The word came out last evening. According to Adam Rowe of 247 Sports, Marques Bolden would transfer from Duke.  This was naturally picked up by many outlets in that any news on Duke Basketball carries significant interest.

The story had the appearance of one ready to go.  It went into to detail on where Bolden was thinking about going  by mentioning specific teams.  A little while later Rowe walked his claim back in the article, stating that sources now said Bolden was only considering a transfer.  But the body of the story remained intact, showing confidence that it would happen.

Generally, this kind of news comes from official channels meaning Duke itself.  There is a reason for this.  Accuracy on sensitive subject matter is important especially when it involves a student athlete who has yet to make a public decision.  Many media members would have called the SID to confirm news before running with it as a general rule.

Now, I am not saying this will not turn out to be true.  I am saying that as journalists we can actually have an effect on a player and his family's decision if sources prove wrong.  Many are out to get a scoop these days in an effort to bring in members for monetary gain. It is not wrong to break a story but you are also putting sources on the spot when doing so.  And in this case, you are reporting on something Duke generally likes to offer up on their own terms.  The bottom line is it is a sensitive and internal issue.

Marques Bolden can develop at Duke and it all likelihood would if he returns.  But in today's world of social media we can help to push a kid out the door with news before it is designed to be released or before the staff has had a chance to work things out.

I was actually the first choice at one time to run the 247 Sports Duke web site and turned it down.  That opened the door for others.  In hindsight, the one thing I regret most about not taking the opportunity  is that it opened the doors for people who simply were not ready for the challenge at that time.  Team reporting has always come natural for me as does double checking sources before putting something out there.

The media has changed in the past few years.  There is now an information at all costs mentality from those who follow sports. Many of us hear things which are happening behind the scenes and even know of issues as they are happening.  But we all obviously choose different ways in how we report things.

Bolden may well leave.  It is shameful if that happens for he is a talented young man who would have to sit an entire season. He has all the tools to succeed and there should be no reason for that could not happen at Duke.

In the end, Bolden will do what it best for himself and there is no faulting him for that.  I just hope he hasn't read some of the more colorful comments from fans on message boards.  Especially since nothing official has been released with concern to him leaving at this time.

I feel confident in saying that the Duke staff wants Bolden back in uniform next season.  The Texan big man has a great opportunity right where he resides,  It is worth noting that from Nolan Smith to many others, there are stories of success after the sometimes difficult trials of a freshman season.  Those who stick it out often find the fruit they many think may be elsewhere.

As of noon today, no releases were set to come forth from the Duke Sports Information office concerning Marques Bolden.