BDN chatted with Duke LB Abraham Kromah on Tuesday. Here is that interview -
Play makers, on defense! Do you feel like you can be a "play maker" on defense this season?
I definitely hope to. As long as I take what the coaches give me, there is no chance you cannot be successful. I just have to implement and do the things they harp on like watching film and studying my opponent. They put everybody in position to make plays so it's just up to me to be accountable to my teammates and do what I have to do.
Last year Michael Tauliliili had Vincent Rey, this year Vincent Rey has? Do you think you can be that guy?
I feel like I can do some things and I'll definitely need to just keep coming along and keep taking the coaching and we'll go from there.
Can you describe your game in your own words?
I would like to think of myself as a hard worker. I pride myself in running to the ball and fitting in with the defense and do what I have to do. I play to the defense run to the ball and make plays. Just try to be as fearless as possible.
You have had two head coaches in Roof and Cutcliffe. What was the change like for you?
It's tough to see new people come and people go, but change is sometimes necessary. It's been part of a growing up process for me. Everything is looking up now and we've seen improvement and what it takes to win, so it feels like everything happens for a reason.
Some people are questioning the 09 linebackers, saying there is no depth. What do you think about that?
Every Saturday you get to go out there and prove yourself. Better yet you go out and practice and get better. To me, you don't want respect givent to you anyway. You want to earn it and in that regard I feel like we need to go out there and make the plays and show everybody what we are capable of.
How important is it to you for fans and students to turn out for the opener against Richmond?
I feel like it is important. We love the fan support. The students ... you just hope they stay behind you and let us know they are faithful in us. I hope fans know we are working hard every single day to give them what they want and came to see.
What is it like to see changes being made around you? The new practice field, visitors locker room and practice facility ... As a player do these changes mean a lot to you?
Yeah, it definitely is a plus for me. It shows me that Coach Cutcliffe is a man of his word and what he has said so far, he's done. If I were to make a list of tall the things he said he was going to do ... It's all definitely been done. We are taking the steps forward for success.
Marshall Plumlee is a listed 6’11 1/2” center from Warsaw, Indiana, who plays for Christ School in Arden, North Carolina. The rising junior has been on the radar of recruiters for years due to his size and, more importantly, pedigree, as the youngest brother of two current Duke big men. At the recent Super 64 Adidas AAU event, Plumlee was observed by many of the nation’s elite coaches and programs, including Florida, Notre Dame, Indiana, North Carolina, Purdue, and Duke.While playing with the sixteen-and-under Indiana Elite team, Marshall led them to a Sweet Sixteen match up against Quinn Cook and D.C. Assault, who won the contest convincingly. Over the course of the tournament, Marshall spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of issues, including what he’s been working on this summer, what Duke fans can expect out of Mason Plumlee, and how he differs from his older brothers on the court.
You’ve gotten some more offers coming in recently and there were plenty of coaches here to observe you, amongst others, today. Do you still view this as very early in your recruitment? Do you have a timeline in mind for when you’d like to decide?
Yeah, it’s still pretty early. At this point, I’m learning more about schools, [private] but, knowing the recruiting process, I’m more ignoring the recruiting process and still just focusing on getting ready for the upcoming season. I’ve still got a long ways to go. It’s been pretty exciting.
Yeah, absolutely. The gym was so packed today I was just grateful that they didn’t have an fire marshals.
(Laughs) Yeah, it was packed and hot out there.
What style of play do you feel best suits your game? Does it change now that you’ve grown to nearly seven feet?
I’ve always been a back-to-the-basket kind of player, but I’ve got to say my game is more fifteen feet and in. I’m trying to work on my ball-handling and on my fifteen foot shot. You know just trying to expand my game.
You hit all of your free throws in the second half. Is foul shooting something that you’ve been working on as well?
Yeah, yeah, well, I normally go the free throw line a lot, but I normally don’t miss that much. (laughs)
No, no, no, you were fine with that today.
It’s something I’ve got to continue to work on.
Have you visited a lot of schools?
Well, I’ve visited a lot of schools with my brothers, but not necessarily for me. On my own, I’ve visited schools like IU, Notre Dame, and UNC. It’s exciting.
Sure, you’re the one being coveted.
Yeah, it’s exciting to be taken around and you’re the one being recruited, instead of just following around your older brothers.
Do you think it’s a major advantage for you having had two older brothers that have just gone through the process?
Most definitely. It’s a huge advantage, especially not just one brother, but two brothers. So, I have an idea of all the coaches that I’ve met and come across through their experiences. I’ve also looked at a variety of conferences. I feel like I’m pretty well off and I don’t feel as though I should feel rushed into any decisions.
I’ve spoken to Mason about this, but what was the move like for you when you came to the Christ School. You moved from Warsaw, Indiana to Arden, North Carolina.
That was exciting. It was a little tough being away from home and your family, but the experience was great and I love the school. You’re there with two hundred other kids in the same situation as you. You know, not sure about being away from home.
When I was in Asheville last year, I actually drove over. I thought I might as well see it. It’s so close.
Asheville is a beautiful city and I try to take advantage and see it as much as possible when I ‘m there. There’s so much to do there, especially outdoors, and I couldn’t be happier. I was a little unsure about the move at first, but I…
Mason had said he was a little unsure at first as well, but then it turned around.
Yeah, but now I couldn’t be happier.
I was checking my notes from a few prior interviews. Mason had mentioned that he thought Miles was the best athlete of the brothers, but that you were the best back-to-the-basket player. Do you feel that’s an accurate assessment?
Yeah, well, I guess that’s a good assessment, but I still feel like I’ve got a long ways to go before I reach my brothers’ levels in anything. They’re both really good. Miles and Mason are both great athletes and I’m so happy with how they’ve done. I just hope that I can be any bit like them…well, that’d be exciting. I’m still hoping to expand my game and develop physically.
By the way, how tall are you right now?
I’m about 6’11.”
Can you give the audience a scouting report on Mason and what they can expect?
Sure, they can expect to see him continuing to improve over the course of the season. I can guarantee that. They should expect him to improve every single game. He’s very head strong and determined. He’s got a great attitude. What you don’t see on the court is the amount of time he puts into the game off of the court.
I’m sure. He seems like a great kid.
He is. Everyone has a pretty good idea of what he can do on the court right now, but I can promise you that he’s been working very hard on improving and expanding his game.
Now I remember that Mason said that your mother was really more of a tennis player, but they needed to find a sneaky way to find a scholarship.
(Laughs) Yeah, yeah. I play tennis too actually.
Really? I’ve got to watch out for that serve. Having said that, how do you think it differentiates you from other kids in having both of your parents play college basketball? Compared to your parents, mine would’ve looked like a pair of midgets.
(Laughs) Yeah, it helps and I love them to death. The most important thing I’ve learned to do is…You know how you tend to just blow your parents off because they’re just always giving you advice, but really there is just so much that I don’t know. So I’m just trying to take it all in.
Sure, they must have a lot more to share than the average parent.
Yeah, definitely. My mom and my dad have helped me out greatly.
Did they make the trip? I’ve seen them at lot of other tournaments and events, but I didn’t see them here.
No, they didn’t make this trip.
Well, it’s so hot anyway. Let’s talk about your strengths and some areas that you’d like to improve upon.
I think my strengths are my defense and my ability to run the floor. Also, I can and like to throw outlet passes. My weaknesses would be my ball handling and my shooting. I want to develop a strong game from, maybe, seventeen feet and in. Just working on getting quick dribbles or pulling up for a jump shot. Oh, and free throws, of course.
How do you feel about your development, with respect to low-post moves?
Yeah, I feel pretty confident with my low-post moves actually. If you asked me to pick a spot on the floor where I wanted to score, I’d say “low post.”
Do you have any role models in basketball?
I’ve always personally admired Kevin Garnett for the energy he brings and how he plays. I try to just go out there and give it my all.
You’re different than your brothers in that you are a pure center at a younger age. Can you talk about being a pure center and how you feel it differentiates it you from your brothers?
It came more naturally to me. I’ve always been pretty tall. Miles was a late bloomer.
You were like 6’7” last year.
Yeah, I was. I’ve always been pretty tall for my age and I think playing inside just came more naturally for me. I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but I see myself playing down there. I’m probably not going to end up being as big as some of these guys so I’ve got to really work on expanding my game.
You were talking the other day about improving your ball-handling and range. Have you begun to seriously hit the weight room?
I have. The weight room…I’m not worried at all about that because having seen two brothers go through that.
Can you touch on what you’ve seen or heard Miles go through as a result of beginning a college weight room program?
I’m not worried about it. It’s something that’s going to come. I’ve worked in the weight room obviously. You can tell.
I know Mason has begun the program.
Yeah, it’s something that I’ll seriously ground out, once I stop growing.
I didn’t know what you were hoping to look like.
Yeah, it’s something where I think I’ll fill out after I stop growing.
Well, that touches on something else. Have the doctors talked with you about how tall you’re going to grow to?
I have no idea. I’m just going to prepare for anything and, so, I’m just going to work on my skills. That way regardless of how tall I grow to I’ll be prepared.
That’s a smart approach. When you’re not at tournaments and other events, what have you been working on this summer?
I’ve been working on my footwork and ball-handling. With my footwork, I’ve been jumping rope. I’ve been jumping a lot of rope and doing a lot of stepladders. You know just trying to improve my lateral quickness.
Lateral quickness?
Yeah, I feel I’m finally starting to get quicker end-to-end.
Yeah, I think you’ve made some strides in that area. How do you feel about your shot-blocking right now? Do you think this tournament has been a good example of your current ability to block shots?
I feel I still have a lot of work to do in that area. I try to come on the help side, but I’ve got to be just a half of a second quicker.
Who’s the toughest player you’ve ever defended?
Toughest player, hmm..
Outside of your family…so we don’t get political.
Well, when I played the Lopez brothers.
Oh, wow. That must’ve been an interesting experience, particularly at your age.
Yeah, it was. It was out at Stanford. It was really tough, but amazing.
What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
I can beat anybody at video games.
Alright, even Mason, I remember he said he was very good at them too.
Oh, yeah, I can beat him too.
How do you feel you’ve performed over this AAU season.?
I feel like I’ve improved a lot. With my performances on the court, I feel like I’ve made great strides. I obviously have a long way to go and I’m going to keep working, but, personally, I feel like I’ve made strides and I’m happy with myself in general. I think I’m on track and I’m going to keep working.
How has the team overall been playing? This was a good win against a quality program in the Playaz.
Yeah, it was. They beat us earlier in the season on a last second shot and they’ve got some quality players.
Kyle Anderson is a potentially interesting point guard prospect. I’ve spoken with him in the past.
Yeah, he is. We’ve been coming together. We’re improving and playing together more now.
Lastly, since I see someone waving you on, will you be able to make it Cameron for some games this year to see your brothers?
Yeah, they (Indiana Elite staff) want me to go. Will I make it to Cameron? Yeah, I‘ll be trying to. I’m going to try to go every chance I can get.
Note - Mason will attend the Duke Elite Camp and will almost certainly be offered a scholarship at that time per sources. - MW [/private]
With kickoff to the opening game with Richmond just 25 days away, Coach David Cutcliffe addressed the media this morning. He discussed various subjects, but we'll just give you a general recap -
The freshman class - Cutcliffe was encouraged by the play of his freshman class. In fact, towards the end of the session he stated that there would be several on the two deep chart going into the season. "Freshman will play," said Cutcliffe who continued, "If we are going to play them, we are going to play them. I don;t like playing a freshman and then him playing five or ten plays. I'd prefer to redshirt a number of them and we will to some degree if we are able to, but we've got some guys already who will end up in our two deep.
Youth - The Blue Devils sport 38 true and or redshirt freshman on the roster. There is some inexperience but the general feel is that there has been an upgrade in the type of player Duke now has on it's roster.
Full Pads - Duke dressed in full pads for the first time today.
Spirit - The players are upbeat about the coming season which Cutcliffe mentioned. The upbeat nature was clearly evident when talking with players.
Kicking game - Nick Maggio is coming back off surgery to his face and is now getting some reps. Cutcliffe lauded Kevin Jone punting abilities. Jackson Anderson and Chris Shannon are battling for the long snapper job, while the aforementioned Jones leads as the holder on extra points.
Off season emphasis - The Duke players felt like conditioning is still important, but there has been a lot of work in the area of strength conditioning. Cutcliffe wants his players to build core strength. "Our team is just stronger and that's not just lineman and body weight. It's lean muscle mass. It's Johnny Williams and Donovan Varner being able to practice all the time."
Re'quan Boyette - Cutcliffe said he looks ready to go but that he would only give him so many snaps going into the season.
Jay Hollignsworth - I love to see how he attacks people with the ball. He's a good runner and reciever," said Cutcliffe. He also mentioned that Boyette and Holligsworth were the starters.
Saturday scrimmage - Duke will hold a closed scrimmage this Saturday and Cutcliffe said that he wanted to separate the men's from the boys and see who wants to play. Cutcliffe said the play calling and schemes would be basic in an effort to see which players showed they can play.
Offensive line concerns - Many questions were asked about the offensive line. Cutcliffe was pleased with Brian Moore and said Jarrod Holt had played both the guard and tackle spots. Pontus Bondeson has missed some reps due to injury. "It's an area of concern and everybody should realize that," said Cutcliffe. Conner Irwin a redshirt freshman is expected to move into the number two spot at tackle. There is just one senior on the offensive line.
Kick return game - "I really like running backs there," said Cutcliffe. "We'll look at Re'quan Boyette and Jay Hollingsworth back there," said Cutcliffe. "Desmond Scott may work himself into some playing time there, but no decision has been made yet." Cutcliffe mentioned that Hollingsworth has improved his overall speed.
Punt return - Lee Butler, Leon Wright and Johnny Williams are vying for the spot.
Vinnie Rey -" He's the heart of our football team," said Cutcliffe. Michael Tauliliili had Vinnie Rey, but who will Vinnie have?
Linebackers - "Those four freshman linebackers are good looking prospects. How we move forward with that will be real interesting in finding out who earns playing time," said Cutliffe after lauding his starters. "It's a critical are for some freshman to step up for us."
We'll have more on Duke Football from Cutcliffe's last tour stop to interviews from current players this week. BDN is the place to be for pre season football coverage.
Austin Rivers verbally committed to the Florida Gators at a very young age and now per his Dad's wishes, he will visit other schools in August [private] to make sure that Florida is indeed his dream school. His Dad of course, is Glen "Doc" Rivers the head coach of the of one of the NBA's storied franchises, the Boston Celtics.
BDN caught up to Rivers where he made it clear that he is still a Gator.
"I am definitely committed to Florida and that's where I am going to school. I mean, I don't see why people don't think I am going there. I mean that's where I am committed to and that's where I will go."
When talking of what it was like to have a Dad who is in the limelight, Rivers responded, "I just see him as a normal father and or a normal guy. He just has a job that requires to coaches pro athletes. It's cool that he coaches them, but I just look at him as a regular father and nothing special."
Austin also gave his mom props, "She's my biggest fan man! She does everything for me and my family and I mean everything. She takes us everywhere, cooks for the team. I mean she has like 12 kids over and will cook for them, so she works the hardest and she should be the most famous one."
The word leaked earlier this summer that Austin was seeking to reopen his recruitment. BDN found out during the Nike Peach Jam that Duke was on his short list of schools to visit, but we decided against running with the information at that time due to this being a sensitive issue.
Or at least, I thought it was sensitive until Coach Krzyzewski made it clear during the Orlando Showcase and AAU Nationals that he had interest in the outstanding high school baller. Coach K sat alone for one of Rivers games and was joined by assistant coaches during other contests.
However, Rivers maintains that his verbal to UF is solid. In fact, I asked him about the Sporting News article which came out the day before saying he reaffirmed his comittment to Florida.
"My dad wants me to look at other schools and see what other people have, but I am definitely going to Florida. I will definitely visit other schools out of respect to my father."
It wasn't hard to see that Rivers would take an occasional look in the direction of Krzyzewski.
"I think it was great to have Coach K looking at me. I'm just going to go up there and look at Duke. I will look at other schools, but right now I want to play basketball at Florida."
Rivers said he would take a break mid August and ponder his thoughts while resting up. He also said he thought about graduating early like Duke's incoming freshman Andre Dawkins. His mom wants him to go through the natural process and judging from his answers, she looks to play a big role meaning that she'll likely want Austin to stay in Florida.
On the other hand, Doc seems to like the thought of Duke from afar and maybe even North Carolina. For whatever reason, he just wants Austin to go through the recruiting process before signing on the dotted line.
BDN has learned that Rivers will make it to Duke sometime this month but a date has yet to be confirmed. Some might say where there is smoke there is a fire, others will say seeing is believing.
By the end of the month we should know if there is a chance Duke might pull of a coup and land a guard that fits their system well, be it sheer basketball skills or NBA pedigree.
It should also be noted that the Rivers camp contacted Duke earlier in the summer inquiring about a visit.
Stay tuned.
Sidebar - Rivers team played in both the Showcase and Nationals, not to mention a made for TV game on ESPNU. "It's the last tournament of the year and we want to go out with a bang and play as hard as we can," said Rivers after his sixth contest of the week.
Life would have been easier for Team Stat but numerous injuries claimed three players off their roster, including one of the nations top players in Brandon Knight.
Rivers lived most of his life in Florda, but has also lived elsewhere when his father was involved with NBA teams.
"We'll talk and I'll tell him what I did good or bad and analyze the game, but after that it's just Dad and son. It's not always about basketball," said Rivers when asked about his Dad's input after watching his play.
Kyle Singler opened up with BDN - Photo special to BDN/copyright Rick Crank
During the recent LeBron James Skills Academy, Kyle Singler, the 6’7” Oregonian small forward for Duke University, worked for four days with some of the top college players in the nation and received instruction from both current and former college and NBA coaches. On the third day, Kyle was kind enough to sit down with Blue Devil Nation and answer BDN's premium subscribers' questions. He addressed the upcoming season, the potential of the incoming freshmen, his legacy, his thoughts on testing the NBA waters, and the transition to the perimeter, among other topics.
I’m just going to start with some of the posters’ questions for you and then I’ll try to sprinkle in a few of my own. What was your favorite game you’ve played so far at Duke?
I would say when we won the ACC Tournament last year against Florida State. It was kind of our first ACC Championship…so that was probably my favorite game.
At what time during the recruiting process did you know that Duke was going to be the place for you?
Well, I mean I grew up wanting to go to Duke. So, when I took my visit, I enjoyed the players and I liked the place a lot.
What kind of work have you done in the off-season in order to prepare for the switch to the perimeter?
I’m working a lot on my ball handling and then trying to improve my speed too.
Can you talk a little bit about the switch to the perimeter? Actually, two of the guys were wondering if you were going to be utilized like Hedo Turkoglu?
Coach actually gives us tapes of players that we can study and look at and I have been.
Who are some of the players that you’ve been looking at?
Turkoglu, the guy from Indiana…oh, man, I’m sorry
Danny Granger?
Yeah, Granger and then Dunleavy. Those are the players that I’ve been watching.
It looks like you’re a bit leaner too. They list you here at 222, but I thought that last year you played at roughly 235.
Yeah, I was 235, but, since I’m going to be playing on the perimeter more this year, I can’t really weigh as much as I weighed last season.
How do you think you’ve grown mentally and physically since you were at the Nike Camp that was held over in Indianapolis during your senior year?
Just being under Coach K…I think he’s taught me a lot. And also just being in college…because you learn a lot.
Yeah, it’s amazing to see the transformation of the bodies over a relatively short period of time. If you just take even a quick glance at the difference between the scrimmages of the potential college all-Americans and the high school kids here, it’s eye-opening.
Yeah, when you’re running and you’re growing, especially in college… Your body transforms, when you start to get on a college weight program. In high school, you don’t really know what your body is capable of.
copyright BDN
Two NBA questions…Can you give the pros and cons of testing the waters next year for you versus playing for four years?
My mindset is just kind of let’s see what happens. If I’m having a great year and I have the opportunity to go, I’ll definitely think about it, but, you know, I can definitely see myself coming back to college and continue playing. Because I don’t want to make the jump and then not play, you know.
Well, that touches on the other one that someone was wondering about. He said that last year, in another interview, you had mentioned that you didn’t want to be just drafted on potential, but rather that you wanted to make an immediate impact.
Yeah.
Is that still the case?
Yeah, it is and…
What are some of the other things?
Yeah, well, I don’t want to be the guy that gets drafted on potential..
And be out of the league in three years.
Yeah, exactly, because I definitely want to play as long as I can. When I am at the highest level, I want to play as long as possible.
What position do you think you’ll be at the next level, a pure three or …?
I think a three, but it kind of depends on how hard I work on my body. I could be a two.
At your height, that’d be interesting.
Yeah, I want to be a two… once I’m done working on my body.
How’s your defense right now, after switching back to the perimeter? Is it coming along?
It needs a little work. I’m not going to lie. That’s what I’ve been working on…mostly my foot speed and, like, my lateral movement.
Who’s the toughest guy you’ve ever had to guard?
Here?
Oh, no, here or anywhere?
Wow. That’s a tough one. I’ve guarded a lot of different players. Different players bring different things to the game so…it’s tough
Do you have one guy or even two or three players that stand out?
I can’t really say. That’s tough, off of the top of my head.
No problem. Okay, this a good question. A few guys were wondering about the freshmen. You must’ve seen them. How would you assess them and what do you think they’ll bring to the program?
Sure, well, Ryan…Ryan Kelly is a very skilled player. He’s kind of a four man that can step out and he can also get you the ball.
Kyle Singler - copyright Rick Crank for BDN
Is he, at all, like you in terms of what your skills were like at his age?
Sure, a little bit, but he’s a little taller and maybe more of a four…and then Mason…he’s going to bring a lot of athleticism and size to our frontccourt.
Talk about taking on more of a leadership role this season and where you fit in. Are you anticipating taking on a leadership role this season?
Well, I would say so. I’m now one of the older guys. A lot of the leadership will be placed on Jon and I and a little bit on Nolan, to an extent, because he’s going to be running the point. You know, I think we can be good leaders because we can bring different skills and things to the court.
Did you give any advice to E.J., when he was going through the process?
A little bit…
Were any of your relatives upset with him becoming a Duck? I remember a lot of them were Oregon St. guys.
No, not really because, on my mom’s side, a lot of them went there.
Yeah, I remember your whole family was unbelievably athletic and mine was so pathetic by comparison.
(laughs) No, no, I kind of gave him some advice, but I also kind of wanted him to go through some it himself…because that’s part of going through it.
But he must’ve asked you for some advice too?
Yeah, he definitely did. I just wanted to give him some advice as an insider. You know, as a person who’s gone through it, what he can expect… and just him being a younger brother and me being the older brother…he wanted to know what to expect. So, I tried to help him out.
Which coach or player are you most close to?
Well, actually I’m close to all three of them, well, actually all four of them
What about players?
Well, Jon and I are close, but I was also got close with G last season.
They lived together as I remember.
Yeah, and Nolan and I came in together in the same class too so...
Can you reminisce about your time of coming to the Nike All-American camp a few years ago?
Yeah, I remember the first time I came that there were a lot of kids and I didn’t know a whole lot of people…compared to the second time I came because I hadn’t played with or against a lot the kids and they didn’t know who I was so it was really kind of new to me?
Were you nervous at all? That’d be totally understandable. Do you recall what your emotions were like?
Yeah, I was pretty excited…just because you don’t know what to expect.
Let’s talk about your legacy at Duke. Is that an important thing to you?
Yeah, it definitely is. I definitely want to leave my mark. I win a championship or championships. That’s kind of how you have to leave your mark just because of all the great players that have come through there, you know..
Yeah, it never ceases to amaze me when you look up at the rafters.
Yeah, so you’ve got to win and..
What got me thinking about today was when you said you grew up a fan. So I figured that your legacy would mean even more to you than it might to some of the other players.
Yeah, yeah, it definitely is very important to me.
What about your personal goal for the upcoming season? How about being an ACC Player of the Year potentially?
Sure, well, I mean I haven’t even made All-ACC first-team yet so..
Robbing you.
(laughs)Yeah, well, I mean that’s definitely a goal and I think I have the ability to do that. We’ll see how it goes.
Have you declared your major and, if so, which one?
Yeah, I have. It’s Visual Arts.
We hit on this one a little earlier, but someone wanted to know about your body changes and how you were adjusting to it?
Yeah, sure, well I don’t want to be as heavy or slow as I felt I was last season. You know, after switching from playing a lot inside to now moving to the perimeter. I feel like I’m a step faster and, you know…
Sure, sure, this guy is always rushing me. What was your best road experience so far?
Probably North Carolina, during my first year, was my best experience.
Just out of curiosity, as a New Yorker, was playing in the Garden a big deal for you or not really?
Well, I had played there before I enrolled in college so I kind of knew what to expect. It’s a fun place to play, but you kind of don’t get the college feel or experience there.
We touched on this a little earlier, before being interrupted, but how are the freshmen coming along?
I think they’re coming. I mean they’re still going to be freshmen, but I think Mason is going to adjust well and I think Ryan just because he’s so skilled. I could see them both playing a lot of minutes this year.
How have they played, when you’ve either watched them or played with them?
Ryan has been very good . He’s very skilled. He’s kind of like when I played as a freshman…well, even a little of my sophomore year. He’s kind of a pick-and-pop guy, who can also step out and hit the three and create match-up problems.
How is his defense at this stage?
It’s decent. It still needs work, but he’s a lengthy guy, who can grab it.
How about Miles?
Yeah, he’s coming along. He’s put on some weight.
One person was wondering about your relationship with Kevin Love. Was there a rivalry or was that some local media hype?
Well, you know, playing against each other for the championship. I mean I don’t know if there was a rivalry, but we were definitely going hard against each other, you know…and playing for a state championship and so I guess you could say that there was a rivalry.
Do you still talk to him?
No, I don’t talk to him as much. No.
One person wanted to know, having a played a lot inside during critical times in the past, whether you are going to feel comfortable playing the three during critical situations for the upcoming season?
Yeah, I think so. I’m comfortable out on the perimeter.
One person was wondering how you feel the team will do this year and, if it becomes necessary, whether you will be comfortable taking the team on your back?
I don’t think there’ll be a burden. Just because we have a lot of good players. I think we’ll have a good season …regardless. I think we’ll have a really good team, but also a different type of team. We’re going to have a lot of height and that’s going to cause a lot of match-up problems. We’ll be a very good team.
It should be really interesting to watch.
Yeah, definitely.
Will the 2010 recruiting class have any impact on you, in terms of your decision to stay or go in the draft? For example, if the staff assembled a great recruiting class, would that have any impact on your decision?
Probably not, no, probably not.
What would you like to do after basketball? Have you thought about that at all?
Yeah, a little bit. I’d definitely like to do something with my degree, once I’m finished playing. I would love to open my own restaurant.
Wow, really, I hadn‘t come across that in any prior article about you.
Yeah, and I’d also like to design some things.
Sort of related to that question, what would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
Let’s see. I like the outdoors a lot. I like to paint. I’m very active.
Sure, I was just reading Ken Tysiac’s article about your trip to Europe. Can you touch on that?
Yeah, sure, I really like to travel, but it was kind of like the first time I had the time to travel there.
Have you traveled a lot domestically?
Yeah, I’ve been able to see a lot of the country though basketball.
Plumlee defens Singler in an earlier Pro Am game - Rick Crank Photo
The North Carolina Pro Am is winding down and Mason Plumlee and Team Duhon take to the court today at 3:00 in the semi finals. While Plumlee is the last Dukie standing on a winning team, his teammates are likely to be added to rosters which is common practice in this event.
Team Duhon won last evenings nightcap 69-60 over to advance to today's semi final. Mason Plumlee led all scorers with 20 points to go with a bushel of rebounds. He was aided by South Carolina bound Lakeem Jackson who tallied 15. Jackson was his teammate at Christ School in Arden, North Carolina.
Rising high school senior and UNC bound Reggie Bullock had perhaps his best games (played twice) on Friday. Bullock looked smooth and added 14 points for the winner.
Brian Zoubek scored 16 points for the losers and his teammate Olek Czyz went for 3 points. Zoubek is averaging 15.5 in his two games played.
Miles Plumlee has gained some weight in the off season and he scored 12 points to go with 9 rebounds. His team lost and Miles had several points missed where he didn't finish or the ball rimmed out. He finished 6 of 15 from the field.
Kelly snares a board - Rick Crank Photo
Team Navy took out Team Starkey 71-67 where a comeback effort sparked by Reggie Bullock [19 points] fell short. Duke freshman to be Ryan Kelly added 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the field and 4 rebounds. Jerry Stackhouse added just 6 points in the loss.
On the other side, John Wall added 15 points and looked really good coming off a sensational effort the evening before. Wall looks to be an inch taller and has put on significant muscle or added size since I last saw him play.
We'll break down the players overall play in the tournament on out message board on Monday. Also, we'll have a very nice photo gallery in the coming week. All photos of Duke players may be purchased from Rick Crank.
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