Duke picked to finish first, Singler, Smith first team All ACC, Singler POY

Duke's Kyle Singler named pre season POY in the ACC - Photo Mark Watson BDN

CHARLOTTE - The Duke Blue Devils were voted tops in the ACC during Operation Basketball just moments ago.  They were followed by Virginia Tech, North Carolina, N.C. State, Florida State, Maryland, Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia and Wake Forest.  Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith were named to All ACC First Team joining Malcolm Delaney of Virginia Tech, Chris Singleton of Florida State, and Tracy Smith of N.C. State.  Kyle Singler was voted as the pre season Player of the Year and  UNC's Harrison Barnes was voted as the Rookie of the Year.  Kyrie Irving of Duke received 4 first place votes.  Singler had 38 to Delaney's 20 for POY. Singler was the only player named on all first team ballots.   More to come on BDN.

BDN’s Virginia Tech Q&A Preview with Gobbler Country

Sean Renfree hopes to get back on track against the Hokies - Lance Images/BDN

In preparation for this weekend’s matchup in Blacksburg, BDN exchanged a Q&A with the folks at Gobbler Country. Our responses can be viewed over at their website. Riding a 5-game winning streak, the Hokies’ are confident heading into Saturday. The Blue Devils will have a great challenge and opportunity in Lane Stadium.

BDN: Heading into the week 1 matchup with Boise State, expectations were obviously high for the Hokies, but they ended up starting the season 0-2. With the recent losses at the top of the BCS, how disappointed are Virginia Tech fans? With Taylor graduating, was this a missed opportunity?

GC: I'm not sure if disappointed is the right word. For a lot of fans, there was a meltdown of epic proportions after the loss to JMU. Me, I just drank (and drank, and drank, and drank ...) but at the end of the day, there was still the chance to win the ACC if they got their act together.

And that was the expectation all along for me. I figured our best case scenario was winning the ACC and anything else would just be icing. I don't know if I'd go as far as to say it was a missed opportunity because I didn't think the defense would be good enough at the start of the season for us to actually go unbeaten and have a shot at the title.

I'm definitely not among the fans who feel like every year is National Title or Bust. But eventually, I'd like to see us at least be in the discussion in November. But with the way we tend to play in September that will never happen.

BDN: What, in your opinion, went wrong in weeks 1 and 2, and what has been the difference in the current 5-game winning streak?

GC: The defense was young and missed tackles and assignments and the offensive line was terrible. Both sides of the ball have gotten their act together, especially the offensive line. You look at how it played in those first four games compared to the last three and it's completely night and day. On defense, we've had some younger guys start to make plays like Bruce Taylor at mike linebacker and Antone Exum in the secondary. They're still young and giving up big plays, but more often than not they make the play they're supposed to make.

BDN: It sounds like Ryan Williams will be back this week. How do you expect that to affect the offense, which seems to be hitting its stride?

GC: It looks like he'll only be in for a couple of series, and I imagine he'll get around five carries. I really don't know what to expect. When he was in there, the offensive line wasn't opening holes and he was getting bottled up in the backfield. I like to think that he'll be able to fit right in and eventually get back to his 2009 form, but I fear that we'll try to rely on him too much when he gets back to 100 percent.

BDN: Duke has played Virginia Tech tough the past two years. Why do you think that is, and do you expect that to continue this year with what you've seen of both teams in 2010?

GC: If Thad Lewis had played in 2008, there's a good chance you guys would have beaten us. We were awful on offense that game and couldn't stop turning the ball over. The last two years Duke has tried to take away Virginia Tech's run game and was especially effective last season. However, Tyrod Taylor was able to burn them last year. What killed Duke a season ago was the inability to finish drives in the red zone. The Devils settled for field goals while the Hokies scored touchdowns.

This year, I really expect the Hokies to come out and dominate. Duke had some talent on defense last year, but it just isn't there this season. Hopefully they'll be able to put up big points like they did last week against Wake Forest and at the same time not give up the big plays that plagued them last week against Wake and last year against the Devils.

BDN: I don't know that Virginia Tech needs anyone off the Duke roster to significantly improve their chance of winning this one game, so I'll ask you a slightly different question. If you could draft a player or two from Duke's roster to have for future games and seasons, who would you choose and why?

GC: I'm going to cheat and take David Cutcliffe to be our quarterbacks coach. No offense to Mike O'Cain, but he hasn't exactly produced any Peyton Mannings in his time in Blacksburg. Tyrod Taylor has steadily improved his passing abilities, but I can only imagine what having a guy like Cutcliffe around could do for him. Heck, Cut could have probably made Sean Glennon All-ACC.

Prospect Amile Jefferson talks of his visit to Duke

Amile Jefferson opens up to BDN talking his CTC experience and more - Rick Crank BDN Photo

The 2012 class is filled with talented forward prospects and 6’8 Amile Jefferson is no different.  Making his second trip down to Duke University the talented forward was able to take in a great night of college hoops fun.  Jefferson was in line to watch the unveiling of the Blue Devils 2010 National Championship banner and ring ceremony.  BDN got a chance to catch up with Amile and hear his thoughts on his visit to Durham.

BDN: Can you talk about your visit to Duke this past weekend? What did you do from the beginning til end? And how long did you stay?

AJ: I stayed there for about a day, about a full 24hours.  It was really hectic down there being the Midnight Madness and all.  We got in around 2pm on Friday.  Basically right when we got there we went right to the gym.  There was just so many people there you had to park really far away from campus (laughs).  When we finally got there on to the campus everything was set and everything was going.  I just thought it was a great atmosphere and great fans and everything; these fans really love their team. Duke is really a great [private] school and a great program. I just loved the opportunity to go visit down there and watch them unveil the banner and just to see how welcoming the people are was just incredible. We got to talk to the coaches for a little while and then the next day we watched them practice.  Watching them practice was just amazing.  Just to see how everything was run at a high pace.  They do some things that I’ve seen my high school do, but they do it in such a manner that I just couldn’t even believe that could be done. Everything was just done so quick, fast and tight.  There really wasn’t any waiting in line you were just doing something at all times.  Either you’re getting up shots or you’re expecting the ball to get passed back to you.  All the situations were just done at high speeds and I just thought that was great for a practice because that’s definitely how you prepare yourself for a game.

BDN: Which coaches did you speak to? Coach K?

AJ: I only got to speak with Coach K very briefly individually.  It was really him welcoming me down there and letting me know the gist of the night.  He’s really a great guy to talk to.  You know he’s just a basketball genius I believe.  His coaching is just like a movie. It’s incredible how he motivates the guys to play.  We talked a little bit about his USA team and how great they did this past summer and how great the young guys played and also how he got those guys to play great defense.

BDN: Did you tour the facilities?

AJ: No unfortunately not, the only facilities I got to see were the practice facility a little bit and Cameron.

BDN: Who did you take your visit with?

AJ: It was me and my father.

BDN: What were his impressions of the trip?

AJ: I believe he really liked it. Dukes atmosphere is just amazing you can’t do anything but like it. Like I said earlier the people are very welcoming and enthusiastic and they just bring energy to you.  Me and him just couldn’t help but stand up and clap and cheer for the players like we were a part of the school. They were just so riled up it was amazing.

BDN: What were your overall impressions of the staff?

AJ: I think they have a great staff.  Especially since all of those guys are Duke alums, it really brings a close-knit bond to the school and to the players. I thought that is probably a great idea for your staff.  These guys have been through and can speak on what you’re going through because they actually were there and did play at that school.

BDN: I noticed during the game Coach K was talking to some of the recruits, what type of things was he talking about?

AJ: He really is a basketball genius.  When you just watch how he coaches he is constantly taking notes in his head and watching the game with a close eye. While I was sitting there next to him he was pointing out things like cuts and how guys make them and how it makes the game much easier. He talked about how the players rebound and box out, how they shot fake, it was just really little small important things that make such a big difference.  Things like making the right pass, not only making the right pass but making it at the right time and not holding the ball so to keep the guys moving.  He just hit on so many different points, he just sees everything on that floor and he would just let us know everything he sees.

BDN: Did you get to spend any time with any extensive time with any of the players?

AJ: I did for a little but not too long.  I got to speak with guys like Nolan Smith and some recruits like Quinn Cook.  I’m actually pretty good friends with Quinn so I definitely got to talk with him for a little bit. Some of those guys were staying on campus while I had a hotel and a lot of us had different hotels.

BDN: Are you planning on a return visit, perhaps with your parents this time?

AJ: We didn’t get to talk about that because my dad and I kind of shot out of there.  We just said our goodbyes because we had an early flight.  I didn’t get to watch the whole practice because I had to leave. Hopefully I can get down there for a game though.  I would love to see that atmosphere again.

BDN: Did the staff talk about an offer?

AJ: No, not really. We didn’t really even talk a lot about the recruiting process.  Most of the things we talked about were the USA team or that night in general.

BDN: Thanks a lot Amile, appreciate your time.

AJ: No problem, thank you. [/private]

Tony Parker tells BDN Duke has offered

Tony Parker is claiming a Duke offer. Read more on BDN Premium

From Elton Brand to Carlos Boozer to perhaps maybe Tony Parker? The 6’9 278 lbs big man from Georgia is as talented as they come.  Major programs all over the country are recruiting him for his services and one lucky program will land not only a fine player but a fine young man as well. 

It was a big recruiting weekend in Durham, North Carolina and Tony was on hand to enjoy the kick-off festivities of the 2010-2011 season.  The four-star big man had a chance to take in the raising of the National Championship banner as well as the atmosphere of one of the most historic sites in college basketball, Cameron Indoor Stadium.  BDN got a chance to speak with the talented big man and get his thoughts on his visit.

BDN: Can you talk about your overall visit and what you did from when you arrived until when you left?

TP: It was a great visit I really enjoyed it.  It’s a great school and it has a really good basketball atmosphere. We got there kind of late but I still got to see quite a bit of the campus. I got to watch the blue and white game; I really enjoyed seeing how they play and how everything works.  Afterwards I went to the locker room and [private] met the coaches.  I got a chance to look at the rings, they were really nice.

BDN: What players or recruits did you hang out with during your visit? Did you know any of them from before?

TP: Of course I got to spend time with Quinn Cook.  I got to play with him on Team USA.  I also got to talk with Austin, Rodney Purvis.  There were a lot of great players there.

BDN: Did you get to tour the facilities?

TP: I saw a little but I didn’t get to see them all because I got there so late.  I’ve seen them before, I’ll probably take a longer tour next time.

BDN: Did you speak with Coach K in a one on one setting? What did you talk about?

TP: Yes sir I did.  They talked about me going there.  I got to meet his wife she was really nice.  I got to talk with Coach James for awhile.

BDN: What is your impression of the staff overall?

TP: They are a great staff, they really do a great job there.  They really push the tempo and they really love defense which is a big part of winning.

BDN: What was your impression of Countdown to Craziness?

TP: I had a really great time.  I thought it was very well organized and really enjoyed seeing them play.  I really liked it.

BDN: Did the staff talk to you about an offer?

TP: Yes they did.  They offered me.

BDN: Wow that’s great to hear.  What do you think about that?

TP: I just think it’s great.  The history of Duke is just, man its great period.

BDN: Does this change things for you with them?

TP:  Yea it does, they will definitely be in contention.

BDN: Did they talk about a return visit perhaps for a game?

TP: Yes we did but I don’t know when right now, it’s still in the works.

BDN: Thanks for your time Tony.

TP: No problem.(Note to members - I have yet to verify the offer but know one was likely to come - watzone)  [/private]

Duke Basketball Recruiting Update

As many of you know recruiting has been red hot around the basketball program of late and the Blue Devils entertained a bevy of prospects this past weekend.  Of those visiting, Quin Cook was the biggest priority in that Duke is looking to close on the PG prospect and they [private] will likely do so sooner rather than later.  I cannot give you an exact timeline but I feel from information gleaned from top notch sources close to the situation, that he could pull the trigger to become the newest Blue Devil very soon.  We'll keep you posted.

There were a few names have not been discussed here that often visiting as well, but for now I will focus on the kids which have the Blue Devils utmost interest.  Amile Jefferson will continue to be evaluated by Duke, but no offer is expected any time soon, meaning Krzyzewski wants some more views as he progresses.  Quite simply, Jefferson needs to put some meat on his frame to be effective at Duke and only time will tell if he can fill that criteria.

Quin Cook and Austin Rivers take in the action at Countdown to Craziness - BDN Photo, Rick Crank

On the other hand, Duke is solidly involved with Rasheed Sulaimon, who we interviewed last evening.  There is no offer but that could change down the road as Coach familiarizes himself with the prospects ability to keep improving.  If he shows the desire to get better and he progresses, he will land an offer and with him being a Duke fan, if that happens consider him a done deal.

Duke will also continue to recruit Rodney Purvis who from all accounts had a good time on his visit.  Purivs recruitment will go on for quite a while IMO, so don't look for too much going on here in the near future.

Still major priorities are Alex Murphy and Shabazz Muhammad.  In fact, consider them the top two kids on the radar past Cook and or count them all as equally important.  The Blue Devils will hang in there as long as it takes with Muhammad and they appear to be in good shape with Murphy.  Visits are being firmed up as I type, more on that down the road.

Duke is still quite interested in J.P. Tokoto as well and expect some things to start happening in the next six months on this front.  And let's not forget Tony Parker for he is starting to get a lot more interest and could well have an offer shortly down the road.

Finally on Tyler Adams ... Duke is still committed to him and as of now all is fine and they were aware of the visit.  Adams is keeping his options open a bit as is Duke, but this could all work out provided he does the work.  In fact, until further notice, I wouldn't worry too much about this.

I appreciate members patience in what has turned out to be the busiest time I can remember for me in a decade or so.  It makes it tough to get to many articles I have planned and get CTC pictures up.  I head to Charlotte tomorrow for ACC Operation Basketball, so keep in mind that I will check in when I can.  Remember that BDN covers the Duke Beat in person and we strive to bring you constant in person update with our own questions to players and coaches.[/private]

BDN chats it up with Duke’s new #1, Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving stutter stepped, juked, slashed and dished in his Cameron debut - Photo copyright BDN, Rick Crank

DURHAM - Duke's Kyrie Irving made his debut in Cameron Indoor Stadium this past Friday evening where the Blue Devils celebrated the program amongst their most faithful fans.  Irving, sporting his number one jersey didn't disappoint, playing for the winning team in each game and dishing over ten dimes over the course of the evening.  BDN caught up to Irving after the game to get his thoughts.

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