Doron Lamb is not super athletic like Boynton, but he is long and lean and oh does he have a way of getting it done.  During the NBAPA, he could draw fouls at will and was deadly from the stripe.  He slashes well and isn't afraid to battle bigger guys.  He has good on ball defensive skills and plays the passing lanes well, not to mention switching off with precision.  In short, he is a player that has a nice package to bring to the table.

[private]

Doron Lamb!  How old are you?

16

If somebody had never seen your game, how would you describe it to them?

I'm a hard worker who gets back on defense and loves to play it.  Defense is my thing.  Get my teammates involved and score when I have to.

What's it like playing on a team that is so guard heavy?  (Boynton, Knight and Golden)

I like playing with good players,  They're All Americans and it makes me better.

Who is the toughest player you have gone up against thus far?

John Selby.

Where are you in the process right now?  Are you getting serious yet?

I'm not worried about college right now.  I have two more years of high school.  I am hearing from a lot of schools though.

... and they are?

Syracuse, Georgetown, Kansas, Duke, North Carolina are some.

Wow!  That's the big dogs  Tell me about Georgetown and what you like ...

They have a good coach and I like their style.

How about Duke?

Duke?  I mean they're one of the best teams in the country.  Coach K is one of the best coaches.

What factors will eventually go into your decision.  What will play a role in the ultimate choice?

I want to play for a team that runs up and down the court.

You have a knack for drawing contact and getting to the line.  You did that almost at will in the games I have watched, hitting your free throws too ...

I'm not afraid to take it down low.

Where will you be the rest of the AAU summer?

We are going to Peach Jam in a few weeks and then Orlando and then the showcase.

What are your aspirations for the coming high school season?

To win the state.  We went to the final four last year and it was not enough for me.  I want to win the state.

Give me three words which best describes your game ...

Hard worker, coachable and dependable.

How do you like the camp?

It's a good camp.  They teach you how to handle yourself on and off the court.

You are one of a handful of underclassmen here.  Is that an honor?

Yes, it's an honor to be invited to top flight camp.  It's mice to make new friends with a lot of people.

So, it's do or die against the unbeaten Lakers ... are you going to do it?

Yeah, we're going to win.  I am ready to play some defense.

One more question, what is your actual height and weight?

I'm 6-3, 170, but I am pushing 6-4.

Lamb, Boynton and Knight led their team to a win over the previously unbeaten Lakers in the next game, but fell short in the title game.  Lamb scored in double figures both games.[/private]

 

 

Josh Hairston rose to the top of the Blue Devils list of players from the class of 2010 at breakneck speed.  The Blue Devils were impressed with what they saw from Josh after taking in several AAU events.   During this past weekend's NBAPA Camp, Josh informed me of his visit and I later learned from a solid source that he would be offered a scholarship. 

[private]When I caught up to Josh, he was obviously tired.  Afterall, he had played in Charlottesville and taken the Duke visit after one days rest.  Josh was polite and definitely livened up as our conversation went on.  Here is the very latest on Josh Hairston.

We talked at the NBAPA Camp and you informed me of your visit to Duke on Tuesday.  I am following up on our previous conversation and would like to know your thoughts on the visit.

It was great.  Coach K is a great guy.  He's got a great staff and it was an experience. 

Were you able to shoot around in Cameron or the new practice facility?

No, I just went for the visit, but Kenny Boynton was down there too and he was playing a bit.  They asked me if I wanted to play though.  We got down there kind of late.

So, you went with your family... or your team?

Yes sir.  I went with my Mom and my Dad and high school coach.

Was this your first visit to Duke?

We had actually been down there for the Bob Gibbons TOC, but we really didn't get a chance to walk around.  This was the first time we got to tour the campus and were able to look around at most of it.

So, did you like what you were able to see?

Definitely.  I had a great time walking around and just seeing everything ... and Duke is a beautiful place. 

Any talks on the visit?

Yes sir.  Coach K said they didn't lock down people to just one position because they would think this is all they have to learn and not develop their skills.  They see me being able to play, almost where Kyle Singler plays.  If I get a big guy on me, I could go out to the wing and if I had a smaller guy on me I could post them up.

Did anything stand out on the visit?

They just built a new practice facility and it was beautiful.  It was real nice.  It has a new weight room and everything.  We saw where the new locker rooms are going to be.  When it's all done it should be real nice.

Did Duke offer you while there?

Yes. That makes ten offers.

How many of those offers are you kind of serious about?

Around four.

And what schools are they?

Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Duke and Virginia.

How did your parents like the visit?

Oh man!  My parents had a great time.  My Mom really enjoyed it ... my Dad did too.  I just remembered when Coach K walked into the practice facility, all of us almost passed out.  I mean, he's a real good guy.  Dad was the first one to go talk to Coach K.  He came over and my dad ... the first thing he said to Coach K is that he was a legend.  My Dad and Coach K kind of had a little connection going because they were talking a whole lot.  Coach K complemented me .. us, saying we were a good family and stuff like that.

I think you told me in an earlier interview that you would make a decision in the Fall.  Does that still hold true?

I don't think so.  Not now.  With the new offers coming in ... I think that I am going to wait it out until the start of high school season and I may make that decision later.

So, you will entertain more offers?

No,  I'm ready to shut it off now.  I would say thanks, but no thanks.  I may make two or three more visits.  I would listen to North Carolina because I grew up a fan.

Were you surprised Duke offered?

I was.  Coach K said they don't recruit everybody.  My high school coach let me know that they usually don't offer until your senior season and stuff like that.  I may be the youngest they have ever offered ... I didn't think they would offer me like that.  Coach K made it clear that they really liked me, and really wanted me and wanted me to play there.  I could see myself playing there.

Were other prospects there?

I actually missed Andre Dawkins who was there the day before.  Kenny was there, but I didn't get any one on one time with him.  I did talk with him at the NBAPA Camp and he feels strongly about Duke as well.

Dawkins is from your area, right?

I actually played with Andre my freshman year with Boo Williams.  We are very close and stay in touch.  He's one of those kids who actually grew up a Duke fan all his life.

Thank you for your time and good luck with the process.

Thank you sir.

[/private]

[private] 

Josh Hairston uses the glass to his advantage during the NBAPA's Top 100 Camp

Blue Devil Nation Premium talked to Josh Hairston about his visit to Duke on Tuesday.  In fact, our members knew of a pending offer before that time.  The Hairston article is our latest offering in what is shaping up to be one hot summer.  Our premium message board is abuzz with information and it will become clear to new members, that this site stays a step ahead of the rest.  Here is what has gone up on BDN Premium since Sunday -

- in the latest addition of our infamous General Update, we clued members in to Dawkins offer and ones to come. 

- an interview with Josh Hairston from the NBAPA before his trip to Durham, which whetted the appetites of our members.

- then we put up an exclusive one on one with 09 prospect Jamil Wilson.   Again, from the NBAPA Top 100 Camp.

- we followed that with another exclusive with 09's Terrell Vinson who was named the best all around player at the event.

- then we got some great comments from big Nate Lubick, a star on the rise.

- we reported from the NBAPA, as it happened, even cluing people in that Kenny Boynton would be named the MVP before the tip off of the championship game.

- add a follow up interview with Josh Hairston last evening.  He had some really nice things to say about his Duke visit.

Oh, and there is more to come.  We already have interviews with the following prospects on tap.  We'll start with Kenny Boynton Jr.  Then there is Brandon Knight and ... well, we will have to keep the other names on the inside for now, for the competition will surely try and make that information their own.  I can tell you that there are five more interviews with Duke prospects which we will be churning out over the next few days.

So, come on in and join Blue Devil Nation Premium!

 [/private]

This season's NBAPA Camp provided me my second opportunity to see Nate Lubick.  He showed a solid knowledge for the game and got up and down the court with ease.  He likes to float out, but is capable of banging when necessary.

[private]

"I like to workout.  That's pretty much my life right now," said Lubick when asked what he liked to do.  He went on to say that he took advantage of the summer months and AAU ball.  Lubick plays for the New England Playaz, which of course has Florida commitment Erik Murphy.  They are also teammates at Southbrough High.

He will be going to Cincinnati for the Take Five Adidas event, and Augusta, South Carolina for the Peach Jam.  Lubick will also attend the Joe Brown Memorial in New Jersey and then head to Vegas and Los Angeles to wrap it all up.

I asked him about playing with Murphy and he said it was a good experience and that the two were friends.  "My Dad is our high school coach.  It's a little different growing up with the program and seeing guys go to D-1 school," said Lubick.

He still has a lot of schools he is considering and stated, "I want to get a really good feel for the schools recruiting me.  I haven't cut my list down as of yet and everybody has been really good to me."

One of the important things for Lubick is his comfort level with people and getting to know the coach.  "It's just got to be a good overall fit.  Education is probably the biggest thing," said the 2010 prospect.  He continued saying Wake Forest was the only small school looking at him and that they had just gotten involved recently.

Virginia, UCLA, Michigan and Georgetown were named as being in contact the most by Lubick.  These teams appeared to be among the leaders, he then told me that he would take his five allotted official visits.

I asked him to describe his game to those who haven't seen him play and he said, "I'm versatile.  I play the wing more in AAU, but they have me playing down low here which is fine."  I can do a little bit of everything and try to play harder than anybody.  I try to use a high basketball IQ and try to make the play when I can."

I then turned his attention to the fact that his Dad was the coach and asked him if it was at times difficult.  "It was a little bit the first season, but this past year was much better.  It's a little weird to have him screaming in my face at practice and then go home and eat dinner with him," said Lubick.

He will try out for the USA team (2009) which travels to Europe.  He said Favors, who will go out for the 2008 Team USA was the toughest player he had played against and that named  Xavier Henry as far as the NBAPA Camp was concerned.

I then asked him of his Triangle visits and whether the Dukes and UNC's of the world had been in contact.  "Duke is definitely in it.  They are really high up there for me," said Nate.  While Duke has not been in constant touch of late, it didn't bother Lubick.  "Coach K is really busy with the Olympics, but I do talk to Coach Collins a lot."  He continued, "I talked to Wojo at first and then Coach Collins took over.  He's a real good guy, one of the best I have dealt with.  He told me that they didn't really look at guys until they were juniors."

He then said, "They have said that I will be a priority in their future recruiting and that they had seen a lot of me.  Coach K came to my high school to see us play.  I did talk to him and he said I needed to solidify what position I like to play.  He sees me as a wing, but likes the stuff I do inside."

Finally, I asked him a BDN staple question, which was to give me three words to best describe him as a person.  He said, "Smart, loyal and humble,"  I said, speaking of smart, how are your grades.  "They're very good.  St, Mark's is one of the hardest schools there is.  I have an A and four B's."

Lubick showed a baby hook during the tournament and a lot of hustle.  It was clear that he has a basketball IQ and he will only get better.  There is no doubt that the big kid with a bushel of offers might be seeking on from Duke.  Time will tell on this one and he is certainly a prospect worth keeping an eye on.[/private]

Terrell Vinson always plays well at the NBAPA Camp.  The bottom line is that he lacks explosiveness around the rim or on drives, but he makes up for a lot with desire and playing within his abilities.  No matter how you cut it, Vinson gets it done.

[private]Now, there was one game where he goose egged, but he came back with back to back 17's and keep in mind they split time and play against the best.  Vinson has a nice outside shot and hits the board with good positioning.  He maintains a good attitude at all times and works hard, utilizing free time to take extra ball handling skills.

I have no doubt that Vinson likes Duke and oddly, his teammate was Jamil Wilson.  Here is a one on one with a good player.

Terrell Vinson class of 2009

So, what have you been up to lately?

I've been working out with my school a lot.  Right now we are 0-2 and I want to turn this around.  I've been into some of my teammates to play harder.

In your opinion, is the level of competition better this year?

It's basically the same.  There are good players.  I have become accustomed to playing here and know what to expect.

Have you visited any of the schools?

I've visited Villanova and plan on visiting Georgetown.  I plan to take some more visits in August.  I did see Duke with my team.

How about a school list?

The top four are the same.  Villanova, Georgetown, Duke, Memphis and Loyola Marymount has been pushing hard too.

You have two Big East Schools and one ACC.  Which style of play best fits you?

I'm planning on going to Maryland next week too.  Either conference provides great basketball.

So, Villanova is not the leader?

I like them, they've been on me for the longest, but I am still open and want to review my options.

I talked with Tristan Spurlock and he said the two of you weren't happy at your school ...

That's just Spurlock.  Everybody knows how he is.  There's nothing to that. (rolling his eyes) No.

How have you played so far?

I've played okay.  I don't care if I put up forty or fifty points.  That's not important, I just want to win.

Do you have a timeline for a decision?

Well, I want to see some schools ... see the area and style of living and then just sit down after gathering some information and think about it.  I'm looking for a school that has a good opportunity for me.

What kind of coach do you want to play for?  Do you want somebody like a brother a friend, someone who'll push you ...

I want to be pushed but have a relationship as well.

How are your grades?

My grades are good.  They came out strong in the fourth quarter.

Do you have an SAT score ... GPA?

It's a 2.9 or 3.0.  I took the tests and all went well.  I thought it was going to be super hard, but it wasn't really that hard.

Which coaches have been pro active in your recruitment?

Coach Wright really, really, really wants me, but others are coming on strong.  Gary Williams is pushing hard lately.

Has Wright told you how he might use you in his program?

He said he sees me as a 2, 3.  He wants to develop me to play three positions.

Georgetown?

They've been on me almost as long as Villanova.  They want me as a 2-3.

Hearing from Duke?

Oh yeah.  I've talked with Coach Wojciechowski and he says they like me a lot, but I haven't heard from Coach K.  I've talked to John Thompson and Coach Wright, but I haven't talked to Coach K.  I'd like to talk to him, I wish he'd call.  I've been looking for them to call me.  They tell me that they like but ...  I know he doesn't call players a lot and he has Team USA duties.  We'll see, I guess.

Loyola Marymount!  That's a long ways from home ...

Yeah, but I use to being away,  I'm from the DC-Metro area, but have no problem going anywhere.  I am use to being away from home.

You're on the USA Basketball list, right?

Yeah. That'll be a great experience.  It starts the very first day of July.

So, is the talent better this year or last year? (NBAPA)

Um, there's more young guys, but it's almost the same.  There's some good guys out there, some of the young ones too.  I have been playing well with Lorenzo out of Portland.  We've hit it off a bit.  We lost our first two games by 2 and 3.  I just want to turn this thing around.  I don't like losing.

So, who will help you make your choice?

Definitely my parents, but they will leave the final decision to me.[/private]