Category Archives: Duke Basketball

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

2011 Prospect Brad Beal grew up a Duke Basketball Fan

July 11, 2009 Andrew Slater

Brad Beal is a 6’3” shooting guard from Chaminade high school in St. Louis, Missouri. As a sophomore, he led the Red Devils to the Missouri state title and was named all-state. After the season, Beal tried out for the United States under-sixteen developmental team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He made the team and traveled to Argentina for the 2009 FIBA U-16 Championship. Once again, Beal was the leading scorer for the team and led the USA with twenty-six points to a gold medal in the championship game over host team, Argentina. Not surprisingly, the Missouri native has become one of the most coveted prospects in the 2011 class and a consensus top ten prospect

At the King City Classic in Cleveland, Beal sat down with Blue Devil Nation to discuss a variety of topics, including his recent winning international experience, the advantages of being a cerebral basketball player, and provided a scouting report on Duke recruit Quincy Miller.

Blue Devil Nation: Can you talk about your experiences with the USA team?

Brad Beal: It was a really good experience. It was a talented team. We all played hard and together. It was one of the best experiences for me.

Blue Devil Nation: You were the leading scorer and the team had to win over the host, Argentina, in the Gold Medal game. The fans were reportedly going crazy during the game and throwing things after the game. It must’ve been an wild experience.

Brad Beal: It was crazy. Every call, like, every bad call, they would boo us and [private] they would start throwing stuff at us as we were pulling away. They were real supportive fans of their country, though. They never gave up. It was a really interesting experience.

Blue Devil Nation: What were the tryouts like in Colorado? Talk about that time spent out there.

Brad Beal: It was really intense, man. There were a limited amount of players and the players were going after it and the coaches were pushing us.

BDN: Did you guys bond over time spent together in two countries?

BBeal: Oh, yeah, we got along really well and hung out in the dorms together.

BDN: All you had was each other in Argentina.

BBeal: Right, right, we would joke around and we would take little trips around together.

Blue Devil Nation: Who’s the toughest competitor that you’ve gone against?

Brad Beal: Probably Austin Rivers. He’s a real good point guard and he’s tough to match up against.

Blue Devil Nation: What is your greatest strength right now?

Brad Beal: My offensive ability overall. My ability to create my own shot, get other players involved, and rebound on both ends of the court.

Blue Devil Nation: In terms of Chaminade, you just won the state title. You were the leading scorer and made all-state as a sophomore. Can you talk about your season, which culminated in you dominating in the championship game?

Brad Beal: Well, with my school team, coach just told me to play hard and, last summer, he told me I was going to have to make a big impact because we lost a lot of guys actually. He told me what to do and so I just did it.

BDN: You went from being a nine point scorer as a freshman to a twenty-four point scorer.

BBeal: Yeah, well, my freshman year team was pretty stacked. I wasn’t really worried about scoring, but, by the next year, we didn’t have too many scorers. So, I had to go out there and get us some points.

Blue Devil Nation: Is there any pressure to play for Florida on you, with David Lee’s dad working as an assistant coach on your Chaminade team?

Brad Beal: No, not really. He just kind of tells me the pros and cons of Florida and tells me things about Coach Donovan.

Blue Devil Nation: Can you talk about how you chose Chaminade over your local public school? What are the facilities like and how have you embraced the challenges academically?

Brad Beal: Well, I chose it over another private school that my brothers went to. I wanted to be different than them.

BDN: These are the brothers that played college football.

BBeal: Yes, they went to a different school in the same conference.

BDN: Which one was that?

BBeal: Vianney

BDN: Oh, sure. Were they upset with you for going down a different path?

BBeal: No, they weren’t too upset, but they’re coach was pretty mad. (laughs)

BDN: What are the facilities like there? I heard they were pretty good.

BBeal: Oh, yeah. We’ve got a nice gym and a comfortable place to work out. We have a really aggressive strength coach. He gets after us.

BDN: He must. I see you have a large tat on your left gun over there.

Blue Devil Nation: What aspects of your game can you work on during the AAU season that you cannot work on at Chaminade? How does it differentiate?

Brad Beal: My quickness…like my lateral quickness. I’m able to work on my defense and pressure up on the ball much more.

Blue Devil Nation: Can you talk about the experience of having to take on a leadership role at a such a relatively young age and how it worked in terms of locker room dynamics?

Brad Beal: Right, right, players really started to look up to me this season. I was prepared to take on the role so it really wasn’t a big deal to me.

BDN: Who are some players you try to emulate?

BBeal: Ray Allen. I like to watch the way he shoots off of screens.

BDN: Where have you visited so far?

BBeal: Illinois, Purdue, Kansas, Florida, Missouri, and St. Louis

BDN: What position are they recruiting you as? Shooting guard exclusively or as a combo guard?

BBeal: Yeah, combo for some, but mostly shooting guard. I can play the point or the two or the three…whichever position you want to put me at.

Blue Devil Nation: Some articles have talked about your grades, what do you feel are some of the advantages of being a “smart basketball player?”

Brad Beal: Usually, I think, like, my IQ is real high. I can see the floor. I know different aspects of the game and what to do in certain situations.

BDN: You think you can pick up concepts a little faster and, perhaps, see a play ahead in certain situations.

BBeal: Right, right

Blue Devil Nation: In previous articles, you come across as a pretty cerebral kid. How do you feel about early commitments? Do you feel there is a certain age before which a kid shouldn’t be offered a scholarship? If you were a coach, when would you begin recruiting a player?

Brad Beal: It’s on the coaches. If they see a kid that they really like as a freshman or a sophomore, than they should be allowed to offer the kid. On the other side, the kids have to really smart not to jump on the offer right away just because it might be shock to them if the coach leaves or if something happens.

Blue Devil Nation: Do you still view it as early in your overall recruitment?

Brad Beal: Yeah, now, at first, Kansas was the first school to offer me and I was, like, wow. Then, I thought well maybe more and more schools are going to come. I thought I should wait it out and see all the offers I get first before I make any decisions.

BDN: After your playing career is over, either in college or in a professional league, have you thought about what you’d like to do with the rest of your life?

BBeal: I would probably like to be a trainer and maybe get into sports medicine.

BDN: Are there any new teams involved?

BBeal: No, not really?

Blue Devil Nation: Did you have a favorite, as a kid?

Brad Beal: I really liked Duke coming up and J.J. Redick.

BDN: Are they recruiting you?

BBeal: I believe…they probably will, but I haven’t heard anything just yet

Blue Devil Nation: Whenever you do decide on a college, what are the most important factors that will go into your decision?

Brad Beal: The coaching staff and the players and how well they play as a team…and how much of a family atmosphere they have there, how much the players like the fans, and how the fans are. You know if they really support the players and stuff.

BDN: Have your brothers encouraged you to go to any school?

BBeal: No, not really. They help me also, along with my mom and dad.

BDN: Who will be the people that you turn to when you ultimately decide on a college?

BBeal: My parents. My family more than anything really

BDN: Did they play also?

BBeal: Yeah, they both played basketball.

Blue Devil Nation: For those in the audience that haven’t seen you play, can you give the audience a scouting report on you?

Brad Beal: They say don’t let me shoot. They play box-and-ones.

BDN: Watch the three-point shot?

BBeal: Yeah, exactly, get the ball out of my hands because I can square up from anywhere.

BDN: How’s your mid-range game right now?

BBeal: Yeah, I do. I feel comfortable taking a player off of the dribble and pulling up for a jump shot.

Blue Devil Nation: What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

Brad Beal: I’m a good guy. I can be funny at times and I get along with players really well.

BDN: So you’re a good teammate?

BBeal: Yes. I always try to be.

BDN: Have you met LeBron James yet?

BBeal: No, I didn’t have a chance to yet.

BDN: Well, hopefully they can give you a chance later. What style of play do you feel your game is best suited towards?

BBeal: I like to play up-and-down.

BDN: Have any of the Duke coaches communicated with you?

BBeal: Well, I haven’t anything yet

Blue Devil Nation: What are your impressions of Coach Krzyzewski from afar?

Brad Beal: He’s a really good coach. He’s been coaching for a really long time and he really knows the game of basketball

Blue Devil Nation What are your impressions of Duke, both as a university and as a basketball program?

Brad Beal: It’s a really good school. They recruit really well and they’ve developed some really good ballplayers. I’m going to start considering them also.

BDN: Forgive me, but what is that verse Philippians 4:13 on your left arm?

BBeal: It’s a scripture that I try to read before each game.

BDN: And what does the passage say?

BBeal: It says “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Blue Devil Nation: How do you feel you’ve performed this spring?

Brad Beal: I feel I played pretty well today. In the first game, I feel I should’ve been more assertive and then I came alive in the second game. I think I started to show what I’m capable of. I’ve done really well and my team, the St. Louis Eagles, in the AAU events this spring. I’ve helped my team go to the championships or the final four in a few different tournaments.

BDN: Do you prefer to catch-and-shoot or would you rather shoot off of the dribble?

BBeal: I can do both, but I love to spot up. Then again, if someone’s on me, I can go around him.

Jody Demling: How have you dealt with the attention that has come upon you?

BBeal: I just don’t let it get to my head. I just thank God for the blessings he’s given me.

Jody Demling: But it’s pretty cool, isn’t it?

BBeal: Yeah, it is.

Jody Demling -Do you ever look at the rankings?

BBeal: Not really. I’ve looked at them, but I try not to pay attention to them and let them affect me.

BDN: What schools are coming after you the hardest?

BBeal: I’d say Kansas, Florida, and Illinois.

Blue Devil Nation: Can you give a scouting report on Quincy Miller?

Brad Beal: Sure, he’s a big man slash guard. He’s a freak athletically. He can take his man outside and take him one-on-one off the dribble or he can post up and take his man in the post. So, he’s a really tough guy to defend.

BDN: Had you ever played with him before today?

BBeal: No, I hadn’t.

Blue Devil Nation: In an event like this, do you find it difficult at all to mesh quickly as a team as well as establish and distinguish yourself?

Brad Beal: Somewhat, like, to some people it is, but I just try to go out and show them that I can be just as competitive as they are.

BDN: Thank you, Brad.

BBeal: Thanks. [/private]

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

NC Pro Am Report – Mason Plumlee tallies 17, Scheyer 16 to earn a victory

July 10, 2009 Mark Watson

Miles ready to dunk - copyright Rick Crank

Five Duke Blue Devils were in action this past Thursday evening during the North Carolina Pro Am event on the campus of North Carolina Central. Mason Plumlee and Jon Scheyer took the court first and the two Dukies teamed very well together. In fact, that teamwork is a big part of Team Duhon's 3-0 record.

Mason would finish the game with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists. Mason is impressive in that he has a good handle for a big man and can make the good pass. While the majority of his points came in the paint or dunks, Mason drained his only three point attempt.

The crowd came to their feet when Mason tried a windmill dunk where he extended his long arm, but a foul stopped the show. Still, Mason a good free throw shooter, drained both shots.

Meanwhile, Scheyer knocked down two threes early and wound up with 16 points on the evening helping his team win 68-58. Scheyer had three assists and several blown ones on my watch, but I could have missed a few.

Lance Thomas made his first appearance where he joined teammate Ryan Kelly and rival Ed Davis (UNC) to form a pretty good front line. Davis scored 21 points after hitting just 6 earlier in the week. He was aided by some Kelly passes. Speaking of Ryan, he would go on to score 12 points himself. Thomas added 12 points as their team won easily.

Jon Scheyer - c/r Rick Crank Photography - special to BDN

In the nightcap, Miles Plumlee had the unenviable task of holding down UNC's John Henson, Leslie McDonald and Justin Watts. His team was without Kyle Singler who attended the LeBron James Skills Academy.

Henson threw down three effortless dunks and has really quick hops. He rejected Miles one time, but there was payback. Henson is the real deal and ended up with 14 points making some showboat plays, but Plumlee got his licks in, once getting beat but recovering to make a nice block. To round out the play, he recovered the blocked ball, dribbled the length of the court and dished out an assist. One block was called goal tending as well and there was one of the worst charge calls I had ever seen on Miles.

Justin Watts lit up the nets for 21 points and McDonald added 12, but their team blew a 12 point lead and wound up losing 54-53. Plumlee hit two big free throws to put his team up a single digit with 1:33 left and they held on for an impressive win.

The action continues next Tuesday and admission to the event is free.

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke prospect Ray McCallum talks of the recruiting process

July 10, 2009 Andrew Slater

Ray McCallum, Jr. is a listed 6’1” point guard from Detroit Country Day in Beverly Hills, Michigan. His father is the head coach at Detroit Mercy and was formerly an assistant under Kelvin Sampson at Indiana and Oklahoma. After his father took the head coaching job in Detroit, McCallum moved from Bloomington, Indiana to suburban Detroit. The diminutive and cerebral point led his new team to a 24-2 record and has developed into one of the more coveted point guards in the country. During the recent LeBron James Skills Academy, McCallum sat down with Blue Devil Nation to talk about a variety of topics.

(Blue Devil Nation Premiums summer AAU coverage is unmatched. Andrew Slater reported live from LeBron James Skills Academy this past week and the interviews are now rolling in. Mark Watson is headed to the Peach Jam, so the in person coverage continues. In fact, BDN will cover the rest of the major AAU events this season with our dedicated staff. Join now to see what you are missing. In a recednt survey our members overwhelmingly agreed that BDNP is the best subscription site around. You'll be glad you did.)

Blue Devil Nation

How is your recruiting going right now?

Ray McCallum:

It’s been good so far. I’m having fun with it, you know. Just trying to enjoy it because you only go through it once in your life. I’m just trying to enjoy it.

Blue Devil Nation:

Do you have a time frame for when you’d like to decide by?

Ray McCallum:

No, I’m just trying to enjoy the rest of the summer and again the last time I’m playing AAU ball. Have fun…see where I end up at the end of the summer and which schools are still interested in me.

BDN:

I'd really, what are some things that you’ll find in the school that you ultimately decide upon?

RM:

I want to go somewhere where there’s a good coach, a good team, a good history, a place where I can play, play my game, win, you know, academics. Everything really, you know.

Blue Devil Nation:

How important is immediate playing time for you?

Ray McCallum:

That’s my main goal. I mean I’ve been playing since I was little and I’ve always wanted to do that. I’ve been starting since I was a freshman. I’m going to leave it up to that and try to go somewhere where [private] I can come in and start.

Blue Devil Nation:

What are your strengths and what are some things you’d like to improve upon?

Ray McCallum:

I think my strengths are running a team, finding an open guy, you know, and I think can really score. I think all of those things and my shot. My shot has gotten a lot better. I’ve been working on that. I’ve gotten a lot better, but I really don’t think you can ever shoot it perfectly.

BDN:

How do you feel you’ve performed in the recent point guard camp, the NBAPA camp, and during the spring in general?

RM:

I feel I played real well. I mean the NBA camp was good. It was a good experience playing with the top one hundred players in the country and then coming here.

BDN:

Was this your first major sneaker camp?

RM:

Yeah, this was my first one. Then the Deron Williams was exciting, you know, getting to go against the top 20 pgs in the country.

Blue Devil Nation

:Well, let’s talk about that. Who were some of the toughest guys you faced there?

Ray McCallum:

Let’s see. Brandon Knight, Joe Jackson, Kyrie Irving, and Kendall Marshall…I mean everyone who was there was very talented. So, it was good and I felt like I learned a lot.

BDN:

Who’s been the most aggressive program recruiting you?

RM:

Well, pretty much everyone is showing me the same amount of love…right now.

BDN:

You get the one phone call per…

RM:

Yeah, the one phone call per week, er, month. I get a lot more e-mails and stuff like that.

Blue Devil Nation

How do you think that having a father who’s been a lifer in this business has differentiated from many other kids?

Ray McCallum:

I think I’ve got an advantage in the recruiting process. Going through what my dad’s been through, you know, being at a big time program. Seeing all the big-time players come through and how all of their recruiting goes.

Blue Devil Nation;

As his son, you’ve also seen firsthand and dealt with the recruiting losses that he had. The sometimes devastating nature of a coach having put in a lot of work on trying to secure a player… for the player to only decide at the last minute for another program.

Ray McCallum:

Yeah, it can be, but you’ve got to always think that if you miss out on one great player, that there is another out there to go get.

Blue Devil Nation

What schools have you visited so far?

Ray McCallum:

I went to Midnight Madness at Kansas. I went to a game at Notre Dame. I went to an unofficial at Arizona. Michigan for an unofficial. I went to a game last year at UCLA.

BDN:

What’s your current height and weight?

RM:

6’1” and 179.

BDN:

Who will you seek guidance from, whenever you do decide upon a college?

RM:

My parents really. They’ve taught me everything and I really rely on their advice.

Blue Devil Nation

Can you talk about the transition from Bloomington to Detroit Country Day?

Ray McCallum:

It’s been great. It’s an excellent school and a great mix with athletics. I’ve really improved as a ballplayer since I’ve moved there. I’m very fortunate to have wound up there.

BDN:

What’s it like at Detroit Country Day? I know they’re a great academic school and they’ve produced many great players like Webber and Shane Battier.

RM:

First of all, they compete for state championships in all sports and, you know, the Sporting News ranked it like fifth in the country in best high school sports programs…and, academically, it’s great and you have to wear a blazer.

Blue Devil Nation

You played with DaShonte Riley, Jordan Dumars, and Donnavan Kirk at Detroit Country Day. Have any of them encouraged you to go to college with them?

Ray McCallum:

They’ve all brought up their schools, but they’re mostly joking about me joining them.

Blue Devil Nation

The year before you arrived I remember Donnavan was somewhat frustrated that your predecessor wasn’t getting the big men the ball enough. As the point guard on that team, how did you try to placate all of those guys?

Ray McCallum:

Yeah, I averaged six assists. I tried to get everyone touches. I try to feed the bigs, you know. They told me the year before they didn’t really have a point guard. So, they didn’t get the ball. My main goal is to dominate this year.

BDN:

How’d you guys do?

RM:

Oh, man, we went 24-2 and we lost terribly in the Elite 8.

BDN:

Wow.

RM:

Yeah, the two teams we lost to were Bloomington

BDN:

I heard about that game and it must’ve been an emotional one for you.

RM:

Yeah, it was and Flint Power in the Elite 8.

BDN:

Who’d they have?

RM:

Nobody. They had nobody we should’ve had a problem.

BDN:

You know the year before, Kirk was saying he couldn’t believe they lost to a team with no starter taller than 6’3” and DCD had five D-I athletes and four guys 6’8” or bigger.

Blue Devil Nation

:Speaking of Dumars, did it take any time for you to get used to seeing Joe Dumars consistently at your home games?

Ray McCallum:

No, I’m real close with Joe and their family. Me and Jordan are best friends and I’m always over at their house. He’s at our practices.

BDN:

But it’s still an odd thing, compared to the average kid in America, to have the Pistons’ GM observing your high school games.

RM:

Oh, no, it’s definitely unique, but he’s real cool and you wouldn’t even know he was there. He’s got a real laid back and cool office too.

BDN:

How much will your role differ in the upcoming season?

RM:

Oh, it’s going to be real different. We only have one big kid left. He’s about 6’9”

BDN:

Amir Williams?

RM:

Yeah, he’s good and so we have me and a whole bunch of guards.

BDN:

Which players do you try to model your game after?

RM:

Let’s Chris Paul and D.J. Augustin actually.

BDN:

From a size perspective, Augustine is a good player for you to emulate. I know you had an injury last year. Has that completely healed?

RM:

Oh, yeah, I’m all good.

BDN:

Fairly or not, there was a perception that you were a Kansas lean for a little while. Is that accurate?

RM:

No, no, right now, everyone’s equal.

Blue Devil Nation

Do you view yourself as a scoring point guard?

Ray McCallum:

You know, when I play with great players, I pass first, you know, score, when I need to score. When you’re at camps like this…with such talented players, you’ve got to get everyone involved. However, when I’m with my high school team, I feel like I’m more of a scorer. I mean I think I’m a combination of both.

BDN:

What style of play do you feel best suits you?

RM:

I honestly think I can play either up-tempo or the half-court game.

BDN:

Now, you’ve moved around, but will distance be a factor at all?

RM:

No, not at all. I’ve been everywhere.

Blue Devil Nation

:Do you workout often?

Ray McCallum:

Oh, I workout everyday. I’m in the gym. I work on strength and conditioning.

BDN:

At Detroit Country Day or at your dad’s university?

RM:

Both, but Country Day has very good facilities for a high school.

BDN:

How closely do you follow college basketball?

RM:

All the time. Whenever there’s a game on, I’m watching it.

Blue Devil Nation

I’m sure you’ve vicariously felt the successes and the pains that your father has experienced on the recruiting front. How does it feel to be the one coveted? To be the prize.

Ray McCallum:

It’s crazy. It came so fast, you know. This was my last one. I can’t believe I’m in this situation and I’m very grateful for it.

Blue Devil Nation

Were you always highly recruited or did it change when your dad left Indiana?

Ray McCallum:

Well, yeah, but you’re right it really picked up when my dad left Indiana because before the other programs thought I’d go there because of him.

Blue Devil Nation

Do you know Mason Plumlee fairly well?

Ray McCallum:

Oh, yeah, Mason… That’s my boy. He’s like one of my best friends.

BDN:

Which Duke coaches have you communicated with?

RM:

Coach Collins. He-mails me quite often. Nate James will call me and tell me things.

Blue Devil Nation

What’s your feeling about Duke, both as a program and as a university as well?

Ray McCallum:

They have so much great history. It’s a great school and a great team. I mean they’re always guaranteed to get into the NCAA Tournament. And Coach K…he’s everything. In terms of the university, I mean it’s Duke. It’s amazing.

BDN:

What’s your opinion, from afar, of Coach Krzyzewski?

RM:

I mean he’s a Hall of Fame coach, he’s won three national titles, and just won a gold medal for the country. He’s very likely going to have the most wins of all-time.

Blue Devil Nation

Does your father have a relationship with him?

Ray McCallum:

I don’t think they’re too close, but they definitely know each other.

BDN:

What would you like the audience to know about you as a person?

RM:

I’d like them to think of me as a good person with a good character…likes to have fun, but is a good student. Just an overall good kid.

Blue Devil Nation

I think that’ll come across in this interview. Thanks for answering all of my questions.

Ray McCallum:

Oh, no problem. Thank you for asking me them. [/private]

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Kelly, Scheyer and Plumlee help their teams to a win at the N.C. Pro Am

July 8, 2009 Mark Watson

Special to Blue Devil Nation from Rick Crank Photography

Day two is in the books for the 2009 N.C. Pro AM and once again it was another entertaining night of basketball at N.C. Central University. Three Blue Devils played this evening, the incoming freshman Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly and Jon Scheyer.

Kelly wound up with 15 points and 7 rebounds and 1 blocked shot. His team was down double digits throughout the contest but staged a late comeback to win the game. During that stretch, Kelly hit two free throws with 1:38 left to give his team a one point lead.

On of Kelly's teammates was UNC's Ed Davis. The two teamed well on the front line and Kelly looked for Davis when he had the ball, but the normally solid Davis struggled with just 6 points on the evening, looking frustrated at times.

Kelly also went up against David Best (10 points), a strong and aggressive player during the majority of the game. Best blocked Kelly's first shot of the game and dunked on the other end the next time down, but Kelly settled in nicely to lead his team in scoring after that. In fact, Ryan had 7 of his teams first 8 points as they struggled offensively to open the game.

Like Kelly, Scheyer and Plumlee helped lead their team to a comeback victory after being down 13 points in the first half. Scheyer started the game 0-3 where the ball just seemed to rim out for him. One of those plays still brought oohs and ahs as Plumlee missed a dunk and Jon jumped up and almost flushed it home on the tip, but it caromed out as the basket gave way.

Scheyer played a good floor game, showing he can run the point as he did last season, despite playing in a three guard offense. After missing his first free throw, he connected on the second and went 4 of 5 from the stripe in the game. One the next possession he connected on a three pointer and missed just one shot the rest of the way in route to 12 points. Scheyer also dished 4 assists and at least 4 blown assists.

Scheyers best offensive move was on the baseline where he weaved through and faked out three defenders to hit a shot at the first half buzzer capping off a comeback and giving Team Duhon momentum the rest of the way.

Mason Plumlee was saddled with early foul trouble but had two dunks early in the game and was 4 of 4 from the free throw stripe. He altered a few shots and grabbed around 6 boards. His Team Duhon won the game going away in the end 76-69. Plumlee was credited with 8 points, but their was one tip which seemed as if it were credited to another player.

On a couple of side notes, BDN ran into Robert Brickey who has accepted an assistant coaching position at North Carolina Central. Kyle Singler was not in the house for he's attending the LeBron James Skills Academy, a huge Nike event that BDN's Andrew Slater is covering for our subscribers. Slater has an interview coming with Singler where our

members sent in the questions which will run in our free section. He has secured interviews and scouted some of Duke's main prospects as well. Among the players mentioned are Roscoe Smith, Harrison Barnes, Andre Dawkins. Coach K, Wojo and Nate James are watching the Nike event as I type. For more the latest breaking information, join Blue Devil Nation Premium.

Thursday NC Prom Am Schedule at NCCU, admission is free -

6 pm Navy vs KG
7 pm Lucky 7 vs Team Duhon (M. Plumlee, Jon Scheyer, C. Du)
8 pm WR Starkey (L. Thomas, Kelly, Curry) vs Team PJ Tucker
9 pm Dreamworks vs E-Net (Singler, Miles Plumlee)

Not all players participate each evening

Duke Basketball

Duke Assistant Coach Nate James talks of his camp and the coming basketball season

July 6, 2009 Mark Watson

A.P. Duke Assistant Coach Nate James flushes a dunk during his playing days at Duke

I had the opportunity to interview Nate James for the third year in a row to talk about his basketball camp and, this year, about his first season as a coach. James spoke of the challenges that lie ahead, his role on the team, a soon-to-be child, and more. Nate strolled in still in tip-top shape, making it obvious that he still pumps iron. James has always been known for his toughness and I took the opportunity to slip in a question designed to get his "Dogg" juices flowing.

If you are willing to sponsor a kid for his camp, you can do so through our site by contacting me at Admin@bluedevilnation.net or contact James directly in the link Nate James/Chris Carrawell Basketball Camp.

BDN greatly appreciates those who helped send the kids I work with in Roxboro, North Carolina, to last year's camp. Be sure to mention that BDN sent you if you decide to send your kids there. Enjoy the interview -

This is Mark Watson of Blue Devil Nation and I am sitting here with Duke Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Nate James. Nate, you have a camp coming up and we worked with you last year to send some kids, thanks to donations from readers of the Blue Devil Nation. I am thankful that people stepped up to send Corey and Ridge (pictured in article) and those guys had a good time. Why don't you tell us about the James-Carrawell Camp.

It's a camp we've been doing at the Durham Academy the past four years and it's been a great thing for us and the community. It's a way for us to give back to the community and the City of Durham and surrounding areas. This is our home away from home. Of course, I am from Maryland and Carrawell is from St. Louis, but I've been in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area for so long that I wanted to do this camp to give back to the kids.

If somebody wanted to send in some money for a scholarship, how would they do that? I will gladly take donations through my site as we did last year, but if they didn't want to do that and instead go directly to you, how would they do that?

We have a website - Nate James-Chris Carawell Basketball Camp - and you will find more information and the address. Any amount is welcome, for every little bit helps the kids. You can also contact us by phone and whatever you want to do, you can. The last few years we've had a lot of people sponsoring some kids and it's been a big-time help and we are grateful for the support. It's $200.00 per camper and if a kid can't afford the amount that goes to work with them, be it a full or partial scholarship. It's not just if a parent can;t afford it, it goes deeper than that. It has to be a good kid, they have to be doing well in school, they have to be deserving and we have a program where they have to submit essays to really earn that scholarship. It's been a good thing and we have had a lot of feedback and guarantee that your child will have a good time.

Let's talk about your first season as an assistant coach with Duke...

You really learn a lot and you are learning under the best coach in the business and tutored by the best associate head coaches in the business. When I first came in I didn't know what my role would be, but Coach K tells us to follow our instincts and do what you do best and I know the game so I was able to lock in with a couple of the guys and teach them the game and what I know. It was a terrific season for us. I don't want to say we overachieved, but we won a lot of ball games and did a lot of things people didn't think we could do.

Duke obviously lost two very athletic and talented players in Elliot Williams and new Charlotte Bobcat, Gerald Henderson. What are your thoughts on the team this upcoming season? I mean, I know you guys never despair and Coach K always works on what he has and builds upon that. Can you give me your thoughts on the coming season?

Obviously, when you lose two of your best athletes and your best player in Gerald Henderson going in the lottery at 12th, which is a good thing because he stays close to home and we can check some of his games out, but whenever you lose two good players it's tough. Losing Elliot Williams due to some family issues where he wanted to go back home is tough. We had hoped he would come in and fill some of that void Gerald left, but I spoke to the team and told them that it reminded me of the season everybody left for the NBA and people didn't think we were going to be very good. Shane, Chris Carawell and myself took advantage of that possibility. I took that as a chance to let the world know who I was, going from a 4 ppg scorer to 12 or 13 that year. A lot for the players for this year's team ... I told them this is an opportunity to come in and let the world know who you are. If you didn't get as much playing time as you wanted last year or your scoring average wasn't what you wanted it to be, you can now step up. I think a lot of our players can step up and we look at this as a challenge just like that year we were predicted not to do so well and we ended up winning the ACC regular season and tournament championship.

A lot of people forget that Nate James was the three point shooting contest winner at the McDonald's All American game. What happened to that shot? [in jest]

What happened to my shot? [competitive nature came out]

Yeah, did Coach K say, "I'm not going to let Nate take the three at Duke?"

[Nate was like, "what are you talking about," with forehead crinkled and a serious look on his face] I took a lot of threes. That was my thing, you watch the film, you are going to see me shoot a lot of threes in that corner, we ran that patented LA offense. With Jason coming off that top screen with Shane Battier and he'd either penetrate or kick it up top and if the draw wasn't there he would hit me in the corner, so it was definitely there.

Okay, I'm just kidding with you and wanted to see the juices flow. [smiling]

[smiling] Yeah, yeah. Hey, thinking back on it I should have shot a lot more. Anyway, I try to pass that on to the other guys. We are going to need Kyle and Jon to shoot a lot of threes and our big guys need to step up. I think it's going to be a great season and a great opportunity for all those guys and we'll win a lot of ball games.

I know you can't talk about recruiting, but the future looks bright and you've been a part of that. You will be out on the trail this week, right?

Yes, I will be leaving July 6th to hit the recruiting trail. I will hit the LeBron James Camp up where I will get a chance to see who we are recruiting, but I won't be on the road too long this year. My wife and I are expecting a child, so I definitely cannot miss that because that would be the end of Nate James. [smiling] But I'm excited about everything that is going on this summer ... my camp, the recruiting trail, the birth of my first child. It's been a great June and it's carrying over into July.

Congratulations from the Blue Devil Nation on the soon to be birth. Boy or a girl?

A boy. [obvious glee of accomplishment on his face]

Okay, Nate junior! So, will he be wearing the royal blue one day?

Well, I told my wife I won't push the game on him but if that is something he wants to pursue, I am going to give him all the tools he needs to be successful - only if he wants to play. But if he does, I know he's going to be a bad boy, I already know. [wide grin]. His Dad wasn't a slouch and he's got the James name so he will not be a slouch either. It's an exciting thing as anybody with kids knows out there. I'm already a proud father-to-be and looking forward to seeing him in a couple of weeks.

Now [pause], how long before he's call the little dogg? [Nate's nickname in college was Nate "Dogg"]

[laughs] Well, we are still trying to figure out what we'll call him. You know, I'm a junior so my family always called me little Nate and my wife is not a big fan of the third. So, any suggestions out there, send them my way.

The hard nosed Nate James! Thanks for your time and best of luck in all that you do.

Thanks.

BDN will have an article up later this week on two of the campers BDN supporters sent to the camp last season.

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly show off their skill set in the N.C. Pro Am

July 2, 2009 Mark Watson

Mason Plumlee, Kyle Singler and Miles Plumlee - copyright BDN Photo

The 2009 NC Pro Am kicked off tonight at North Carolina Central and Duke was represented by the Plumlee brothers, Kyle Singler and Ryan Kelly. Players from all over the state compete in the event. Those players could be in high school, college, retired or the pro's. For instance, the Charlotte Bobcat's Sean May played tonight and Jerry Stackhouse and others will hit the floor before the event is over.

Ryan Kelly played in the first game and his team squeaked out a win in double overtime. Kelly ended the night with 14 points. Kelly set a lot of high picks, but he seldom got the ball back on the roll. He had one key block to help send the game to overtime. There was one sequence where Kelly had his shot blocked but recovered the ball to put in a jump shot. On the next possession, Kelly threw down a dunk.

In a bit of irony, Mason Plumlee faced off against brother Miles Plumlee and his teammate Kyle Singler. Much like last year, the refs seemed to have quick whistles on the Dukies, with all three collecting nine combined fouls in the first nine minutes of the game. Most of those calls came late or from perceived contact.

The refs let the teams play in the second half and that made for an entertaining game where the lead exchanged hands several times. Singler was his usual steady self in that he did pretty much everything on his way to 14 points. As our premium members know, Singler will now head to the LeBron James Skills Academy to finish out the week.

His teammate Miles Plumlee scored 6 points and showed a good handle with the ball. Both Singler and [Miles] Plumlee had a bushel of rebounds in the contest. They were also assisted by ex-UNC star Jawad Williams who scored 18 second half points, but despite their efforts, they came up short.

On the other hand, Mason Plumlee showed that he will be a force this season by leading his winning team in scoring with 16 points, several of those coming on solid dunks. There was one play where a driving guard bounced the ball high and Mason ran behind him on that break to catch it for a dunk which drew a good crowd response. He later threw down another reverse dunk as the PA announcer said, "Mason Plumlee has arrived and is in the house." But the dunk which brought the most oohs from the fans was when he went down the baseline and crammed an authoritative power dunk on his brother.

The action will continue and if you are in the Triangle area, admission is absolutely free. Here is the web site for more details -Link to NC Pro Am

We'll discuss the Duke players more thoroughly on the BDNP Message Board.