The race for the services of John Wall is still on and the Blue Devil Nation talked to the country's top unsigned point guard to get the latest scoop. Wall will [private] trim his list to three schools by next Wednesday and maybe sooner. Wall told the Blue Devil Nation that he is set to visit Mike Krzyzewski and Duke tomorrow. He will be accompanied by his Mom and Brian Clifton. He also told BDN that he would sit down with his mom and mentor on Sunday evening to discuss trimming the list. When questioned whether Tyreke Evans' imminent departure from Memphis would be attractive, Wall said that players leaving would have an influence on his decision. He then mentioned that if Gerald Henderson left, Duke would be attractive. When asked if Duke was still in it, he nodded. As for the decision itself, he is still leaning towards the Jordan Brand All Star Game. BDN Premium will have more on this later. [/private]
Category Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News
North Carolina’s top prospects will gather at the Carolina Challenge
If you want to see some of the best young basketball players in the state of North Carolina, then you will want to check out the Carolina Challenge this Saturday. The event takes place in Cary and you can find a complete list of players and directions to the event in this Carolina Challenge Link.
"The goal was to blend basketball with talking to kids about academics and life skills and packaging it all into one day," said Dave Telep who created the event which is in its third year of existence.
Telep is a respected analyst and scout, who is the head of basketball recruiting at Scout.com. He has now been a resident in the state for eleven years and has settled into the Triangle area. Telep's wife is from North Carolina and, as always, will be there to help out come Saturday.
"My original vision of the challenge was to get the most recruitable kids in our state together in one place and bonk them over the head with academics," said Telep who has been known to take a vested interest in the prospects he follows.
It's rare that an event takes the time to make a prospect realize how important academics are and to give some of them the opportunity to better their skills in the classroom and on the court.
Last year's event featured John Wall, Ryan Kelly, Mason Plumlee and many others who are now household names to the many that follow AAU Basketball and recruiting. This year's event will be no different and those who attend will want to pay close attention to the kids in the class of 2011, many of whom are already rated in early national top 100 lists.
"Devince Boykins (Class of 2011) from Rutherford played football and basketball and will now concentrate on basketball and by 6:00 Saturday, I'll bet our whole state knows about him," stated Telep. He continued, "The kids in our state are starting to take some ownership in the event. A number of guys who played in past challenges will come back and act as mentors."
Other camp attendees will be UNC-bound Reggie Bullock of Rocky Mount and names like P.J. Hairston and C.J. Leslie, to name a few.
Each player will participate in three games in just one day where they will be matched up against the best of the best. The event has been an eye-opener for some prospects in the past and this year should be no different. "
In my travels over the last few years, I've learned a thing or two about what the college coaches are looking for," said Telep. He will share that knowledge in an effort to help these young prospects reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Telep closed our conversation by saying, "I think the event is really unique. I'm not sure there is another state in the country during the spring or any time, that the top talent in the state are gathered under one roof to play in a setting like the Carolina Challenge. There are a lot of things I do with basketball that are a lot of fun, but there won't be another day like this Saturday where I will have more fun."
Be sure to check out the event if you are in the area, for you will see a lot of future talent on display. Telep is giving back to North Carolina and it would be nice if the community turns out to support the event. The games tip off at 9:00. Did I mention that admission is "FREE?" See you there!
General Update and What’s Ahead on BDN Premium
Duke-Villanova -
I have enjoyed the break from recruiting of late for it means Duke is still alive and well in the NCAA Tournament. The atmosphere around the team is good. They feel [private] as if they dodged a bullet against Texas, that bullet being their own psyche. Now, that they have gotten over the Sweet 16 hump, I expect them to play looser. It's amazing how surviving a pressure filled game can help a team grow and I expect the Devils to play with a sense of urgency on Thursday evening.
Coach K is very pleased with what his team has already accomplished this season and he will certainly bristle if the media takes them to task should they lose to Villanova. When you think about it, this is one of his better jobs. Duke is 30-6 against a very tough schedule which is ranked as the number one SOS in the RPI.
The Blue Devils accomplished this with no dominant big man and makeshift point guard play. It's important to note that Duke has won ten of eleven games since the loss at Boston College. Of course, Duke doesn't want to go 0-2 or 1-2 in Boston this season;)
Duke now holds the all-time NCAA Tournament Winning Percentage record at .752, which translates into 88-29. Without throwing out a lot of other numbers, everyone should be so lucky as to pull for a program like Duke. If they should lose to Villanova or Pitt, let's keep in mind what they have done. While the ACC flamed out, Duke still went into Atlanta and claimed the championship and who really thought that would happen?
The hot recruiting season is upon us -
You will start to get some prospect and recruiting news next week. I will attend the Carolina Challenge, which features the state's best players, this Saturday. There will be an article up on the event shortly, where I talked to Dave Telep. Yes, it's true that I am not too fond of the way some things are handled at certain Scout sites, but Dave has my respect and we work together easily.
Andrew Slater has been a great addition to the BDN. You may have noticed in his posts that he's on top of recruiting not only for Duke but nationally. Andrew will be covering selected events which means expanded coverage. We are scheduling events as I type, but we will likely keep them quiet due to other sites finding ways to read our board. As you know, you almost always hear "true" prospects names here first and we "do not" deal in rumors, nor borrow (cough-cough) others' information. While we reserve the right to speculate, we will state it as such.
We will continue to dabble in national recruiting as well and may launch a new sister site. If this is done, members will have free access. More on that later, for it isn't a certainty at this time. Keep an eye out for trianglesportsreport.com in the coming year as well.
We are also on the verge of finally launching some long awaited additions to our technology. Some of this is old hat on some sites, but we can hope to do it better. This has been in the works for a long while and we'll elaborate more as it comes to pass.
The Duke Basketball Staff will hit the road the second the season ends and they will do everything in their power to dig up a guard to come in with Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly. Speaking of Kelly, he will have a send-off on Friday at Ravenscroft as he heads to the McDonald's All American game. Of course, Mason will be there as well.
Eric Bledsoe will likely visit once the season ends, but Duke needs to see his grades and test scores to proceed further.
Long time members know that you are on the verge of getting as good a recruiting coverage that you can ask for on Duke. We cannot be at all events or always have a daily offering, but there will be times when you get a flood of information when we cover events which will make your head spin. We will check in with the kids on the radar provided there is something new to learn. We are not into calling to squelch rumors or to try to create news. In fact, if you will look at some sites' most recent interviews, there is nothing new there or that you didn't already know. No smoke and mirror acts will be seen here.
We hope new members realize what a value this site is in the next few months. We know it's a tough economy, for we feel it. Thanks for the support for, without you, coverage is not possible.
Football Recruiting and Spring Practice -
Duties have not allowed us to give football the coverage we want to, but that should change in the coming week. So, I will be more than just a little busy this spring and summer. I realize some of you could care less about DFB, but I like and support the program, so coverage is here to stay. It seems Blue Devil supporters in all sports are in short supply, so we will just have to convert you. Is this where I say congrats to the baseball team for winning the series against UNC?
Help us spread the word -
Some sites know that we are growing and what is offered here, so they will try to stop free links to great interviews. Members are required to make the site grow, so please spread the word to fellow fans. Also, link our free articles when possible for it helps with exposure. But please do so in a professional and tasteful manner.
Premium members (important) need to register for the message board -
If you are a premium member and have not registered for the message board, you are not getting the full effect of BDN Premium. There is a lot of information there which does not appear on the main site. There are some of you out there who have not registered. "If" you need help or have registered and are not on the board, contact me at watzonebdpgmail.com It may take up to 24 hours for me to respond this time of year. It's always a good policy to let us know after you register for we cannot block outsiders attempting to register and your name could slip past us.
And no, we will not create a public message board, for the headaches far outweigh the benefits. DBR is generally the place I go to with concerns to public forum and many of you like DI and or are from there. Heck, we have some old Rival's National moderators as members.
In closing, I am hearing that Craig Littlepaige wanted to keep Leitao another season but the donors nixed it. UVA should go for a young guy who can recruit, IMO.
There will be a change coming at Kentucky. Their short list is Billy Donovan, Rick Barnes, Jay Wright and Travis Ford.
Lastly, thanks to Bob Green and Susan who keeps the site running smoothly. Now, let's beat Villanova, for the recruiting barrage can wait another couple of weeks. [/private]
High School Hoops Edition No. 13
Ames defeated Roosevelt 75-42 on Tuesday night. Harrison Barnes scored 14 points as Ames advanced to the State Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. The Little Cyclones are the number one seed in the tournament and will face number eight seed Iowa City West on Wednesday March 11.
Harrison Barnes' mother denied rumors circulating that Barnes will transfer to Oak Hill Academy for his senior season. Barnes is the number one rated player in the Class of 2010 and is being pursued by top basketball schools across the nation including Duke and Kansas.
Andre Dawkins scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Atlantic Christian defeated Covenant 90-61 in the Virginia Independent Schools tournament quarterfinals. Dawkins scored 16 points in the semi-finals as Atlantic Shores defeated Norfolk Christian 76-63. James McAdoo, a highly rated 6'8" sophomore, scored 37 points for Norfolk.
DeMatha edged Gonzaga 62-61 in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship game. Tyler Thornton scored 14 points for Gonzaga. Quinn Cook scored 13 points to lead DeMatha.
Mason Plumlee chats up the Blue Devil Nation
Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up with Mason Plumlee who just helped lead his Christ School team to their third consecutive state championship. The following is an in depth and exclusive interview where he talks of that game. He also touches on playing against and with Ryan Kelly, his brothers Miles and Marshall Plumlee, the upcoming all star games and his plans for the future. Enjoy the interview -
Your Christ School team won another state championship game. Can you tell me about the game?
It was great. It was probably the most fulfilling out of the three (CS has won three consecutive state titles). It was the expectation all year for us and anything less than winning would have been a disappointment. There were a lot of mixed emotions but it was a relief. But it was more happiness than anything.
Have you thought about the fact that your high school career is over and that after some All Star games, you'll next dribble the ball in Durham?
[private] In terms of getting ready for Duke I am, but I want to enjoy the last semester with my teammates and the people I have been here with for three years. I'm just trying to enjoy the rest of the year here.
Can you look back and reflect on your Christ School experiences?
I've learned a ton of stuff on and off the court, but it's more just the people I've been with and the players I've been able to play with made it more fun and such an enjoyable experience.
When you first moved from Indiana to North Carolina, did you see yourself being as successful as you are today?
I really didn't . Especially my first year. I thought we had a really good team that wasn't expected to win the state. I could have never imagined we'd have won three championships in three years which is pretty awesome.
How often do you talk to Miles?
I talked to him after we won the state tournament. He was happy for us and congratulated us and everything.
What has Miles had to say about his experience at Duke thus far?
He just said there are ups and downs and that it's not always easy but overall he enjoys it.
You were named to the prestigious McDonald's All American team. While growing up, did you think you would attain that status?
Yeah, it would be easy to say now that's what I wanted but I didn't ... the first time I decided it was something I wanted to reach was when I went to watch the 2005 game in South Bend, Indiana. I think Josh McRoberts got the MVP in that game and that was the first time I saw one, so ...
Will it be odd not to go right into AAU ball this summer?
Yeah. It is kind of weird because I love AAU and I will miss it. Like you said earlier, I have got the McDonald's, the Jordan game and the Nike Hoop Summit, so I will be a little busy.
Tell me a little more about the Hoop Summit ...
It will be played April 18th and we'll go out there 3 or 4 days. It's in Portland. John Wall is on our team who Duke is recruiting.
When the McDonald's committee selects you, the Jordan and so on. How do they contact you? Or how do you find out you've been selected to play in those games?
Well, the McDonald's stuff came in the mail and once that happened a couple of people who are voters called me or called my coach. I think Bob Gibbons called my AAU coach. Then like the Jordan Classic, the Nike guy called my Dad and said I was invited. Then I got something in the mail later. The Hoop Summit? They called my coach.
Back to the championship game for a minute. You went up against your future teammate Ryan Kelly and beat those guys twice this year. Were they a little tougher this time out?
Yeah. I think they tried to slow it down a lot more and were more ready for us. I mean, the first ... we kind of knew as a team going in we weren't going to beat them by thirty plus again. We just played our game and came out on top.
What are the differences you see between Ryan Kelly's game and your game?
Well! I figure he's a pretty good shooter. I think we are more similar than different. I don't know ... on his team he has to do the majority of the scoring. I've been fortunate to play with people like Lakeem Jackson, Reggie and a little bit more of a balanced team.
Was there any type of rivalry that developed between you guys? I mean you both signed at Duke and that kind of thing. Did that add a little something extra when you guys met?
Yeah, I guess. From the outside looking in, it's kind of like that. But for us it was just our team against theirs. The most important thing was a championship.
Do you think you can play alongside Kelly?
Yeah.
Do you see Miles as a more inside oriented guy next season?
I've played with Miles my whole life and he can do a lot more than just play inside. I think with me coming in next year and Ryan and having more depth inside, he'll be able to go inside-out more. Right now, he is just down on the block.
Let's talk just a second about your younger brother Marshall. Do you think that Duke may recruit him?
Well, I don't know, it'll be interesting. Of course, as his brother I hope they do. I hope he improves his game enough to where they will recruit him. He's got a long way to go, just like I do before I get to Duke next year. I hope that we can all stay together like we did here at Christ School and hope Marshall keeps improving. He's working really hard. If he just grows into his body I think he'll be pretty good.
Do you know where Marshall will play his AAU ball for this summer?
Yeah, he's going to play for Indiana Elite. He'll go to the Carolina Challenge. I know AAU will be different this year because they have an open period in the Spring. I think the tournaments are more regional up until July.
How long do you have left in high school?
We have until May which will not be that long.
You guys take a pretty good academic load and study a lot ...
We have study hall every week night from Sunday to Thursday which lasts from 7:30 to 9:15.
Good deal, that'll help prepare you for college. When you finish school will you go to Indiana to be with your parents ... Durham ... where will you be hanging out?
I will go home for the first month or so to be home with my family and work out there. I will go to Duke for the second session of summer school which I think starts July 1st.
Thanks for your time and good luck with the All Star games. Enjoy yourself, stay healthy and be a kid.
I will. Thanks Mr. Watson.
Thank You. [/private]
High School Hoops Edition No. 12
Mason Plumlee scored 19 points as Christ School won their third straight NCISAA Championship with a 62-54 victory over Ryan Kelly and Ravenscroft.
Plumlee and Kelly led their teams to the championship game. On Thursday, in the quarterfinals, Kelly scored 20 points as Ravenscroft defeated Wesleyan Christian Academy 59-36. Plumlee recorded a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds as Christ School defeated Charlotte Latin School 44-31.
In the semi-finals, Kelly recorded a 24 points and 12 rebounds double-double as Ravenscroft defeated Greensboro Day 57-45. Kelly also had five blocks in the contest. Mason Plumlee blocked eight shots and dished out five assists as Christ School defeated Charlotte Christian 59-47.
Andre Dawkins recorded his 2,000th career point as Atlantic Shores improved to 28-1 by defeating Denbigh Baptist 73-21 in the Metro Conference quarterfinals on Thursday. Dawkins scored 17 points in the game. In the semi-finals on Friday, Dawkins scored 30 points as Atlantic Shores defeated Hampton Christian 89-42.
Harrison Barnes scored 17 points as Ames Little Cyclones defeated Des Moines Lincoln 73-46 in sub-state semi-final action on Friday night.
Eric Bledsoe scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had five assists as Parker High School defeated LeFlore 52-39 in the Alabama 5A state semi-finals. The Championship Game is currently underway in Birmingham.
Josh Smith scored 18 points in a losing effort as Kentridge defeated Kentwood 51-41 in the West Central 4A District tournament. Smith averaged 24.3 points per game for Kentwood this season.
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