Originally Posted by
Phantom Warrior
If memory serves, Jerel had more turnovers than any other player in the Big East as a freshman, but an inordinate number of those were offensive fouls. I think he had at least one offensive foul call almost every game.
Jerel, however, was also an outstanding rebounder for a guard, especially a 6'2" guard. He averaged 4.5 rpg as a frosh.
I think he also led the Big East in steals. At the very least he was second with 2.1 spg.
Duane is quicker than Jerel was especially on offense, and he has better hops. But Jerel was physically stronger.
But the biggest difference, I think, may have been Jerel's - for lack of a better term - "Chicago toughness." He played with an edge. We've had some physically tough back courts over the years, but the combination of DJ and Jerel may have been the toughest.
By the way, another similarity: Jerel was ranked #57 on the final RSCI for the Class of '05; Duane was ranked #59 in the Class of '13.
Jerel ended up first-team all-Big East (and second-team A-A) as a senior. I can definitely envision Duane ending up a first-team all-Big East player as well.