to announce this since the contract for the game had not yet been signed. As I exited the park grove, I overheard a discussion involving one of the coaches about this mystery opponent. Let's say that the opponent's name is the same as Duquesne's mascot. I believe that this game will be occur in late November at the opponent's home court in N.C. -- Always a Duke, Wednesday, June 25, 06:47:50pm
  - That would be huge. I still would love to see the Pitt game on TV some day -- at least on The Deuce. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 10:34:36pm
Does anyone think James tanked at the NBA tryouts on purpose? -- Me, Wednesday, June 25, 07:41:06pm
Serious discussion

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Replies:
- My first reaction is "why", but I presume the theory is that he becomes a free agent and then signs for mega-millions? Perhaps that is also why he tanked his junior year too? Most people who have commented about him the last couple years commented on how soft he was on the boards, he went to Orlando and was horribly soft on the boards. I see more corroboration than conspiracy. (NT) -- Purduke, Wednesday, June 25, 08:25:10pm
- If he did, his wife ought to sue him on the grounds he's stupid. But having seen him manhandled by true NBA prospects such as Alexander, my guess is he was simply outplayed by more talented athletes. But I still think a guy with that kind of shotblocking ability has a shot at making the NBA if he's willing to work hard. I don't see Mensah getting that far, though. Too many guards who do what he does, but better. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 10:31:08pm
Cheering For Empty and Classless Kids- Excuse me for wanting the kids I cheer for to be respectable, but I'm really down over this one. I'd like to separate my love of the game from wanting those I watch to be more than they are. I find that I don't want to risk cheering for kids I thought were more than slugs like James and Mensa. Baldanodo was at least easier to understand. -- Coffee, Wednesday, June 25, 08:05:24pm
[Edit]
The big delusion -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 24, 09:55:35pm
"Basically, because of them being gunned down on campus, their NBA hopes were dashed," said Teresa Toriseva, the lawyer representing both players. "Their basketball career was derailed and they've been damaged to the tune of millions of dollars."

[Edit]

Replies:
- Hmmm...that's why they were our two leading scorers and both left early? (NT) -- Rogabee, Tuesday, June 24, 10:10:04pm
- Unfortunately, no one will ever know if they would have played better had not the shooting occured. It gets pretty subjective. If the shooting doesn't happen, maybe Baldonado doesn't go on his extra-curricular jaunts. Maybe that makes James better with a strong rebounder watching his back. What if, what if, what if. The case may have some merit. Probably settle out of court $500k apiece. (NT) -- kenOTR73, Tuesday, June 24, 10:46:18pm
  - I think these young men are going to live with the fact that they don't have NBA talent. James sat a year to play. He followed RE as was the directive from Norm. Sue Norm for yanking the strings too tight. (NT) -- lame people make me sick, Wednesday, June 25, 02:51:51am
    - In Mensah's case, and against most A-10 teams he and James didn't have the talent to compete in A-10 of NCAA. They must have realized that another year in this conference would only continue to showcase this. (NT) -- phildogg, Wednesday, June 25, 08:24:08am
      - An athlete would never acknowledge something like this. Someone else simply started filling their heads with the BS that has brought us to this point. Can't wait until the "highlights" of Kojo playing out of control and Shawn looking like a boy among men (maybe the WVU game?) are shown. You might hear outright laughter in a courtroom. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 25, 09:03:50am
The other shoe has dropped -- El Duque, Friday, June 20, 11:09:21pm
James and Mensah suing Duquesne. Click here.

Not surprisingly, the lawyer behind the suits is the same one for Baldonado. The big claim? �Both players contend that their chances of getting chosen in next week's NBA draft were diminished by their injuries.�

The real kick in the balls is that �the pair also seeks �damages for the willful, wanton and reckless disregard shown to (them) by the basketball coach (Ron Everhart) after (their) injuries�."

I lament the fact that any of these young men had to endure the shootings. But I have a hard time reading some of this stuff.

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Replies:
- Mensah should have been happy to have gotten an opportunity to play as much as he did by RE. He was nothing but a liability and should thank RE for not benching him entirely. This truly makes you sick and although I can't say Im surprised by these selfish acts it also shows how a guy like AJax has shown some true altruistic behavior. (NT) -- Ray, Saturday, June 21, 02:34:52am
- Absolutely ridiculous. So what're the people who wanted to defend them going to say now? Good riddance to bad rubbish. A plague a' both your houses! (NT) -- MFE08, Saturday, June 21, 02:50:46am
- Also, some of you are lawyers. Thoughts, prospectives? I'd assume that SJ especially doesn't have a leg to stand on, given that his performance was comparable to what he did in previous years. Kojo was comparable to lower competition but wilted against higher level offenses and defenses. What's the story? (NT) -- MFE08, Saturday, June 21, 02:53:12am
  - I forget his name now, you know their benefactor, what is his name, the clothing guy from NYC. Is he urging them on in this silliness... (NT) -- What a bunch of...., Saturday, June 21, 03:41:24am
- Unless the shootings resulted in either James or Kojo becoming a paraplegic or maybe even death Allegheny County juries are very conservative in rendering civil awards! However Stu maybe another issue... (NT) -- The Counselor, Saturday, June 21, 06:04:28am
- I can�t blame these guys. First, we all know you sue everybody that�s why RE was included. But lets face facts, the school allowed an open to the public hip-hop party on campus with virtually no security. There was no police presence overseeing academic walk or the dorms and we are not talking about a large campus. Players took them to the hospital because after the shooting there still was no police presence. If it were your child shot, would you be happy? DU was wrong and people suffered injuries and loss. (NT) -- DuHope, Saturday, June 21, 08:16:46am
- Ditto-You can sue anyone for anything - DU's campus is safe - AND - you can't anticipate everything. Many campuses have off campus kids sneak in and if something happens they get sued. DU probably doesn't want to go to court, and unless DU believes they can't lose this most likely will get settled out of court. Finally, It is hard to not get personal against these two, but I will refrain. Let's get out the anger and then focus back on current players and situations. RE will be defended by DU and they need our support. How? By not making this a topic after this weekend. Go Dukes! (NT) -- FAM, Saturday, June 21, 10:46:25am
- This is really no surprise. But it does not help DUs case, that the one accomplice got the security to not check for guns. Better security and the gun doesn't get in and perhaps the shooting does not happen. Also maybe that is why Kojo declared for the draft, in order to be rejected and prepare for the lawsuit. It is an unfortunate situation and more than likely a settlement will be reached. I don't want to villify the players because none of us know how we would react. However, it does cause one to cast a tainted eye on the whole subject since they played here and then filed the lawsuit. (NT) -- Southpaw, Saturday, June 21, 11:07:12am
  - But as I said earlier, though they may have been detained from entering from entering the dance, it may not have prevented them from wandering campus and perhaps confronting some other group of students. Perhaps with better security the only difference would be future pharmacists, journalists or lawyers suing instead of would-be basketball players. Sue the school? What about the shooters? THAT is what's wrong with this picture as far as I'm concerned. (NT) -- El Duque, Saturday, June 21, 09:36:32pm
    - You are right. The security would have only protected the people in the dance. And not those innocently walking on campus before, during or after the dance. The fact remains had security there properly during the dance, we don't know what would happen. The shooters either leave campus or they shoot someone else. There is a sickening feeling that someone would have been shot by those criminals on that night. (NT) -- Southpaw, Saturday, June 21, 10:53:23pm
    - El Duque you are right. Just like ateacher who gets sued for not doing his/her job. I have often thought about suing the parent for not doing their job. What a crock of hot chocolate pudding (NT) -- DU Teach, Sunday, June 22, 02:39:26am
- Let's move on from this. Let's just say they wont be at any future Dukes functions. GO Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Saturday, June 21, 12:07:58pm
- Seems to me like they really wouldn't have that much of a case, especially since they both would have been welcomed back for another year to improve their games and draft prospects. As much as I'd like to see the University contest this, I think they'd just as soon settle out of court and make it go away rather than endure the bad publicity and relive the bad memories (NT) -- DC'91, Saturday, June 21, 01:25:17pm
  - Legal Nonsense -- XTS, Tuesday, June 24, 01:48:25pm
- they need to make money now. (NT) -- thomas, Saturday, June 21, 04:49:16pm
  - So if they got shot on the street or at the O, they sue the City and the O. What a joke to think suing prevents shootings. Their dreams aren't panning out. The real reason is they don't have the talent to play in the NBA, today. Mike James did it after working hard. (NT) -- Sue Me, Saturday, June 21, 07:25:41pm
  - They could make money with a college education. Mike James finished up and went on to Europe. I think Mike was wlooking at his education as something he could fall back on and more importantly, something he'd use while in the pros. (NT) -- doc D, Sunday, June 22, 04:37:52am
- Teresa is on a parallel rung with the shooters. How low... James and Mensah are dead to me. (NT) -- Me, Saturday, June 21, 10:24:49pm
- All I can say is, "I told you so". -- DU Rocks, Sunday, June 22, 08:28:59am
- In an odd happening, I ran into this acquaintance that I have not seen in a long time. In the course of conversation it turns out he attended a high school football game at Duquesne U and fell down. Sued the University and received a large amount of money. Liability is funny thing. (NT) -- DuHope, Sunday, June 22, 03:43:54pm
  - It probably wasn't the fact that this was an out-of-shape, old fart who misstepped? SUE SUE SUE! (NT) -- Me, Sunday, June 22, 03:53:29pm
    - He was in his 20's a former Div 1 athlete. (NT) -- DuHope, Monday, June 23, 08:12:03am
      - Shawn James graduated from Redirection High School with this accomplishment "at least he could read and write" then after 2 years of prep school and four years of college he finally dropped out. He has been well prepared to sue his coach and mentor who has learned, "When you lay down with dogs, you get fleas." (NT) -- PEEBO, Monday, June 23, 08:52:27am
- (NT) -- Get 'em!, Sunday, June 22, 11:11:00pm
- outsiders are laughing at these two kids. I saw their attorney on tv last night, I threw up in my mouth. She sickens me. -- thomas, Tuesday, June 24, 01:56:02pm
  - BTW, since James already signed with semi pro team did his peep KoJo project in first or second round in mock NBA draft? (NT) -- PEEBO, Tuesday, June 24, 02:30:28pm
    - so James essentially took himself out of the NBA draft by signing in Isreal?...and DU hurt his chances for the NBA??? -- thomas, Tuesday, June 24, 02:36:26pm
      - Some people know how to ride in on a turd.... (NT) -- DU93, Wednesday, June 25, 02:55:12am
(Just like) Mensah highlight reel -- Me, Saturday, June 21, 11:14:39pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i3yjHfR7zw

Out of control. Now out of bounds...legal out of bounds.

[Edit]
Stability? -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 18, 10:07:36pm
After an off-season that included:
- Two underclassmen declaring for the NBA draft
- Two coaches leaving
- An incredible 8-man recruiting class
- Two coaches coming in

... it begs the question: Are we facing a couple years of true stability?

[Edit]

Replies:
- 08-09 will be a mixed bag, 15 wins. 09-10 will be our first 20+ win season in forever. (NT) -- Me, Wednesday, June 18, 11:05:57pm
- I can't see why the pattern of instability would end after this season. When you bring in 8 guys at a pop not everyone is going to stay happy, because not everyone is going to get the PT they expected and personalities will clash. I suspect at least 3 of these guys and maybe one who is already on the roster will transfer within two years. 8 guys is too much too fast and I actually expect two more seasons of instability before we start to level out. Hope I'm wrong though. (NT) -- steve19981, Thursday, June 19, 07:57:13am
- Every college basketball team experiances some level of instability each season, that being said, Duquesne has been very unstable the last few seasons under RE. I don't think the program will ever be totally free of instability but let's hope things settle down a little the next few years. (NT) -- The Duke from Dukes Court, Thursday, June 19, 08:26:31am
  - To be fair, Everhart ingerited a mess, a program filled mostly with D3 calibre players excepting Achara and Aaron Jackson. Turnover is certainly one measurement of stability, but there are others, including the record of the team. Winning 27 games in two seasons, given the task facing RE when he got here, is amazing to me, and a sign that he has established something and is building something. -- El Duque, Thursday, June 19, 11:03:03am
    - He is a systematic coach. That means a lot . Hopefully we can get over last year's final few weeks. (NT) -- b-ball man, Friday, June 20, 12:16:51pm
- Position Competition makes great teams. We are talking 8 guys spread over 5 positions. I don,t see anything wrong with that. Players also want to win. Some play more than others. That's what practice is for. Keep pushing yourself to play more. Nothing is guaranteed at the D1 level. You produce you play. This team is going to be very very good in 2 years. (NT) -- DUDude, Thursday, June 19, 10:09:12am
- I spoke with a friend and former player yesterday and he is very optimistic about this year. This fellow is usually much more pragmatic in his view of incoming players than I am and he is very high on the overall talent level and also on the work that the coaching staff is doing. What is now going on is proof that the current administration, from the president to the AD to the coaches, has a completely different attitude towards the basketball program than had been the case for the previous 25 or so years. (NT) -- VBC, Thursday, June 19, 11:03:17am
Link -- Lance (An offseason link for an old friend), Thursday, June 19, 01:00:21pm
[Edit]
No WAY the kid Jovon Moses Bummed out -- Delivery Man, Monday, June 16, 01:41:49am
Jovon Moses is out at Kilgore College in Texas he didnt have a good yr under the coaching staff that was there but Kilgore now has new coaches an Jovon an the coaches are ready to get things going. I seen em workout.He can shoot it now,stronger,just a better player overall his game it seems like its gone to another level. So the kid is Stil rolling. Watch out for him this year down there

[Edit]

Replies:
- Dukes frontcourt might be pretty crowded next year: Mike Williams and Damian Saunders will be juniors, and Shawntez Patterson, Rod Peggau and Aleks Milovic will be sophomores. Since Everhart likes 3-4 guard rotations, it'll be tough to crack the rotation. No disrespect to Jovon Moses, just saying. (NT) -- El Duque, Monday, June 16, 10:03:34pm
  - Williams will also be a sophomore after his transfer redshirt. (NT) -- Steve19981, Monday, June 16, 10:47:43pm
    - Thanks for the clarification. (NT) -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 17, 01:47:32pm
- I think Jovon may have missed his chance at DU. But if he can do what you say, he will have others. But is all truth, when you are a post-grad who had no offers coming out of HS, and you get a mid-major offer, you are supposed to close the deal and qualify. And if you don't, and you go to JUCO, you really aren't supposed to have problems with the coaches, you are supposed to do whatever it takes to have better than 3p\3r numbers. But there are a lot of schools that would give him a chance at 2 more years of education if he does what you project. Here's hoping you are right for his sake. (NT) -- Purduke, Tuesday, June 17, 01:29:10pm
Is DU still planning to give the AJPalumbo Cntr a face lift? I sure hope, we have a coach, and hopefully a team, that deserves it. -- thomas, Wednesday, June 11, 10:28:29am
[Edit]

Replies:
- I hope so, but i'm not sure. (NT) -- BJH, Wednesday, June 11, 10:41:07am
- They never were. (NT) -- FAM, Wednesday, June 11, 05:08:20pm
- I know they are updating ALL of the Men's and Women's basketball locker and film rooms are going to be renovated. I also heard if all goes well with fundraising they want to turn the Palmbo into a Bowl or all seats, no bleachers! (NT) -- DU Dude., Wednesday, June 11, 05:58:05pm
  - I apologize for all of the typos. DU will be asking for donations. I think we all need to do our part to bring in top-quality players. It is competitive and we need to compete, and we cant do that without funding. Go Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Wednesday, June 11, 06:03:32pm
- After the meeting with the ticket holders, there was discussion about a "study" being done of Palumbo. It had to be given budget approval. You are probably 2-3 years away from significant change, if any. We don't know if the study was approved. (NT) -- Southpaw, Thursday, June 12, 08:46:18am
  - I know I'm in the minority on this but I like Palumbo Center the way it is. -- VBC, Thursday, June 12, 02:25:17pm
    - I agree to the point that we need to spend on recruiting but I believe DU's point in improving AJP is at least in part recruiting related. I recall they commented at that meeting that when they bring recruits in it looks like they are playing in a large high school gym. When recruits see us on TV, the same impression applies. (NT) -- Mulder, Thursday, June 12, 03:00:46pm
      - Exactly. You need to upgrade to get the recruits. If we need 2-3 years to revamp the locker rooms, etc., we better reevaluate our commitment to athletics. Let's move forward. the time is now. RE is on a roll. Tomorrow is today! Go Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 03:06:13pm
      - I know they are going to move forward in Phases. The Football field with permanent seating, concessions. Then locker rooms. Then Palumbo with Locker and film review rooms, etc. (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 03:14:21pm
        
        I agree with you and Mulder that the facility is part of recruiting. I want the priorities regarding Palumbo improvements to be those that directly impact the players done first and fan comfort items done last. (NT) -- VBC, Thursday, June 12, 05:12:23pm
        
        Of course. That's why I am sure they are starting with the locker rooms. But let's face it, the bleachers bring it down a couple of levels. It's more impressive to a recruit to see a true "Bowl"/ arena with seats. Its all part of the master plan. Duquesne has come a long way since i was there. I love the enthusiasm off the people behind the scenes. They want a first-class operation. That's how you win. Commitment.Go Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 06:50:50pm
    - I agree with you VBC. I'd rather spend the money on recruiting, etc first as well. I doubt extra amenities will make many (if any) more fans attend. If the best way to help recruiting is to improve AJP...then do it. Otherwise, getting a better team is a priority first to me as well. (NT) -- Rogabee, Thursday, June 12, 03:49:44pm
    - Agreed, agreed, agreed! -- Rednbluz, Thursday, June 12, 04:33:01pm
    - Agreement here also. I really do not care if my rear is on a bleacher or in a chair, I want to see wins. Nothing can be done to that place to change the fact it is weak on "comforts." The place will rock with a consistant (over years) winner. Then knock it down and start over. (NT) -- Southpaw, Thursday, June 12, 04:39:00pm
- What's best? -- VBC, Thursday, June 12, 07:30:26pm
  - Option D: There's still some viable property across Fifth Avenue, isn't there? How about putting a state of the art 10,000 arena there, and letting Palumbo become the new "old gym." I know, I'm crazy. (NT) -- El Duque, Thursday, June 12, 08:05:21pm
    - We need to fill the Palumbo consistently to even think about that. Years to follow. In due time. In due time. Let's win, get the recruits, sign RE to a 10 year deal and live the dream. Go Dukes! (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 08:21:01pm
      - I also want to mention what an awesome job Greg Amodio is doing. How about a dunk for GA! (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 08:22:44pm
        
        He got that baseball team under control to. He doesnt just care about hoops. (NT) -- Axelrod, Friday, June 13, 02:03:47pm
      - You have to think big to be big. Keepping things in a shoebox is a self-fulfilling prophecy, I'm afraid. (NT) -- El Duque, Thursday, June 12, 08:25:24pm
        
        Option E is the way to go. -- P. Muldoon, Thursday, June 12, 08:46:58pm
        Let's doI see your point. It will take what 3-4 years to plan and build? I guess we should start thinking about it. Who will be the main donor? who's stepping up to the line? (NT) -- DU Dude., Thursday, June 12, 08:57:04pm
        
        Clearly its Mysterio he knows everything! (NT) -- G-Hog, Thursday, June 12, 09:58:37pm
        
        Great idea! We can call the place The Mysterium. (NT) -- Paddy, Thursday, June 12, 10:17:11pm
        G-Hog ... -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 07:37:35am
        
        Great thank you hope the same with yours (NT) -- G-HOG, Friday, June 13, 08:03:02am
        
        Yes, thanks! Glad to hear your news. (NT) -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 12:40:48pm
    - Agree 100%. Chairback seats is just cosmetic. There is no room in Palumbo a big improvement. People cant move now. Level it. Play in Pens arena for a year. Put new arena where Palumbo is. Use McCloskey field for extra space. Stop putting good money after bad. (NT) -- Southpaw, Thursday, June 12, 11:15:49pm
      - Only if you're replacing McClosky with an athletic field elsewhere. Students are already kicked off of Rooney for sports, and McClosky is often used as well. We don't have a ton of space, but removing that chunk of active space for students would be a bad call. Its also our only track. (NT) -- MFE08, Friday, June 13, 12:59:23am
        
        Yes, McCloskey should be replaced if larger Palumbo were to take its place. Where I do not know. (NT) -- Southpaw, Friday, June 13, 09:10:04am
    - For whom ?! -- Rednbluz, Friday, June 13, 07:26:29am
      - Or the Pirates (NT) -- Rogabee, Friday, June 13, 09:15:21am
      - By the time such an arena could be financed and built, the product better damned well be there, don't you think? (NT) -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 03:04:18pm
  - I'd still tend to favor another option. Keep the money (or part of it) instead of pending it on AJP and secure a coach...or sign a better one later. (NT) -- Rogabee, Friday, June 13, 09:24:46am
    - You still need facilities Rogabee. It does matter. Especially if we want to grow into a big-time program one day. And I think Ron Everhart is the right guy, and you are still right about securing him long-term. That will also make a difference. (NT) -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 12:43:38pm
      - Securing any coach long term is a pipe dream. You can sign RE for 100 years, but if "Big State U" comes a calling, it won't be any contract that keeps RE here. He'll stay if he likes it here, and the money is decent. If he's after top dollar, or wants to be on tv all of the time, he'll be gone. It's just part of the game. If Kansas had to sweat out possibly losing their coach, how is DU going to be immune from it? (NT) -- duq81, Friday, June 13, 04:14:00pm
        
        You've answered your own question; "He'll stay if he likes it here". -- VBC, Friday, June 13, 04:54:33pm
        
        Or just pay him a bit more...and increase the buy-out (see McCaffrey at Siena, who probably would be elsewhere if his buyout wasn't so big). At least we'll be compensated if RE does bolt. (NT) -- Rogabee, Friday, June 13, 05:14:11pm
        
        You'd have to pay him more tyhan "a bit more", to get him to agree to any kind of buyout. (NT) -- duq81, Sunday, June 15, 11:01:04pm
- If any Athletic Department people are reading this, it would be nice of you to perhaps post if the "study" Durda referred to in the meeting was approved. It could end some of the speculation. (NT) -- Southpaw, Friday, June 13, 09:11:34am
  - Never hapen - that would require an admission that they read this. (NT) -- Mysterio, Friday, June 13, 12:08:10pm
    - We all know that they read this. "Red-out" suggestion for Rhody game came right from this board. On Pens Message Board, the "Pens Front Office" post information all the time. Perhaps the lack of registration procedures on Voy is why they will not respond. It seems that there are alot of people interested in the topic and they should find a way to communicate these issues. Maybe this is an article for the Duke from Dukes Court who is writing for the other site. (NT) -- Southpaw, Friday, June 13, 01:13:30pm
      - southpaw, has Coach wilson signed anymore players in the 2nd signing period? (NT) -- thanks, Friday, June 13, 10:16:19pm
    - Plus you had a typo. Are you now in the Inner Circle? :) (NT) -- Southpaw, Friday, June 13, 01:40:19pm
      - No, I just don't proofread. There will be many more typos in the future, be assured. (NT) -- Mysterio, Friday, June 13, 04:22:08pm
        
        Sorry if you want to be a member of the inner-circle you must earn more then minimum wage ! (NT) -- Mysterio we must meet someday. Cant wait, Friday, June 13, 09:43:29pm
        
        Uuummmm...I don't wanna be a circle jerk. Please don't hold your breath. (NT) -- Mysterio, Friday, June 13, 10:29:30pm
        
        more than (NT) -- 5th grader, Saturday, June 14, 02:00:52am
Duquesne Sports Hall of Fame Weekend - November 14 & 15 -- Phoenix Rising, Monday, June 09, 06:54:07pm
Dukes vs. Morehead State Women�s Basketball � Dukes vs. High Point Panthers Men�s Basketball � Dukes vs. Monmouth Football
Hall of Fame Induction � Reception & Dinner

Click for Info

In addition, Steelers host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday November 16th at 4:15pm.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I nominate into this years HALL OF FAME Shawn James since he was a one year semi-sensation and all-time single game blocked shot record holder. (NT) -- PEEBO, Monday, June 09, 08:50:26pm
- Hall of Fame -- Apluski, Tuesday, June 10, 09:53:02am
- Bert Seay, hands down (NT) -- Silly, Wednesday, June 11, 06:09:17am
  - Junior Seau contributed as much to the Duquesne program as Bert Seay. (NT) -- kenOTR73, Sunday, June 15, 06:50:32pm
- I nominate myself and Doug, for being awesome with the Red and Blue Crew, despite the fact that nearly no one else was as awesome. (NT) -- MFE08, Wednesday, June 11, 08:07:48am
  - I nominate our former AD Why? Because the future is so bright compared to the 16 previous years of pure hell! (NT) -- Never forget the past, Wednesday, June 11, 01:50:32pm
    - It'll be way too much to ever forget! Too much badness in the past but for the small NIT bright spot... (NT) -- MFE08, Friday, June 13, 01:01:16am
Damian Saunders - Thoughts for Next Season -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 11, 08:10:01am
A few weeks ago I made a post stating that I believed Melquan Bolding and Eric Evans could be the "face of Duquesne basketball" for the next couple years. This statement seemed to upset some of my friends on the Board who felt that I had perhaps disrespected Damian Saunders.

I still think that Bolding and Evans could turn into one heck of a dynamite backcourt. They certainly have the potential, and we all hope they have the desire and work ethic to be successful. Ditto for the entire rest of the roster. And I've held the belief for years that the best teams have powerful backcourts. So too the additions of BJ Monteiro and Chase Robinson, to go along with Aaron Jackson, Billy Clark and Phil Fayne, give us a pretty good foundation (my belief) towards such a backcourt.

But I really did not mean any disrespect to Saunders, or any other players on our roster. Especially Saunders, though.

When I saw him in person last year he reminded me a little of Bruce Atkins as a freshman. Bruce put up some better numbers, but of course he was healthy as a freshman and had a playmaking point guard. He was also worked into a senior-laden rotation, which took some pressure off of him. Saunders was asked to do some extra things in the lineup, and had a bad wheel to boot.

I remember how Atkins returned to campus for his sophomore year, much stronger than his first year. Although he'd later be slowed by mono for the first weeks of the season, he turned into almost a different player. Bigger, stronger, with an inside game that he didn't flash as much the first year.

I don't know if Saunders is going to bulk up quite as much as Bruce did, but I think he will be counted on much more in the paint this season. Peggau and Milovic are unknown quantities -- hopefully, at least one might be able to step into a 4 or 5 role. And I still believe we'll see more of a contribution from Theis this year (also, I hope, a little stronger).

If Saunders can develop into a Bruce Atkins type player, and I think Atkins was as good as any forward I saw in that time, it will be huge for us. Atkins could carry a team because he could shoot from almost anywhere, he could rebound, he could pass, and he could defend. Plus after his career at DU he nearly made an NBA roster (last cut by the Sixers). In fact, because he might have more range on his jumper and because he might be a bit quicker, Saunders could turn out to be an Atkins-Plus.

An Atkins-Plus would make us competitive. I have no doubts that Evans, AJ and Robinson will make us solid at the point. Someone between Clark, Bolding and Monteiro will score consistently enough. A decent contribution by Peggau or Theis, and anything out of Milovic, and we might even flirt with .500.

Why not?

I wouldn't expect anything out of postseason, except maybe that even the best teams in the A-10 would be fearful of drawing us in the first round. Too much youth, too many new faces, not a lot of balance size-wise until Williams can play.

But a lot of potential nonetheless.

It's June. I'm optimistic. And I'm sticking with the story. See you in November Bruce, I mean Damian.

[Edit]

Replies:
- I second this entire post. (NT) -- duq81, Wednesday, June 11, 08:36:03am
- Very good post, El Duque, I agree as well. (NT) -- VBC, Wednesday, June 11, 09:41:13am
- Interesting thoughts on D.S. there El Duque. He is more athletic than Atkins was, but not as polished. He may "suffer statistically' when compared to Atkins if RE continues to run the offense that encourages the guards to shoot when a shot presents itself. He may also suffer in a two big, three guard offense where he has to do more of the dirty work underneath. I am looking for a large step forward from D.S. ( perhaps as early as this year ) now that he should be fully healthy. (NT) -- Abdul Rahman, Wednesday, June 11, 10:31:37am
- Remember, Atkins had Doug Arnold on the wing until he transferred to TCU and became All- Conference there, that took a little pressure of Bruce. He was a warrior! Hopefully a light pre season will help all the newcomers adjust and maybe pick up 9 or 10 wins again before A-10 wars begin. (NT) -- philldogg, Wednesday, June 11, 11:24:14am
  - Truthfully, I'd sacrifice a few wins this year in favor of a tough schedule. We need to start with 2-3 cupcakes to build a little confidence, and maybe stick in a bunny just prior to the A-10 schedule. In between, I'd like to see a rugged schedule that helps this team grow and get better. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 11, 12:01:07pm
    - ED, that's a tough call. I agree that we need to toughen up the schedule a little bit. We were 5-0 vs. non-conf teams with RPIs over 300 & didn't play any non-conf teams with RPIs between 201-300. We could toughen it by playing some 200s instead of the 300s. But confidence in a very, very young team is extremely fragile. And you don't really know how mentally tough a player is until you go through at least a season. We know that AJAX is tough and can handle adversity; I think Damian & Clark showed some signs. But the rest of the team is a big ? mark right now. Spoon feed them some cupcakes. (NT) -- Phoenix Rising, Wednesday, June 11, 05:54:06pm
      - Next year's schedule -- Paddy, Wednesday, June 11, 08:24:24pm
        
        Mmmmm... Paddy Cakes. (NT) -- Phoenix Rising, Thursday, June 12, 10:39:36am
- IF Damien could be the player Atkins was I would be happy. I remember DrJ saying Atkins was the most fundamentally sound rookie he had ever seen. Quite a complement. Had Doug had a few more hops, of 3 more inches, he would have been a rich man. (NT) -- Purduke, Wednesday, June 11, 05:25:32pm
  - Doug was a catch and shoot guy. He would have benefitted more from a 3-point line than 3 more inches. At 6-9, he was one of the tallest perimeter players of his time. (NT) -- El Duque, Wednesday, June 11, 05:50:38pm
    - My bad, I meant Bruce. Dr J's comment was about Atkins. Guess Doug Atkins must have left more of an impression on me then I realized -- always liked physical DE's. As good a player as Arnold was I don't think he was ever lauded for how fundamentally sound his game was. (NT) -- Purduke, Wednesday, June 11, 06:56:52pm
      - Someone also had the sense to sign up Doug for IM football. He would line up as a defensive lineman and rush the QB with his arms extended. Very tough to throw over him. Doug Arnold was Shawn James, if Shawn moved his game outside the paint. (NT) -- El Duque, Thursday, June 12, 12:31:27am
        
        I was umpiring an IM softball game between the Gammas and Zebes. It was up at the astroturf field under the Bloomfield Bridge. Anyway, Doug steps up to the plate for ZBT--ball one, ball two, ball three--how can a pitcher not find the strike zone on a 6' 10" batter? So, from 3 and 0, we get strike one, then strike two. Next pitch, strike three. Doug never moved his bat. He also never said a word to me which was a relief--just turned around and walked back to the bench--for which I am still thankful. (NT) -- JPG-DU81, Thursday, June 12, 12:45:01pm
        
        Norm Nixon could play some softball though. (NT) -- El Duque, Thursday, June 12, 06:29:36pm
        
        I understand that Norman was a very good IM football QB too. With his quickness, he would probably have been all-school in street hockey. (NT) -- JPG-DU81, Thursday, June 12, 09:17:44pm
        
        He played QB. His team had 2 plays. Norm would drop back, run around a little, then throw a lob pass to Jesse Hubbard. The other option was Norm dodging the rushers and running for a big gain. It worked well in the dorm league but couldn't beat more organized teams in the playoffs. (NT) -- VBC, Thursday, June 12, 09:58:20pm
        
        Yes, postseason was for Playboys! (NT) -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 07:40:58am
        
        Not in '79 it wasn't! (NT) -- JPG-DU81, Friday, June 13, 10:30:54am
        
        2 old geezers still fighting battles from long ago. (NT) -- , Friday, June 13, 10:58:27am
        Had 5 Towers taken care of business in the Residence League game, the 'boys would have been in the finals against that Mighty Mighty Beta team that I personally rooted for! (NT) -- El Duque, Friday, June 13, 12:32:19pm
        
        I remember Don Clendenon played on the Law School football team. He centered. Early on, he went out for a pass and got his head taken off. He got up and went straight to his car and left. Tough game. (NT) -- Mike Ignelsi, Friday, June 13, 12:27:04pm
- I'll toss my kudos in as well. We never realized that Damian was playing with injury. He seemed to disappear over the last half of the season but now we know why. I agree that .500 is reachable and for 2009-2010, look out! 8-2 or 8-3 in the preseason is a great boost. (NT) -- kenOTR73, Wednesday, June 11, 07:01:10pm
- Damian is the man. Good to remind us. (NT) -- Me, Wednesday, June 11, 08:08:16pm
  - RE remarked when practice began last summer how good he was, I think our A-10 rivals will be saying"wonder how Duquesne got him?" before his career is over here. BTW isn't it nice to be looking forward to 4 year players and not transfers, Williams not included, this coming season. (NT) -- philldogg, Thursday, June 12, 01:34:08pm
    - No, I think that before he's gone we'll be at (or nearly at) the point where no one will wonder where we got anyone. (NT) -- MFE08, Thursday, June 12, 02:11:38pm
KoJo, James, and James, Kojo. With all the talk about them, does anyone know if Achara has any designs to play pro ball overseas, as well? -- Apluski, Monday, June 09, 10:10:37am
[Edit]

Replies:
- You mean that guy who loves Duquesne, excelled in the classroom and stayed to play a year after graduation even though he could have been off earning money playing overseas? Why would anyone want to talk about someone like that? -- Paddy, Monday, June 09, 10:45:55am
  - A good and thought-provoking post Paddy. Achara leaves, I think, a great legacy as a player, student and person. He'll do well in life, whatever path he chooses. The preoccupation with Shawn (and to a lesser extent Kojo) I think is the notion that they have somehow betrayed us by leaving early. (NT) -- El Duque, Monday, June 09, 12:46:19pm
    - I'm a big fan of Achara, El Duque. He did himself proud at Duquesne. -- Paddy, Monday, June 09, 02:10:05pm
      - Well, you have to keep in mind that maybe Duquesne was not so wornderful for them, considering that both of them got gunned down on campus. (NT) -- duq81, Tuesday, June 10, 08:43:51am
  - Kieron in Chicago working with Luol Deng -- DuqRx15, Monday, June 09, 11:20:30pm
- Yes, he is planning on playing overseas. (NT) -- FAM, Monday, June 09, 11:04:56am
- Kieron signed with the same agent as Deng. (NT) -- DU4Life, Tuesday, June 10, 01:00:38am
  - It would be ironic if Achara were drafted. -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 10, 10:49:52am
- I have to believe Kieron has a better shot at playing overseas than Mensah. Kieron is a first class student and quality big man. I'll chime in with those wishing him the best wahtever he chooses to do. (NT) -- Tony84, Tuesday, June 10, 10:44:32pm
  - He also developed a more consistent outside shot this season (NT) -- Steve19981, Thursday, June 12, 08:03:07am
- Keiron also has his Scottish citizenship which goes a long ways in Europe. Many of the European leagues have limits on the number of Americans that can play on one team. (NT) -- Mike J., Thursday, June 12, 01:06:24am
- anyone know what Reggie and G-Tuck have planned? not sure if they are overseas material, but just wondering if they both got their degrees, etc? I thought they carried themselves very well for the two years they where on the bluff and wish them all the best too... (NT) -- c, Thursday, June 12, 03:14:58pm
  - Reggie and Tuck are still in school working toward getting their degrees. I believe they need summer sessions and maybe one more semester. (NT) -- St. Jimmy, Thursday, June 12, 09:09:32pm
Another big man (with Rigot ties ??) on the market? -- Purduke, Saturday, June 07, 11:36:44am
CSTV says Morakinyo Williams, 6'11 260 UK frosh, from Solihull, Eng and Alexandria, Va Bishop Ireton is transferring. Granted Rigot wasn't a Wildcat this year but presumable he was heavily involved in his recruiting his last year there, especially with the rep for going after international kids.

That said, Williams still sounds a bit of a project.

http://www.ukathletics.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=37&url_article_id=20344&change_well_id=2

[Edit]

Replies:
- I understand Williams has visited Duquesne. (NT) -- VBC, Sunday, June 08, 07:07:16am
- Q/A with Williams -- Me, Sunday, June 08, 09:59:12am
- Meet Mike...link inside -- Me, Sunday, June 08, 10:00:52am
  - Williams quote "I like the weight room" (NT) -- What a novel thought @ Duquesne!, Sunday, June 08, 10:24:24am
- Observations on Williams -- Apluski, Sunday, June 08, 11:28:50am
  - I believe that video was taken before his year at Kentucky. He didn't get a lot of playing time last year (30 minutes total in only 5 games - 19 minutes in the first game of the season). Once KY lost to Gardner-Webb in the 2nd game of the season, it looks like Gillespie shortened his bench. You would guess that there would be some improvement from a full year of D-1 practice, plus the improvement that could occur sitting out a year. Adding a big, big body to this year's incoming class would really help the Dukes in the coming years, allowing players to play at their natural positions. (NT) -- Phoenix Rising, Sunday, June 08, 12:25:30pm
    - He doesn't have to be a star for us. If he can grab some rebounds on defense and command enough attention on the offensive end to open up the floor for his teammates we will be in good shape. (NT) -- Padraig M., Monday, June 09, 10:21:07pm
      - His nickname is Great Britain. Gotta like that. (NT) -- El Duque, Monday, June 09, 11:20:39pm
      - Padraig, totally agree. Just get up and down the court, rebound on both ends and clog up the middle on defense. Any scoring, besides some put backs, and passing ability would be a bonus. (NT) -- Phoenix Rising, Tuesday, June 10, 10:39:36am
      - Even better, he may be able to replace Kieron's British Isle accent. (NT) -- Mysterio, Wednesday, June 11, 01:14:37am
- While we learned RE is a man to never under estimate this will be an uphill effort for the same reason Ayharo was lost - he was looking for a mentor to play under for a year instead James turned pro. My hunch RE is looking for a 'big' coach with a rep for his last asst. (NT) -- doggy, Sunday, June 08, 06:05:04pm
- He will be transferring to Duquesne. Will sit out 2008-9 and have 3 years of eligibilty after that. (NT) -- Abdul Rahman, Monday, June 09, 08:48:16pm
  - Wow. Gibbons had Williams ranked #85 in his Top 150 last year. It's official -- we have another Simpace Ngoya calibre recruit !! Hey, in all sincerity, I'm happy about this. Just didn't realize we were getting a Top 100 kid. Wonder how many hundreds he would have dropped if he had committed directly to Duquesne? (NT) -- Purduke, Tuesday, June 10, 03:59:18pm
    - Njoya and Simon Ogunlesi are probably the closest comparisons at this point. If Williams can give us what we got from Simon on the court (but certainly not off it) we will be okay. If he develops nicely we'll be in very good shape in years to come. (NT) -- Paddy, Tuesday, June 10, 06:26:36pm
- So much for worrying about adding big men to the squad. It is also nice to know that Williams didn't lose PT to lack of ability, but it seems mostly due to the coaching change. (NT) -- The Duke from Dukes Court, Monday, June 09, 11:26:35pm
Post gazette -- bummer3341, Tuesday, June 10, 11:15:12am
Someone should call the sports desk at the pg and wake them up! Once again Dave Mackall beats them to Duquesne coverage. They have WVU but not the Williams signing.I switched to the trib years ago.

[Edit]

Replies:
- They had it under Sports News Briefs along with a mention of James playing in Israel. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Tuesday, June 10, 11:20:07am
- Dave Mackall has been my favorite college hoops reporter for years. He works hard to get stories and he knows the game. He had that story posted early yesterday. The P-G is still Steelers first, Steelers second, Pitt anything third, HS football fourth, Pens fifth, Pirates in the summer, and everything else after that, with preference given to Penn State, WVU, etc. (NT) -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 10, 12:02:57pm
- The weird thing is that nothing about Williams or the James signing in Israel is on the PG website under the Duquesne section. (NT) -- The Duke from Dukes Court, Tuesday, June 10, 04:11:15pm
- I switched as well! Thanks to the Big Mack who covers every Duquesne game Home & away... (NT) -- Trib #1, Tuesday, June 10, 10:24:56pm
- I sent an e-mail at one point regarding the coverage of the Dukes in the PG. I got a rather rude response that we were irrelevant, yet more time and space was devoted to the Dukes during the season than in years past. Too bad that hasn't lasted into the offseason. (NT) -- MFE08, Tuesday, June 10, 11:20:09pm
  - And their circulation continues to plummet. (NT) -- Mysterio, Wednesday, June 11, 01:09:24am
Its official, the Dukes are loaded. Only Question, is Ron done recruiting? -- doggy, Tuesday, June 10, 04:49:06am
[Edit]

Replies:
- Notwithstanding James, Williams best big man since Alston and first true post player at DU since can't remember when. (NT) -- Phil, Tuesday, June 10, 04:52:38am
  - Sounds good: Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois and Georgia have shown interest in Williams(last year). (NT) -- thomas, Tuesday, June 10, 09:39:07am
- For those of you not in PICKSburgh, there were two articles, albeit one small, on DU Basketball today. Both in sports. One on the great recruiting class and on the inside pages near the back on a transfer from Kentucky who won't play next year but will have 3 years of eligibility left after that. I sure hope season ticket sales increase now. (NT) -- FAM, Tuesday, June 10, 07:19:32am
  - Which publication(s) FAM? (NT) -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 10, 09:14:45am
- Checked out the UK Rivals board. Most seem to look at Williams as a project. Also, they seem to have a very low opinion of Rigot. -- duq81, Tuesday, June 10, 08:56:57am
  - Isn't that normal when someone leaves? I mean, look at what's written about Shawn James and Kojo Mensah here, and how a guy like Kieran Achara gets ignored. -- El Duque, Tuesday, June 10, 09:13:35am
    - I don�t think Kieran was ignored, he graduated and being that he was from Europe it was common belief he would return there to play. I think people were more shocked by Shawn and Kojo�s decisions to go �pro� and thus a more compelling discussion. (NT) -- DuHope, Tuesday, June 10, 02:28:00pm
  - Sounds like his year off due to the transfer might be a blessing. I think he needs time to develop from what I read. Tubby Smith knows talent, this kid must have talent, and the size is awesome. Should be a solid addition and much needed height (NT) -- thomas, Tuesday, June 10, 09:27:36am
  - They trash him as much as we trash our own departing. I'm not sure how much is objective comment. (NT) -- Stevie, Tuesday, June 10, 04:02:21pm
- We have't had this much beef underneath since Moses was a kid! (NT) -- Apluski, Tuesday, June 10, 09:55:57am
  - Or at least since the Nelson twins and Gary Major. (NT) -- Pep, Tuesday, June 10, 05:18:29pm
- UK basketball fans are goofy -- stew, Tuesday, June 10, 10:01:51am
- Congrats to the Dukes. I'm a Xavier alum and remember the Dukes from the late 70's. Hopefully these players will help you. XU is reloading for another deep run in the NCAA next season. We need the Dukes to beat Pitt!! -- XUFan, Tuesday, June 10, 11:02:36am
- Might get an early look at Williams if he gets on campus early and plays in the Pro Am league. Shawn played a couple of games in it his transfer season before the Dukes quit showing up. These games are usually fast paced just like Ron likes to play. Get a chance to see how he gets up and down the court. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Tuesday, June 10, 11:02:44am
- Sorry. Pos-Gazette - latest edition - today, June 10. (NT) -- FAM, Tuesday, June 10, 12:27:09pm
- Story on mens basketball site says Williams is getting 8th and final scholarship. Ron says Djim will not be attending Duquesne this year. (NT) -- Washpa Rick, Tuesday, June 10, 03:00:04pm
  - This is good news, even if Williams proves to be a bit of a project. As long as he hustles. My fear was that even with Peggau getting up to speed in the a-10 this year, Saunders would end up getting yanked into the middle and I can't think that would sit well. At least if you know a kid like this is on board, it means any post pounding you take may be a temporary one. At least we look like a D1 team size wise now. (NT) -- Purduke, Tuesday, June 10, 03:37:17pm
- So then it looks like RE is done recruiting for this year aside from another coach. Let the scheduling and games (and of course recruiting for next year) start up! (NT) -- Rogabee, Tuesday, June 10, 03:20:18pm
  - Great news, I hope we can make a strong run in Feb and March of '09. (NT) -- 10/40 or bust, Tuesday, June 10, 08:33:44pm
    - We will, provided we're not using 10/40. (NT) -- 10/40 = bust, Wednesday, June 11, 12:17:30am

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