Monthly Archives: September 2010

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Austin Rivers “Duke has confidence in me and I know I can deliver”

The Blue Devils staff visited Austin Rivers on Tuesday evening where they dined on Soutern Cooking and spoke to a prospect they covet. BDN Photo

The nation’s top 2011 prospect, Austin Rivers, has been quite busy entertaining some of the country’s top collegiate programs.  Austin, who is down to Duke, North Carolina and Kansas, has had all three teams on in-home visits recently.  Most recently though he entertained the Duke staff where Coach K and Assistant Coach Collins talked to him about why Duke would be a great fit for him.  BDN caught up with the top prospect a few minutes after the coaching staff had left.  Here’s what he had to say.

BDN: Can you talk about [private] why you chose each of these three schools?

AR: Sure, basically they are all kind of related in a similar way, that’s why they are the three schools that I like.  They all like to play fast paced and get up and down the court. I just feel like each school can put me in a position where I can succeed, not only with winning but getting better and getting me to the next level.

BDN: Is the recruiting process something you’ve enjoyed?

AR: It’s definitely something I enjoy; I get to learn a lot.  People who say it weighs down on them you know it’s crazy, at the end of the day you have greatness in front of you.  Being with Bill Self, Roy Williams and Coach K (as he laughs), you know those aren’t bad people to have in your home to talk about basketball. They know a lot more about it than me they’ve been through it already.  Just being able to go through this process has been great.

BDN: Absolutely. Can you talk about your UNC visit and how that went?

AR: The UNC visit went great, they came down and just talked about their school and what they’re doing now and what they could see me doing there. They talked about their school and how I could affect them by playing there.

BDN: How about the Kansas visit?

AR: That went great as well, absolutely. All of the visits have went well, all real classy people that know the game better than me.

BDN: What did the schools talk about?

AR: Basically all three talked about what they could do for me and how I could fit in with them.  They all have their own opinion on how they see me fitting in with them.

BDN: What do you like about the coaches?

AR: I love Coach K’s passion for the game.  You can really just tell he loves it and Duke basketball is just something that is their life. You can just tell how much passion he has and how much he loves his players, and how much he believes in them. That was something I really loved about tonight. You could just see how basketball is his way of life and really just coaching period. He just enjoys it so much. I love the way Coach Self just comes at you, he’s a real dude, he doesn’t sugarcoat anything and he’s there to get you better.  He won’t hide anything from you; he’s a guy that can make you a better player. Roy Williams just really a nice guy that knows the game and someone that will get on you as well.  He and Bill Self are real similar.

BDN: So you have three official visits coming up, is that correct? And is there anything specific you’re looking to see on the visits?

AR:  Yes that’s correct.  No, not really anything specific.  I’m just going to go and see what a normal day would be like as a student athlete there, to see what the campus is like and see the guys a little bit more.  After that I’ll take a couple of weeks to myself and I’ll decide.

BDN: Did the Duke staff talk specifics about how they’d try and use you?

AR: They said that every player kind of has their own thing.  You know, they said they have their role players and then they have their players.  They see me as a player, somebody that they can see leading their team. They’ve had players like that before like Jason Williams, Grant Hill and now Kyrie Irving. They have guys who they trust and who can lead their team to a good place. That’s what they talked to me about tonight.  It really makes me happy to see they have confidence in me and I know I can deliver.

BDN:  Do you still plan on making a decision before your season starts?

AR: Yes that’s what I hope to do, there are no guarantees though.  I would kind of like to see the games played this year first, and that’s not going to have any effect on my decision, I just would like to see the colleges play a little bit, that’s the only thing that might change it.  But I really do hope to get it done before the season.

BDN: Were you rocking any Duke gear tonight?

AR: (laughs) Na I wasn’t rocking any Duke gear.  I was just rocking some Under Armour and regular clothes.

BDN: I saw you were hyping up your moms cooking earlier today.  What’d you guys have for dinner?

AR: (laughs) She made fried chicken, of course. She made some ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, beans and bacon and chocolate frosted brownies.  We had a southern cooked meal like usual. She knows how to cook and especially for those guys coming down, she did her thing.

BDN: Appreciate your time, Austin.  Good luck moving forward.

AR: Thank you man, thank you.  Have a good one.

We'll have a follow up interview concentrating on visit details and such, so stay tuned.  Discuss the lates on the BDN Premium Message Board[/private]

Duke Football

Stats Update: Josh Snead and Lee Butler Shine

Except the lopsided final score, Duke survived the Alabama game from a statistics perspective, which goes a long way toward validating the humorous saying often quoted, “Liars, damn liars, and statisticians.” There is more to football than numbers. However, that is equally true of the final score, which was the result of being overmatched against the best team in the nation. As Coach Cutcliffe stated when he addressed the media, “After getting into the game tape, multiple times, I’m more encouraged than discouraged about our athleticism, future, immediate future…we have some athletes…we have capabilities in place…”

There are several legitimate positive takeaways from Saturday’s loss starting with one offensive category not addressed in last week’s article: rushing offense. Duke is averaging 155.7 yards per game on the ground, which places them at number eight in the ACC and number 61 in the nation. The significance of these rankings is the improvement over last season when Duke was ranked number 120 or last in the FBS. With three games under their belt, all indicators show Duke will be able to run the ball in 2010, a fact with serious implications for defensive coordinators of future opponents who now must prepare a defensive game plan to counter a balanced offensive attack by the Blue Devils.

Desmond Scott and Josh Snead have both shown they can successfully run the ball, and the offensive line has demonstrated the ability to run block. Snead’s 83 yards from scrimmage against the Crimson Tide and Scott’s 129 the previous week against Wake Forest provide Coach Cutcliffe with a tailback tandem to factor into future game plans. Teams which successfully run the ball routinely feature two running backs. Duke has rushed for 467 yards in 2010, which is more than two and a half times the 184 yards Duke totaled during the first three games in 2009.

Punt and kick-off return performance are two more areas which were not addressed in last week’s article. Lee Butler is ranked number 15 in the nation in punt returns. He is averaging 15.25 yards per punt return after three games by returning four punts for 61 yards. Butler is also Duke’s leader in tackles with 21 on the season including six against the Crimson Tide.

Josh Snead is ranked number 31 in the nation in kick-off returns. He is averaging 25.75 yards per kick return by returning four kick-offs for 103 yards. Kick return performance is an area where Duke can gain an advantage over opponents in the critical starting field position statistic.

All statistical rankings quoted throughout this article are from www.theacc.com and www.ncaa.com.

Offensive statistical categories which remain impressive:

1. Total offense: Duke remains impressive in the total offense category by averaging 443.7 yards per game, which ranks number three in the ACC and number 27 in the nation. Performance in this category will climb with the Alabama game in the rear view mirror.

2. Time of possession: At 32 minutes and 27 seconds per game, this statistic is a bit misleading due to Alabama scoring on quick strikes. Duke is number one in the ACC in this category.

3. Third down conversions: successfully converting on 23 out of 48 opportunities (47.9%) is good for a number three ranking in the ACC and number 27 in the nation.

4. Red zone offense: Duke remains at 100 percent success in the red zone scoring eight touchdowns and four field goals in 12 opportunities.

5. First downs: Duke remains number one in the ACC with 71 first downs. The Blue Devils have rushed for 22, passed for 43, and been awarded six via penalties. These numbers result in Duke being tied with Notre Dame at number 16 in the nation.

Defensive statistical categories still need to improve:

1. Total defense: Duke ranks last in the ACC and number 117 in the nation by allowing 510.7 yards of offense per game to opponents.

2. Scoring defense: It is no surprise Duke is last in the ACC giving up an average 47.7 points per game. Those numbers rank number 118 in the nation. This is the statistic Duke must correct as the season moves forward. A defense can afford to bend as long as it does not break; however, Duke has given up way too many points so far this season.

3. Opponent first downs: Duke’s defense ranks last in the ACC and number 115 in the nation by giving up 75 first downs. Opponents have rushed for 33, passed for 36 and been awarded six via penalty.

4. Red zone defense: Opponents have scored on Duke in 13 out of 14 red zone opportunities, but the good news is Duke stopped Alabama once last Saturday. Duke is number nine in the ACC and number 98 in the nation.

5. Turnover margin: With a three to one turnover advantage this past Saturday; Duke now has a plus two (+2) in turnover margin, which is ranked number five in the ACC and number 33 in the nation. While the turnover advantage was irrelevant against Alabama, this remains a key statistic to follow for success on the gridiron.

Noteworthy individual performances:

1. Sean Renfree’s passing efficiency rating dropped to 135.6, which ranks number seven in the ACC and number 51 in the nation. His efficiency rating along with his conference and national rankings should climb moving forward. Renfree threw for 144 yards this past week dropping his season average to 284 yards per game, which is number two in the ACC and number 13 in the nation.

2. Conner Vernon was held to 10 yards on two receptions so his individual national rankings fell. He is number two in the ACC in receiving yards per game at 106.7 and tied with Donovan Varner for number two in the ACC in receptions per game at 6.7. Those numbers rank number 13 and 21, respectively, in the nation.

3. Desmond Scott remains at number two in the ACC in All-purpose yards but drops to number 23 in the nation with 153 yards per game. While he only rushed for 41 yards this past weekend he returned four kick-offs for 59 yards and had 28 yards receiving to total 129 all purpose yards. Scott fell from number one in ACC to number five in rushing yards. His 79.3 yards per game is currently number 54 in the nation.

This week’s contest against the Army Black Knights is a crucial game as the Blue Devils attempt to even their record at 2-2. All eyes are focused upon the defense after they’ve given up 116 points in the previous two games. If Duke is to record a victory over Army, the defense must step up and stop the Cadets offense. Be sure and check back with Blue Devil Nation next week for an updated stats report where we hope to report about improvement on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage.

Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Set For Their In Home Visit With Standout Talent Austin Rivers

Coach K will be in home with Austin Rivers tonight - BDN Photo

Coach Mike Krzyzewski and assistant coach Chris Collins will head to Florida later today where they'll have their in home visit with the River family.  They are there of course for the services of Austin Rivers a prospect they have pursued since he opened his recruitment back up.  Rivers is one of the consensus top three players in his class.  His abilities on the court would fit well in the Duke system which allows freedom to their guards to create and make plays.  Rivers will visit Duke during Countdown to Craziness on October 15th where he will join several other prospects to take in the Duke atmosphere.  Rivers is the son of Boston Celtics coach and former Atlanta Hawk standout Glenn "Doc" Rivers.

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

2013’s Nate Britt Recaps His Visit To Duke

It was a big few days of recruiting for Duke athletics this past weekend. The football team hosted the nation's #1 team, Alabama, and thousands came out to watch. Not only was there a boatload of football recruits on hand, but there were also some basketball recruits who came to take in the college atmosphere. The Blue Devils hosted 2011 verbal commits Michael Gbinije and Marshall Plumlee, as well as 2011 recruit Quinn Cook and 2013 recruit Nate Britt. Nate is a 6’1 PG that hails from the D.C area as so many past Duke players have. He attends Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C., where current Duke player Tyler Thornton once played. BDN caught up with Nate to get a chance to get to know the young D.C prospect.

Can you talk about your game a little bit for those of us who don’t know you?

Well I’m a point guard, I play the 1, that’s my position. I’m more of a pass first point guard, I like to make plays and I consider myself a playmaker. Basically my goals on the floor are to do whatever it takes to win at all times. Whether it’s stepping up and making a big stop, making a pass to a teammate, whatever [private] it takes.

Can we get a quick update on your height and weight?

I’m 6’1 and 160lbs.


Can you talk about the advantages of being a lefty point guard?

Yeah,  I do think it’s a great advantage being a left handed player because it’s a bit awkward for others because the majority of the players are right handed, there’s only a few lefties you have out there.

Definitely not many lefties out there. Do you prefer the pull up jumper or attacking the basket?
I prefer the pull up. I do kind of like a two move combo, one move and then a quick pull up right beyond the paint.

What do you consider to be your strengths as a player?

I would say my strengths are being able to get to the basket and finish and creating plays. Another strength is playing in the open court and getting my teammates into the lane.

What about something you need to work on?

Something I need to work on I think is my three point shooting and knocking down the open jumpshot.

Can you talk about what it’s like to have a father as a coach and its advantages?

Yes it’s a great advantage because we have both relationships, the coach and the father-son relationship. It’s good to be around a coach all the time and it’s even better to have him as a dad because you might want to talk about basketball and he’s always there. And we can relate basketball to life so it’s a good experience.

Absolutely! You play for Gonzaga, a great school in the WCAC, is there anything you want to accomplish this year on a personal or team level?

Yes, we definitely want to win the WCAC championship this year and then play in the city championship title game, we want to win that game as well.

Good luck with that. Playing at Gonzaga you got to play with two great players in Tyler Thornton and Cedrick Lindsay, can you talk about them and how it helped you as a player?

Tyler's a winner, he’s always the one that does anything to win. With him having that kind of mentality it kind of spreads throughout the team and has everyone out there doing whatever it takes to win. Cedrick was a great scorer and he’s a great leader. Going against Cedrick in practice and playing against him all the time at school taught me how to create plays off the dribble and things like that.

Do you have a list of schools or offers currently?

No not right now, not that I know of. As of right now I’m interested in any school that is interested in me.

You recently had some schools drop in to watch your team, who came to watch?

Yeah, it was Virginia Tech, South Florida, Rutgers, Villanova, Georgetown, Miami and I think that’s it.

You got a chance to visit Duke this past weekend and check out the campus, could you talk about that?

The visit was a great experience, I got to hang out with my former teammate Tyler, and you know Tyler played with me at Gonzaga so we’re real close. We also played for the same AAU team in the summer, D.C Assault. Josh Hairston also played with me for D.C Assault. I got to kick it with them for the weekend and really experience what the college life is like for them. I also got to hang out with Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith, Seth Curry and pretty much the whole team. Nolan is another guy that played for D.C Assault in the summer, so all of them are family. It was great for them to take care of me for the weekend.

That’s great to hear. What is it that you like about Duke?

It’s definitely a school I’m interested in. I like the coaching staff and how they treat their players, they take care of their players. The campus was great, it was a big campus. Everyone supports each other, it reminds me of Gonzaga, everybody’s family. Their fans and players really support each other. I definitely like that experience.

Who did you make the trip with?

Me and my dad made the trip down.

Who are you going to look to for support when you make your decision down the road?

It’s definitely going to be my mother and father. They will have the biggest influence on my decision. They support me in everything I do, and everything I do is with them.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from basketball?

I consider myself an artist; I like to draw in my off time. I really like to draw and doodle and things like that.

I really appreciate your time, Nate. Thank you.

Thank you very much. [/private]

Duke Football

Vocal LB prospect Dillon Lucas talks of his recent visit to Duke

Duke hosted over 100 football prospects over the weekend, but only a small group of attendees currently hold Duke scholarship offers. Dillon Lucas, a 6’2” 212 pound linebacker from Medford, NJ, is one of the prospects with an offer and BDN caught up with Dillon after his visit on Saturday.

Dillon is currently evaluating several schools and is not forcing a decision in his recruitment. He said he wants to “talk to as many schools as possible, and make a decision at the end of the season, unless of course a school blows me away.” As for Duke, they are one of the top schools that have offered a scholarship so far, and he described his overall visit to Durham as “really nice.”

“I really liked talking with the coaches. There was a really good atmosphere for the game and I really liked touring around campus,” Dillon told BDN by phone Saturday evening. “As for the game, the outcome didn’t really reflect how Duke played. They competed and played really hard.”

Dillon has been in recent contact with West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Penn State, North Carolina State, Bucknell, Buffalo, Villanova, and Temple, along with a few other programs. One of the most important things to Dillon is finding out what they are looking for in a linebacker. “I know I am a certain type of player. I like to be vocal and really lead the defense, so I want to know if that’s what they like,” he explained. “I’m also looking at the opportunity for early playing time, who they have, who else they are recruiting, and what their plan is. The overall campus lifestyle is also something I’m looking at.”

On the field, Dillon is a vocal leader, and was elected captain of his team at Shawnee High School. Shawnee is currently 1-0, with their second game scheduled for Monday evening. Dillon describes himself as a hard-working playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. He’s working to improve his reaction time to become quicker to the ball, and is looking to be more physical. His goal is to become the best player and teammate he can; “I want to be someone my coaches and teammates can rely on to make a play when it’s 4th and 1. I like that pressure,” he said.

Dillon’s priorities are school, family, and football, and he hopes to find a school that will help him become the best player and person he can.