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BDN Premium Articles, Duke Football

Football Friday assigns homework

The Oompa Loompas will escort you out now if you don't have BDN Premium!

We hope you all had a great Cinco de Mayo. We certainly did. Anyway, with the surprising retirement of Gary Williams and the spring signing period wrapping up, we understand that you’ve been distracted this week, but that’s no excuse for not joining BDN Premium so that you can get your inside look at Duke athletics. Also, if you don’t have BDN Premium, then you can’t read Football Friday, which means that this is the end of the ride for you. Cue the Oompa Loompas! [private]

Reading Assignments

You didn’t know you were going to be assigned homework when you started reading this article, did you? Too bad. I’ll keep this week’s article short so that you will have time to complete the following assigned reading.

No excuses will be accepted for this week's homework assignment

When I first started writing this column, I intended to include a section of noteworthy links each week, and to this point, I haven’t really followed through on that idea, mostly because there hasn’t been much to read this offseason. This week, however, I came across two important articles to read. As most of you know, Al Featherston is a great friend to BDN and also one of the most knowledgeable Duke writers around. This spring, we’ve touched briefly on some of the hopes and concerns for the new Duke defense, but not nearly to the depth of Al’s recent article for GoDuke. It’s a must read for Duke football fans, and gives some insight into the strategy Duke will apply this fall, straight from the mouth of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The 4-2-5 defense is an interesting strategy that is based on the concept that speed will be a strength for the Blue Devils. It also should be noted that TCU is one of the more successful programs to implement a 4-2-5 defensive scheme.

The second development this week is the letter sent from the Justice Department to the NCAA regarding the BCS system. While there may not be a formal investigation into the BCS at this time, the letter clearly outlines the potential antitrust issues. The questions raised by the letter should be thought-provoking to the NCAA and college football fans. What are the advantages of the BCS for schools, student-athletes, and fans? What are its disadvantages? And of course, what might an alternative system look like, and how would that affect a program like Duke? Sounds like great material for the message board.

 

Duke recruiting genetics?

Has the Duke staff unlocked the genetic code for football stardom?

 

 

In recent years, the Duke men’s basketball program has enjoyed the benefits of genetics – Gerald Henderson, Nolan Smith, Seth Curry, and Austin Rivers are all the sons of former NBA stars. In the class of 2012, the Duke football program is targeting a group of football legacies, hoping that at least part of NFL stardom is genetic.

Patrick DeStefano: the 6’4” 275 pound offensive lineman from Roebuck, South Carolina is the son of former Blue Devil and NFL offensive lineman Frank DeStefano. The versatile prospect is one of the hardest workers in the class of 2012 and plans to lead Dorman back to the state championship this fall. With over a dozen scholarship offers, DeStefano has his choice of ACC and SEC schools, and plans to narrow his list down later this spring.

Max McCaffery: the 6’2” 180 pound wide receiver prospect from Highlands Ranch, Colorado is the son of former NFL and Stanford WR Ed McCaffrey, Max is also the nephew of former Duke men’s basketball player Billy McCaffrey, who transferred to Vanderbilt after the 1991 National Championship. Max and his younger brother, Christian (a rising sophomore running back) will look to lead Valor Christian to their third state championship this fall. Max currently has scholarship offers from Duke, Wake Forest, and Arizona State.

Woody Baron: the 6’3” 250 pound defensive end prospect from Brentwood, Tennessee is the nephew of former Virginia Tech defensive tackle James Baron, who later played briefly in the NFL and for several years in the AFL. A 2011 Finalist for Mr. Football in Tennessee, Woody finished his junior year with 50 tackles and 17 sacks at Brentwood Academy. With family ties to Virginia Tech, the Hokies may be tough to beat in this recruitment, but Duke was one of the first schools to offer the top prospect.

Torey Agee: the 6’4” 247 pound defensive end prospect from Opelika, Alabama is the son of former Auburn star fullback Tommie Agee. A talented run-stopper, Torey hopes to work on his pass rush this fall at Opelika. The Blue Devils joined South Alabama as the first to offer the talented junior, who now has 5 scholarship offers and interest from Auburn and Georgia Tech.

Nick Davidson: the 6’7” 270 pound offensive lineman from Eden Prarie, Minnesota is the son of former Ohio State and NFL lineman Jeff Davidson. Nick moved to Minnesota this spring from Charlotte, North Carolina, after his father left the Carolina Panthers to become the offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings. With 14 scholarship offers already, Nick will have his choice of schools throughout the country, though he's still waiting for an Ohio State offer.

Next week

With high school spring practices kicking off across the country, the Duke staff has been busy on the recruiting trail. We’ll have lots of recruiting coverage coming up next week, so be sure to check back in with Blue Devil Nation. As for the current Blue Devil team, we wish them best of luck as they wrap up their finals and take a well-deserved break. Of course, we also with the seniors well as they prepare to graduate on May 15. Duke’s first summer session begins on May 18 and several members of the class of 2011 will be on campus for the first time.

We promised a short column so that you could get to your assigned reading. Have a great week and be sure to chime in on the 4-2-5 defense or the BCS on the BDN premium message board. WE ARE DUKE.

 

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BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN Recruiting Focus – Budding Prospect Alex Poythress speaks

Alex Poythress talks of Duke coach visiting and more in the latest BDN Premium offering. Photo - Mark Watson, BDN

Alex Poythress is a very athletic 6'7" forward from Clarksville, Tennessee, hometown of Pat Summitt, Shawn Marion, and Trent Hassell. He's made the quick and relatively smooth assimilation into the Georgia Stars AAU program , where he teams with Duke recruit, Tony Parker. The laconic forward spoke with us about the latest in his recruitment, playing with Parker at this level and the next, and his impressions of Duke.

Let's start with recruiting. What schools are after you right now?

The schools would be Vandy, Memphis, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Alabama, Stanford, Duke, Texas..I've got a lot. Ohio State, Minnesota, and Marquette.

Which of those are offers versus those expressing serious interest? [private]

UConn has offered. Georgia, Florida, Vandy, Tennessee, Miami, Alabama, Stanford, Marquette, and Memphis. There might be a couple of other schools, but that's all that I can remember right now.

That's plenty. Now, which schools came in recently to watch you during your "open gyms?"
 

Duke, Ohio State, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Memphis, Marquette, Vandy, and Tennessee. Alabama came to my open gym as well.

Do you have any timeline for when you'd like to decide by?

I'd like to cut my schools down by the end of the summer and then take my visits in the fall.

And you must be a pretty good student to have some of those schools interested in you.

Oh, yeah, I have a 3.9.

Congratulations.

Thanks.

Finally, there's somebody around here cracking the books.

(laughs) Oh, yeah. I try.

Can you describe your game for an audience that may not have seen you play in person?

I'm like an athletic wing player that can post up small defenders and can take bigger defenders away from the basket. Just being a really versatile player that can help a coach or a team in whatever way is necessary.

In terms of a position, what do you view yourself as?

A wing player. A 3 or a 4.

What would you like to improve upon?

I'd like to get my outside shot to become more consistent and work on my ball-handling as well.

Who are some players that you try to emulate?

I don't really try to emulate nobody. I just try to play out there.

Who's been the most difficult match-up or player for you to defend so far?

The most difficult match-up was probably against Andre Drummond. We played him in Arkansas.

Sure, he's an athletic 6'10' to 6'11" guy.

Yeah, he was tough guy to defend.

Whenever you decide on a program, what are you ideally looking for?

Schools that have demonstrated good player development, a quality coaching staff, academics, and finally just a good fit for me.

What schools have you visited so far?

I've visited Florida, Georgia, Memphis, Vandy, Tennessee, and Alabama

Will distance be a factor for you?

No, sir.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

I like to play tennis.

Excuse me.

I like to play tennis.
 

Wow. That's another thing that I don't hear very often.

(laughs) Yeah, yeah.

Do you play on the school's team?

Yeah, I play.

What are you first singles?

No, I'm doubles.

And can you talk about playing alongside Tony Parker?

Oh, he's a good player. He's unselfish. He'll like pass the ball, if he doesn't have his shot. He's a good, dominant post player.

What's you current height and weight?

I'm 6'7 1/2" and 216 pounds.

Whenever you get close to deciding, who will you turn to for guidance?

Probably my mom and my high school coach.

Physically, what are you going to try to work on this summer?

Just lifting a lot of weights. Building my arms.

In terms of in your community, with your success on the court and in the classroom, do you view yourself as a role model?

Yes, at my school, we have this thing called freshman focus. I just try to help the freshmen get acquainted to high school and stuff like that. I do that as like a leader.

You're a mentor?

Yeah.

Lastly, you and Tony have a bit of an overlap in terms of schools that are interested in you. Have you talked about playing in college together?

No, we haven't talked about it yet, but we might though because we're roommates and stuff like that.

One of the programs that you and Tony have in common is Duke. What do you know about their program and can you talk about them a little bit?

I know Duke is a good school and has a very good track record. Coach K's a great coach. They've been in the finals and like all of this stuff. They're in the finals like every other year.

Which coach came to visit you recently?

Coach James.

Do you follow college basketball pretty closely?

Yeah, I love watching basketball.

Thanks for your time.

Oh, alright, thanks. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Prospect Anton Gill still wide open

Anton Gill is a 6'3" sophomore shooting guard from the Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Gill led the private school team in scoring this past season and has generated interest from high-major programs, including several in the ACC. The first program to offer the 2013 prospect was his father's alma mater, East Carolina. Gill's father, also named Anton, is the ECU Pirates' fourth all-time leading scorer. On Wednesday, NC State became the first ACC program and third overall (UNC-Charlotte) to formally offer him.

In this abbreviated interview, which was conducted earlier, he talked about a variety of topics, including his recent injury which has had him sidelined for the past few weeks, his relationship with Ryan Kelly, and some of the tougher North Carolinian players that he's faced.

First of all, can you talk about your injury and how it happened? Was it at that Telep camp or after it?

It was after Telep. I guess I just tweaked it a little bit. Then, I tried to play on it the next week. We went to the doctor's and he said that it was a stress fracture. I guess I'm kind of unlucky. (laughs)

No, not at all. You're a Ravenscroft kid. How do you feel that you played this past year in high school?

I think I'm playing well and knocking down open shots. I've got a lot of confidence in the things that I can do. I think this is probably the best year that I've had, so far, in my high school career.

In terms of recruiting, who's after you right now? [private]

Right now, I've got two offers: East Carolina and UNC-Charlotte. As far as other schools that are currently recruiting me, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State, Texas, and a bunch of other schools showing other levels of interest.

You're still wide open, I assume?

Yes, definitely.

Do you have any timeframe for when you'd like to decide by?

I'm not really sure. I'm just trying to find a school that's the right fit for me.

Now, have you made visits?

Yeah, I've visited Clemson and North Carolina

You must live in the Triangle.

Yeah, I live in the Triangle, closest to NC State.

And you never visited there yet?

Yeah, well, I visited there in my freshman year, but since the whole, like, coaching thing..

It's a new regime. What's your current height and weight?

I'm about 6' 3 1/2" and about 175.

Do you know how tall that you're projected to be? Your dad is obviously a very tall man.

Yes, sir. They think that I'll be about 6'6" to 6'7."

And assuming that you hit that 6'6" to 6'7" height, which position would you like to play?

I think I'm going to be a two guard.

Alright, a 6'7" two guard. I can see it.

Gill - (laughs)

For those that haven't seen you play, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

I would say that my strength is really shooting the ball and getting to the rim. Things like that. My weakness would probably be my strength and being able to finish and even my defense so that I'll be able to take hits.

Strength is one of those things that you don't see high school guards often talk about until much later in their careers. Going back to Ravenscroft for a moment, do you know Ryan Kelly?

Oh, yeah, I speak to him all the time. His mother's here. He plays for Duke and works out with them, but, in the summer, he comes back and we work out with him and stuff like that.

What's he like as a person?

He's cool. Like if you saw him, you wouldn't know that he's a national champion (laughs). He's humble. He's real hard-working. He's just a normal guy to talk with. He's a very smart guy too.

Who will be some people that you'll turn to for guidance in your college decision, whenever you do decide? Your dad?

Yeah, my dad and my coaches, Coach Coleman and my high school coach, Coach Billerman and guys like Ryan, you know, older guys. Same thing, you know, I'd like to hear advice from guys who've been through it.

Speaking of Kelly, is Duke recruiting you, by the way? Will they?

I hope they will, but I haven't really heard from them yet.

Did you have a favorite team growing up? I know this is always a touchy issue in your area.

(laughs) Yeah, for some it is.

Were you a Tar Heel fan growing up?

Yeah, I was a Tar Heel fan growing up (laughs).

Are you still and are you open to NC State and Duke?

Yeah, I'm definitely open to all of them, but…

If the Tar Heels came calling, you'll …

(laughs) I can't even say.

Alright, we'll see.
(laughs)

Who's the toughest opponent for you thus far?

The toughest opponent for me has been either Rodney Purvis or Torian Graham. He's just so strong. He can get wherever he wants on the court. Even T.J. Warren…he scores so easily. He's tough to match-up against.

Is he in your league?

Well, he's 2012, but, yeah, we've played once already and he plays with the older Garner Road team.

Yeah, I've seen all three of those guys. What style of play do you prefer to play now?

Probably up-and-down. You know fast-paced, running the floor, shooting baskets quickly… things like that. I think that I'm more of a perimeter guy. I've grown a bit, but I still prefer to play outside.

Either at the NBA or in college, is there a guy that you try to model your game after?

I'd have to say Kobe Bryant. He's got no weaknesses at either end. A total professional and a competitor.

They always talk about his work ethic.

Yeah, he's got a great work ethic and the thing I like about his game is his footwork. He knows how to use his feet and position his body on the court at all times.

It's beautiful. 

Yeah, it is and that's really something I try to watch and learn from.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

I'm just a normal kid.

Very approachable and friendly..

(laughs) Thanks. I'm just a normal kid. I play video games, listen to music, and go to school.

What's your favorite types of music and video games?

With video games, I like NBA 2K11 and play it all the time (laughs). Play it all the time and that's what we do.

Let me guess. You're on the Lakers.

Oh, yeah, I'm a huge Lakers fan and, in terms of music, I listen to rap music.

Who do you like to listen to?

Probably Jay-Z is my favorite.

The Brooklyn boy ...

(laughs) Yeah, he's my man.

Do you like movies? What types?

Oh, yeah, definitely. I just like something that keeps me awake. I like action movies. I like action.

What will you be looking for ideally in a college, whenever you do decide?

A place where I'm wanted…where I'm a high priority for the coaching staff

Now, for example, did you visit UNC-Charlotte or East Carolina after they made you an offer?

Yes, I've been there numerous times, particularly ECU. My dad played there.

Now does give them any upper-hand?

Not really. (laughs) I guess it kind of helps them right now, but we'll see. I know their coaching staff and Coach Lebo is great. They're just really welcoming. That's what I really like. It really feels like I'm at home.

What did your father play at ECU?

He played the three and the four. He graduated in 1995.

So, he's a relatively a recent grad.

Yeah. (laughs)

When do you expect for the injury to heal and for you to be playing at full-strength? Will you be ready for July?

The doctor thinks it will only be about four weeks, if I stay off of it.

That's not too bad.

No, it's not. I'm just going to take a few weeks off and just lift weights and stuff. I should be back soon.

How are the facilities at Ravenscroft, in terms of weight-lifting, cardio machines, etcetera?

Oh, they're great. First-class stuff and they really keep on top of it. You come in and they have it all laid out on the wall about the stuff that you have to do. The weight-lifting coach stays on you and things like that.

Have you improved, in terms of weight-lifting?

Yeah, when I came in as a freshman, I think I was maybe 140. So, you can definitely see the improvement and how I've tried to build that lean muscle.

It looks like you must've been targeting your upper body and hitting your shoulders.

That's actually what the coach told me to work on. Hitting the shoulders so that I can kinda get that "V" look like Kobe.

I heard you played well at Telep's camp. What was that experience like and how do you feel you played?

I think I played well. There's always things that you can find to do better, but, overall, I felt like I played really well. It was just fun because you see the different guys that you read about or..

You hear names.

Right, you hear names and it was just an opportunity to show what you can do.

And you're a competitor, right?

Yeah, you definitely don't want to let anybody get the upper hand on you or embarrass you.

Did you play (Rodney) Purvis there?

Yeah, I played him there. I think we played him in the last game. Guys like that are the ones that you want to target and also watch out for.

Lastly, what would you like to work on or target this summer?

This summer, I'd like to continue to get stronger and get quicker. I 'd like to work on my weakness, like my off-hand, and my jump shot. Just tuning my game. I don't feel like there's really one thing thing that is a weakness, but I think, at the same time, you can always get better. Just fine-tuning my game.

Thank you very much.

Sure, no problem. [/private]

Duke Football

Football Friday: Mythbusters

You still haven’t joined BDN Premium? Man, you’re missing out!

…collapsing the distinction between the exasperatingly silly and the charmingly naughty...

...delivers plenty of wit, verve and surreal mayhem to entice…

A piece of fluff as artificially sweetened as a fuchsia Peep…

Thanks to its fondness for smushing together seemingly incongruous elements…is just demented enough to deliver a fleeting sugar rush... [private]

Surprisingly, those were the reviews for the movie Hop, not Football Friday, but I sure would have been honored. Oh well, I don’t let the critics read my column, anyway. We start on two down notes today, but we'll rally down the home stretch.

Tornadoes hit the South this week, including this massive twister just outside Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL.

 

Deadly storms in the South

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the strong storms and tornadoes that tore through the South on Wednesday, claiming nearly 300 lives. Neighborhoods and communities have been severely damaged and destroyed. It will take many months to piece back together the lives of the families affected, and there are many noble organizations that have quickly mobilized relief efforts. Please consider donating your time, money, goods, blood - whatever you can - to help those in need: American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, among many other deserving national and local groups. Head Coach David Cutcliffe, an Alabama native, will assist with a Time Warner Cable Recovery Drive today at 4 PM.

Anita Caldwell passes at age 103

There are only a select few who could honestly lay claim to the title "Duke Football's Greatest Fan," and Mrs. Caldwell would make the short list. The widow of former Duke Assistant Coach Herschel Caldwell, who came to Duke as an assistant one year before Wallace Wade, Mrs. Caldwell passed away this week on her 103rd birthday. A remarkable woman, Mrs. Caldwell missed only two Duke football home games in the past 77 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund, c/o Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, 504 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, N.C., 27701 or to The Discretionary Fund, c/o Father Bert Eaton, St. Peters by the Sea, P.O. Box 337 Swansboro, N.C., 28584.

Recent visitors on campus

Colorado WR Max McCaffrey, son of former NFL WR Ed McCaffrey and nephew of 1991 Duke National Champion Billy McCaffrey, was in Durham recently.

In today’s recruiting, it’s a rarity for a prospect to commit to a school sight unseen. Thus, getting a prospect on campus for an unofficial visit, whether it’s for a game, a junior day, a summer camp or just a campus tour, is an important component of the recruiting process. In the world of emails, texting, and Facebook, there’s still no substitute for seeing coaches, players, and facilities in person. Even though spring practices are well behind us and the spring evaluation period is underway, three key prospects have been on campus over the past week.

Max McCaffrey: the 6’2” 180 pound wide receiver prospect from Highlands Ranch, Colorado made the trip to Duke with his mother recently. The son of former NFL and Stanford WR Ed McCaffrey, Max is also the nephew of former Duke men’s basketball player Billy McCaffrey, who transferred to Vanderbilt after the 1991 National Championship. Max and his younger brother, Christian (a rising sophomore running back) will look to lead Valor Christian to their third state championship this fall. Max currently has scholarship offers from Duke, Wake Forest, and Arizona State.

Eric Olson: Coach Luke would love to continue his success in recruiting talented offensive linemen, and Olson would certainly fit the bill. An athletic 6’6” 265 pound prospect from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Olson also played basketball briefly for Buckingham Browne & Nichols (per BDN’s Andrew Slater). Olson was on campus last weekend for an overnight visit, just a month after visiting for Duke’s spring game. Olson grew up a Duke basketball fan and the Blue Devils remain a major player in Olson’s recruitment, even though he is now up to 8 offers, including Boston College, Connecticut, Virginia, and Wake Forest, with interest from Northwestern and Stanford.

Dan Beilinson: If it’s good to get a prospect on campus for a visit, then it has to be very good to get a prospect on campus frequently. There are a handful of North Carolina prospects who have been frequent visitors to Wallace Wade Stadium, and the 6’5” 220 pound tight end Beilinson is one of them. Out of nearby Panther Creek in Cary, Beilinson has focused his visits so far on the three Triangle schools, and has developed a close relationship with the Duke staff. With some added weight, Beilinson has the tools to be a complete tight end that could thrive alongside current 2012 commit Erich Schneider in the Blue Devils’ prolific passing offense. The talented athlete already has five scholarship offers, including Duke, NC State, and Vanderbilt, with interest from Auburn, Florida, North Carolina, and Wake Forest.

Deconstructing some myths about Duke Football

Have you ever seen that show “Myth Busters?” I haven’t. I don’t even know what channel it’s on. If it’s any good, let me know. Anyway, most of us here at BDN, myself included, like to keep our fingers on the pulse of all things Duke athletics. Though happily entrenched here at BDN, I will admit that I occasionally do lurk on other free message boards to try to obtain some insight into the hearts and minds of Duke fans, especially when it comes to Duke football. As a self-admitted eternal optimist when it comes to Duke, it can be tough to read some of the unfounded criticism that is out there. That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of room for criticism – when your last bowl game was in 1994, there’s obviously a lot of things wrong with the program. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Rome wasn’t built in a day. For those who have followed the program through the bad times, it’s hard not to see that things are heading in the right direction. I apologize in advance for my ranting, but I have to vent about some of the things I’ve heard and read recently about Duke football. Let’s take a look at some of the less-than-factual criticism from some of the more impatient Duke football fans:

Coach Cutcliffe has senior Donovan Varner and the Blue Devils expecting to win in 2011-GoDuke, Duke Photography

 

1. Coach Cutcliffe always speaks in hyperbole, creating unrealistic expectations.

First of all, what college head coach doesn’t? It’s basically in the job description. In Coach Cutcliffe’s case, he inherited a program defined by its culture of losing. Before you can succeed, you have to believe you can succeed, and that mentality has to be embraced throughout the program – from the administration to the coaching staff to the players to the fans. There’s no question that Coach Cutcliffe has done a remarkable job of changing the culture at Duke, to the point that coaches, players, and fans expect Duke to win games. Perhaps the best indicator of this is the incoming recruiting class of 2011 – several players have told BDN that they’re coming to Duke not just for the education or the chance to play football, but they plan on winning an ACC Championship. As for this year’s squad, when asked about the Blue Devils’ 2011 bowl chances, Cutcliffe said, “I don’t think there’s any question we’re at that level. We don’t have a huge margin of error just yet, but not anybody does, for the most part.” With a potent, veteran offense and a young, athletic defense, that sounds like a pretty fair assessment.

2. Duke has not been recruiting 4- and 5-star talent.

The correct criticism here is that Duke has not been bringing in 4- and 5-star talent, but it isn’t from a lack of effort. In the class of 2010, the Blue Devils offered at least 3 5-star prospects and 38 4-star prospects (and secured an initial commitment from LB Aramide Olaniyan). In 2011, Duke offered at least 4 5-star prospects and 51 4-star prospects (and nearly landed TE Cam Clear). While the class of 2012 rankings have yet to be released, Duke is going up against national powers for some of the top recruits and appears to be holding their own in at least a few cases so far. There’s no question that Duke needs to land some of these commits, and winning games will go a long way to helping that cause.

3. Duke has focused too much on regional recruiting.

There are two things wrong with this presumption. First, focusing on regional recruiting is probably the right thing to do. The majority of football players don’t go to school far from home, so it makes sense to spend a significant amount of time building relationships and recruiting within a home region. Let’s look at the number of in-state players on the rosters of four private schools that many love to compare Duke to:

Duke: 28%

Northwestern: 27%

Stanford: 37%

Vanderbilt: 12%

Wake Forest: 29%

If you expand those percentages to within a region (Midwest, Southeast, West Coast), they grow even larger, but it’s clear that Duke is not over-emphasizing in-state players relative to other schools. The in-state numbers are also similar when comparing the incoming class of 2011:

Duke 25%

Northwestern: 29%

Stanford 26%

Vanderbilt 24%

Wake Forest 19%

The second problem with the presumption is that it’s simply wrong. Less than one-third of the roster is from in-state, and with regards to recruiting, let’s look at the top states represented on the recruiting board, which contains only the players Duke actively recruited, from the past two years:

2011: AL (10), FL (37), GA (19), NC (50), NJ (7), OH (20), PA (8), SC (11), TN (11), TX (15), VA (14)

2012: CA (11), CO (5), FL (22), GA (16), MA (5), MD (10), NC (39), OH (23), PA (5), SC (12), TN (12), TX (6), VA (6)

Those numbers indicate to me that Duke is recruiting where the talent is, but by all means, please check my math.

There's excitement back in Wallace Wade Stadium - it's time to get on board the Duke Football bandwagon.

 

4. It’s still the same old Duke.

Bottom line, the talk of rebuilding our football program is getting tiresome to many fans, but progress is being made. The university has invested in the football program (check out our new indoor practice facility – sah-weet!) and fans are trickling back in to Wallace Wade Stadium, as season ticket sales have steadily increased. Even with a 3-win season in 2010, the Blue Devils have won more games under Coach Cutcliffe than they did in the previous 8 seasons (12 wins 2008-2010, 10 wins 2000-2007). No one is more tired of the talk than the players and coaches, who are ready to produce results on the field. Behind a strong offensive line, a solid stable of running backs, an All-ACC receiving corps, and arguably the best returning QB in the conference, this Blue Devil team has high hopes for the fall. There’s no question that the next step is to put together a winning season, and I can’t wait to find out if this Blue Devil team is tough enough to do it.

Seems like a good note to end on. WE ARE DUKE.

[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Blue Devils taking a look at Jarnell Stokes

 
Duke prospect Jarnell Stokes

When you are a junior in high school, stand 6-8, weigh in at 250 and keep getting better, college basketball coaches will take notice.

 Such is the case with Jarnell Stokes, a bruising paint player who is just now getting accustomed body.  Last season Stokes was almost always in the paint.  At the opening AAU event of the season, Stokes ripped down a rebound and dribbled right up the gut of the defense only to finish with a right handed flush, then turning to make sure he got back up court.

Stokes, like many bigs, loves to play the angles [private]around the rim in that his physique naturally makes smaller defenders pop off with the slightest bit of contact.

Duke has recently showed interest in Stokes, where Nate James has taken on the lead role.  Make no mistake, Stokes will be a tough get but with his talent it is hard not to want him manning the blocks at the next level.

BDN Premium recently caught up to Stokes for a brief interview -
 

Where are you in the recruiting process at this time?

First I was high on Tennessee, but you know, the coaches troubles and players ... I am opening it back up.

Which schools are most active with you?

Of course Memphis, because that's where I'm from.  The new coach at Tennessee will stay in touch, Miami, Ole Miss, Pitt ..

Are you still open to new schools coming in?

Yes, definitely.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Memphis was the team I pulled for but as far as recruiting goes, I am wide open.

What style of basketball do you like?

At first I liked a slower style, like a UCLA offense, but now that I've worked on getting faster, I think any style works for me.  I like the way Kansas plays their bigs, with the high low and all you know.

Have you ever thought about any of the schools in the ACC?

Yes sir.  I like the competition.

Which ACC schools would you like to hear from?

I've talked to the Duke coaches a couple of times and a North Carolina Coach, one of their assistants.  And I think Coach James, a black guy [from Duke], he talked about the pick and pop and how they could use me like Carlos Boozer or something.

How tall are you now?

6-9

A legit 6-9?

Well, I am growing ... hopefully I am not through growing ... I grew an inch this year.

Do you pattern your game after anyone, say on the NBA or college level?

I like a lot of them.  I like the way the Morris twins play and Derrick Williams at Arizona.

When will you get serious about the process?

Well, I'm starting to now.  More schools call like everyday so I am still open.  I am not sure when I would trim my list, maybe at the start of next season.

Since the interview Stokes told BDN Premium that Coach James has since called him and said that Duke was showing interest in him.  We'll have more on that later this week.
  
More to come on BDN Premium - [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Getting to know Duke prospect Nate Britt

It's been a pretty good year for sophomore Nathaniel Britt II, the son of a detective in the financial crimes unit of the Washington D.C. police department. He took over the reins from current Duke freshman point guard Tyler Thornton, his predecessor at both D.C. Assault and Gonzaga HS, an academically-challenging Jesuit school in our nation's capitol. In his first year on the job, the 6'1" lead guard was named D.C.'s Gatorade Player of the Year, an award that tries to take into account on and off-the-court achievements., and first-team All-WCAC.

The left-handed point guard led Gonzaga to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference  Championship game and scored 16 points in the game, but lost 51-48 to arch-rival DeMatha, as the team was undermanned with Kris Jenkins, a first-team All-WCAC selection, rendered helpless due to an injury in the prior game. For the season, Nate Britt averaged nearly 14 points, over 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and nearly four steals per game. Often viewed as a cerebral player for his class, Britt had a better than four to one assist to turnover ratio in his sophomore campaign. (2701 word interview ahead) [private]

Kris Jenkins, a bulky 6'6" South Carolinian transplant, met Nate at an AAU event several years ago and, although they were on opposite teams, they immediately hit it off. Jenkins went to spend some time in Maryland with the Britts, joined D.C. Assault, and ultimately moved into the Britt's house full-time. Jenkins' mother, Felicia, the head coach at Benedict College in South Carolina, liked the discipline that Nate Sr. demanded of the boys. They began to attend Mater Dei in Bethesda, MD for middle school and were ultimately joined by 6'5" D.J. Fenner, son of veteran NFL receiver, Derrick Fenner. The trio have built chemistry and brought their winning ways to Gonzaga. Several colleges, including Georgetown, Seton Hall, and Virginia Tech, are recruiting all three Gonzaga and D.C. Assault sophomores.

At the recent Pittsburgh Jam Fest, Nate Britt led D.C. Assault Gold to (2686 word interview awaits) [private] the Elite 8 of the tournament. Losing 67-61 to All-Ohio Red in the quarterfinals on Sunday morning, Britt scored ten of his fifteen points down the stretch, while trying to close the ultimately insurmountable gap. Twice during the tournament, the personable Nate spoke with us.

Which colleges are most interested in you?

Which colleges are calling? Oh, UCLA, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Villanova, Arizona, Virginia. Oh, and Texas and Duke.

Can you talk about winning the Gatorade Player of the Year award for D.C?

Oh, yeah, that was a great accomplishment. Tyler did that. We've had it at Gonzaga for, like, the last three years.

Yeah, you, Tyler (Thornton of Duke), Ian (Hummer of Princeton), and Max (Kenyi of Harvard)

That was good. It was a great accomplishment and I was really surprised by that.

Especially as a sophomore..

Yeah, exactly, as a sophomore, I didn't really expect it.

Can you talk about your season overall?

The Gonzaga season? Sure, it was a pretty good season, I guess. We lost in the championship game to DeMatha. That was a tough one to take because it was so close.

Well, (Kris) Jenkins was out hurt with an injury and suddenly couldn't play.

Right, but we pretty much had a young team. So, next year, we're bringing a lot of good people back. Our best players are coming back. So, we're fully expecting to win it next year.

Lauren of NBE: What are you focusing on improving this spring?

Knocking down the three-point shot. That's my biggest thing that I want to improve on and focusing on getting stronger. I feel like I can get to the basket anytime I want, but I need to be able to add strength so I can find my teammates and score even more around the basket. I've just got to focus my energy on improving my three-point shot. I definitely want to be able to knock down the three-point shot more consistently and have confidence in it.

You may've felt as you touched on this in the prior question, but what do you think is your greatest strength right now or the thing that distinguishes you from your peers?

Yeah, sure, I think my strengths right now are being a playmaker, being able to get my teammates involved. You know being able to get them shots and being able to get myself shots. I guess, in terms of my weaknesses, I'd say it's just shooting the three and being able to knock it down with confidence. That's my biggest thing…adding confidence in being able to shoot it.

What about your mid-range? Do you feel okay about that?

Oh, yeah, I feel okay about that, but it's also something I'd like to be able to concentrate on this summer. I've been trying to work everyday to get ready for next year.

What did Coach Turner ask you to work on over the summer?

Oh, yeah, he just said to just consistently work on developing my three-point shot. Just keep working at it. That's the number one goal. Yeah, yeah.

What about visits? Do you have any planned? Which ones have you taken?

I'm planning on Texas soon. I was supposed to visit this spring, but we've been real busy with AAU this spring. I went to Duke at, like, the beginning of the year.
 

With Tyler Thornton?

Yeah, with Tyler, that was pretty cool. That was real fun. I went down to Virginia and that was real fun. And Virginia Tech. So, I definitely want to go to Texas sometime this summer. Hopefully, it won't be too hot down there.

Another honor you earned recently was being named First-team WCAC. That was another major achievement for a sophomore.

Right, I was also really surprised about that too, but it was a great accomplishment. Us being one of he better teams at Gonzaga, I guess they felt several of us should be candidates, and I was fortunate to be named.

Well, you were the straw that stirred the drink this year.

Thanks.

Tell the audience about your unusual relationship with Kris Jenkins and D.J. Fenner. How you guys came together from different areas of the country, went to middle school at Mater Dei together, go to high school together, and whether you plan on attending college together?

We definitely talk about it. I mean we met in middle school and then we took that onto high school.

Can you explain to the audience how you guys met in AAU?

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.  When I first saw Kris was when we played against him in South Carolina and we played each other in the Nationals. we met him and then he started playing with us. Then, D.J. moved back here because his father is from here.

 

Then, he moved back to Seattle.

Yeah, and then he moved back here. Then, he started playing with us. Then, we started playing in school together and we played with D.C. Assault together. We created a bond and we wanted to take that to high school. That's definitely something we want to take to take to college, if possible.

Are colleges consciously going after all three of you at this point?

Oh, yes.

Have you talked about it and are you serious about it?

Oh, yeah, we're definitely serious about it. That's definitely something we want to do.

Do you have a timeframe for when you want to decide on a school?

Oh, I'm not really sure, but maybe sometime in my junior year. That's pretty much when I'm hoping for. Right now, I'm just taking it all in and enjoying the visits.

As a lefty, what kind of advantages do you think you have on both sides of the ball, especially when you first go out there?

Oh,  I think it's harder to guard left-handed players
 

Because you don't see it as often.

Right, because most people are right handed. So, when you face someone left-handed, it's a little bit harder and that can just be the edge you need.

And do you think it gives you an advantage defensively? In boxing, for example, my father used to talk about watching out for southpaws because you're simply not used to getting hit so hard from that side.

(laughs) Right, yeah, I think it does because I've been playing against right-handers me whole life, but, being a lefty, I know how to guard left-handed players too.

What's your current size?

I'm 6'1" and 165, but I definitely want to hit the weight room this summer and get stronger. Add muscle

What are you projected to be by the doctor?

(laughs) I haven't been to the doctor's in a while, but I know I want to add some muscle before I head into next season.

Can you tell the audience about your father? He's a detective. Do you have any interest in following in your father's footsteps after your basketball career is over?

(laughs) No, no, I don't think I'm going to go into that.

Your father comes up a lot with people I either talk to or in articles written about you. They say Nathaniel Britt. I assume he's going to play a big role in your decision. Is he a real role model for you?

Yeah, he's definitely my role model and my best friend.

You've grown up around a lot of quality point g your game after?uard, but who do you try to model

I would say my favorite player is Kyrie Irving.

I know Kyrie. He's from my area.

I'd like to model my game after him.

That's a good model and he's a great kid.

Yeah, he is. I also like to watch Rajon Rondo. Some people say I play like Deron Williams. Those are my favorites. Kyrie especially and Rondo's got a similar body type.

Deron's like 6'3" to 6'4"

Yeah, he's a big guard, but Rondo is like me 6'1" and about 175.

How do you feel about the legacy of DC Assault guards and how it really seems to pass down knowledge and work ethic from year to the next? You know Tyler Thornton from Gonzaga and then Quinn Cook last year.  For an AAU program, they've been very good at building a sense of brotherhood and community with players, coaches, and the parents.

That's been really great because all of them are my brothers. It really started with Austin Freeman and Nolan. Because we've all been in the program since we were very little and all of them are like brothers to me. We started out really young and have just stayed very tight through the program. From when I first met Kris in South Carolina, I was in the program.I grew up just looking up to Nolan and Austin.  When I visited Duke, I was with Nolan, like, the whole time.

He's a great guy.

Yeah, he is. And then Georgetown's right around the way from me.

Markel Starks?

Markel (Starks) is like a brother to me. I hang out with him. Then, Tyler and Cedric Lindsey and I all went to Gonzaga and DC Assault together.

Are you guys still close?

We're all very close. Before the championship game, me and Tyler were talking for a little while. Giving me advice.
 

Even though he's a DeMatha guy, what about Quinn?

(laughs) Quinn went to DeMatha and he was there, but we're all very close.

Going back to the visits, give the audience a sense of what the experience was like. What did you see? What did you do?

Oh, okay, well, I think the first one was Duke. I went to Duke and I was with Tyler the whole time. Tyler's like my brother, like I said with D.C. Assault, Gonzaga, and all that, and he just showed me all around. We went to the football game and, when I was there, we saw them play Alabama. I went to that game and it was a good atmosphere. It was. It was. I think the next morning we just hung out and went to the cafeteria.

You spent the night at his place.

Yeah, I spent the night in his place in his dorm.  It was a lotta fun.

So, you were there with Kyrie and Josh too.
 

Yeah, it was awesome. We was all having fun. It was great.
 

How is their dorm room? Is it nice?

It is nice. It's a big room with three beds. It's pretty nice.

Where did you go next, Virginia?

Yeah, I went to Virginia after. We went to their football game. They played…who'd they play? I think they played James Madison. Yeah, they played James Madison. We went to that football game and toured around their campus. Then, we came back.

Who did you meet there?

I met the coach. I met the coach and then we watched the practice.

At Duke, did you meet the coaches or strictly the players?

Just the players.

Back to Virginia, you met with the coaches.

Yeah, I met with the coaches. I went with my coach, my high school coach, Steve Turner, and then later we came back that night.

He's a great coach.

Yeah, he is.

 

Now, on that trip, was it you and Kris?

Yeah, it was Kris, D.J., and I. At Duke, it was just me.

 

After that trip, where next?

After that, we went up to Villanova for their…what is it? Like their Midnight Madness, it was called Hoopsmania. We went up there for that. It was fun and we had a great time. I liked it a lot. I got to watch a scrimmage.

 

Did you get a chance to play with the players at all?

No, not there, but, when I went to Duke, I think I probably did a little bit.

Have you seen any since Philadelphia? Georgetown? You're so close.

Yeah, I always go over to Georgetown. It's just so close, but I just basically go over to Georgetown and hang out with Markel.

 

Do you want to touch on Georgetown?

Yeah, I mean I always want to stay close to home. I don't want to go too far.

Are you a homebody?

Yeah, yeah.

Is distance going to be a major factor for you? How far is "far?"

Yeah, it's definitely gonna be a factor. Um, I'd really like to stay on the east coast, but, if the opportunity is better somewhere else, I'm going to take it. I'd definitely like to stay on the east coast. (laughs)

What are you looking for ideally in a program?

A place that I like the coaches personally, a coach that puts the ball in his guard's hands, and a place that feels like home.

Now, we know you don't want to be a detective with the DC police, but do you have any interest in going into coaching in the future?

Yes, yes, that's definitely something I want to do. Yeah, absolutely, I feel like I'm a real heady ballplayer and person.

That's why I asked.

Right, right. That's definitely something I'd like to do.

At what level?

I think first at the high school level, but I'd definitely like to coach in college. That's where I want to be.

By the way, as a current player, do you think Coach Turner will eventually coach in college?

Oh, yeah, I think he will because he's a great coach He knows what he's doing.

If you don't go into coaching, what would you like to do after basketball?

I love science so I might want to do something in science. I'm good at science and math, but, like I said, I'd like to go into coaching or maybe training.

 

So, you think you're in good shape?

(laughs) Yeah, I don't know. Maybe personal training

Which schools are the ones that are recruiting all three of you?

Georgetown is recruiting all three of us. 1 Hall and I think Virginia Tech. I know there's more, but I'm not absolutely one hundred percent.

Lastly, do you guys have a nickname? The trio? Three amigos? Something cheesy?

(laughs) No, no, we don't have anything yet, but we gotta come up with something.

Alright, thanks, Nate.

Sure, sure. [/private]