A bunch of Devils - Elton Brand, Nate James, Ricky Price and Chris Carrawell
Good Monday Morning Blue Devil Nation! I trust most of you put the hangover of the US teams soccer loss behind you by now. I understand why so many nations talk of every little mistake and throw players under th.... what? You don't like soccer? Okay, okay, it's time for more Monday Musings.
The Duke Blue Devils are well represented in the FIBA America's tournament where incoming freshmen JoshHairston and Kyrie Irving are donning the USA uniform. Team USA destroyed Mexico 114-38 last evening where Kyrie Irving totaled 14 points to go with 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 15:49 of play. His future teammate Josh Hairston chipped in with 11 points, 4 rebounds in 14:02. Two key Duke prospects also contributed in the easy win. Austin Rivers tossed in 16 points in 17:06 of play while Quincy Miller led the Americans in minutes with 25:00 which translated into 15 points and 6 rebounds. Interestingly, Miller is rooming with Irving and Rivers. It should be fun to watch this teams progress.
I'll be heading over to Duke forCoach Krzyzewski's annual summer address where he fields all kinds of questions from a media throng. Be sure to check in later this afternoon for what Coach had to say.
After reading a pre season football magazine, I noticed that Wake Forest opens with Presbyterian on a Thursday evening. The significance is that they once again find a way to get a few extra days of preparation before facing Duke at home on September 11th. This is a key early ACC matchup for both squads.
Another thing I noticed is that Duke's schedule is once again one of the nation's toughest, ranked ninth in the country. That made me wonder who scheduled the likes of Richmond and Elon instead of VPI and Western Carolina in season openers. Elon is ranked between 2nd and 6th nationally in FCS pre season polls.
It appears that Duke's Jon Scheyer will get a shot to make the Washington Wizard's as he'll be playing summer league ball for them. Still awaiting official word
Did you know that Duke lost just four players to injury last season? That put them in a three way tie for the second least injuries in the nation folks! The law of averages cannot possibly be as kind to the football devils this season, but we can certainly hope for the best. With a lack of depth on the defensive front, staying healthy will be a key for that position.
On a more positive note, the Duke offensive line is showing signs of progress and is deeper than in years past. With some key youngsters casting their lot with Duke of late, it's clear that Coach has this position looking up with a bright future ahead.
Duke loses very little from this seasons projected offensive starters and that means that Duke fans will likely see steady offensive production on the field for this season and next. The key for that to happen is quarterback play, but the Blue Devils have some good young depth at the position led by Sean Renfree.
Anybody got any extras for Bama?
One last thing ... plenty of prospect interviews coming at BDN Premium and we're still running a one month trial period for those interested. Join now and talk Duke Athletics on our most rational members only message board where you'll stay in the know.
Chris Duhon barking orders while coaching at this past weekeneds NBAPA Top 100 Camp - Photo Rick Crank/Blue Devil Nation
While covering this past weekends NBAPA Top 100 Camp I had an opportunity to catch up to Slidell, Louisiana native and former Duke star Chris Duhon. I've been into recruiting for over a decade now and was all over Duke's recruitment of Chris Duhon back in the day.
To this day, no recruit has been shown the love Chris got as he entered Cameron Indoor Stadium where about 1600 fans cheered his every move during his official visit. It was a bizarre scene and while a bit odd, it was quite effective in that Chris and his Mom were thrilled so many came out to see them. As it turned out, the powers that be, felt it was too much of a circus like atmosphere and there has been nothing like it since.
I covered Chris during the Glaxo tournament as well where he won the MVP. Since that time, recruiting has evolved to where fans hang on every word and bounce of the ball but as the years roll by the only real change are the names of the players for the events remain the same.
I was working with Duke Basketball Report during Duhon-mania and to this day you can probably search the archives and find the articles. Little did I know that a post on the DBR message board would have created such a stir and send fans in droves. Talk about a testament as to the power of the internet and Duke fans wanting to support their team, right?
Duhon was a member of the 2001 National Championship team while at Duke and a part of the fabulous comeback win at Maryland that has now become an Instant Classic on ESPN. Duhon for his career ranks 38th on the all time scoring list, 10th in all time three point buckets and 3rd in assists. But it is Duhons defense that will be remembered where he is the all time steals leader at Duke.
His team made the championship game at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp where we saw each other for the first time since the K Academy about four years ago. Duhon, of course, is a free agent and it goes without saying that the Blue Devil Nation wishes him the best with concerns to his future. I hope you enjoy the Q & A with Chris as much as I did.
You're one of the counselors and or mentors here at the NBAPA Camp, can you speak about that?
Yeah, the NBA Players Association has opportunities for current and retired players and we have the opportunity to come here and we have class sessions on how to coach and what it is like to coach and then we can get to work with some of the top players in the country.
Let me take you back in time for a moment. It was a Saturday on a warm summer day and you payed a visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium. There, you were greeted by a bevy of fans that came out to see you work out and play with the team on that visit. It was quite the love fest and nothing like that has happened since in that some considered it to be a circus like atmosphere. That was in the days when the internet was fast becoming a tool of communication for fand. I never thought there would be that kind of turnout and it was a testament to how badly Duke fans wanted you in Durham.
Yes, it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I really didn't think people followed high school basketball and recruiting like that, but they knew who I was, where I was from and they just embraced me from the beginning and that's something I'll never forget. There was a lot of love in there that day and it played a role in my ultimate decision to attend Duke.
Jason Williams was at Duke at the time and I understand he played a role in recruiting you as well despite the fact that both of you were considered to be point guards.
Well, the thing with Jason is that we both didn't really going on in that we both played the same positions. He ws thinking he's coming here to replace me and I was thinking do I have to play behind this guy for three years. But Coach [Krzyzewski] made it clear that he expected both of us to be on the court at the same time and we played a pick up game together and remember that our chemistry started off right away and I knew this [Duke} was the place I was going to go.
I understand that you run your own camp in Durham, is that correct?
I do. It's the last week of July and it's my way of giving back to the Durham community because they treated me so well for four amazing years. If you are interested go to Chris21.com and all the information is there. It's a good camp and one that I plan on continuing in the foreseeable future.
Talk about your days in the NBA and what you expect with concerns to your career future.
This is my second year in New York and this is my sixth year so I'm getting old.
Old? By NBA standards?
[laughs] Yes, old by NBA standards. But I'm a free agent this year and I want to explore my options and go to a place that fits me and where I have the opportunity to win so I can feel like the Lakers did this year.
Speaking of opportunities, have you talked to any teams?
You're not allowed to talk to teams until July 1st. I'll have a better feel after that.
Do you have any team you might kike to play for?
Not really. I just want a fast up tempo pace and I have always been a defensive guy and I want to play where my defense can help the team win. Sometimes things aren't in your hands in the league, so we'll just have to see what happens.
What do you tell the kids here about making a decision where they'll play college basketball?
I just tell them to be patient and take their time. Don't rush into anything and listen to their families and mentors and make sure the school is the best place for you because you're going to be their four years, well, most of them. [smiles]
And your best memories of Duke would be?
Aw man, there are so many. Obviously winning the national championship in 2001 and coming back to beat Maryland up there when everyone thought we were down and out. Being in the Final Four again with those guys, the countless battles with Maryland and Carolina. My whole experience was great. All of the practices and Coaches motivational speeches, team meals, I could go on forever, you might not have enough tape for me.
Speaking of Krzyzewski do you still stay in touch with him?
Oh yeah, all the time. He and I have built a great relationship and I call in to check on him from time to time. I know he's a busy guy so you can't blow his phone up all the time. We always check in and I make it a point when in Durham to go over to the office because the program has done so much for me.
What did you think of their ride to the national championship this past season?
Man, I thought it was amazing. I really wanted to get there but we were in L.A. at the time and the only flight that would get me there in time got cancelled, but I followed them in the tournament and it was great to see Coach and his team maximize their potential as they played their hearts out to win.
Last question. You used to sleep with a basketball when you were at Duke. Do you still do that? [jesting]
[Laughs and stays smiling] The basketball has been gone. That's something JWill started and I did it one time because we were playing around [explaining while smiling] and he had to make it a bigger story than it really was.
I was in full interview and scouting mode all weekend long and in the pic you can see an extremely tired Watzone interviewing J.P. Tokoto on day three of the NBAPA Camp in Charlottesville, Va. No copyrights on this pic for who would want to show me elsewhere;) Thanks for reading another edition of Monday Musings.
It's that time of year when many people are taking their vacations and enjoying the first day of summer. As we have said before, many think this is a slow time of year for Duke Athletics, but think again. Just this weekend we covered the NBAPA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville from beginning to end to bring you the best coverage available. Our members already have four interviews and camp updates to peruse with no less than 6 more interviews to come.
That's not all! The Duke Football staff held the second leg of their camp this past weekend and as the dog days of July and August creep in, we'll concentrate on the hottest prospects that Cutcliffe and his staff are after. Duke Football Recruiting is alive and well and they are pounding the trail to find kids to help take the program to new levels. FWIW, we'll also take a look at proposed stadium and facility improvements in the near future and of course, we'll be front and center when football practice begins. A long time ago, I pushed all Duke football fans to a particular forum and now we want all to know that BDN loves Duke Football and this is the place to be if you follow the program.
It looks like Glenn "Doc" Rivers may step down from the Celtics job to watch his sons play basketball and be home more often. The word is that Doc will stay close to hoops through broadcasting and he has not officially made any decision as of this morning. Of course, Duke is hot after his son Austin Rivers, a player you can read the latest on our premium message boards.
I was really impressed at how much Michael Gbinije improved on his game when I viewed him this weekend. I have a new name for him, "G- Smooth," for he is a cool customer when on the hardwood. Gbinije finished as the camps 6th best scorer and he by no means was looking for his shot everytime down the court as some where. We have an interview up with Gbinije where he talks improvement and playing with Kyrie Irving and Josh Hairston during the USA U-18 team trials.
BDN will cover the N.C. Pro Am in force this year just as we've done every year since it's inception. No Duke site has covered the event like we have and we will be there to bring you updates for thirsty Duke fans. We look forward to seeing our Blue Devils on the court again and this year promises to be one of the best at this event which we'll talk more of as it gets closer to tip off.
Just a suggestion, but take time to realize how awesome the national championship was for the 2010 Duke Men's Basketball team. These titles do not grow on trees, so wallow in the light all summer long for once next season tips off it is but a wonderful memory. Just ask UNC fans how long the celebration can last and be sure and bask in the feel good vibes that have come from a fabulous feat.
Speaking or Kyrie Irving and Josh Hairston and the USA U-18 team, BDN will cover the teams efforts. Word is that Kyrie Irving is everything people thought he might be. Let's not forget Coach K and the big boys either! Here is the Herald Sun's Bryan Strickland with a piece on Coach K.
If you are sitting on the fence about joining our premium section, why not try out our one month special and see if it's for you. We think you'll enjoy full site access as our off season coverage grows red hot as summer begins.
Duke verbal Tyler Adams (blue) goes for a rebound at the NBAPA Camp. For all the skinny on prospects join Blue Devil Nation Premium.
CHARLOTTESVILLE - One of the coaches and mentors at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp is former Blue Devil Chris Duhon. We chatted with Duhon and you'll hear what he had to say early next week. If you think he was taking it easy on the kids in drills think again. He stuffed one camper as he went up for a jump shot to challenge the free agent.
Soon to be Blue Devil Tyler Adams again challenged all comers on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds in one of the days games. Adams was sporting a wrist support by tonight's game and he told BDN he sprained the wrist during the morning session. The injury happened earlier this AAU season. Adams intimidated [private] a couple of players into turnovers, but he needs work on his help defense. One thing I loved was that it was Adams, the man in the middle talking to his teammates directing them to men on the defensive end. In short, he knew where to be on the court. Bottom line is that the Celtics only consistent player is Adams who went for 11 and 15 points on Friday.
Will the real Rodney Hood please stand up! If you are a member of BDN Premium you may remember that Duke was once looking at the Mississippi native. Hood seemingly regressed dropping in the rankings, but if his play during the NBAPA Camp is something he can repeat on a regular basis, then he is back and once again moving up in the rankings. Hood told BDN that his list of schools were firm at around nine, but he said if the right team came in he'd open the door. For what it's worth, Hood's dream school growing up was, you got it, Duke.
We checked out Rodney Purvis and secured an interview and I must say the 2013 prospect is as advertised.
And then there is Deuce Bello. Wow! This guy is good. The first year I saw him he was but an athlete but he is know turning into a smarter basketball player that has a really solid handle and blow by speed. Easily one of the tournaments best and most consistent players. Bello is averaging 12.0 ppg.
A big guy that was calling for the ball today was named Marshall Plumlee. The Duke prospect was more aggressive today and he once again drew several fouls. Unlike last evening, he nailed his free throws today. As we noted Plumlee will visit Virginia after the event where he will meet with Coach Bennett. However, a good meeting took place with Coach K and Wojo recently and considering his brothers are at Duke, I kind of think he will opt that way in due time. Plumlees scoring numbers from today were 6 and 2.
After a great start in the event, Amile Jefferson's game tailed off significantly on the offense in the early game
Man was I happy to see J.P. Tokoto get a few points in. Tokoto started the game with two air balls and they were some kind of ugly ten to fifteen foot shots. He finally got an easy one and then nailed one from the outside. That means he is averaging a whopping 1.0 ppg good for 103rd in scoring. He's a good player for sure but needs serious work on the offensive end of the court, especially with his outside game. I really think he needs to play for his AAU teams 17 U team to get better. Despite the rumors of a Carolina lean which may be true for him, his stepfather will not let him rush into a decision and this one will go on for a bit.
Then there is Kaleb Tarczewskiwho seems warm when talking of Duke. Coach K gave him a call not long ago and Chris Collins started the ball rolling. This 2012 kid is going to be a good center in college and he is not afraid to mix it up. He blocked Cody Zellers shot so hard that he hit the floor. He threw down two moster slams as well, but Zeller had his best game of the tournament scoring 20. It was Tarczewski's teams first loss.
Then there was Michael Gbinije, the silent assassin who tossed in 16 and 15 points making him the camps 6th leading scorer. [/private]
Austin Rivers joins Kyrie Irving and Josh Hairston on Team USA. Prospects Quincy Miller and Amir Williams also made the team - BDN Photo
Two future Duke Blue Devils were named to the Team USA U-18 roster earlier this afternoon. Duke's point guard of the future Kryie Irving and Virginia native Josh Hairston were named to the final roster after participating in the trials.
"When I heard my name it was a big relief, just the amount of talent that was out here and to just represent your country was big time. Everybody who came to the tryouts could have been on this team, everybody from the top to the last person on the list was very talented. I think the coaches put together the best 12 guys that meshed together and play well together so it’s an honor to be a part of that," said Hairston.
Hairston, who was not too happy when his name was not called out for the McDonald's All American and Jordan Brand All Star games, went into the trials with something to prove.
"I wanted to show the coaches I could rebound, that I could talk on defense, that I could run the floor and that I could be a leader. One of the things my dad told me before I came out here was to just go out there and work my hardest and that’s what I did," stated the future Dukie.
Kyrie Irving a will share the point guard duties with Abdul Gaddy and the experience should provide him with some great experience. "We’ve been working hard for about two-and-a-half days so coming out here and performing the way I did, I’m really proud of myself and all the guys that made it. We have a very talented team and we’re going for the gold." said Irving.
Kyrie Irving will be dribbling on Coach K Court in a Duke uniform next season, but first, there is a stop with Team USA. BDN Photo
Irving also mentioned that he was the youngest player on the court. "That’s going to be primary role next year is to be a leader on that team along with Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, so just being a leader and being a point guard.
It will definitely help me. I’m the youngest player here; I’m playing with an older group. These are great players, competitive players, and it’s going to help me take my game to a whole another level."
Three Duke prospects also made the final roster. Duke is all over Austin Rivers who made the team and is considered by many as a strong Duke lean. When asked what he brought to the table, Rivers stated," I would say I bring leadership as someone you can count on in a game. Whatever you need me to do, I can do it. If you need me to score, I can score. If you need me to try to get someone the ball, I can get someone the ball. I’d say a little bit of everything. Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it."
Quincy Miller of Quality Academy in Winston Salem and Detroit standout Amir Williams will join the future Dukies and Rivers on the team.
It’s a privilege to be named to the USA team. This is a great experience, a great time for me to go out and represent my country. It’s going to be a wonderful experience for me to play for this team, said Miller who list Duke and Kentucky on his list of schools.
BDN will follow Team USA closely in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more as the team prepares for play.
Thanks to Jay for taking time out to do a Q & A with BDN. Jay makes for an easy interview and we look forward to speaking with him again. - BDNP
DURHAM- The Blue Devil Nation caught up with former Duke player and current ESPN analyst, Jay Bilas, to get his thoughts on the championship, what's ahead, and his love for his work. We hope you enjoy the following interview -
This is Mark Watson of Blue Devil Nation joined by former Duke player and ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas. So, what's it like to return to Duke and the Coach K Academy?
It's one of the best times of year for all of us because not only is it a fun and competitive atmosphere, but you get to meet the campers and you make a lot of good friends. To be able to spend four or five days with guys you played with and guys from different eras makes it kind of a four or five day player reunion for us. It's a luxury for us to be able to do that and most programs don't get that luxury.
You were part of the recruiting class that helped put Mike Kryzewski's program on the map. Dawkins, Alarie and Henderson joined you and you guys were a part of the team that really turned the corner for the program. What is it like to have been a part of that?
Well, you look back on it, it seems like this really big deal. It was a big deal for us because it was us! It was our team. I don't think any of us imagined or thought people would think we were doing something for the program. We were worried about us and what was coming after but it is really gratifying for all of us to see both the level of which the program has risen. We kind of joke it's like buying Microsoft early. You can see what was done after and we are really proud of not only Coach K and what he's done with the program, but the quality of the person that has been attracted to this place since. We've made a ton of good friends and it's been a real blessing for all of us. The decision we made to come here .. we've gotten so much more out of it than we put in to it.
Talk about this past seasons national championship for Duke. Nobody really saw that coming and Duke kind of slid under the radar and that feat is a testament to togetherness and the will of the 2010 team. Can you elaborate a bit more on that?
Well, I think you're right in that I don't think anybody saw it coming. They weren't a favorite at the beginning of the year and I don't think they were a favorite at the end of the year going into the tournament. I think if you picked three or four teams and said they were the likely favorites Duke wasn't there. They were a number one seed so they were obviously respected, but when I saw their bracket I thought the only team that could beat Duke was Villanova, but then they got beat. They had a good draw like a lot of teams did and they took advantage of that. I thought the best thing about the team was how together they were ... they were obviously very talented with really good players but it was how close they were as a unit that was the deciding factor in why they won the championship.
You have a high profile job with ESPN and you obviously love what you do being a basketball analyst. It seems like you're crossing over talking about the NBA Draft and such. What does the future hold for Jay Bilas? What are your aspirations from this point forward?
It sounds funny but I don't really have any aspirations. I got into broadcasting because I love basketball and I've always looked at it that way. I've never had a goal as far as a certain level to attain in the business because I don't consider myself a broadcast guy. I consider myself a basketball guy who just happens to be doing the games and studio work, so ... I enjoy each game I do and each year for it's own sake. I haven't really looked at it as what's next or anything like that. My Dad taught me years ago that if you want get a job then do the job you have, so I've always just concentrated on the job I've got.
In actuallity you've already achieved good things and I'm sure many would die to work with ESPN as a college basketball analyst.
Including me! I mean, I'd trade place with me in a heartbeat. I mean, I love my job, so I've never second guessed what I've chosen to do -- it fits for me. I'm a lawyer in addition to this and if I ever say something stupid [smiling] on the air and get fired I have something I can fall back into my law practice.. I really enjoy doing this and love every minute of it. I think I've attained a reputation for being fair and I like that. I think I'm a hard worker but it doesn't seem like work to me and it's really fun for me. I think everybody's goal is to do something they love and I am doing something I like to do.
We've talked about nobody seeing Duke coming last season, but this season everybody is going to see them coming. They may be the number one team in the pre-season!
I think they will be. I think Duke, Purdue and Michigan State will be fighting for the number one position. It's a nice thing to be thought of in that way, a nice reward, but I don't think Coach K and his staff will ever get fooled by that. They're very good at evaluating who they are at every stage of the season. So they'll know who they can be. Each team is different and next year's team will be different than this one and I think the first thing Coach K will present to them is that they are not the defending champions, so there is nothing to defend and that they need to pursue the next one.
Jay, as always, thank you for your time.
Thank you!
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