By Steve DiMiceli
It honestly blows my mind how some people are ready to recruit over Derrick Colter to bring in a new PG. I can understand the need for a couple more willing ball handlers, but the starting point guard position is filled. Period.
DC had one of the best seasons of any Duquesne freshman ever finishing forth in scoring and second in assists. His 156 assists ranks 7th most in single season and he is only the third Duke to record 400 points and 150 assists in the same year. Aaron Jackson did it as a senior in 2007-08 and Norm Nixon did it his final two seasons on the Bluff. Colter turned his game up after a slow start. Since the City Game, he's averaged 15.7 point and 5.8 assists and only failed to reach double figures in scoring twice in the final 21 games.
What I liked
Colter is a catalyst. Plain and simple he makes things happen on offense. He's not afraid to take the open shot, he's not afraid to take the big shot. He will give it up for the assist too. More than any point guard we've had since I've been around the program, the offense runs through him. He improved over the course of the season. His on ball defense went from bad to average. Charlotte aside, he was a much better FT shooter by the end of the year. Even his three point shot became more reliable. The floor started to open up for him and he really seemed to dominate at times. He handled pressure better towards the end of the year too.
What I didn't like
His shot selection is still suspect at times and he could benefit from passing the ball off more. He seemed to have lapses where his ball handling wasn't as strong leading to turnovers or slow developing plays. He'll need to cut down on his turnovers overall. His shooting and his defense still need work.
***
I said at the beginning of the year that Colter reminded me of Kwamain Mitchell. I'd revise that now as he looks more like Chaz Williams to me. Both are electric though Williams' skills are somewhat more refined. I think with time Colter could play to his level. It's not out of the question that Colter lives on the all league team the rest of his time at Duquesne.
