DURHAM, N.C. - On the first night of the N.C. Pro Am incoming Duke freshman Tyler Thornton laced up his sneakers only to find himself on a team of 18 players.  The coach didn't know who Thornton was, so he sat there on the bench for the whole first half.  When I slipped word his way, Thornton played in the following half and was very effective in his brief minutes. 

Thornton's playing time has increased since that first evening and most fans who've watched him play come away impressed.  Thornton is the kind of player simply does what it takes for his team to compete. 

He has showed the ability to be a good defender always hustling on defense and it is quite obvious that he has worked on his outside shot this off season.  BDN caught up to Thornton after a recent game and got his thoughts on what it is like to finally be on the Duke campus.

Just press play -