"The 2010 NCAA Champion Duke Blue Devils will be honored at the City of Champions Celebration on Thursday, April 15 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Seniors Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek will also throw out ceremonial first pitches before the Durham Bulls game against Norfolk.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. the Duke men’s basketball team and coaching staff will be joined by Duke’s cheerleaders and pep band. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski will make remarks as well as Scheyer, Thomas and Zoubek. Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell and Durham County Commission Chairman Rev. Michael Page will present proclamations.
The championship celebration is a collaboration between the Chamber, DCVB, the City and the County, the Durham Bulls and American Tobacco to show their strong collective support of the teams that help make Durham known as the “City of Champions.”
At 6:30 p.m. across the street, the Night of National Champions continues at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park when the pre-game fun begins before the Bulls take on the Norfolk Tides.
Durham Bulls’ Manager Charlie Montoyo will be presented his award from Baseball America for being named the 2009 Minor League Manager of the Year. Montoyo, who has won three division titles, a Governors’ Cup Championship and a National Title in his three seasons with the Bulls, is the first Durham manager to win the award since the Bulls moved to Triple-A in 1998.
During the third inning, the entire Duke Basketball team will take the field giving fans in the Triangle the opportunity to congratulate them on their National Title. The National Championship trophy will then be placed on the main concourse where fans can have their picture taken."
Justin Anderson is a physically gifterd prospect in the class of 2012 and he told BDN that he grew up a Duke fan. For full site access join BDN Premium and go behind the scenes on the AAU circuit and keep up with the latest in recruiting. BDN has set a new standard for AAU coverage among Duke sites and this year will be even better than last with concerns to said coverage. Join now and discuss the latest on the recruiting front with fellow members on our active members only message board.
HAMPTON - BDN continues it's coverage of the Nike EYBL with another prospect interview, this time with Justin Anderson, a player who already has a college ready body at a very young age. Anderson [6-5 Rockville, MD., Montrose Christian, class of 2012, ranked 14th by in his class by Prep Stars] took time to talk about his take on Josh Hairston and his game. During the interview he stated that Duke was his dream school growing up and then talked in depth about the recruiting process and where he stands at this time.
If somebody had never seen you play, describe your game in your own words.
I would say enthusiastic. I love to defend which is something a lot of people really don't like to do. I just love getting the easy buckets just to get my team going. I'm all about my team.
How long have you played for Montrose Christian?
I have been at Montrose Christian two years now and I will likely play for them again this season.
You're teammates with Josh Hairston. Can you describe his game for me?
He's [private] really good. Josh can score the basketball in many different ways. He can put it on the floor, he can rebound and shoot over guards. He can rebound and tip it back in or dunk. He can do so many things. I haven't played like a scorer like him in awhile.
Where do you currently stand in the recruiting process?
I really haven't got deep into it yet. I like Maryland, Duke North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma. I really haven't got to deep into it yet because I have two more years.
Which school is recruiting you the hardest?
Maryland is the most aggressive and they've been on me a while. I like Coach Williams and his intensity.
What other schools are looking at you?
Duke has been in contact with me just from coming through and seeing Josh [Hariston who will be a freshman this coming season] and they're a really good program. If there is anybody who deserves that championship this year, it's them and they were the two best teams in the championship and I just love how Coach K runs his team and let's them play. And North Carolina, they had a bad year but Coach Roy is a good coach and they'll bounce back and they have good coaches to be around. Just being around Kendall [Marshall] and the decision he made and I may possibly consider them as well.
Did you have a dream school growing up?
My dream school has always been Duke and the reason why is when I was playing video games I would be Duke. They always had a three point shooter so I would pick Duke. I love beating everybody as Duke on the NCAA video games. As I get older, it's [the recruiting process] starting to become much more intense. You don't just go out and pick someone, becasue you never know what they are really like until you see them up close.
Who is the lead assistant from Duke?
Coach James. He played for Coach [Stu] Vetter. He comes up and is authentic. He may say hello and talk to my parents about maybe coming down and seeing the campus and all but nothing official.
Your parents will play a big role in your decision?
Oh, most definitely. The reason why is because they were the ones to get me in this position with sacrifices and all. My mom doesn't want me to go too far from home but if that's what it takes it's what I have to do.
Your goals for this event would be?
Just to win out. We took one loss but that will motivate us to win these next games.
What are you looking for in a school?
Just a school that I can use my athleticism. I'd rather go to a school that runs up and down a lot and slows it down when they have to.
Thanks for your time and good luck in your future endeavors.
Tyler Adams told BDN that Duke was his leader. Blue Devil Nation Premium was on the scene in Hampton, Virginia for the Nikle EYBL Session I and we'll bring you behind the scenes activities, scouting reports and interviews all week long. Join BDN Premium for full site access. BDN Photo
HAMPTON - BDN was on the scene at this weekends Boo Williams Invitational which is now known as the Nike EYBL Session I where we took in the nations top basketball prospects. We'll be churning out interviews and scouting reports as the week progresses and we'll start it off with Tyler Adams.
If you are a member you have already had an introduction to Adams, but we've yet to really concentrate on his play at AAU events. Adams is a back to the basket player, a true center if you will. That's the kind of player Duke has an opening for and Adams was offered about five weeks ago.
During the interview Adams [6-9 1/2 Brandon High School, Brandon Mississippi, AAU Jackson Tigers, Class of 2011] stated that Duke was his leader and that he would be visiting the campus soon. For his exact comments and a scouting report, check out our latest interview with the hulking star.
How do you feel you've played thus far in this event?
I feel like I played pretty good, physical and everything, better in the second half than the first half of this game.
Which schools are giving you looks?
Well Duke is recruiting me real hard, [private] Mississippi State, Alabama, Memphis and Clemson.
When did Duke start recruiting you?
About a month and a half ago and once they called me they came pretty hard.
Have you talked with Coach K [Krzyzewski] yet?
Yeah, yeah. I talked to him about two or three times. My Dad talks to him a lot.
Your Dad grew up a Duke fan, right?
He said he's been liking Duke ever since he was a little boy.
When do you plan on making a decision as to where you'll play in college?
Early this summer.
Are you planning any visits in the near future?
I'm probably going to visit Duke in June when I get out of school.
What can Tyler Adams work on to make his game better?
Right now I'm working on conditioning and I need to work on my jump shot to increase my range.
Three words which best describes you on the court would be?
[said without hesitation or pondering thoughts] Big, physical and strong
Three words which best fit you off the court?
[smiling] Nice, goofy and outgoing.
Did Duke say how they would use you if you chose to play there?
I'm a back to the basket guy and they don't have anyone big and physical like that.
Is Duke the favorite.
Right now? Yeah, yeah.
Are there any hold ups in the process with Duke?
Not really, no. I'm just trying to get my grades straight right now.
Who is the lead assistant at Duke for your services?
Coach James. [Nate James]
Did James or Krzyzewski say how they would use you if you picked them?
Being able to come in and be physical, play big and be a physical presence.
Thanks for your time and good luck in the rest of the weekend.
Yes sir. Thank you.
Synopsis - Adams needs some work on his grades but if they fall into place, Adams will pick the Blue Devils. The decision could come the moment the aforementioned matters are wrapped up.
My take on his game - Adams is a back to the basket player that has a quick first leap but needs work on the timing of his jump. He is a true center type or a player who could play two positions, that being the post or power forward. Needs work on his shooting mechanics, especially from the free throw stripe and has limited range at this stage of his development. He seems unselfish on the offensive end and can flush a dunk or take it to the paint. He can float out for the jumper but that is not his strength at this time. He alters shots and seems to want to be around the play, not taking too many plays off if any during my two views of his game. He is capable of controlling the glass, but needs some work on his footwork for positioning. He can clean up on misses with follow shots and had 3 blocks in one game albeit against a smaller team. We'll keep track of his progress and Andrew Slater and other will chime in on his game in the near future. [/private]
Gbinije took in a game at Cameron and then chose Duke - BDN Photo
HAMPTON - The Blue Devil Nation caught up to Michael Gbinije who recently committed to Duke during the Nike EYBL session I which is the first event to kick of the AAU season. BDN will be following Duke prospects and those who have signed with the same vigor we do the football and basketball teams. In fact, our coverage set the standard for Duke sites last season and we promise you that will continue. We'll have a scouting report up [private] on Gbinije on our premium message board shortly.
Just press play -
Next up Tyler Adams says Duke is his leader. [/private]
Duke prospect Austin Rivers opened up in a lengthy interview after his team held on top defeat AAU power Team Takeover in opening round action of the Nike EYBL/Boo Williams camp in Hampton, Virginia
HAMPTON - Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up to Austin Rivers during the opening night of the Nike EYBL developmental camp in Hampton, Virginia. Rivers opened up about the recruiting process and his recent decision to de-commit from Florida in this lengthy interview - [private]
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We still have a more personal interview with Austin to come. Next up - Tyler Adams [/private]
Austin Rivers scored 15 points and helped lead his Each One Teach One team to an upet victory of the Michael Gilchrist led Team Takeover in Friday action at the Nike EYBL Session I event in Hampton, Virginia. Memembers of BDN Premium can check out not one but two interviews with the star.
HAMPTON - BDN is in Hampton, Virginia to cover the Nike EYBL Session I, formerly known as the Boo Williams Invitational, this weekend where the nation's top prospects have gathered to kick off the grass roots season.
There has already been an upset on day one where Each One Teach One, led by Austin Rivers, defeated powerful Team Final, which features Michael Gilchrist and Rakeem Christmas.
Each One Teach One got off to a good start despite Rivers starting the game 2 for 10 from the field. Rivers ended the game with 15 points and his play helped lead his team to the 76-64 upset victory.
Rivers was swarmed by the media after the game where mainly UNC sites were asking the questions. BDN has that whole interview for you as well as another one when the rest of the media was not around. Those interviews will appear shortly for members of Blue Devil Nation Premium.
We talked to prospect Tyler Adams as well along with Justin Anderson on day one of the event. We'll be reporting from the camp this weekend and it is loaded with talent.
In the nightcap, future Duke star Michael Gbinije went 6 of 10 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free throw stripe for a total of 17 points to go with 2 rebounds and 3 steals. His team won easily and you will also hear from him in the coming days.
So, it's a great time to join Blue Devil Nation Premium where you'll get full site access and the skinny on the real Duke prospects.
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