Needless to say there is a lot of chaos on the Duke and UNC message boards after Harrison Barnes had Roy Williams in home after Coach K's one and only visit. Speculation is running rampant for there are few facts out there other than the obvious. That said, we'll take a look at what is really going on or will at least do so to the best of our ability. [private]
Much like many of you, I was caught off guard by Roy Williams managing to come in on the same day. In fact, the Duke staff didn't find out until that morning. This is a bit disturbing in that one would think Barnes might want to let what Coach K had to say in before he turned his attention to another school.
Williams had saved a visit and few knew about it for Barnes doesn't talk to anyone about what happens during the in homes and for that matter when visits are to take place. This policy is the same for coaches as it is media. Prior to this situation, Barnes had stuck to his word during his entire recruitment. He didn't exactly sway from what he has said, but not offering up information to the schools in the heat of the battle could be seen by some as deceptive.
I'm not going to judge Barnes in any way, but surely he knew the college basketball recruiting fanatics would blow up once the word was out that the coaches from the most intense rivalry were in home back to back. If by chance, they were looking for more hype, they certainly attained that status.
The Blue Devil Nation made every effort to contact the Barnes family and I was told he would return the call. That hasn't happened yet and this site is one which deals in facts not speculation unless it is stated as such. BDN will never pound a prospects phone lines which is the case with some sites desperate to get the story.
That said, we, like everyone else are forced to take a wait and see approach. On the surface, it has seemed that Coach K has a wonderful personal relationship with Barnes and from my vantage this is certainly true. Look for the Devils to remain steadfast and consistent down the stretch run in what has suddenly and obviously become a heated race.
There is no need for a crystal ball nor special sources to see that the Barnes family is enjoying this process immensely. In several interviews with Barnes, he has always been extremely analytical in everything he does. His answers are consistent but have shed little on his thought process. He never says anything negative about any school, coach or program and each word that comes out of his mouth has been thought out.
During AAU events, I have seen other sites from all schools approaching his Mom, but we chose not to take that road. Barnes is extremely close to his Mom and younger sister and he has acted as the man of the house at a very early age. Few people come away after talking with him not noticing his maturity.
Another factor worth bringing up again is that Barnes did not grow up a college basketball fan but he did follow the NBA. He honestly didn't understand the rivalries, but there is little doubt he has an idea after last weeks dual visit. That brings us to the message boards and the ridiculous nature of them at times.
Some fans cannot help but hang on every word from everybody. If someone has a year running track record of accuracy, then their take must be true in the wacky world of internet recruitniks. Oh, if it were only that simple, folks! In a recruitment as intense as this one, there is a lot of bull out there. Don't think for one minute that schools do not have supporters that act as spin machines by intentionally planting information.
During my days in the Air Force, I was selected to train for a para military unit. The first test we had dealt with how we would handle sudden adversity. The TI had us all in the room and acted as if a tragic accident had just taken a fellow comrade. His voice was mono tone throughout, but he watched the reaction of us and some became emotional, high voiced brow raised, pacing, etc.
Well, he was pulling our legs, but several cadets were booted on the spot for they acted with hyper emotion which would not reflect well in the field. That event reminds me a lot of people on the message boards in that once one chicken little freaks out, it sends a vibe to others and a pile on effect is in place. It was a lesson to keep your head for people are watching and that emotion is something which needs to be harnessed on our board as well as others.
Anyhow, there will be a lot more twists and turns in the Barnes recruitment. Just today, word is out that UCLA will now get the last visit and like anything else that has happened, one can twist this fifty different ways. Knowing that, as fans we should handle ourselves in a way that makes the whole look good for again, for people are watching.
Lashing out or thinking out loud on a message board is a poor choice for more often than not you will regret your actions. Way too many people are pointing to Greg Monroe, Patrick Patterson or the players Duke missed, but to heck with those we have in the wagon.
If it makes you feel any better or worse, opponents are pointing to these kids as well. It's called negative recruiting and it is a vicious and deceptive way of battle. This doesn't always appear to come from coaches, but they are in charge and some are not above having their current players suggest recruit "A," call former player "B," or another kid to see why they spurned team X.
The propaganda machines are hard at work on the Barnes trail and there are goals involved. It's not hard to see that Barnes to Duke would shift the balance of power for Duke is in great shape with the pieces coming together for another national title run. Make no mistake, keeping Barnes away from Duke is just as important as getting him to their school.
There are so many things in which I cannot tell you or elaborate on at this time and yes Barnes is no longer favoring Duke like he seemingly once did. Still, we need to let time take care of this and hope that his relationship with K proves to be the major factor in the end.
Let's face some facts, Barnes is a Duke like kid and Krzyzewski is more than a little in touch with those who can help him get to where he wants to be. There are way too may positives still in Duke's favor but nobody knows if it will be enough. So sit back and relax for this one will go the distance which is currently slated on November the 12th of 2009. [/private]
Official practice sessions for the 2009-10 college basketball season will commence in less than 10 days. Excitement throughout the Atlantic Coast Conference is palpable so it is time to preview the ACC. The Duke Blue Devils will win the ACC in 2009-10. Wait, wait a second…before all the Carolina fans howl with indignation, insist the Tar Heels will still rule the roost in the ACC, and label the author as a complete Duke Homer; remember that Duke won the ACC last season. That's right, the ACC Champion is the team which wins the tournament, not the team which finishes the regular season with the best record. Carolina fans, worldwide, consistently choose to ignore this small fact. 
Coach David Cutcliffe lauded the improvement of Austin Kelly on Tuesday and the Blue Devil Nation caught up with the eldest Duke wide out shortly thereafter to get his thoughts -
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