BDN Premium caught up with Josh Smith (6-9 Kentwood HS, Covington, WA) after he tossed in 36 points in Seattle Rotary Select's opening night win at the Boo Williams Invitational. Discuss this interview on our private message board.
Wow! Thirty six points, game winning shot in the opener, what's up with that?
Aw, I man (smiling) ... it felt good. I started out feeling good and kept on pushing it inside. We had a little jet lag in the first half but we kind of woke up. [private]
Is this your first AAU Tournament on the east coast?
Not my first on the east coast, but my first time here.
So, where have you been on the east coast with concerns to AAU ball?
New York, Cincinnati.
Who is recruiting you?
Well, everybody is recruiting me right now, but I don't have a list.
I am sure you have heard this question before, but is there any truth that it is down to UCLA and Washington for your services?
That's not true. I am not necessarily staying on the west coast. If I do, I do. I'm not totally sold on the west coast despite what people are saying. It's where ever I feel comfortable, east coast or west coast.
Which schools stay on you the hardest?
All the PAC-10 schools, Texas, Louisville, Carolina, Duke.
When is the last time Carolina or Duke got in touch with you?
They send me letters all the time. They call my Dad. Coach K and my coach are real close so ... my high school coach and they talk a lot.
When is the last time you talked with coaches from Duke or UNC?
It's been a while.
So, you are still open to Duke or UNC?
Yeah
Three words which best describe you as a person -
Calm, determined and funny.
How did you feel after hitting that winning shot?
It felt good. I felt kind of nervous because I was going to go up and dunk, but my knee gave way and I got the lay up.
I will elaborate more on Josh and Duke on the message board. This is an interview to get the ball rolling. [/private]
Gilchrist hit a three pointer from half court after a steal and Team Final scored 6 points in 3.1 seconds to defeat Boo Williams, despite a huge effort from Duke bound Andre Dawkins
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Wow! Tremendous games today. I was all set to make the headline "The Andre Dawkins show" for his 27 points were a team high for Boo Williams and they held a 63-60 lead with possession of the ball and just seconds left on the clock. On the in bounds play, Team Final forced a turnover and had the ball with 1.3 ticks left. Then a floating three point shot by Tyreek Duren and it looked like OT. After Boo got it to Luke Cothran at half court who fumbled it and Mike Gilchrist threw in a three point shot from just left of center court. Team Final rushed over to the camera and Boo Williams' players were stunned that Team Final scored 6 points in 3.1 seconds to win. Unreal.
On the next court, All Ohio held on for a close win led by behemoth Jared Sullinger over Team Stat. Brandon Knight was injured in the first half and did not return after scoring 10 points.
To have been able to watch both of these close games was amazing.
But that's not all! I went across the way to catch Howard Pulley in their semi final bronze medal game. Upon entering the gym, Barnes drove to the hole for a slashing lay in. The next time down he nailed a three pointer but that was after he blocked the shot on the defensive end. If that wasn't enough, he threaded a pass to a cutting teammate for an assist on the third straight offensive possession. Barnes went on to score 26 points and his team has won three straight contests after dropping the opening two games. Barnes will play one more game which I will stay for. IOW, I am closing it out and staying for the duration.
The best I have seen - Barnes, Knight, Sullinger, McAdoo and Lamb would make up my first team Dawkins played really, really well after his first game. Much to come including a bevy of interviews and information.
Brandon Knight has over twenty points in three straight games and his team is 3-0
The Boo Williams Invitational is in full swing and Blue Devil Nation Premium members are getting live updates on the message board. Harrison Barnes is playing on court two trying to help his team survive as I am typing. On court three, Houston Hoops and Mac Irvine Fire are having a slamfest. On court four, Albany City Rocks just tied the game. For interviews well into the week join BDN Premium. Our trial offer runs out in mere hours.
Update - Harrison Barnes had 18 second half points and finished the game with 27. He nabbed seven boards, had three steals and two blocks. His defense on an out of bounds play caused Playground Elite to call a timeout and on the in bounds play he blanketed his man to alter the shot which was a miss. Barnes scored the go ahead basket on a slashing full court drive. More to come on Blue Devil Nation Premium.
All you have to do is read the names in the tags of this story to know what's ahead. If you still can't figure it out, a lengthy 1800-plus word recruiting update with the very latest information awaits you inside. Don't miss our one time trial offer to join Blue Devil Nation Premium, for it ends at midnight on Saturday. We think you will decide to stick around when that month is up. [private]
You will want to stay close to the Blue Devil Nation this weekend, for I will cover the Nike Boo Williams Invitational. The event is loaded this year and the four hour drive north will not seem so bad. The reason is that I get to see Harrison Barnes playing for Howard Pulley. For the first time, Barnes will play on the east coast. Well, there is the NBA Player Developmental Camp, but other than that, this is his first time this far east in AAU ball. BDN will be sure to get the latest from Barnes while we are there. I will also talk once again to one of our best recruiters, Andre Dawkins. As I told you a month or so ago, his athletic ability is starting to shine through. He will play for the host Boo Williams team, which will also feature young McAdoo. There is a possibility that Kyrie Irving will be in the house as well, but that has not been finalized yet. Irving sometimes plays for two AAU teams. Irving will also be visiting Duke very, very soon. There are a few other kids (one big name in particular), but I am not going to tip in those other sites until after the fact. Last season, the "borrowers" would send someone who would squirrel in the corner of the gym and watch every move we made. It's both sad and hilarious that this happens. Anyhow, this site deals in facts and you can trust the names we give you for our sources are pretty darn good. Our members know that new names often come out here and they sure as heck know this site works harder than anyone this time of year. Okay, enough whining and bragging 😉 I will have some occasional live updates on the message board.
Speaking of the Blue Devil Nation Premium Message Board... there are both long time members and new trial members who have yet to register. If you are not taking the occasional peek there, you are missing the full effect of BDN Premium. Keep in mind that you must register for the board in that it is not set up automatically upon payment. Also, we'd like to welcome the trial or new members and encourage all of you to post and introduce yourselves. Trust me, most of the members here lurk. That said, there is no better time to start posting than now.
Will Ryan Kelly work on his former D-One teammate John Wall?
A few of you have asked if Duke has any interest in Deshaun Painter who will not go to Florida. The answer is no. You may have already known that, but you probably don't know this - Josh Smith is no longer being recruited very hard. The reason is that Duke is concentrating their efforts on players they feel are realistic. Smith has long been rumored to be a UCLA lean and all of my sources have maintained that getting off the west coast is a long shot. Why should the Devils waste all that time with a kid in Washington state whose interest is lukewarm? Yeah, I know. We need a big bruising inside guy. First of all, Duke has not shied away from this type of player, but they have missed on some. The bottom line is getting a kid who can qualify and, for whatever reason, Boozer types have been few and far between in meeting the prerequisites. Duke feels as if their current front court is deep and the addition of Hairston in 2010 will add athleticism. Put Barnes in the mix and Duke is going after guards.
Still no official word on Gerald Henderson, but he will almost certainly go in the draft. The Hendersons in no way blind sided Duke. In fact, they were forthcoming in saying this would likely be the last year before the season started. Still, Henderson wants to go in the lottery and if he slips for some reason, he may well return. Keep in mind that true measurements and such will come into play during visits with NBA teams. Henderson could surely benefit from another year by learning to go to his left. His handle needs some work as well, but his athleticism and lineage makes him attractive. We should hear something on this in an official capacity next week.
Nate James will contact Eric Bledsoe to see if they have indeed been dropped off the final list. Turns out that if he dropped Duke, he did not tell them. Stay tuned.
Josh Hairston is playing very well and garnering attention. Here is an excerpt from Scouts.com - Hairston plays with a great deal of energy and effort, when engaged in the game. He has a versatile skill set, which allows him to dominate games when he tries. He has to alleviate his tendency to drift, especially offensively, when his team needs a critical bucket. This face-up 4-man has very good quickness and athleticism, which he uses to drive past bigger, slower defenders. Once in the paint, Hairston will finish with his left or right hand at the basket. He can also stretch defenses with his ability to connect on jumpers, with the occasional 3-pointer falling, but he needs to improve his perimeter consistency. He will also post up on the block and he demonstrates solid footwork with his back to the basket. As Hairston gets ready for the next level, he will have to add strength and muscle to his frame, which will make him a better finisher and rebounder on both ends of the floor. He also needs to continue his improvement on the defensive end, an area in which he said he needs better for college. Hairston plays an unselfish brand of basketball and readily accepts coaching. This young man, with his good character, should flourish throughout the summer and become a very good player at Duke, when he enrolls in the fall of 2010.
Ole Roy is making his move on Wall, but is it too late?
Anyone heard of this kid named John Wall? It amazes me how much false information and rumors abound on message boards, but that is the nature of the beast these days. Wall left on Tuesday to participate in the Nike Hoop Fest. In a recent brief conversation, he said he would sit down with UNC coach Roy Williams. But he also said that Duke is very much in this race and that he continues to get to know Coach K and was impressed with all that he has heard. Another source close to Wall, claims that Coach K is considered the most "straight up," of the remaining suitors. This source also stated that Wall is still very much undecided and that he would likely go until the end of April before a decision is reached.
While N.C. State has been rumored to be in the hunt, I think they are out. In fact, I feel he will not make the trip to Miami as well. Look for Wall to make a final list soon to set up a televised decision. I feel Kansas could be on that list but will not be a serious player. I am certain Duke, UNC and Kentucky will make the list and Memphis may sneak in as well. Wall's coaches do not like the fact that Williams is just now coming in and Wall himself is the only one giving them the time of day. This stems from them avoiding Wall in every way while recruiting others and is considered a slap in the face.
Brian Clifton is sometimes referred to as a handler, but he has been a part of Wall's life. Clifton (D-One AAU coach) had reservations about Duke for the Wall camp had heard plenty of the negative recruiting tales and didn't know what to believe. After the visit with Coach K, both Clifton and Wall realized that K was actually a pretty good guy. It may help Duke in that they have been open about anything from Kenny Boynton to how Wall will be utilized. It makes a little sense that another D-One teammate, Ryan Kelly, could help here as well. It also makes a little sense in that Clifton could start a pretty good thing in a pipeline to Duke which would surely benefit him. Deep down, both of them know Duke is a great opportunity.
While I am rambling, let's go back to Roy. Williams would get involved if for no other reason than to block Coach K and Duke from Wall. Maybe he's heard the visit went well and fears the Devils the outstanding PG?? Imagine UNC adding some negative recruiting to go with Calipari's .... could be that Roy wants Wall in Lexington. The rumors you hear about Wall wanting to stay close to home cannot be proven and he will certainly tell you that's not the case, but it could very well be true in the end. Look, pull up a chair and look to the wind, for every time it changes directions, there will be another twist. The Duke staff simply has to let this play out and hope that the offer of a key to drive the Duke machine will entice Wall to play his ball in Durham. And you surely realize that I used a lot of speculation and what-ifs above. We will continue to stay on top of this recruitment.
New Memphis Coach Josh Pastner is still trying to lure Xavier Henry's Father from his duties with the Oklahoma City AAU team. He was originally slated to take the basketball operations job, but that is on hold for now. Sources are now saying Kansas may be his destination but a few pieces have to fall into place. I will talk to Mr. Henry this weekend to see if I can get the facts. Solid sources are saying Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson are talking with agents and will enter the draft. Ellington's final four MVP and late season play sealed the deal for him. Oddly, Lawson deseved the trophy. There were 32% no shows for the coaches NABC during the Final Four which pretty much guaranteed Detroit was a one time deal. Many complained about the logistical nightmares.
Okay, okay ... the other name I was hinting at above is Brandon Knight. Now, sit back and watch those corporate sites try to play catch up and magically get the information now that it is here;) Welcome to Blue Devil Nation Premium! [/private]
One of the hottest names on the North Carolina high school Bbsketball scene is Deuce Bello. You are sure to hear about this rising star for he is making a name for himself with his athletic ability. Bello still has a ways to go before making his collegiate choice, for he is only a rising junior at [private] Westchester Academy in Rocky Mount, N.C.
He stands around 6'-2" or 6-'3" and still has a ways to go in developing his strength, but that is the standard need for improvement with a kid his age. BDN Premium caught up with Bello during the Carolina Challenge and got his thoughts on the recruiting process, where he already holds three offers.
"Schools are sending a lot of letters and I have three offers from Wake Forest, Oklahoma State and Baylor," said Bello. He continued, saying, "I have interest from Duke, Memphis, Maryland and USC."
Earlier this year, Duke Assistant Coach Nate James was able to see him play in Greensboro, and might have come away impressed enough to get Bello on the Blue Devils' watch list.
Bello then stated that he had no dream school growing up, but that he did prefer to play in a system where the players could get up and down the court. "I like to get out and run and drive and pick."
When asked what kind of defense he liked to play, Bello didn't hesitate when saying, "I like man to man."
He can also play either guard position, "Right now I am playing the point a lot, but I see myself as a shooting guard in college." With continued work Bello could become one of the highest rated wings in his class, but the upside is easy to see with this young man.
Bello has yet to plan any unofficial visits this summer and the rules prevent that from happening in AAU events which are played on or near schools during dead periods in recruiting. Like Wall, Bello will turn to Brian Clifton for advice when it comes time to get more serious with the process.
"I just like to hang out and work on my game and take care of school work," said Bello when asked about his off the court activities. In this day and time, prospects like Bello start playing basketball in the spring right up until high school practice starts. Bello will play with D-One Sports, the same AAU team that produced Ryan Kelly and John Wall.
It's a bit too early to gauge the Blue Devils' interest in Bello, but he is a kid worth keeping an eye on. During the Carolina Challenge, Bello dunked with ease, showed a nice mid-range game, and drained a three to help his team take a one point lead. I have now seen Bello play in just two games, so a full scouting report will come down the road. The one thing I can tell you is that Bello is a really good athlete who is already playing toe-to-toe with older kids. [/private]
There has been quite a bit of buzz on various message boards about John Wall contacting North Carolina Coach Roy Williams, or was it the other way around? The news traveled through the Duke, UNC and Kentucky forums at warp speed, each poster giving it more of a spin until the rumor mill was spinning like a tornado.
Wow! First, it was John Calapari's leaving Memphis for Kentucky, many of their fans claiming Wall was a package deal. Today, it was UNC's turn, despite the fact they are on the verge of a semi-final game in the Final Four. I made a few calls and got a different take from each person, almost as if they were making it up as they go.
I finally opened the Blue Devil Nation Premium Message Board and the sky was falling. I then saw that the News and Observer had talked to Wall's AAU Coach, Brian Clifton, about the situation, but he hadn't talked to Wall. What was left to do in order to figure this whirlwind out? Of course, talk to John himself, and that's what I did. So, here is the latest from the horse's mouth. And as always, BDN Premium just deals in the facts. That said, here they are -[private]
Wall had just finished a day at school where he is trying to close out the academic year in a strong way. Other than that, he is preparing for the Nike and the Jordan Brand Classic All Star Games.
It sounds like a lot has been going on today. The message boards at Duke, Kentucky and UNC are buzzing. I have heard that either you contacted UNC Coach Roy Williams or that he contacted you.
Did I contact him?
Yes ...
No, he contacted me.
When did that call take place?
Last night.
Can you talk of what he had to say? Was he getting involved in your recruitment or showing interest?
He really didn't say too much. He just said he wanted to call and keep in contact, but it's nothing major right now. We were just talking, he hasn't said he was interested yet. He is just getting ready for the Final Four and all that.
So, is there any truth that you contacted anyone at UNC to have him call you?
No sir.
Okay, just trying to get the facts straight. Will you likely talk to Roy Williams after the Final Four?.
Uh, that's what I am hop ... (cut short) that's what I think we are looking to do. But like I said, I don't really put too much into what's going on. He just called and that's basically it.
Has UNC been a school you had been interested in? Did you grow up a UNC fan?
I liked them like any other school that's around like Duke and N.C. State. I liked all those schools.
Do you feel as if UNC is getting in late at this point, or is this good timing?
I don't really know (obviously thinking about the question). I don't know if they are really in it or not, they just call and that's it.
Duke has made inroads and Kentucky is on the verge of making a push, is it odd to you in any way that Williams calls after these developments?
I don't know. I think he (Roy) just called to see how I was doing. If he calls back and we talk, I can let you know more about it, but all we had was a quick conversation. He asked how I was doing and that was basically it.
Have you had a chance to talk with John Calipari yet?
Naw, he called me the other night but I was asleep, so I will call him back today.
But you have been staying in touch with his assistant coaches that will likely follow him to Lexington?
Yes sir.
When is the last time you talked to Duke?
It was the day of the McDonald Game. I talked with Coach K.
How did that go?
We were just getting to know each other better?
What are your overall feelings about Duke at this point?
I think it's a great school, you know.
And N.C. State? Have you talked with them?
Um, they're still in there.
Have you been able to talk with Brian Clifton or anybody else since all these happenings?
No, not really. I'm just get ready for the Nike Hoops and Jordan game.
Are you still targeting the Jordan Brand game for a decision?
No. That's not going to be when I announce my decision anymore.
What's on your agenda next in regards to recruiting?
Probably taking a trip to Miami. I will make my decision shortly after that.
How many official visits have you actually been on?
Three.
You have one more visit besides Miami that you can still take. Is it fair to say that might be used for Kentucky?
I don't know yet, it could be reserved for anybody. I really don't know, you know.
But UNC would be like Duke in that you wouldn't necessarily have to take an official visit?
Yes sir.
Was it exciting that Roy called you and would you be willing to let them in?
I really don't know yet, we just have to talk about it. It's really like any other coach calling you. Carolina is a great school and he's a good coach, but I didn't really get all that excited, they are just like any other school.
I remember talking to your AAU and Word of God coach and they seem perturbed that UNC never really looked at you in a serious way early on. Is it fair to say that UNC never really came around until now?
They didn't really recruit me really hard , so ..,
Which school has been recruiting you the longest?
N.C. State.
Where to from here?
Just trying to finish school strong before the break and that's about it.
Thanks, for helping me get the facts straight and good luck in the coming all star games.
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