By Steve DiMiceli
I've decided to double up Kadeem and Jerry's post season reflection, because they both seemed to fall into the same category for me. They both came into the season as players who could and should improve. For the team,to have any success this season, one or both needed to step up and fill a void in the starting lineup at the 3 or 4. Kadeem started and played the bulk of the minutes at power forward this season, though it would be difficult to say he excelled in the role offensively. On defense he did a fine job denying the post at times and on the glass. Jerry lost his starting job early and never recovered. He showed flashes of becoming the player the Dukes needed him to be but never elevated his game on a consistent basis and let his team down with an untimely suspension prior to the Dayton game when it seemed he was heating up.
What I liked
Both players played strong defense and rebounded their position fairly well, Kadeem especially. Jerry combined with Jeremiah Jones to shut down or contain a couple of very good Atlantic 10 guards. Both kicked in a decent scoring effort here and there and Jerry flat out won the Appy St game. Following, Quevyn Winters, they were the two most reliable three point shooters on the team. Kadeem seemed to come on a little at the end of the season in his bench role. Kadeem can set a decent screen and I thought he got tougher as the year progressed.
What I didn't like
My biggest concern with these two is that they were given the opportunity to take important roles with the team, but neither was able to lock it down. They didn't create much for themselves off the dribble though both tried to get to the hoop more often this year. Both players gravitated to the 3 point line too much. 60% of Kadeem's points came from three, 41% for Jones. Compare that to 36% for the 5'11'' Derrick Colter and 28% for Sean Johnson who were both guards. As a result, neither shot free throws often enough. Jeremiah Jones, Andre Marhold, Colter and Johnson got to the charity stripe individually more than these two combined. Both players struggled with consistency
*****
2012-13 season proved that while Jerry Jones and Kadeem Pantophlet may not be ideal starters, they are very good depth options. Neither should return to the starting lineup next year but both offer good size for their natural positions and the potential to score in bunches or eat minutes without hurting the team off the bench.
Jerry likely will complete his career as a Duke next season but it is possible that Kadeem could look to move elsewhere. At 6'7'' and with a good three point shot and defensive ability, he could be in demand and help a lot of programs in the MAAC, Patriot or Am-East. I don't think it's a lock that he stays but I don't think it's a lock that he leaves either. The coaching staff is recruiting 2013 like we're going to have a couple more scholarship openings for the spring. Kadeem and Mamadou Datt probably have the best options of the players who could leave.That said, I hope he's back. We will have yet another young team and experience off the bench could be helpful.
