LOS ANGELES - When scanning the country for the top hot beds of talent in hoops’ we often think of New York, Los Angeles, Indiana, the DMV area, and of course Chicago. Some of the biggest names in hoops have come from The Windy City such as current NBA finalist and NBA Champion Dwyane Wade, this year’s league MVP Derrick Rose, 12 time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Tim Hardaway and many more. Taking a look at the current crop of Chicago products and the future still looks bright for one of the hoops capitals of the country.
Who do we look to for that future? None other than 6’7 215 lb Jabari Parker of Simeon Career Academy. Though giant in stature, Parker is very friendly at heart, speaking very highly of his teammates and seemingly always willing to give others his time. Currently sitting at the top of his class, Jabari displays advanced skill for his age, a trait likely strengthened by the aid of his father, Sonny Parker , who spent some time in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors.
BDN was able to catch up with Jabari at the Nike EYBL Session #3 here in Los Angeles this past weekend.
BDN: I’m going to start with something a little different. You’ve got a pretty good freshman teammate in Jahlil Okafor (2014 6’10 255 lb from Whitney Young), tell me a bit about him.
JP: Oh yea he’s dominating right now even though he’s playing up, ya know. I think he’s the best player in the country as a freshman, playing up with the 17 year olds he’s showing a lot of dominance in the paint. He’s real good, he’s very fluent, he’s agile; he can run for his size, he can shoot.
Do you have any new schools involved recently? And who is heavily involved with you right now?
Lately I have had Mizzou and Utah St. that just offered me. Kansas, Duke, Washington, and Illinois are really coming at me hard.
Do you have any visits set up soon?
No, not really. I’m just trying to focus on this AAU circuit you know, and just really getting better.
After this event there is some time until the Nike Peach Jam, will you be headed out to any camps?
Oh yea, right after USA camp I have to go out to the Kevin Durant Skills Camp.
Tell me a little a bit the USA camp (Parker was named to the 2011-2012 USA Developmental National Team) and how it feels to be invited?
Oh man it’s just a blessing you know. Supporting your country and having an opportunity to eventually play for them is a great feeling. You look at some of the players that have played for USA Basketball in the past it’s an honor to be following in their footsteps.
Absolutely must be a thrill. One last question, has your role changed at all from the beginning of the AAU season up until now?
Yea my role has gotten a bit bigger you know, having to become more of a play maker as well as score a lot. They are running a lot of offense through me lately. I try to score but also always keep my teammates involved you know, and try and rebound.
Thanks for your time, Jabari.
Anytime man, thanks.
BDN Premium has an overload of interviews coming your way. Look for a more in depth chat with Jabari coming next week.
Alex Poythress is playing at the Nike EYBL in Los Angeles this weekend. BDN Photo
BDN Premium has Andrew Slater and Varand Khacadouri covering the Nike EYBL event in Los Angeles this weekend and their reports are coming in via the message board and our twitter site. We'll have player interviews coming this week and much more including some members take on the prospects.
In fact, one of our knowledgeable members, Caleb has shared his early take on the kids and here they are while we await more reports from California.
Here are some thoughts and comments from what I saw this weekend -
Julius Randle: From what I saw he's the player I most like from the class of 2013. He looks to be a legit 6'-9" from looking at him. He is strong with the basketball and aggressive. Likes to use the glass alot when shooting in and around the paint. He has a good feel for the game and attacks the basket hard. He handles the ball well...but would be a serious matchup problem at the four. He was double teamed a lot by defenses yet still scored strong when I watched. When you watch him play it's hard to believe he is class of 2013! Very mature game.
Jabari Parker: Really [private] good all around player. Very smooth. Understands the game at a high level. Not super quick or fast but he is athletic. Fundamentally sound...gets team- mates involved well. Not as big or strong as Randle...more of a 3/2. His game reminds me of a slightly less explosive Grant Hill. I think with added strength he will be a special player. Very un-selfish. He is a very pleasant kid. Duke would be fortunate to get Jabari.
Nerlen Noels: I hope that Duke really goes after this kid. He blocks shots like he is on a pogo stick! He can go up down and then back up again really quick. I saw him block shots with both right and left hand. He can block jump-shots! He's just so long and makes you change your shot when driving to the hoop. On offense he plays within himself and doesn't force much. With time his offensive game will improve. He is not a liability at all on offense and he does display some touch around the basket. He does need some added strength. He will be a wiry, strong type of athlete.
Tony Parker: I like Tony. I hope Duke gets him. He really grew on me this weekend. Varand described his game well. He has good footwork...especially this strong low post spin move that he uses well to score with. He's definitely a power forward/college center. He seems to be a legitimate 6-8+ but the days of 270lbs are over. Some are saying he hasn't been playing well of late...if that is the case, he may be adjusting to playing at a lighter weight. Regardless, he played well this weekend. He plays best when he's getting the ball. He is a good kid...I repeat he is a good kid.
Alex Poythress: Effortless leaper. Long and athletic. Offensively he is a 4/3... defensively he could probably guard the 2 and 3 very effectively. Could develop into a passing lane nightmare. He had a two handed dunk where he literally glided through the air without much effort and with plenty of hang time. It would be hard not to take this kid if he wanted to commit. Seems to be tight with Tony Parker. Another really good kid.
Theo Pinson: Very gifted but young. When it's all said and done he'll be a great one. Displayed a nice shooting touch out to 3. His handle is good. He can dribble with both hands. He was active around the basket at times but definitely needs more strength to finish inside. The game I saw him play was against Houston Hoops, (Rasheed's team). It was probably a little tough for Theo to shine against such a talented trio of elite level Houston Hoop guards...led by Rasheed. Theo's dad is really cool and level headed. He mentioned that the experience of playing in such a high level game would only help Theo get better. Lots of up-side.
Rodney Purvis: I think we're all fairly familiar with Rodney's game. He is strong and really has the look of a player. Very confident player and he traded baskets with Rasheed a couple of times. I think Varand mentioned that he deferred a little too much during crunch time against Houston Hoops but he will be big time. He is a legit 6-3 and he can take it to the hole strong. After the game against Houston Hoops which was easily the best and most competitive game that I saw, Rodney was very nice and forthcoming with answering questions and picture taking. I would really like to land him.
Rasheed Suilamon: He has the tools to be great. In what was probably the best game of the weekend (Houston Hoops vs. CP3) he was the best player. His handle is legit. He can lose a defender with his cross-over and changing of speeds. Once he gets past his defender he attacks the basket hard. With added strength he will finish more consistently. He can knock down the deep three or pull up for his jumper off the dribble. He's an energy player who can defend well. His personality is magnetic...I really like him and predict he will be one of my all-time favorite's when he leaves Duke. He will represent Duke very well.
Thanks again to Andrew and Varand for a great weekend! [/private]
Football Friday wishes Blue Devil Nation a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend
In case you haven’t noticed, things tend to come in waves here at BDN Premium. With AAU coverage in full swing, we’re also entering the heat of the college football recruiting season. The Blue Devils have added another verbal commitment this week, and they’re just getting started. [private]
Class of 2012 up to 4
California LB Deion Williams joined TE Erich Schneider, DE Allen Jackson, and SAF Dwayne Norman as the first four verbal commitments in the class of 2012 this week. As a junior, Williams earned 2nd Team All-Trinity League honors, playing on both sides of the ball. Though Duke was his only offer to date, the coaching staff targeted Williams early on in the recruiting season and there’s reason to believe that they expect him to develop into a solid college player.
Back to the board
During the recent spring evaluation period, the Duke coaching staff was out in full force, scouting the country for players who will make an impact for their program. At the start of the evaluation period, Duke had extended around 50-60 offers. That number has now swelled to nearly 100, so let’s take another look at the recruiting board by position.
Duke was the first to offer Tarboro RB Todd Gurley
Running backs
Let’s start with one of the positions of greatest need in 2012, after not bringing in a running back in 2011. Duke is up to 12 offers at running back, a good indication that they hope to take more than one in this class. Eleven of those prospects are still undecided, with J.C. Coleman, a Virginia Tech commit, being the lone exception. Dontonio Jordan is expected to announce his decision today, with most expecting his pick to be Kansas or Stanford. We’ve already heard from several of the remaining prospects, so we have some idea of where Duke stands with them: Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, l’Tavius Mathers and Nick Tompkins. Interviews with some of the new names will be posted this week.
Offensive linemen
The offensive linemen are widely considered to be the strength of the class of 2011, and Duke hopes that success continues in the class of 2012. So far, Coach Luke and the staff have come up empty, losing six offensive line prospects to other schools; most recently, Patrick DeStefano to Clemson and Max Tuerk to USC. There are eleven uncommitted offensive line prospects remaining on Duke’s board, and we will focus on this position in interviews next week.
Defensive linemen
It’s no secret that Duke needs to improve on defense, and recruiting well along the defensive front would go a long way towards that cause. With an athletic defensive end prospect in Allen Jackson already on board, Duke is looking at 8 additional defensive end prospects and 12 defensive tackle prospects. Of those offered, only two have committed elsewhere: Brent Wilkerson to Penn State and Matt Godin to Michigan. Again, a lot of these prospects aren’t new to us: Torey Agee, Korren Kirven, David Reader, Jordan Watkins, and Carlos Wray.
Duke would love for Keilin Rayner to join Deion Williams at LB in the class of 2012
Linebackers
The Blue Devils added Deion Williams to the class of 2012 this week, and will look to add at least one additional linebacker in this class. Keilin Rayner remains at the top of the list, but Jeremiah Allison is a new west coast prospect that has entered the mix. We’ll hear from him this week as well.
Safeties
Dwayne Norman became the newest member of the Duke secondary last week, but he is joined by five other uncommitted prospects on the recruiting board, which includes Ron Geohaghan, C.J. Prosise, and Jonavaughn Williams.
Cornerbacks
After losing out on Ronald Darby to Notre Dame, Duke remains focused on a group of five cornerbacks, led by Larry Hope and Albert Reid.
Tight ends
Duke views Erich Schneider, the first commitment of the class of 2012, as a tight end prospect, but will need to add at least one more to build depth at the position with the graduation of Cooper Helfet and Danny Parker. While they lost out on Evan Baylis to Oregon, Duke remains aggressive with a group of elite tight ends, headlined by Dan Beilinson, Justin Meredith, Kent Taylor, and Colin Thompson.
Wide receivers
The Duke offense remains attractive to elite wide receivers, and with All-ACC receivers Donovan Varner and Conner Vernon now upperclassmen, the Blue Devils will need to reload at the position in the class of 2012. Micheal Summers is an athlete we recently heard from who could fit nicely as a slot receiver, and Duke continues to pursue Jared Crump, Justin Johnson, and Max McCaffrey.
Duke has offered GA dual-threat QB Chris Moody
Quarterbacks
So now you’re asking, did he really mean quarterbacks? I thought Bilal Marshall was the only one with an offer. Well, here’s your reward for reading this far. Duke has extended an offer to Georgia QB Chris Moody, another dual-threat prospect in the class of 2012. Moody has offers from other ACC programs such as Clemson, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech, along with an offer from Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. Here’s a highlight clip for those who want to see more.
Busy week
For most of you, this is a holiday weekend, and we wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. For those of us here at BDN Premium, it will be a busy weekend, and we hope you’ll come back for the best AAU and Duke football recruiting coverage around. WE ARE DUKE.
Does Major League Baseball still produce TWIB? I used to watch This Week In Baseball every weekend when I was a kid. Well, if MLB has TWIB, then BDN has TWIDF. BDN Premium’s Football Friday is your weekly look inside the world of Duke Football. It’s been a busy week in Durham, as the Blue Devils were recognized for their work in the classroom and also added a verbal commitment to the class of 2012.
Duke placed 15 teams in the top 10 percent of the APR - GoDuke.com photo
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Duke named among top 10 percent in APR
The NCAA honored the Duke football program, along with 14 other Duke teams, for placing among the top 10 percent in the multi-year Academic Progress Report. The APR is an attempt to provide a real-time evaluation of each student-athlete’s academic progress (as opposed to graduation rates, which are retrospective). While this kind of recognition has become expected among Duke teams, it’s still a great acommlishment. The Blue Devils were first in the ACC and second overall with 15 teams recognized; Notre Dame had 17 teams honored. As the Duke football program strives for excellence on the field, they also continue to excel in the classroom.
The NCAA has more questions for Butch Davis and the Tar Heels after Quinton Coples' appearance at a post-draft party
NCAA visits UNC, again
UNC defensive end Quinton Coples was spotted at a post-draft party in Washington, DC along with former teammates Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn in pictures posted on Facebook. This is either a complete non-story or a really big deal. Here’s why. If Coples paid his own way for the trip and related expenses, his attendance at the party is allowed by NCAA regulations (though ill-advised given UNC’s recent issues). If, however, Coples did not pay for any part of his trip to DC, Coples will likely be ruled ineligible for at least part of his senior season. Experts have Coples ranked among the top 5 NFL draft picks in 2012, so this could be another high-profile UNC player with eligibility issues. Given the similar infractions last year, the NCAA could have solid ground for strong sanctions against UNC. Stay tuned.
Duke receives third verbal commitmentfor 2012
The Blue Devils added a hard-hitting safety in Dwayne Norman
As you know by now, Dwayne Norman committed to Duke on Wednesday night. The Blue Devils were the first to offer the 6’0” 185 pound strong safety prospect from University Christian in Jacksonville, Florida. Norman joins fellow Jacksonville native TE Erich Schneider and DE Allen Jackson as the first three members of Duke’s class of 2012. Thus far, all three prospects appear to be solid verbal commitments to the Blue Devils.
As for Norman, he’s a hard-hitting safety prospect who totaled over 70 tackles and an interception as a junior, while also lining up at wide receiver. His highlights can be viewed here. Norman finishes tackles very well and does an excellent job getting into the opposing backfield. He will need to improve his coverage skills to play at the college level, but has the speed (4.5 sec 40-yard dash) and athleticism (33 inch vertical) to make the transition.
OG Cody Robinson is among the Blue Devils who arrived on campus this week
New Blue Devils on campus
Several members of the class of 2011 moved on to campus and began their first college courses this week. The first summer semester began on Wednesday, and the Blue Devils will have 8 players enrolled for this term. Several of these players worked hard to finish up their final semester in high school early so that they could arrive on campus as early as possible. The remaining members of the class of 2011 will join them for the second summer term at the beginning of July. Fall training camp will open during the first week of August, at which time all members of the team are required to report to campus.
The players enrolled on campus are:
OG Cody Robinson 6’3” 290 pounds
OG Lucas Patrick 6’3” 305 pounds
CB Tim Burton 5’9” 170 pounds
CB Jared Boyd 5’9” 170 pounds
P Will Monday 6’4” 185 pounds
TE David Reeves 6’6” 245 pounds
WR Nick Hill 6’2” 200 pounds
LB Jon Woodruff 6’3” 205 pounds (January enrollee)
Duke to host Nike camp this weekend
NFTC will host an invite-only camp at Duke this weekend
Spring football is in full swing for most high school prospects, and that includes both spring football practices as well as combines and camps. On Sunday, Nike will hold an invitation-only football camp on Duke’s campus for top prospects in the class of 2012 and 2013. Needless to say, this is great exposure for the Duke program, and a testament to the recent improvements in Duke’s football facilities. With the indoor practice facility under construction, Duke’s commitment to football should be clear to prospects. Duke will host their own football camps the 2nd and 3rd week in June, but this camp is another great opportunity to get top prospects on Duke’s campus for unofficial visits.
Here’s the list of Nike Football Training Camps this spring:
March 27 Miami
April 3 USC
April 10 TCU
April 15 Georgia
April 17 Florida State
April 30 Penn State
May 1 Rutgers
May 7 Houston
May 15 Stanford
May 21 Ohio State
May 22 Duke
June 5 Oregon
June 19 Washington
Desmond Scott leads an improved Blue Devil running game
Al Featherston does it again
If you’ve read this far, clearly Hooked on Phonics worked for you. Maybe you’re willing to read a little more. If so, we highly recommend the next installment of preview articles by Al Featherston at GoDuke. This week, Al speaks with Kurt Roper and analyzes what should be an improved running game for the 2011 Blue Devils.
That’s what’s happening in the world of Duke Football this week. Until next week, WE ARE DUKE. [/private]
BDN's Andrew Slater gets up close and personal with one of the nations top prospects in his fabulous new interview - BDN Photo, A. Slater
Deep in the South Side of Chicago sits Simeon Career Academy, a vocational school that has helped churn out graduates with skill sets that are able to enter the labor force. One of its recent graduates, Derrick Rose, was just named the youngest MVP of the NBA.
Jabari Parker, a 6'7" 215 lb sophomore forward at the school, has accomplished something that even Rose didn't: he's started every game of his high school career. This past March, the multifaceted sophomore, who last year was named ESPN Rise's National Freshman of the Year, lead Simeon to a 48-39 victory over Warren for its second consecutive and fifth overall state title.
Chicago is called the City of Big Shoulders. If following in the footsteps of the MVP might be too much of a burden to some, it's not to the soft spoken Parker. The Parker name carries a lot of weight in Chicago, where his father, Robert "Sonny" Parker, has tried to give back to the community that helped raise him.
His dad, Sonny, was an all-state player over at Farragut, the alma mater of Kevin Garnett. Mr. Parker then became a Junior College All-American at Mineral College and spent his last two years in College Station at Texas A&M, where he was named the Southwest Conference Player of the Year. After graduating, he became a first round draft pick in 1976 of the Golden State Warriors, where he played in the Bay Area for his entire six-year NBA career.
In 1990, he began the Chicago-based Sonny Parker Youth Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to offer year-round recreational and educational after-school programs for Chicago kids in grades K-12, in order to provide alternatives to gang and drug-related violence that still plagues parts of the Windy City. In the mid-90s, the altruistic Mr. Parker would have the last of his seven children, Jabari, who likely will turn out to be the best basketball player of his scion and a future contributor to the legacy of his foundation.
A 3.5 student, Jabari Parker, is very demanding of himself on and off of the court, but feels that his Mormon faith has kept him grounded, as others have tried to tout him as the next great one. Looking for a demanding college coach that will treat him the same as his teammates, the versatile Parker traveled to Durham this past winter to catch a Duke game with Shabazz Muhammad. The 2013 prospect has spoken with Duke coaches Mike Krzyzewski and Nate James and appreciates their straightforward approach.
In April, Jabari visited the University of Washington, where reportedly Coach Romar, a former Golden State Warrior teammate of Sonny Parker, is interested in hiring his older brother, Christian.
At a recent AAU tournament, the gracious Jabari Parker, who now plays with Nike's Mac Irvin Fire, spoke at lengthexclusivelywith Blue Devil Nation. Which schools are recruiting you?
Note - I have never seen a more in depth, informative and concise interview with a player of major interest to Duke fans as this Jabari Parker interview conducted by BDN Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater. You will be a flat out expert on Parker by the time you read this 3264 word interview and learn about a key prospect In short, join BDN Premium. And folks, we are just scratching the surface on warm ball recruiting coverage! Once you are a member and finish this article, you can then jump to the latest on Alex Poythress and Tony Parker and there is more to come. And remember, this interview is exclusive, meaning you will not find it elsewhere nor will you see well studied questions designed to bring you up close and personal, BDN style. - Mark Watson
That's plenty. Do you have a timeline for when you'd like to decide by?
I'm going to [private] open up my recruitment fully. I'm not going to commit too early because I'd like to get my teammates the same good looks that I've received.
You want to give them the opportunity to have all of those eyes watching them.
Yeah, that's right.
That's generous of you. For those that haven't seen you play in person or, perhaps, have only seen your highlights on YouTube, can you describe your game to the audience? How do you view yourself?
It's not complete. I feel that there's still a lot that I have to work on, but I feel that I sometimes lack all the intangibles. Like there are times where I find myself being lazy and not diving for loose balls or grabbing an extra offensive rebound that I should or even sometimes not moving enough without the ball. Some of my strengths are that I can shoot well. I'm a triple threat. I'm pretty good at scoring on the break. In transition, I'm able to make passes and I'm good defensively. That's it.
In terms of position, what do you view yourself as? A three? Four?
Yeah, a 3/4. In high school, they run me at a lot of four.
Yeah, outside of two high school games with Simeon, I've primarily watched you on the AAU circuit, where they've played you at both forward spots and even a bit at center. Who is "the guy" that you try to model your game after? Is there any one player or a couple of guys?
Some of the main small forwards in the League, like Paul Pierce, a lot of people compare me to him. I like to watch Carmelo Anthony a lot though.
Alright, finally, a Knick gets mentioned.
(laughs)
He's such a tremendous overall offensive weapon. Either in Chicago or on the AAU circuit, who's been the most difficult guy for you try to contain?
It was Anthony Davis at the NBA Top 100 camp. He was so difficult to match-up against.
What are you looking for ideally in a college program, whenever you do decide? What are some things?
Yeah, I'm looking for a school that will treat me the same as everybody else. At the same time, I'm able to work hard and push myself to the highest levels of basketball. I'm also just looking for a good relationship with the coaching staff and one with good school spirit.
You mentioned schools all across the country. Will distance be a factor for you or not really?
Not really, wherever I go, I'll be able to see my parents or they'll come out to my games to see me. That's fine.
Would they be interested in relocating?
I don't know about that. My dad's in Chicago most of the time and he's really been there for most of his whole life.
Speaking of that, can you compare your game to your dad's? For those that may not know, your dad, Sonny Parker, was a pro for a number of years.
Yeah, sure, a lot of people around the city say that I have some of the same moves like he had and the same athleticism. Well, not really because he was more athletic than I am. Yeah, my father's been there for me and he's been an inspiration and I'm fortunate to have a father figure in my life. A lot of these kids don't have fathers in their lives.
Yeah, I was talking a little bit about it last night with another father, Mr. Pinson, and he was saying that it's an absolute shame that a lot of fathers don't want to be in their son's lives. You're fortunate.
Yeah, and I'm also fortunate because he went to the next level in the NBA.
Yeah, well, that's another story. (laughs)
(laughs)
Does he give you a lot of pointers or is he, sort of, hands off, in terms of basketball?
Yeah, he gives me advice, but he doesn't really try to coach me or anything like that. He mostly gives me advice.
When you need it…he, sort of, picks his spots.
Yes, exactly.
Speaking of that, who will be some people in your life that will be influential in your college decision? Your mother and father?
Yeah, it'll just be my inner circle. My coach from Simeon, Rob Smith. My mom and dad. My brothers, you know, my whole family.
Where do you fit in, in terms of your family? Are you the youngest? Forgive me for not knowing or remembering. It's been a long day.
No, it's okay. I'm the youngest and I've got two older brothers. One played overseas in Hungary and my other brother is trying to coach at the University of Washington.
Oh, okay. Can you tell the audience a little bit about you away from the court? What would you like them to know about you as a person?
I try to be a really good person. I'm able to click with people. I care about people and I'm humble.
I'm a first-hand witness to that. In terms of your faith, it's a somewhat unusual one.
Yeah, it is.
I literally never have asked about their religion or faith, but, if you don't mind, could you touch on that and possibly how it differentiates you or fills a void?
It helps me stay calm and stay spiritual. Like, I'm not better than anybody else, but I'm also the same as anybody else. I'm just a normal person that happens to play basketball. I'm glad that I have it in my life because I find that it keeps me grounded. I was glad to see people like Jimmer and Danny Ainge have success with spirituality in their lives.
In terms of Chicagoland, they've got a basketball history as strong as anybody. These things ebb and flow, but there's been a bit of a renaissance in Chicago the last couple of years and its continued into your class and the 2014 one as well. Nationally, I'd say Chicago, the New England prep schools, and Texas will be the story over the next couple of years. Can you talk about your class and some of the other bright stars set to come out of the city?
Well, it's always been good over the past years, but, in the past year or so, it's been really good to see some of our guys get national attention like Wayne Blackshear, Anthony Davis, Michael Henry, Sam Thompson. They've really taken Chicago and represented it very well. I'm very glad that the number one player in the country is Anthony Davis of Chicago. I think he does a good job of representing the city real well.
I've dealt with him a few times and he seems to be a really nice kid.
Yeah, he's very nice. He's real nice to everybody.
It's nice to see also a person "come out of nowhere" and wind up as one of the top players in his class. It can be inspirational for future ballers to keep grinding.
Yeah, and he doesn't even have a really big ego either. He's just a really ordinary person and those characteristics, like his personality didn't change just because he became a really good basketball player.
It'll probably help him later in life after he stops playing as well. Speaking of that, do you have any interest in following your brother into coaching as well?
Yeah, kinda sorta, but I just really want to give back to the community. Chicago has done so much for me and it's helped me get out of the streets and stuff. I'd like to work on returning the favor.
How would you go about that? Have you thought about that?
Yeah, I have. I'll take over my dad's foundation and just work to expand it. Hopefully, helping people in the community.
I've heard from people, including coincidentally today, talk about your father and his foundation. Tell the audience a little bit about what your father does, his foundation and what it looks to achieve.
He really deals with the youth of Chicago and he helps hold workouts and camps for kids and stuff. He tries to reach out..
To keep kids off the street and use that energy toward a more positive means.
Exactly, and he also ran an AAU organization. Actually, Anthony Davis was one of the first players there and Wayne Blackshear. That foundation is really highly thought of by people that play basketball.
That's great. Let's talk about your team, Mac Irvin. You've got some guys that also play alongside you at Simeon. What do you think of your squad this year, the level of talent on Mac Irvin this year, and potentially how it'll help you adjust to playing the college game?
It's similar. I think this tournament, the EYBL, the league will help me to be a better basketball player and get me to look closely at the stuff that I'm not able to do. Stuff that I need to improve at. So, this'll help me to improve for college, the next level, when it's really faster.
Do you like or even prefer to play in transition? You do it very well for a guy your size.
Yeah, I love transition because, like, on the break, the other guys can't really set up in their defenses.
Right. I've noticed you picking angles and spaces in transition, which is relatively advanced for a guy your age too. You pick your spots.
Yeah, you're right.
I should've asked you this before, but what kind of system would you like to play in and how important will that be in your ultimate decision? You've got some very different offensive systems or philosophies listed among your college choices.
Yeah, I mean I like a transition offense. That could help me in the NBA because mainly there's a lot of fast break points and a lot of one-on-one stuff. So, if that's stuff that I can improve at, then it'll also help make me into a better basketball player.
Are you a Bulls fan, by the way?
I like the Bulls, but I've got to go with my Celtics.
Oh, a Celtics fan. That's interesting. Did coaches come and visit you during the open period?
Do you mean, like, come by the school?
Yes, exactly.
Oh, well, I wasn't at the school at the time, but I heard that BYU came. Illinois, Michigan State, and, I think, Nevada. I was away, but I also heard that Memphis was there for Kendrick Nunn from Simeon and they're looking at him.
What are you hoping to accomplish this summer?
Just a buildup for the season. You know just get myself out there on the circuit and play with the EYBL, which is new to me because I played with Ferrari before.
Will you be playing with both programs?
No, no.
Strictly Mac Irvin for the rest of the year?
Yeah, that's it.
In terms of something like skill development, are you looking to work on your perimeter shot? It seems like you've been either a little more comfortable shooting from the mid-range and deep this year or are, at least trying to expand your game?
Yeah, I can improve my shot a lot. I'm working on getting my shot a little better and getting my handle a little better.
And how about your body?
I'm working on that too. I'm trying to get a little more ripped.
I noticed that your shoulders are getting a little bit bigger.
Yeah, and I've lost a little bit of weight, too.
How did you do it? Was it a lot of conditioning? What was your secret?
Conditioning, yeah, I've just been working out at the Attack Center with Tim Grover.
Oh, yeah? That's a big time place.
Yeah, me and Tommy Hamilton. I've been building my body up and getting my wind back.
Speaking of you and Tommy Hamilton, are you interested in going to college together? Are you being recruited together?
We've been talking about it. We're interested in going to college together, and I know that he's really interested in Illinois, Michigan State, and Minnesota and those schools. That could be a factor because, you know, me and him grew up together. We have a lot of fun together, he's a real laid back guy. He really doesn't have any beef with people or hold any grudges.
In terms of you next year at Simeon, what are your hopes and expectations for next season? Another state title?
Yeah, another state title and to get on the national scene because next year will be my first year going out to like the big-time places.
Which ones are you going to in case some members of the audience want to catch a game?
We're going to Pittsburgh, we're going to Boston, and I think we're going to Melrose.
Last week there was some speculation that Washington may be your leader because your brother might be hired there as a coach. Can you talk about that, if you would? If it's a touchy issue, we can just move on.
No, no, it's cool. When I went out to Washington, it was very nice. I'm trying to take all my recruitment like all my top five equally. I don't really have a high, but since I went out there, it gave me a better look and a better experience with the campus and the University.
What other schools have you visited?
I've visited Michigan State, Duke, and, you know, Illinois is right down the road.
Oh, sure, and probably DePaul, too.
Oh, yeah, and DePaul, too, definitely.
What did you see and do on those visits?
Yeah, those schools, they have a lot of traditions and I liked a lot of the campuses that they have. They have really good athletic dorms and, you know, I like the coaches and the basketball players.
Did you visit BYU as well?
No, I haven't.
Can you talk about your visit to Duke and what was your impression of the school?
Yeah, Duke was very good. Coach K is one of the best coaches ever. He's a guy that I can trust and, when I was talking to him, he was telling me the truth and not telling me what I wanted to hear. That stuff that's going to help me in the future and stuff. Nate James is a really nice guy. And I could get a really good education when I go to Duke, too.
Are you a good student as well?
Yeah, I'm good, but sometimes I can lack on the tests and stuff. Yeah, I have a 3.5.
That's very solid.
I could really be better.
What would you like to major in?
I major now in Information Technology. In my school, that's my career path.
Right, are you good at working with computers? What do you study or do with respect to IT? I apologize.
No, it's okay. We work out on Microsoft, like on Windows and stuff, and Excel. Like formatting documents and stuff so that we can do, like, newsletters for the school and stuff. But, when I go to college, I'll probably major in Communications or Secondary Education. Maybe, one day, if I'm a high school teacher, I'll be able to coach in high school.
Would you like to coach at Simeon one day or would you rather somewhere else?
Probably somewhere else. I'd like to go to a program where I could build it on my own.
Getting back to your father for a second, with all of his connections, has it helped you meet and play with better players? Maybe at the NBA level?
Well, my dad, you know, he's been playing since the 70s and stuff. Like, I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of people through him like John Lucas and those guys and they help me look at basketball not as the business aspect, but something to love and stuff. It's something that you want to do, not something that you have to do.
Much more of a pure aspect to it.
Yes, exactly.
Thank you very much for your time.
No, thank you. Thank you. I enjoyed it.
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Andrew Slater scores an in depth interview with a prospect on the Duke radar - BDN Photo AS
Brannen Greene is the epitome of a small town student-athlete. In Forsyth, Georgia, a town of less than four thousand and located about an hour south of Atlanta, the sophomore 6'6" wing led Mary Persons HS to its best season in history on the court, made All-State, and achieved a 4.0 grade point average off of it. On the AAU circuit, he plays for the Southern Kings and the 2013 recruit was recently elevated to the 17 and under team, where the competition is most fierce. Greene, who has started to build a reputation as a tall deep shooter, is planning on deciding on a college program in the next four months. Right now, he is making plans to visit prospective schools. After a controversial last second loss against Baltimore Elite at a recent tournament, Greene was gracious enough to speak with Blue Devil Nation about the latest in his recruitment, balancing academics with athletics, and Duke's recent interest in the confident sophomore. Get to know Greene up close and personal with our latest premium offering and when you are finished, check out the latest on Alex Proythress.
How have you done so far this season?
Let's start with the AAU. I've done fine here, but I started out in 16-and-under and I was like killing them there. Like, I was dropping players there. Some of the scouting services said that I should be playing up so I could have more competition and so I am.
How was your high school season?
It was the best season in our high school's history.
Congratulations
Thank you. We hosted our first round game, we won a regional championship, and I was named first-team all-state.
What are you hoping to [private] accomplish, both in the AAU season and in your high school season?
Yeah, well, I'm looking to develop overall as a player. I'd like for us to make it to the state tournament game and in AAU, I'd like to be a leader on this team.
Is it difficult at your age to do that and, particularly, with you being a new guy on the team...or does it just come naturally?
I mean, I've always been the leader on the teams for, like, my whole life. Next year, I'm looking forward to doing that even more, though, because we'll have pretty good players and so I just play...
It must have been a little odd going from 16 to 17.
Yeah, I didn't know any of those guys. We had no chemistry at first when I started to join them and then I've played with them and we clicked.
In terms of recruiting, what schools are after you right now?
Have you figured out a time line for when you'd like to decide by?
Me and my guys discussed it. Most likely, we'll decide at the end of the summer…at the end of July… in the live period. We're going to decide before this season.
Have you visited any schools so far?
I visited Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Xavier.
Do you have any planned?
I've already visited Alabama, but, in about two weeks, I'm going to visit there again because they've been recruiting me so hard. Then, I'll go to Georgia Tech again and I'm also planning about visiting NC State.
Would you visit Duke when you're there, as well?
Oh, yeah, we're actually working that out right now.
You must be a pretty good student though. Can you touch on that, as well?
Oh, yeah, I'm a 4.0 GPA, but there are always tournaments, dude. I got to get my studies up. I got to get my grades up.
How do you balance these basketball tournaments with your academics?
How do you manage? It is. Between working out and leaving, you know, missing Fridays of school and then having to make it up.
Do the teachers hassle you about the exams and the make-up tests?
Yeah, they get mad and stuff, but...I just go to them after school and get tutoring.
Can you talk about your strengths and weaknesses on the court?
My strengths are shooting...
Three-pointers, obviously.
Yeah, and my ball handling and just like overall IQ. My weaknesses are I don't know..my defensive intensity? I mean, I like defense, but sometimes I don't put my whole effort into it. I just want to keep getting to be an overall better player.
How do you feel about shooting off of a catch versus shooting off of the dribble? Which way do you feel more comfortable?
Pulling up is fine with me, but like I like doing step-backs.
Saw that in the game here.
. Shooting off the dribble is fine with me, but I guess I prefer shooting off of a catch.
Catch and shoot seems to be your bread and butter. How about taking the ball to the hoop- do you feel comfortable doing that?
Yeah, but there are some times when I settle too much for the jump-shot, but I'm still comfortable, though.
In terms of position, what do you view yourself as?
A 2/3 or a 3? A 2/3, but sometimes I even play point guard.
What's your current size and what are you projected to be?
6'6", 190. They're projecting that I'll be no shorter than 6'9." They examined my growth plates and said that they are wide open.
Is there a player that you try to model your game after?
Yeah, I love Kevin Durant.
The Georgia Stars coach was comparing you to Reggie Miller, when you're angry.
Yeah, yeah.
Who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do decide?
My father.
Is he here?
Yeah, he's here. He came over to the game and shook my hand..and he's now one of the assistant coaches here. Him and Coach Morris, that's about it. I try to keep my circle very tight.
That's probably a good thing. What would you like the audience to know about you off of the court?
I don't do that partying or drinking thing. I've never done that. That's not my thing. That accounts for the 4.0. I just like hanging out. I'm not a real outsy person, but I am outgoing and I like to have fun.
In terms of your physique, what are you hoping to accomplish this summer? Are there any goals?
Definitely, I could get stronger, I wanna just work on my overall body, I need to get stronger. That's something that's going to be needed for college. It's very important to get my strength up in order to make an impact.
What are you looking for, ideally, in terms of a college program?
An institute that's really high on academics, one that wants to help me develop mentally and physically, and then distance..I want to be close to home, but like, if it's the right place and it's far away, I'll go. I mean, in terms of distance, I like to be close to my family.
I was curious about that. Can you touch on your defense, where you think it is and where you'd like it to be? We touched on that a little bit before.
I need to get more intense and focus on it more because that'll be what separates me from the other top players.
So, it's more of an effort issue for you than anything else?
Yeah.
Who's the most difficult player you've guarded so far?
Probably Ricardo Ledo.
Oh, yeah, Ricky Ledo?
Yeah, him, or Nerlens Noel.
He's a big-time player and a very tough player to guard. You can't stick him.
Oh, yeah, I know both of those guys. I'm still in shock over how we lost that game.
Before, you mentioned Duke, what contact has been made between you and the coaches and what do you know about the school and the program?
My dad has been talking to Nate James. My AAU coaches have been talking to Duke. My other AAU coaches, my 16s, have also been talking to Duke. It's primarily been Nate James and, like I said, we've been talking about setting up a visit.
And what do you know about the University and the program?
Academically, they're a great school and obviously their basketball program is a great basketball program. I just like Coach K's style of play and you know with a lot of screens and stuff.
Have they talked about how you would fit in there and where they see you?
Actually, they probably have. They probably told my coaches, but I really haven't heard.
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