I think the Josh Smith addition is the most interesting of the group. He can go get a bucket. Adds a different element to this roster. Likely fills out the starting five with Pasha - Smith - Bernan - Olowonyi - Demir. Ball-handling at three spots in this lineup. I like it
I like what Duquesne has done this offseason. Stephen Olowonyi is very athletic and has a terrific season at Southern Indiana two years ago. Also added Ege Demir from Oregon at the five. Izaiah Pasha should thrive at this level at the PG spot and Yoav Bermam provides versatility.
I really like this signing. Olowoniyi boasts an impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan. Coupled with his 6-foot-8 height, this length gives him a significant advantage on the court, particularly as a shot-blocker and finisher. Just what Duquesne needed. Great fit! Go Dukes 🏀
The 6-8 Olowonyi averaged 2 stocks-per-game in 2024-25 at Southern Indiana.
Good chance we can see Olowonyi, at times, share the floor in two-big lineups at @DuqMBB alongside follow transfers Ege Demir (Oregon) and Kerem Konan (Creighton).
#A10MBB
Duquesne has landed Oregon State transfer Stephen Olowoyni, his agent Scott Nichols told @TheFieldOf68.
The 6-8 Australian averaged 13.9 points and 6.8 boards two seasons ago at Southern Indiana. He only played 8 games last season at Oregon State.
Duquesne has landed Oregon State transfer Stephen Olowoyni, his agent Scott Nichols told @TheFieldOf68.
The 6-8 Australian averaged 13.9 points and 6.8 boards two seasons ago at Southern Indiana. He only played 8 games last season at Oregon State.
Next player evaluation is on Duquesne CG Josh Smith. He’s listed at 6’3 182lbs.
What he brings offensively
• He has a scorers mentality. Will probably be the 1st or 2nd scoring option for the Dukes next year.
• Really good at driving to the hoop. Can finish with either hand.
• A good 3pt shooter. 62 made 3’s on 35% shooting last year.
• Has a decent mid range game.
• Loves the step back. Whether it’s from 3 or the mid range he uses the step back well.
• Is a decent passer, but he definitely looks to score first.
• Is a decent ball handler. Could play PG in a pinch.
Defensively/Rebounding
• Does a solid job on D. He might end up being Duquesne’s second best perimeter defender.
• Will play the passing lanes and gets rewarded with an easy bucket.
• Not a bad rebounder for his position. Will help on the glass some.
• Averaged just under 1 steal a game last year.
Overall Expectation
I think Smith is going to lead the Dukes in scoring next year. When he gets going offensively he can score in bunches. I think the Dukes will lean on him early and often next year on the offensive end. I expect him to be the starting SG where he’s better suited on the wing.
Kerem Konan didn't do a ton at Creighton, but he has a real skill set that should allow him to be an 8 PPG and 8 RPG guy from day one at Duquesne.
I love the frontcourt Dru Joyce has put together with Ege Demir and Konan.
@TheWordSchmidt@MicahMason22 I got to believe the plantar fasciitis and a stress fracture really hurt his scoring. When healthy, he has proven to be an efficient scorer, overall shooting around 50 percent from the floor. I think this kid is a winner & a leader, we need him healthy.
Jake is a hard nosed Pittsburgh kid. Stats are deceiving. The last two years he played through pain of a nagging foot injury. Hearing now he is 100%. If he stays healthy he will be a key player and the glue guy he was as a freshman.
The 2nd Duquesne player evaluation is SG Jake DiMichele. He’s listed at 6’4 185
What he brings offensively
• He’s a solid player. Not the best athlete, but is a smart player.
• 3 pt shooting will be key for him. He’s only about a 30% shooter from 3. If he can shoot it more consistently he can be a big factor for the Dukes this year.
• He’s not a great ball handler. Not the best at finishing at the hoop either. I’d like to see him become a 3 pt specialist.
• He is a solid passer. Will find the open man.
• Values the basketball. Doesn’t turn it over much.
Defensively/Rebounding
• He’s not the quickest player and his on ball D is subpar. If he can improve in this area he should be able to get some more playing time.
• He does put himself in good position. Reads what the offense is going to do and will make plays on the ball.
• Doesn’t help much on the boards. Will go in and try to help but his lack of size and athleticism hurts him in this area.
• Plays the passing lanes well.
Overall Expectation
Jake started for the Dukes in ‘24 when they won the A10 and made it to the round of 32, so he can succeed if he’s in the right situation. If he can improve his on ball D, and his 3 pt shooting I think he can be a starter again. Seems like he was in Coach Joyce’s doghouse the 2nd half of last season. But he’s returning for his 4th season with The Dukes and has shown in the past that he can be a factor.