Marquis Teague (Class of 2011, 6-1, 170, PG, Pike H.S., Indianapolis, IN) is a slick point guard prospect who makes those around him better with his ability to get them into the game. Teague has a high level skill set and is playing AAU ball for Indy Speice. He is the brother of Jeff Teague at Wake Forest.
Can you tell me your list of schools?
Louisville, Ohio State, Purdue, Cincinnati and Wake Forest
These schools have offered?
Yeah
Have any other schools become interested or come in of late?
Michigan State and Syracuse have been calling me.
Did you have a dream school growing up?
Not really, oh, I used to want to go to UConn.
When you finally make a decision who will play the biggest role in helping you?
Just me and my parents. We'll just talk about it and where I could see myself playing and how I could fit in. My parents will help, so ...
If you were to describe your game for someone who had never seen you play, how would you do that?
I would just say that I'm a leader who likes to lead the way. I'm a strong dribbler who is fast and can get to the hoop. Iv'e been hitting my outside shot now, so ...
What do you do off the court?
I like to play video games, eat, chill with my friends and have fun.
When will you make a decison?
My Dad and I will sit down and discuss it and we'll make it in June.
Are you still open to other schools comig in at this point?
Yeah. I will keep my recruiting open until at least June.
Greg Paulus held a media conference today earlier this morning to discuss his future this morning. Here is a large portion of that session -
Where do you stand at this point and time?
My stance at this time is that I am looking at some different opportunities. There a some opportunities out there involving football and basketball. Right now I am trying to get as much information on those situations as possible. Take it step by step in the process and try to figure out what the best thing for me to do for my future.
When did you start to think about football? Was it during the basketball season?
No, it wasn't. During the season it was always about basketball and Duke and how we could make a run at the tournament. A few weeks after the season I received some interest from a few people which got me thinking and out there throwing the ball a little bit. And that's what kind of sparked it.
You went to Michigan -
I did go to Michigan the other day. I do not have anything set up f or another visit right now. There could be down the road. I am trying to gather information on different schools or options. I do not have any visits set in stone.
On his relationship with Coach Greg Robinson and if that played a factor -
You know, I do have a good relationship with Coach Robinson. When I was back home in Syracuse I had some friend on the teams anjd went back to practices. I didn't have any communication from him until I got up to Michigan. I had a chance to speak with him and catch up a little bit. But that was the first communication with Coach Robinson.
Has it been expressed by Michigan that you are welcome to join?
[brief pause] You know what, I had a great visit with them yesterday and both Michigan and myself are just trying to learn about each other and feel out the situation. It's one thing to talk on the phone but another thing to spend a day on the campus and build a relationship with the coaching staff. But there has been an opportunity given there.
On the possibility of playing at Syracuse -
In reference to Syracuse, I obviously love Syracuse and have lived there a long time, it's home and there has been some interest and something I am looking into. There is nothing set in stone about a visit but I am interested.
On the Green Bay Packers -
A couple of days after the season ended for basketball, there was some interest from the Green Bay Packers and we got in touch and set up some workouts. Communication came through and that was when I started to throw again. It was a lot of fun to throw the football around and it was a great opportunity the Green Bay Packers offered And everyday I went out there and threw it got better and better each day.
On NCAA rules and where and when he can play -
Yeah, there is a number of rules we are trying to follow. I will graduate in May, which is Mothers Day weekend. I am really glad to graduate with some of the opportunities that have presented itself, whether that it with another university, there is different things you have to look into. There is another year of eligibility for me. The research I am doing is pretty extensive and I find the process exciting. It would have to be a Division 1-A program but it cannot be 1-AA.
On other universities -
Yeah, yeah. There has been some other interest from the universities and other teams and it's something where I am in the process of building a relationship with those involved. There are options out there and I am listening to them and trying to learn about those opportunities when they present themselves.
So you will have to play this season and cannot sit out?
That is correct yes.
How may coaches have been in touch?
There have been several other schools that have been in contact. I do not feel comfortable naming them at this point.
How important is it to find a situation where you will play right away?
I think one of the things when looking at a situation involving a school is that you want to help the program. You want an opportunity if you help them to go to grad school. I think that having an opportunity to compete and play right away is very attractive to me. If this is the route chosen, I think that will be a major factor.
Has there bee contact from other NFL teams?
There has been several other contacts from the NFL. Once again, I don't feel comfortable naming those, but there has been several other teams who have been in contact or called.
Any workouts planned?
We are in the process of trying to gather the information to work something out. If there is an NFL team that calls and wants to see me throw. I'll be glad to get out there and show them what I can do.
On the Blue Devils offer to play wideout -
You know what, I'm a huge, huge fan of Coach Cutcliffe. I am a big fan of him and what he is doing and have a lot of friends on the team. If I play the game of football, I can only see myself as a quarterback and that's one of things I want to do if that is the best option and in my heart that's what I want to do - be a quarterback.
On the media interest -
I'm a little surprised. There have been some really great opportunities that have come up in the last couple of weeks and I am very appreciative of all those things which have come my way. I know that the Duke coaching staff here and some other people. It's an honor to have an opportunity to continue to play and kind of keep that going. It's been a dream not only to play Duke Basketball but continue towards a professional level. If you could being the professional ranks would be another dream come true. To have all these opportunities is very exciting and I feel fortunate because of them. So it is surprising but it's also exciting.
Join Blue Devil Nation Premium - where fact and fiction are separated
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe announced on Wednesday the rosters for the upcoming Spring Game slated for Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium.
The 2009 Spring Game will pit Duke’s first team offense with the second team defense (Blue team) against the first team defense and second team offense (White team).
The Blue squad features running back Re'quan Boyette, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, cornerback Leon Wright and wide receiver Johnny Williams. Boyette led Duke in rushing in both 2006 and 2007 before missing the entire 2008 season due to injury while Lewis, a three-year starter under center for the Blue Devils, was an All-ACC pick last fall after throwing for 2,171 yards and 15 touchdowns. Wright, who missed the final six games of the 2008 campaign due to injury, has career totals of 97 tackles, five interceptions and 12 pass break-ups while Williams hauled in 30 passes for 327 yards as a rookie in 2008.
The Blue unit also boasts returning starting offensive linemen Kyle Hill and Bryan Morgan, running back Jay Hollingsworth (Team-high 399 rushing yards in 2008), nose guard Kinney Rucker (21 tackles in 2008) and wide receiver Donovan Varner (21 receptions for 164 yards in 2008).
The White team is led by running back Tony Jackson, defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk, linebacker Vincent Rey and cornerback Chris Rwabukamba. Jackson accumulated 380 all-purpose yards last fall while Okpokowuruk had season totals of 29 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks last year. Rey secured 109 tackles in 2008 and added 10.5 tackles for loss, one interception and two fumble returns for touchdowns while Rwabukamba had 26 tackles and one interception.
The White squad also includes defensive end Patrick Egboh (25 tackles in 2008), wide receiver Austin Kelly (13 receptions for 142 yards in 2008), defensive end Wesley Oglesby (54 tackles & 8.5 TFL in career) and quarterback Sean Renfree.
Spring Game festivities begin on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the annual Junior Blue Devil Club Day registration. This event is open to all current members for free while other kids aged (5-15) may participate for $5. To register go to www.dukepromo.com. At 11:00 a.m., the Duke team will participate in the Blue Devil Walk from the Duke Chapel to the North End Zone of Wallace Wade Stadium. Pregame entertainment — featuring live music from Love Newton, BBQ lunch plates for $5, raffle drawings, face painting and inflatable games — begins at 11 a.m. on the stadium concourse.
Kickoff for the Spring Game is set for 1 p.m. Admission to the game is free of charge.
Every now and then there is a prospect who suddenly commands attention and that certainly applies to Brad Beal. Some of you might be saying, "Who is Brad Beal?" While a few folks in recruiting circles know of the 2011 youngster, there seem to be a great many who have yet to see Beal in action. I mean, the Boo Williams Invitational rosters even have his named spelled 'Beel' and when mentioning his name to some over the weekend, they'd ask me, "Who?"
Part of the reason for Beal's former anonymity is due to the fact that as a freshman he averaged just 8.5 ppg. But this past season Beal broke into the limelight by averaging 23.5 PPG, not to mention a 30 point effort in the state championship game. In fact, Beal scored 26 points in the fourth quarter of another game in the regular season and ended the contest with 52.
The rising junior stands 6'-3" and weighs a solid 175 and is still growing. [private] Many of the services have Beal listed as a shooting guard but, make no mistake, he possesses that rare ability to find the open man. As I watched Beal, he impressed me with his ability to share the ball with his teammates despite his scoring prowess.
Beal would lead his teammates perfectly on the break, throwing them the ball where they could make the play by leading them to the basket. He could thread a needle with his passing and is very quick with the ball. Beal has a pull-up jumper to go with his knack for taking the ball to the rack for a dunk. A dangerous player in the open court, Beal always seemed to make the right decision this weekend.
It's amazing how far ahead of the curve this young man's game is compared with those in his class. He can drain the three, play good on-ball defense and fill the passing lanes. He's a tweener in the best sense of the word, for he can run the point with ease.
While Beal may not be a household name to the recruiting public, he has already garnered the attention of Florida, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri. Each of those schools have offered and many more pitches are on the way. The sky is the limit for this youngster and whether Duke gets involved remains to be seen, but it's highly likely that if the staff catches his games, they'll like him.
After all, St. Louis has been good to the Devils, giving them former player and head team manager Chris Carrawell. Stay tuned for more recruiting news from BDN Premium and enjoy the interview below where one comment is sure to stand out. Trust me, you will hear the name Brad Beal in the future.
That was a tough loss out there, but you did everything you could to get your team to the championship game. You had 29 points out there and are quite the scorer. Where did that come from?
It's just the way I play. The past couple of games I've been shooting the ball well, but knew I would have to shoot even better in the championship game.
Where did you learn you basketball skills?
My Mom. Mainly my mom, because she always pushed me. I''ve been working out since I was in, like, the third grade.
You're obviously close to your Mom. Will she play a big role in your decision when the time comes?
Somewhat. She supports me 100% so wherever I want to go she's fine with it. She just tries to develop the relationships with coaches just like I do.
If somebody had never seen you play, how would you describe your game?
Real smooth and calm on the court. I don't let a lot of things effect me and play as hard as I can every game.
You seem aggressive as well. I saw where you are not afraid to get on the floor to fight for loose balls. It seems like you are really able to find open guys too, leading them just right. Is that something you work on a lot, your passing ability?
Yeah, I do, because I like to get my teammates involved - I'm not a selfish ball player. I, like, to try to get everybody involved, that way everybody gets into the game and then we get up and down faster and score points.
Rumor has it that you are a heavy Florida lean, is that true?
Maybe, but I'm not sure right now.
Can you give me a list of schools which are showing interest?
Kansas, Florida, Villanova, Illinois, Purdue, Missouri are some of them.
Are you open to other schools coming in?
Yeah.
Do you have a time line on trimming the list?
I'm not sure yet. I'm hoping to make it soon but not too soon.
Do you have aspirations to play in the NBA?
Yeah. I know I have a long ways to go so I've got to work hard to achieve my goal.
Do you pattern your game or is there any particular player you watch?
Kobe for his ego and ability to score when it's on the line. LeBron is great. Ray Allen can shoot ...
Did you have a dream school growing up?
I liked ... not really. Whoever has the most dominant team every year I usually choose them.
Who were you going to say you used to like?
Probably Duke because of JJ Redick. I used to always watch him shoot.
What if Duke came into the picture, would you be open to them?
I would be open to Duke and any other school,
How are your grades?
I have a 3.8 GPA
Where will your team go from here?
We go to Arkansas next weekend and I know we are going to the Peach Jam.
Thanks for your time and good luck in your basketball future.
Andre Dawkins surveys the court during the Boo Williams Invitational - BDN Photo
I've now seen Andre Dawkins play in twelve games and the Duke commitment has made huge strides from being the six man on last seasons Boo Williams team. It was clear to me on a trip to Richmond earlier this season that Dawkins had improved greatly since the summer. Maybe it was there all along, but the thing that caught my eye was his athleticism. In the first five games I had scouted Dawkins, he was primarily a long rang threat, capable of scoring points in bunches. Now, Dawkins is showing off his athleticism by coming all the way across court to block shots or throwing down emphatic dunks. Dawkins struggled in Boo Williams opening game, but erupted the rest of the way scoring over 2o points in five straight games. I was all set to write the headline, "The Andre Dawkins Show," in the semi final game but a miraculous finish by Michael Gilchrist and Team Final spoiled the day and knocked Boo Williams out of the championship game. Despite that, heads were turning with Dawkins play this weekend and the majority of the sites will raise his ranking or add another star to his name. It was easy to see this coming for me after his play during the high school season, but Dawkins has put the rest of the nation on notice that he wants to be known as an upper tier star in the class of 2010. Dawkins was named to the all tournament squad. This is the second of three chats I had with Dawkins over the weekend. The first interview can be found on the Blue Devil Nation Premium message board. Please keep in mind that we do not have a public forum, so registering will only get you in if you are a subscriber.
Have you heard from the Duke coaches of late?
They just want me to concentrate on my AAU season and be myself and go out thee and play hard every night.
You struggled with your shot a bit in the first game, do you just keep shooting until your shot starts to fall again?
Yeah, just trying to get out of the slump from my first game. I knew that wasn't going to last too long. You can't rely on the last game. You have to get your mind set.
Are you going to work on Harrison Barnes this weekend?
Oh [private] yeah, that's my job, I've got to go find him.
Kendall Marshall will be on him as well ...
Yeah we are both going to be on him all weekend so ...
Barnes doesn't tip his hand much does he?
Naw, he is cool.
Is your Dad here this weekend and if so what has he been saying to you of late?
Last night he just told me to forget about that game and move on to the next one. That's what you have to do. You can't go around worrying about the last shot in the last game.
[UNC verbal Kendall Marshall walks by smiling at Dawkins]
He's wearing that national championship shirt today.
[Travis McKie nods to me as he walks up and then off]
What about McKie? Are you trying to get him to Duke? [asked somewhat tongue in cheek since McKie is not being recruited by the Blue Devils]
I'm trying but Travis isn't trying to go there. He's not feeling them.
What about your teammate McAdoo? Some are saying he is a UNC lock and that Flordia trails him as well ...
Naw, I don't think he's a UNC lock but he's definitely a great player.
You are obviously used a bit differently with Boo Williams than your high school team. Can you address that?
You have a lot more duties with your high school team. That's the way it is with all of these guys. I mean it's the best guys from every high school.
Does Boo try to assign you to certain areas on the court?
I don't think he wants to label me or anything like that. He wants me to do more.
What is it like being a leader on this seasons Boo Williams team?
It's a little bit different. I was kind of backseat last year, but I'm kind of used to it being a leader on my high school team, but it's a little bit different having this much talent on a high school team.
Okay, I have to ask this. When I was on Richmond, you made a thunder dunk and then went up to Duke Assistant Coch Nate James and let him know about it. What was going through your mind then?
I don't know, I guess I was excited, just bring it and all. It was a good play - it was a nice pass from Steve [Pledger], so I was just having fun. [/private]
Knight defends during the Boo Williams Invitational - BDN Photo
Blue Devil Nation Premium participated in several interviews with Brandon Knight during the Boo Williams Invitational. This is a true one on one interview with Knight, save two questions. Members received live updates on the premium message board all weekend long and there is lots of information awaiting you should you join. Already up is an interview with Harrison Barnes, Andre Dawkins (message board only), Josh Smith and now Brandon Knight. BDNP was on hand for the entire tournament and we'll have offerings of premium prospect interviews every single day through this coming Sunday. You will also hear from some prospects which most sites are not even aware are on the radar. Join us now and see for yourself what others are talking about.
That's quite a game you just had. Your team is 3-0 now, how does that feel?
It feels good because you want to come in here and start off strong. I thought we could have played a little bit better, but we got the "w" and that's all that counts.
You are really scoring well in this tournament, averaging around 25 ppg. Do you feel as if you want to be the go to man or the guy who takes the big shots?
Basically my team looks for me to close games out and do the right thing. So, I feel like they're counting on me to score at the end or to have the ball. I think I make the right decision sometimes to score or get my big the pass when he goes to the basket to finish or something like that. Rebound or whatever it takes.
Do you like that role?
Yeah, yeah. (shaking his head up and down) As long as you have confidence it's always nice to have that role.
Have you been hearing from coaches since being here this weekend?
[private] I haven't really had my phone on. I've just been chilling and focusing more on trying to get these wins.
You don't have a lot of times on your hands at an AAU event like this ..
Yeah
Do you get tired of the media or folks reaching in with mic's in your face?
No, this is fun - just keep your composure. It prepares you for whats to come.
(NBADraft.net) Do you get swarmed by a lot of other guys here trying to get you to come play for them? (Interesting question in that this guy suddenly "swarms" into the conversation)
Are you talking about their schools?
(NBAD) Yeah, some of the current commitments. (runs towards another prospect after one question)
Oh, oh, oh. Just some schools are on me like from Florida and Villanova. That's about it.
Well you play with Rivers, so I suppose he works you?
Yeah, a little bit.
Let me get this straight, I am not going to ask you about a list of schools which you have been asked on numerous occasions ...
Okay, okay ...
You played with Kenny Boynton last season with Team Breakdown and he's now at Florida. Can you see yourself playing with him again?
Yeah, yeah, I wouldn't mind as I have said before. We had such success during the summer that I feel that we probably would have a good season and make it deep in the playoffs if I went there. I have to sort teams out with my family and make sure ... I want to do the thing that is best for me and it may not be going to Florida.
You talked about going deep into the tournament. How important is it for you to be successful in the NCAA's?
I don't want to go anywhere and lose. I think that the main goal is to be able to play and win. I think you only get looked at if you win and if you are not producing and or are successful, you start being labeled as different things. But if you are labeled as a winner then I think that only helps your stock.
You are talking in terms of the NBA?
Yes. Yeah, I want to come in and play and win at all levels.
You have filled out a lot more this season - more defined or muscular ...
It's made a big difference. When you try to retain that same quickness, so when you get to the lane you are getting bumps, or you can roll to the basket and try to bump your defender off and try to finish. So, it helps you from getting bumped off your path and not being able to finish and stuff like that.
What is your routine?
Eating right and lifting and stuff like that. Doing push ups ...
More so than in the past?
Yes, just eating a lot healthier.
But some of the filling out process is a natural process as well ...
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You get stronger as you get older, but you can help the process along by lifting and stuff like that. I continue to lift during the season in trying to get stronger. I don't want beef myself too much, but i want to maintain.
** Rivals, DI - Have you heard from Duke very much? (Uh, the rivals guy just bumped in with a rather pointed question)
Not that much. I am getting letters but not much else lately.
What schools are calling you the most?
Florida, Florida State, Miami, UConn, Syracuse, Wake Forest ...
A lot of rumors get started and they just run rampant ...
Yeah, yeah, message boards
Exactly! I asked one of your AAU coaches about you yesterday and he said it would be real hard to pull you out of state and that you were a homebody. I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but how do you feel about that?
Yeah, yeah (not hesitating to answer) I'm going anywhere I can play and feel like I can win. Whether that's in the northeast or the west coast, I am going to go there. I like staying at home with my family and friends, but if I have to go out of state to be successful, that's what I will do.
I have two more interviews with Brandon Knight and this was the second of the bunch. The first was a media swarm. I try to get prospects one on one and my questioning tactics will sometimes change when others come in. All of the questions but three here were a true one to one from BDNP. But other sites are not above using what they overheard once they moved in, so keep that in mind. Also, you will notice that we do not ask leading questions about Duke unless they are mentioned by the prospect first. Oddly, the fellow at Scout claims sitting down for one on ones with prospects, yet there is no sitting down and a great majority of the questions they use are mine. That's not a one on one. BDNP is up front about who is asking the questions during interviews and we strive to keep our integrity intact. That's what has helped us to become the best at what we do and has allowed for a great network of sources. We have a lot of interviews ahead, but will likely save to multi site ones for last. Afer the interviews, I will get into scouting reports. I saw Harrison Barnes play in seven games or parts there of. It continues to be our policy that we will not go into our analysis of a prospects skill sets unless we have four or more views. Thank you for being a part of the Blue Devil Nation and welcome new members.
One more note, with the onslaught of information we will likely stay away from true articles until a bit later.
*****Important note - If you are a member and have not signed up for the message board, you need to do so. There is a lot of information there including the first of two interviews with Andre Dawkins. **You must register for the message board separately and be approved. If you use a different e-mail address it may throw us off, so e-mail that you have signed up so we can speed up the process. If you have registered and have yet to hear from us for approval, let me know. Go to the help page on the main site for further assistance. [/private]
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke head football coach 
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