INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Both Duke women’s basketball signees -- Elizabeth Williams and Amber Henson -- each scored double-figure points in the WBCA All-America game over the weekend in Indianapolis, Ind., at the NCAA Final Four. Williams was named MVP of the Red Team, which fell, 83-73, to the White Team. A product of Virginia Beach, Va., Williams totaled a team-high 20 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and one assist in 29 minutes. She hit 8-of-19 field goals on the night. In two All-Star games in a week, Williams scored a McDonald’s All-America game record 23 points and posted 20 points at the WBCA contest. The 6-3 center was also named MVP of the McDonald’s game. A native of Tampa, Fla., Henson hit 5-of-12 field goals as she finished with 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in 20 minutes of action.
Firstly, I hope everybody is having a great Monday. I have been missing in action of late for various reasons, but I am back for another edition of Monday Musings. As the weather warms, one might think basketball takes a break but that simply isn't the case. BDN Premium kicks off its AAU Basketball coverage this week where we'll report from the Nike EYBL Boo Williams Invitational in Hampton, Virginia. As many of you already know, we have refined our coverage and set the pace in years past and this one should be no different.
I know some are hanging on to hope Kyrie Irving will return and I of course hope he does, but the harsh truth is that he would be a really high selection, top five for sure. There will be several issues to consider for the Irving family including the possible lock out. And just how many kids will enter their name for good this season? This may or may not be a weak draft depending on said decisions. Irving may actually be more marketable by returning to Duke with concerns to endorsements for playing in just a few games lowered his visibility. The Irving family will likely have some news before the week is out. Question is this ... does Kyrie want to be stuck in Cleveland or in Minnesota?
Duke is very much involved with DeAndre Daniels, a 6-7 forward with length that could be the final member of the class of 2011. Word is he may visit the Duke Men's Basketball Banquet on April 15th but nothing is etched in stone just yet. Regardless, the Blue Devils will get a visit and soon and his addition would be quite the pick up for Coach Mike Krzyzewski. For more on Daniels check out the members only BDN Premium message board.
As you know, BDN follows the team throughout the season, covering them in person to bring you as close to the action as possible. We followed the team to Anaheim, California but this season the Devils fell short. The loss was a tough one for the faithful but it should be noted that 32 wins and an ACC Championship is something other fan bases would die for. It was a good season that ended a bit too soon, but still one where you can hang your head high.
Well, I held in the emotion after last weeks loss to Arizona, until ... After the game, the last thing I wanted to do was interview the players as you could see by our cut backed versions. For some reason the next morning, I felt unusually compelled to go down to the vast hotel lobby of the Hyatt Regency in Orange County around 8:00 A.M. pacific time. Sure enough once off the elevator, there was Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler and Josh Hairston dragging their wears behind them on the way to the bus. I wished Nolan well and gravitated towards the corner of the doors leading to the three buses but stayed to the far end. I watched as Nolan and Kyle loaded their gear one last time and entered the bus , knowing it was the last time I would see this, while simultaneously thinking of what the two seniors had done for Duke including last seasons glorious national title. That is when I felt the tears well up. I turned fighting them off as the rest of the team and assistants came by, getting a nod from them while again, staying out of their way. But it was when Mike Krzyzewski, the last one to come down the long corridor that truly choked me up. The man had his chest held high, completely composed as he always is in public, showing that he was indeed the strong leader of the bunch. Coach K made his way over, walking out of his way and acknowledged my presence and that always means a lot to me. He did the same with about three or four other people in what was a literal handful of well wishers before boarding the bus headed to LAX. I suppose I realized how much I loved what the team had done and their collective character at that time and his handshake kept me from holding in the emotion as a couple of crocodile tears streamed before I caught my composure. Hey, I was crying like a baby on the inside. As the buses pulled away I thought how awesome it was to have been on the journey with them from start to finish.
When you are on press row, one must remain professional at all times, not wear team colors and not cheer. There is very little monkey business during the team beat run unlike the AAU and or recruiting season and there is a world of difference in the two. Everybody can seemingly get credentialed to AAU events and fan boys are a dime a dozen. The problem is that it has become unprofessional beyond a few. Back stabbing, posturing, rumor mongering, petty jealousy and outrageous accusations not to mention boorish self serving behavior is the bad part of it and it is more prevalent than one might think. I recently spoke with some long time legends of the business about the climate and all three agreed that most recruiting media are clueless to traditional media protocol and some are quick to act like twelve year olds. I can assure you that the staff at BDN will mind their own business and we can only hope others do the same, keeping their pride and ego's in check. It'd be nice to see some tend to their own house this year.
Had one told me Butler would return to the National Championship game again this season, it would have been a tough sell to get me to remotely consider the possibility. Well, here we are with one of the nations hottest teams in Connecticut taking on what will essentially be America's Team in the Bulldogs. I will be rooting for the four year guys, that's for sure.
In case you missed it former Duke star Thomas Hill in alongside Grant Hill and Chris Carrawell to counter Jalen Rose's outlandish accusations. Meanwhile, Rose responded by getting a DUI. Try telling the street wise CWell that growing up in the St. Louis hood paved his lily like path and he'll tell you different. One thing is certain, Duke haters are a dime a dozen these days but their hatred is a personal issue and are rarely if ever based in actual facts.
Football recruiting is heating up and premium members have been reading Patrick Cacchio's weekly football column each Friday. There you will go behind the scenes with all things Duke Football. We're just getting started with our converge, so stay tuned all summer long leading to the opening game with Richmond.
Ronald Geohaghan is high on in-state schools early
While Duke worked hard to improve their defense on the field this spring, the coaching staff is also working hard to upgrade the defense with a talented group of prospects in the class of 2012. The Duke staff has targeted a small group of defensive backs who already have received verbal scholarship offers from the Blue Devils, and a few have also taken a visit to Durham this spring. One of the most recent prospects to pick up a verbal scholarship offer is Ronald Geohaghan, a 6’1” 190 pound prospect from Allendale, South Carolina. In addition to his football talents, Geohaghan is one of the top long jumpers in the country and has worked his way back from a meniscal tear during his sophomore year at Allendale-Fairfax HS. Highlights from his junior season can be viewed here.
BDN: Can you start off by describing your strengths for fans who haven’t had a chance to see you play?
You know, some of my strengths right now, I guess, you could say crunch time leadership, and also one of my strengths is I love being the first one to the ball. I also have my nose to the ball, also, which is the same thing as being first to the ball. I also like to watch game tapes on all of our opponents, three or four days before we play them on Friday. I also like to get two copies of a game of our opponent on a Sunday and then just watch throughout the week.
BDN: What are some of the things you have been working on this offseason?
I really want to be attending some combines ‘cause the offers are kinda rolling in and just probably attend like two or three camps, to work on my techniques, just keeping a low center of gravity because I’m a tall defensive back.
BDN: What are some of your goals for yourself and your team in your senior season?
My goal for my senior season, first off, lead my team to a state championship, and the region – well, first of all, a region championship, then the lower state to the state championship. And also, just I’m aiming got getting over ten interceptions in. I had one block kick where I jumped over a guy. So this year I’m aiming to get over five block kicks on special teams, whether it’s punt or like a punt field goal.
BDN: As you look at your college decision, what are the most important factors you are looking for in a school?
First off, academics. That’s most important anywhere that I’ll be signing and commiting, and second off, the coaching staff, and third, the players. And just – I mean, I think it’s most important with the grades and the players and the coaching staff because these are people that I’m going to be spending the next four years of my life with, guidance. I’m gonna have to create a chemistry so that we can win a lot of games and hopefully play a national championship.
BDN: Which schools have you been in contact with the longest, or have been hearing the most from?
Some, most of the schools that are kinda recruiting me the hardest right now that have extended offers and that haven’t are Clemson. And a lot of them that was recruiting me the hardest right now which is an in-state school. I get letters from them like every week from defensive staff. Second team, I’ll have to say is [South] Carolina ‘cause that’s another in-state school battling to get me. Third, I like to say it’s Illinois and also – I don’t really think I have a Number 4, but those are my top three that’s recruiting me the hardest right now.
BDN: You mentioned you were able to visit Duke a couple times. How have those visits gone and what other schools have you had a chance to visit so far?
I had a chance to visit Georgia Tech, Clemson, and University of South Carolina, and I’m also gonna be visiting Duke and NC State, I think at the end of this month [March].
Ronald Geohaghan is also one of the top long jumpers in the country
BDN: Do you have an idea for how or when you would like to narrow your list of schools down and ultimately make a decision?
Right now, I don’t really want to make a fast decision because I mean, Clemson was one of my favorite schools at the beginning which is sending me my first verbal offer, but I just want to take my time and see what most of the other schools have to offer, because most of the guys that commit early, most of the schools just back off them after they commit. So I just want to take my time and enjoy the recruiting process and see what each school has to offer academically and athletically.
BDN: Is there anything else that you think is important for college football fans to know about you?
Well, my freshman year I was ranked as the Number 2 long jumper in my class of 2012, and I kinda had a ACL meniscus injury in my sophomore year early in track season so I missed a lot of track and football, which kinda made me take a step back and also the recruiters ‘cause I was sposed to be expecting some early offers, but they kinda took a step back to see how I was gonna rehab and recovery. The recovery and rehab was very successful. I sat out six months, and I missed the first three games of the season, and I also made third team All-State. And I was also invited to try out for the 2011 USA World Team trials in Myrtle Beach, and if I make the top 10 in long jump, I’ll be competing in the World Youth Games in France this summer in July.
BDN: Thanks a lot, Ronald, and best of luck to you.
This week’s Football Friday looks back at last weekend’s spring game and looks ahead to the spring recruiting season. Join Blue Devil Nation Premium to stay in the loop with Duke Football all year long. [private]
This week's Football Friday is under the lights!
Welcome to Football Friday, under the lights! This is what happens when the Football Friday author has a busy week at his day job studying gynecology. FUN! In all seriousness, sorry to be tardy to the party, but it unfortunately will happen from time to time that we'll have a nightcap. It’s been a busy week in Duke Football, so let’s get right to it.
Positives from the spring game
A quick highlight of the spring game with some comments from Coach Cutcliffe was posted today on our Facebook page. There was a lot to like from the spring game and good reason to be positive and optimistic about this fall. Of course, questions still exist about this year’s Blue Devils, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but many of those questions won’t be answered until they line up against Richmond and Stanford in weeks 1 and 2. The spring game was a good opportunity to evaluate some potential strengths and weaknesses as the team heads into the 2011 season. Just a few quick thoughts:
The defense as a whole, including the defensive line, performed better than expected. I thought Duke competed well along the line of scrimmage and were even able to pressure the quarterback. It still seems likely that incumbents Charlie Hatcher, Sydney Sarmiento, and Justin Foxx will see the majority of snaps at their respective positions, but the influx of redshirt-freshmen has really improved the depth along the front four. In particular, players like Jamal Wallace, who led the team in tackles in the spring game, and Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo, who was credited with a sack, appear ready to contribute this fall. I am excited to see what Coach Petri is able to do with this young group of linemen.
Issac Blakeney looks to be ready to contribute for the Blue Devils in 2011
Ross Cockrell took home the most improved defensive player award, and the staff has always remained excited about his potential, despite some early struggles as a first-year starter last season. In the spring game, Blue Devil fans got a look at another exciting young member of the Duke secondary in Issac Blakeney. Blakeney was impressive last Saturday, totaling 5 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass breakup. The Blue Devils will add 3 talented freshmen to the secondary this fall in Jared Boyd, Tim Burton, and Chris Tavarez, which should mean that the Duke defensive backs will be improved from a year ago. Duke will of course need big years out of veterans Matt Daniels and Lee Butler in the secondary, but the future looks bright.
Offensively, there was even more reason for optimism. Duke is in the enviable position of having three talented quarterbacks in Sean Renfree, Brandon Connette, and Anthony Boone. After Saturday’s performance, it is reasonable to assume that all three will see playing time this fall, and Coach Cutcliffe alluded to some possible creative offensive packages in his post-game comments. All three quarterbacks showed the ability to lead successful drives in the spring game, both on the ground and through the air. Though senior Jay Hollingsworth was held out, the four remaining backs were impressive in limited action. Sophomore Juwan Thompson was awarded most improved offensive player, and he is likely to see an expanded role this fall. At receiver, Duke has All-ACC caliber upperclassmen in Donovan Varner, Conner Vernon, and Cooper Helfet, coupled with rising stars in Tyree Watkins, Brandon Braxton, and Braxton Deaver. The offensive line returns all but one starter and adds talented redshirt freshmen to the depth chart. In summary, there are a lot of reasons to be excited about Duke’s potential on the offense.
Duke picks up 2nd commitment for 2012
Allen Jackson met with Coach Cutcliffe after the spring game on Saturday and gave his verbal pledge to the Duke Football program. BDN spoke with the newest Blue Devil last Sunday, who mentioned Duke’s academics, as well as his respect for new defensive line coach Rick Petri. As a player, Jackson has tremendous athleticism for his size and the potential to be a dynamic pass rushing defensive end at the college level. His biggest weakness is size, but he plans to work on adding strength over the next year to prepare himself for the college game. The Duke staff is very excited about Allen’s commitment, and the Blue Devil Nation welcomes its newest member.
Spring recruiting picking up
In case you haven’t noticed, things are really picking up with recruiting around the Blue Devils and around the country. With spring practices at most schools now in full swing, prospects are taking in practices and spring games, and commitments have begun to roll in. Duke hosted a number of prospects at the spring game, most notably TE Dan Beilinson, LB Deion Williams, DE Romeo Okwara, and OL Eric Olson. All four players have received offers from Duke and enjoyed their visit to Duke. Dan Beilinson described his visit as “a really great experience.” With spring practice now completed, the Duke staff will focus their efforts on the recruiting trail.
With a few dozen offers already extended, the first step for the Duke staff is to fully assess each prospect’s interest in the Duke program. Several prospects with offers, especially those from the west coast (i.e., QB Oshay Dunmore, TE Evan Baylis, WR Jonavaughn Williams) have yet to make a trip to Durham. For many families, the travel costs required by long distance unofficial visits are prohibitive, and the only way Duke will be able to see these prospects on campus will be to wait until official visits, a potentially risky proposition. This can be a difficult point in the recruiting process, as the Blue Devil staff must decide where to best focus their efforts and resources.
While I do expect Duke to eventually begin to cast a wider net with scholarship offers, most likely during June camps, there is a group of prospects that Duke has made a very strong impression on this spring. These are players already with impressive offer lists, and I suspect Duke will remain heavily involved with their recruitment. In fact, I expect Duke to secure another verbal commitment fairly soon, based on the feedback I have heard from the prospects directly. It is undoubtedly extremely early in the recruiting process, and written scholarship offers are still months away, but the early indications from the class of 2012 appear very promising for the Blue Devils.
A shameless plea until next week
Well, that’s all the time I’m allowed to spend thinking/writing about football for now, so it’s back to studying gynecology. I know you think I’m kidding, but I’m not. Until next week, I know there are a few of you out there who read this column weekly and are interested in Duke Football. With basketball season now sadly behind us, please join in the discussion on our football message board. There’s lots to talk about, and I assure you there are no experts or holier-than-thou’s among us. We’ve got lots more football recruiting coverage still to come and we always welcome input and suggestions. We all make up the Blue Devil Nation – WE ARE DUKE!
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