Thursday, February 11, 2010

Duke's Thomas doubtful for Maryland

Duke forward Lance Thomas is listed as doubtful for Saturday's 1 p.m. game against Maryland with a severe bone bruise on his right knee, a team spokesman announced Thursday.

Thomas was injured during Wednesday night's 64-54 Duke defeat of North Carolina when he collided with Tar Heel point guard Larry Drew at the Smith Center early in the second half.

Teammates carried Thomas off to the locker room after he was injured, and he did not return to the game. Thomas, a senior co-captain who coach Mike Krzyzewski has called one of the top defenders in the nation, is averaging 5.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Ken Tysiac

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What stat (or collection of stats) would indicate that he's a top defender in the ACC let alone the nation? Aside from the (what I counted) 8 fouls he was afforded in the BC game, I am not sure what other amazing qualities he possesses ... aside from being an excuse for DU to under-perform against UMd.

Anonymous said...

dude, if you think that the only way to measure one's talent level is in tangible "stats", then I guess you are probably the same guy who doesn't understand why there are offensive linemen in the pro football hall of fame.

hater.

Anonymous said...

I don't need stats. I can watch him play and tell you without a doubt he is nowhere near a top defender anywhere.

Anonymous said...

I ask for stats because watching him, I'd question if he's one of the top three defenders on Duke's team let alone if he ranks Nationally. I do think DU has two very good defenders, I don't think Thomas is one of them. I do think Thomas is an offensive liability and a defensive mess if the refs are actually watching him and I would not be at all surprised they are a more efficient team without him.

I in no way think the only way to measure one's contribution is though stats. I do however think that if its not obvious in game time, hopefully a stat backs up the claim.

Anonymous said...

Thomas is not that good anyway. They need to start both the Plumlee boy together. Did anyone see the Wake Forest game when they dominated the inside? They know how to play with each other after years together. Coach K needs to consider having them on the floor more together. Maybe he will now!

Anonymous said...

I agree that the Plumlee brothers should play more together. I don't think it's any kind of coincidence that Miles' only two points came off of an assist from Mason.

If Lance misses more than one game, he'll probably end up coming off the bench for the remainder of the season. He should be averaging double figures with the looks he gets, but he just doesn't understand how to play down low. The reverse dunk by Mason is a good example of something Lance doesn't understand. Mason took the ball up on the other side of the rim to use it as a shiled against the shot blockers of UNC. Lance just doesn't get that concept.

Anonymous said...

To the person knocking Lance Thomas and K's remarks. You've obviously never played the game above the 10 and under level if you don't recognize Thomas' contributions on the defensive end. Lots of times, he's on the point pressuring the ball, and at 6'8" that in itself speaks volumes about his ability. Your remarks about those fouls......Guess what? You're not even at the game, not to mention an official. You're just another DUKE Hater with a biased opinion. Next CASE!