Fryer: My take on Taylor King ...
April 1st, 2008, 10:56 am · 6 Comments · posted by STEVE FRYER, ocvarsity.com
As an outsider, I don't know the entire situation, i.e. did he have indications he was so deep in Coach K's doghouse that he could never get out? I am the father of a college athlete, and a basketball guy, too, and my advice would have been to stick it out for one more year. It's Duke. Even a McDonald's All-American might not play a lot as a freshman. Work on your deficiencies, get better, and then compete like heck your sophomore year. King was not a good defensive player at Mater Dei -- he just didn't have the footwork for it. He probably did not feel the need to work on that aspect of basketball. Too many travel-ball/AAU type coaches are not good teachers of the game, and really don't push kids that don't want to be pushed. I think King got fine skills coaching at Mater Dei, but a student has to be receptive to the teacher.
Where does he go from here? Well, he is going to survey the landscape, and find the place that needs a guy with King's offensive skills. USC, maybe??
-- Steve Fryer
6 Comments
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i think this is a good move by King. the depth chart was so ddep at his position, he never would have been more than a bench player.
I watched as many Duke games as I could, either on the tube or on the computer, and I sensed that King was not getting the minutes he deserved. He may have deficiencies, but you don't correct them by being a cheerleader on the bench. Coach K has always played his favorites, and more than often has succeeded. However, it was obvious this year that they were deficient in the paint. Good for Taylor. I hope he picks the correct school, and has a fun college career playing for a coach that helps him achieve his true potential.
How about your Titans!
In just a short time, this kid has developed a reputation for not sticking to his commitments. Commits to UCLA prematurely, then drops them for Duke. Now he's afraid to compete at Duke and wants out. Nice shot but no defense. UCLA will not want him back with Howland there.
King needs a reality check – he is Big West material at best or maybe a “6th” man for a WAC team.
He can shoot and that is it. I’ve heard he is a ‘head’ case and I’m sure a school will consider that before signing him
Too many kids read their press clippings at an early age and believe that they are prima donnas and not have to work hard at being a better basketball player. Taylor King may have fallen into this category. Defense wins championship and King has to better his game at the next level. Play defense. It's not about shooting the ball all the time. Choose a college program