Class of 2010 commitment, Josh Hairston took time to talk with Blue Devil Nation Premium about experiencing his first Duke-Carolina game in Cameron. He touched on the play, his chats with other Duke commitments and Harrison Barnes. Talk about it on our Blue Devil Nation Premium message board.
What did you think of the game and Cameron itself?
I thought it was a very good game and that Duke played very hard. You've got to give to Carolina, they're every good team, but Duke gave them a run for their money. Just walking in the gym with my Mom and seeing all the players and the fans, they were yelling and screaming and I just turned to my Mom and smiled. It was just crazy, unlike anything I ever experienced anything like that before.
We spent the night so I was able to stay a little longer and wait for the coaches to get down with the press conference. I got to talk to all the guys and they just said they had it and they lost to a very good team. They gave credit to their guys. I really enjoyed myself.
So, are you looking forward to playing in an environment like that?
I am. I was talking to Ryan Kelly [private] about it and told he was lucky because he will be a part of it next year. Me and Tyler have a couple of more years left. He was there with me.
Harrison Barnes was at the game with you. Did he enjoy himself?
Aw man, he really enjoyed himself. A lot of people were making a big deal because he had on a Duke shirt ... him and his sister. Tyler and I were talking to him and introduced him to everybody. He had a great time
Did you get a positive feeling about Harrison?
I did! I got a real positive feeling. Harrison is one of those kids who keeps his feelings to himself. What I took from the visit was it was very positive. I think if Duke stays on him, they'll get him.
It gets pretty hot when Carolina comes in ...
We walked in and it was cool outside, but as soon as you stepped into the gym, even where we picked up our tickets was cool, but then we got into the gym and it was like the heat was turned all the way up. As soon as I sat down, I started sweating and it was so hot from all the people inside. You could see it was hot because all the players were slipping on the court, so it was just crazy.
Were you able to talk with Coach K?
I didn't talk with him one on one, but Coach talked to Tyler, Harrison and me about how the team fought and overall he was happy with how his guys played. But it was a little disappointing to lose. We were in the locker room before the game.
So, you were able to check out the locker room atmosphere?
I went back there for the UVA game and they get hyped up but with the UNC game it was unlike anything I'd ever seen. You could hear yelling and screaming from outside the locker room and everybody was getting hyped. I kind of got hyped and I wanted to go out there and play! Harrison was joking with me because he wanted to find an extra jersey and play.
I appreciate your time and good luck the rest of your high school season.
Andrew Slater is at it again, this time bringing BDN Premium members an in depth interview with hot prospect Kyrie Irving. Join now to see what you are missing!
Kyrie Irving is a 6'2" guard for St. Patrick's of Elizabeth, New Jersey, having transferred in from the more gentrified Montclair Kimberley Academy after his sophomore season. Kyrie's father, Drederick, played for the Boston University
Big time prospect, Kyrie Irving
Terriers in the mid-1980s. Mr. Irving, a Bronx native, left BU as its all-time leading scorer after losing to the Duke Blue Devils in the 1988 NCAA Tournament by a final score of 85-69. He has since been inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame and is currently the second highest scorer in Terrier history.
Over the past week, Kyrie has led his Celtics to impressive wins over previously undefeated and nationally second-ranked St. Benedict's of Newark, NJ, 88-62 and the USA Today's tenth best "East" squad, Pennsbury of Fairless Hills, PA, 39-35. He spoke with Blue Devil Nation after both wins. The first portion of the interview was done in the hallway to the Rutgers locker room following the Celtics biggest win of the season, while the second half took place at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ after a win in which Kyrie Irving was named Most Outstanding Player for the victors.
Blue Devil Nation: What schools are recruiting you? [private]
Kyrie Irving: I can't give you specific names, but it's like UConn, West Virginia, St. John's, Rutgers, Seton Hall. It's the majority of the Big East and most of the ACC and Memphis.
BDN: Do you have any sort of timeline for when you'd like to decide by?
KI: I think I'm going to decide probably after this AAU season...Probably around August, you know. The main thing I'm looking for in college is just "a home away from home."
BDN: Have you been on or do you plan on doing any unofficial visits?
KI: I'm going to Notre Dame in the spring and I'm not sure past then, but I'm not taking any...I went to Memphis in October and Indiana in November. They were both great schools. When I went to Memphis, I went around with Jeff Robinson (who has since transferred to Seton Hall University). He took me around and it was just great. Then, I went to Indiana. I stayed around with Devan Dumes (suspended indefinitely on Saturday by Coach Crean). I met with the academic dean. I met with the coaches. It was just great at both colleges.
BDN: What position are most colleges recruiting you for?
KI: Most of the colleges are recruiting me for a combo guard.
Blue Devil Nation: Can you talk about the transition from Montclair Kimberley Academy to St. Patrick's?
Kyrie Irving: Well, just the pace and our defense leads to our offense. The way we play defense is just...it's just totally different from the league that I played in at Montclair Kimberley. This was my first big game
BDN: Sure, sure
KI: ...playing against St. Benedict's at the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center). It was just a great experience. It's just totally different. All of these people were here to watch a high school game. It's just very rare. Let alone to be playing in a college gym and for all of these people to show up. It was just a great experience tonight.
BDN: How about the competition in practice?
KI: The competition has been great. Me and Dexter go at it every day...trying to make each other better everyday. You know we practice really hard. That's the main thing.
BDN: What are some things that you've learned from Dexter Strickland (UNC-Chapel Hill) and Paris Bennett (George Mason)?
KI: They've tried to teach me how to be a leader and how to be a leader by example vocally.
BDN: How about the transition in school, socially, etc.?
KI: It's been great. I came by here last year. Everybody's friendly. We have a lot of different cultures at St. Patrick's. It's been good to meet a lot of different people.
Blue Devil Nation: Your father, Drederick (pronounced "Dedrick"), was a very successful player at Boston University. That's obviously a different experience than the average kid in America. How do you think that differentiates you in any way or has influenced your playing?
Kyrie Irving: My dad just taught me to be unique. You know be my own player and, you know, just be a good leader on and off of the court and to just be a good citizen...but, you know, on the basketball court, it's war out there. Just have heart and play the game.
BDN: What AAU team will you be playing for this year?
KI: The New Jersey Roadrunners.
BDN: What's your current height and weight?
KI: 6'2," 175
Blue Devil Nation: What players do you try to emulate your game after?
Kyrie Irving: Probably...I like Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant.
BDN: Who's the toughest player you've ever gone against?
KI: Probably Dexter (laughs).
Blue Devil Nation: What would you like the audience to know about you as a person?
Kyrie Irving: That I'm not just an offensive player. You know I play defense also.
BDN: I'm sorry I actually meant about you as a person away from the court. Outside of basketball...I mean that's fine too, but..
KI: Oh, okay. Well, a lot of people don't know, but I take writing seriously. In college, I'm going to major in journalism. I made my mind up about that. That's certainly something most people don't know.
BDN: That's interesting. So you're gonna take away Kevin's job. (Kevin Armstrong, a writer for Sports Illustrated, was standing next to us.)
KI: (Laughs) Yep, yep
Blue Devil Nation: What's your feeling about Duke, both as a program and as a university as well?
Kyrie Irving: Duke? It's doesn't get better than Duke. Duke, it's just way up there. Even the title itself is just a household name. I've talked to Coach Collins a lot and they've talked to my Dad too. You know they just want me to come in and make a contribution.
Blue Devil Nation: What's your opinion, from afar, of Coach Krzyzewski?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, he's a great coach. He's probably like the number...well, I mean I was watching him on the USA team over the summer. Personally, I think he's just the best coach.
Blue Devil Nation: Whenever you do decide on a college, what are the most important factors that will go into your decision?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, well, a "home away from home" and, you know, socially and academically I want to be set for life. My dad always talks to the coaches and he tells them that, you know, when I sign with a college, I'm not singing with them for four years, but over sixty years.
Blue Devil Nation: I like that perspective. Lou Holtz allegedly said something very similar, but said forty years.
Kyrie Irving: Yeah, yeah. That's what I'm basically signing with a college for...a place that can put me ahead in basketball and also academically.
BDN: Who will be the people that you turn to when you ultimately decide on a college?
KI: My father definitely. My father and my uncle are going to help me with my decision.
Blue Devil Nation: What was your reaction when you saw that Coach Boyle said, "Kyrie Irving, when it's all said and done, he will arguably be as good as any guard who's played in New Jersey," Boyle said. "Any guard. Ever. Ever. DaJuan Wagner, Bobby Hurley. You're talking about a guy who's a great shooter, a great finisher, he's going to be as good as anybody who's played in New Jersey."? It must've felt good, but were you surprised?
Kyrie Irving: It felt good, but, yeah, I was surprised definitely. At the same time, I've got to remain humble. That's a statement I want to live up to, but also I still want to maintain the progress I'm making right now as a student, as a person, and as an athlete.
BDN: What style of play appeals to you?
KI: I definitely like fast-paced...just up-and-down
BDN: As opposed to today (combined score was fourteen points less than St. Patrick's scored in their win over previously undefeated St. Benedict's)
KI: Yeah, it was just a half-court game today, but I can play both styles. I'm comfortable either way.
Blue Devil Nation: What do you think is your greatest strength right now?
Kyrie Irving: Probably just leading by example and pushing the ball every time I get it.
Blue Devil Nation: How about your shooting?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, yeah. That's the part of my game that, when I was younger, I was known as a shooter, but I wanted to expand my game.
BDN: What would you like to improve upon most before arriving on your college campus?
KI: Developing as a leader. Paris, Dean, and Dexter will be gone next year so. I am in development right now in order to take over as captain.
Blue Devil Nation: You mentioned before that schools were recruiting you as a combo guard. What position will you be playing next year and what do you feel is your natural position?
Kyrie Irving: Schools are recruiting me mostly as a combo guard. My natural position is as a one. I played that all my life, but, you know, as I got older, I grew and then some people moved me over to the two and I became a scorer and it just went from there.
BDN: Speaking of growth spurts, how tall are you projected to grow to?
KI: 6'4 ½." My dad is 6'4." My mom was like 5'11" so..
(Another person interjects)
Other Person: Do you want to play at BU?
KI: Me and my dad joke about it, but, no, really I don't think I'm going to Boston University. I want to follow in his footsteps, but just not there. I want to make my own path.
OP: Do you have a favorite school?
KI: No, not really
OP: You just want to go to a major school.
KI: No, not necessarily a major school. Just a place where the coaches are great. The family relationship with the coaches is great. Everything is just about, you know, timing.
OP: Are you looking to go to a school with a good basketball tradition like North Carolina or Indiana...a school that's known for, you know, producing great basketball players? Is that all your thinking about or what's the deal with that?
KI: Just a school that's right for me. It doesn't have to the North Carolinas or one of those major schools. Just a school that I can go in and make a quick contribution and hopefully produce me to the next level.
BDN: How are your grades?
KI: I've got a 3.5.
Blue Devil Nation: You mentioned quite a few schools the other day. Which ones have offered you?
KI:Yeah, all of them have.
Blue Devil Nation: Is there any one or two that are currently more aggressive?
KI: Well, they're really all mostly aggressive right now. I can't think of any one or two off of the top of my head right now.
Blue Devil Nation: What camps will you be going to?
Kyrie Irving: I probably won't know until right after the season or towards the end of the season.
Blue Devil Nation: How would assess your handle and your defense right now?
Kyrie Irving: Sometimes, I'll have one or two turnovers, but that doesn't usually occur. I just have to tighten that up a little bit. On defense, I think I'm doing fine right now. You know KB (Coach Kevin Boyle) keeps saying I'm playing very good, intense defense right now so I'm just trying to contribute on the offensive and defensive side.
Blue Devil Nation: Lastly, someone wanted to know about the NJ Roadrunners. Who are they sponsored by? Are they independent?
Kyrie Irving: They're actually sponsored by Protégé by Al Harrington (a former St. Patrick's player and Roadrunner as well as current NY Knick), but I don't wear them. [/private]
I have found that it generally takes me at least five views of a prospect to get a good feel and accurately describe their game. I mean there are so many intangibles, like have they been playing or traveling a lot of late or have they been under the weather. The list also consists of, have they had off the court or personal issues, a look at the match up situations, whether they have familiarity or lack of in the environment they are playing in. I watch to see if they play consistently or if they turn it on when certain coaches are in attendance. I could go on for another 1000 words describing intangibles alone. That is but scratching the surface of the many things I look for when scouting a player.
Every so often a players comes along that you get an immediate feel for and James McAdoo is one of those guys. McAdoo has the ability to slash through defenders and always gets his shot off, traffic or not. At his young age, he already understands angles and spacing. He moves well in all aspects of the game including defense where his long body allows him to recover quickly to play help defense. In short, McAdoo is a big time talent.
BDN was able to speak with McAdoo this past weekend and here is that conversation.
How old are you now?
I just turned sixteen on January the 3rd.
What is your actual height?
6-8
What schools are really looking at you at this point?
UCLA, Texas, North Carolina, Clemson, Georgetown and Syracuse. Did I say Florida? Florida is up there. Virginia Tech, Virginia and Wake Forest - that's it as far as I can remember.
Any offers?
Florida, Wake Forest, Clemson, UCLA, Georgetown, Virginia Tech and Virginia.
Sounds like everybody but ...
UNC, Texas and Duke.
I noticed a Duke coach in the house (Slamfest) ...
Yes sir. They are [private] recruiting me.
Duke is in there? Whens the last time they contacted you?
Um, about a month.
Have they been calling or do they send letters?
I was up there for an exhibition game when they played Virginia Union.
You've been over at UNC a lot lately, right?
Yes. About three times ... Florida once. I am just trying to build a relationship with the coaches.
With a background, a lot of people consider UNC the team to beat. Is that pretty much true?
Um, It's not true. I mean I'm not going to go there just because my Uncle or Dad grew up loving them. It'll basically come down to being my decision.
What is the key factor that'll play in your decision?
I just want to go there and be able to have freedom. (No Braveheart jokes, please) And most importantly be able to start as a freshman and be an impact player.
Which assistant coaches talk to you the most from local schools, like Duke, Wake or UNC?
Local, I'd say Coach Robinson talks to me the most. Coach Kelsey at Wake.
And Florida?
They are one of the first schools that contacted me and I've built a real good relationship with Coach
What size shoes do you currently wear?
Basketball shoes? I wear 15's, but kick around shoes I wear 14.
Back to freedom. What are you looking for?
As far as game style I want to get up and down the floor. I want to have freedom to be able to dribble the ball, play the perimeter. Inside, outside.
When will you get down to making a decision?
As far as eliminating some schools?
Yes ...
I will start to do that after my sophomore year before AAU starts. After AAU.
And you'll play for Boo Williams this year?
Yes sir.
Which head coaches have you seen the most of?
Billy Donovan has come up. Roy Williams has come up. Seth Greeberg, Leitao, Oliver Purnell ...
When you are looking at a school, what are your prerequisites?
As far as a school or a basketball program?
Both.
I just want to be able to get along with the players that are there. I want to make sure I'm going to fit in with the style of play and the coaching staff. And if I'm going to like the school if I get hurt and basketball is taken away from me.
Do you have a preference on the size of a school, public or pri ...
I will probably pick a bigger school
You want to start is that what you are looking for when talking with coaches?
You kind of know if you go out there and play pick up with the guys, what position you are going to be and if you'll play.
So you'll take a look at depth and current players on rosters.
Yeah (nodding)
Congrats on winning the games MVP ...
Thanks
(the vast majority (19 of 25) of these question were asked by BDN, but Rivals and Scout reps came in) - [/private]
Josh Hairston is always fun to talk to and this interview was no different. His answers are always upbeat and you can count on a professional demeanor beyond his years. Hairston score 25 points to go with 12 rebounds during his teams second loss of the season during Slamfest VIII which was held in Richmond,
Josh Hairston, Duke Class of 2010 - copyright photo BDNP
Virginia this past Saturday. Courtland played to home standing Benedictiine High School and as always, there were hecklers galore trying to get under the skin of the future Blue Devil. Members are sure to enjoy the following interview which is the first of many Blue Devil Nation Premium will run this week. The best time to join is right now to get some of the best coverage you can find on recruiting and more.
So are you happy to be at this tournament here in Richmond? Your family has come down, you've got your man Dre (Andre Dawkins) here, the Thorntons have come down to see you ...
I am! I'm very excited. I love playing in front of crowds. We've got to come out strong and play the best basketball we can play. Hopefully if we do that, we'll come out of here with a win.
Is this a game where you almost feel like you have to put the team on your back? That's a pretty good team you are going up against.
Yes it is. I'm going to do whatever my team needs for me to do. If that's putting them on my back and carrying the load, I'll do that. Big time players step up in big time moments, so I am really looking forward to it.
You have Nate James sitting in the crowd over there. What is it like to have one of your future coahes in the house? Is it always cool to see them?
It's [private] always cool. It shows that he's very supportive. He's been to one of my games earlier this season. So having him here actually relaxes me and calms me down. I know that after the game positive or negative, he's going to let me know how he feels and I can just work from there.
Tell me a little bit about your season so far. Your team has lost one game I think?
15-1, our fist loss came last Saturday to a very good team out of Virginia Beach. It was really the first time a lot of our guys have played in a big time environment. So there was a lot of noise and nervousness going around. We all learned from that and had some good practices and had a great game last night.
You played last night?
We played and ended up winning by thirty or forty points.
Do you know what your numbers were?
I know I had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
What are you averaging this season?
24 points and 11 rebounds
Your parents are here, so that's obviously cool. They're big supporters, right?
Right! I don' t think there is a place they haven't been even this summer. They've made a lot of sacrifices, even my little sister. So, I'm always appreciative there.
In the earlier game, Andre flushed one down (dunk) and kinda gave Nate the stare down and expression of did you see that. (snickering) Did he tell you about that?
He did. (laughing) We're playing for points right now. He's in the lead for now. He said if I don't do it, I'm going to have to owe him something. I'm going to try and do what I can.
Are you brazen enough to do that -- scowl at Nate for show?
I don't know if I'm going to do it to Coach Nate, but I'm going to do it to Andre if I see him. (smiling)
When is the last time you talked to the coaches?
I actually called Wojo this morning but didn't talk to him. I know that my Mother talked to him yesterday, cause we're going down to the Virginia game tomorrow. I talked to Coach K , I think a couple of weeks ago. I try to stay in contact with them as much as I can.
Anybody else going down that you know of?
Uh, no ... Tyler (Thornton) has practice tomorrow and Andre still doesn;t know if he's going or not.
Are there any other games on the calendar you have circled? I know the Carolina game is on a Wednesday night which is a school night at 9:00 ...
I think we are going to go to that one. My parents said that if my grades turned out good we could go down there. So, I think we are going to go down there if everything goes the ways it's suppose to go.
Now (jokingly) have you got your Dad in the right place? I think he may be about 89.7% Duke now, but I know he's got a little heart left for UNC (grew up pulling for them).
Yes he does, but he's at the point now to where if we find anything Duke that fits him, he wears it, so ... At the Wake Forest game the other night he was heartbroken. Me and him were looking at the TV and could not believe it ... (shaking his head)
Duke came back and had a chance to steal that one ...
Yeah. I think he is 98% now. (smiling)
98%? (smiling) Only 2 to go ... now your Mom how does she feel about that?
Aw man! She loves it. If she is not wearing something that says Courtland on it, she always has on Duke stuff. I think she eats it up the most out of anybody. Anything Duke she finds ... I think she bought me four Duke pens to write with in school, I've got sticker for my car and everything.
The last time we talked you said that people at school were like - whoa Duke, he's going to Duke. Is it still like that?
It is. My classmates know about it and they've kind of calmed down a bit, but when we go to other schools, a lot of people are coming to see me and see if I'm worth it. The hecklers have gotten worse at the games, but I tell myself not to pay any attention to it. I just try to let my game speak for itself. They may be talking the first half, but they'll be quiet by the second.
Your Dad's a pretty brawny and tough looking guy ... does he ever get a little bit upset?
Yeah he is. We were playing down in Orange County last month and there was a guy down there ... we were beating the team by forty some points and he was still yakking. That's the closest my Dad ever wanted to say something, but he didn't. That guy has a right to feel as he does in his mind. My Dad said he payed his 5.00 to come see us play and he can say whatever he wants. So, I felt the same way. I don't let that stuff get to me. I use to! I use to jaw back a little at people in the stands but it's a maturity thing and I don't really pay attention to it anymore.
So, what else is going on in your life? (smiling) Do you have a girlfriend yet?
(laughing) Naw, I'm still playing it cool. I think I'm going to wait until I get down to Duke.
There you go, you'll find plenty of prospects in the Triangle. So is there anything else going on that I may have missed?
I was announced to the Adidas Nation team. So, that's the only other big thing going on.
And when is that?
I'm not sure. My Mother and the coach have been in close contact and he said he'd let us know when we started practicing and stuff. Other than that, out season has been going great. We started 14-0 which was a school record. I think I told you earlier, we've been together for three years and it's a maturity thing. We were young and we still made a run, but now that we are older, I think this is going to be our year.
I appreciate your time and good luck tonight and the rest of the season.
Jason Morris is a 6-5 wing prospect, currently playing at the Tony Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Coming in on a nine-game winning streak, the Bearcats of Hotchkiss faced a talented Tilton School program, featuring UConn commitments Alex Oriakhi and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel as
Jason Morris - copyright BDNP
well as Gerard Coleman, one of the better shooting guards in the class of 2010.
Whether it was a lingering virus or the blanketing defense of Coleman, Morris struggled with his shot (8 for 22) and effort throughout the contest, which Tilton won handily 98-79.
After the contest, Jason spoke with Blue Devil Nation about his current status, but, with his coach standing behind me, was far more terse in his responses than he was over the Summer.
Blue Devil Nation: How are you doing terms of your health? The last time I saw you were recovering from injuries to both your lower abdominal muscles and more recently an ankle injury, which you said, at the time, was affecting your quickness. [private]
Jason Morris: I've got bad knees now.
BDN: Wow, I saw you had some contraptions under both knees.
JM: (laughs) Yeah, I'm hoping its just growing pains but right now its tendinitis.
BDN: What are you able to do about it?
JM: Right now, I'm just taking Advil.
BDN: Advil?
JM: Yeah, Advil and some other anti-inflammatory.
Blue Devil Nation: Well, how has your season gone thus far? As a team, I know you headed into the weekend on an eight-game winning streak, but it hasn't been the easiest thing to follow how you personally are performing.
Jason Morris: Well, I've been sick so Ive missed a lot of the year so far. This was only like my sixth game so far out of like fifteen.
BDN: What did you have?
JM: Just a nasty virus. I only started playing again like three days ago.
BDN: Do you know how much you're averaging so far this year?
JM: Not really ... probably between eighteen and twenty.
BDN: Is this about average playing time for you (played 29 of 32 minutes)?
JM: (looks over my shoulder at coach) Yeah, this is about average for me when I'm healthy.
Blue Devil Nation: Whats the current status of your recruitment?
Jason Morris:Since the last time, Wake offered and Duke has shown minor interest. Otherwise, its been fairly status quo.
BDN: You were talking over the summer about taking trips during the school year? Have you made any so far? Do you have any upcoming trips planned?
JM: Yeah, I'm planning on taking them during the spring.
BDN:I remember you mentioned that Hotchkiss was much more, well, lenient towards athletes than musicians.
JM: Yeah (laughs)
BDN: Have you set up any visits so far?
J.M.:Nothing official, but I'm planning on it.
BDN: What are some upcoming matchups that you're looking forward to? I know in one week in February you're going to play St. Anthony's and Oak Hill.
JM: Those are definitely the big ones ... those are the ones.
Blue Devil Nation:How does Tilton compare to the average team that you face during the regular season?
Jason Morris: Well, its difficult to do a back-to-back.
BDN: I know you guys had an eight game winning streak, but I wasn't sure if you won yesterday.
JM:Yeah, we won. With this team (Tilton), its hard to match-up with their height.
BDN:Yeah, you had no answer for Oriakhi and Coombs-McDaniel.
JM: Right! But that's now excuse. (looking over to the head coach) We have to figure out how to get more people involved.
BDN: Do you have a time frame for when you'd like to cut down on your list? In the past, you mentioned the spring and then ultimately decide at the end of your senior year. Is that still the case?
JM: Not really, I'm just trying to slowly deal with recruiting right now. Nothing formal right now. The visits should help me with the pros and cons of some programs.
BDN: One of the thing you talked about wanting to keep working on and improving upon was challenging yourself on defense. Have you noticed an improvement in that area? How does competing with Derrick Wilson in practice help you?
JM: Its difficult to gauge at this point with my health the way its been.
BDN: Whats your current size? In July, you were a little under 64, but expecting to grow quite a bit.
JM: I'm now about 6-5, 208.
BDN: Are most schools looking at you as a three? Two?
JM: Both really. They're trying to keep their options open.
BDN: Hows your school work going this year?
JM: Good, so far. I mean its difficult, but I'm trying to handle it.
Blue Devil Nation: Do you still do the Breakfast Club and dynamic training?
JM: Not nearly as much. We, well, I was able to do it in the Fall, but then I got sick and, with basketball season, I just don't have the time, but I'm going to do the dynamic training in the Springwell that AAU.
BDN: Which AAU program are you going to be with (played with Atlanta Celtics and New England Playaz in the prior years)?
JM: The Gauchos actually.
BDN: If you don't me asking, why? Was it anything political? More exposure?
JM: No, just, well, exposure and better caliber of players and a chance to win.
BDN: I know you're computer savvy with the Slingbox, etc. Do you follow your rankings from the various services? How fair or accurate do you feel they are?
JM: I don't look at the rankings. I'm just not interested really.
BDN: You mentioned in the past that the Duke coaches had been in contact with your father. Have you or your father heard from them recently? I know you mentioned they had shown minor interest.
JM: My father has spoken with them. I really haven't too much. Its just easier for them to contact through him. Ive gotten an e-mail.
BDN: Have you watched them or much college basketball on television this year? I know you have that Slingbox.
JM: Not really, Ive been working on my schoolwork and getting healthy and, of course, playing basketball.
BDN: Thanks, Jason. I hope you stay healthy the rest of the year and you'll be fine no matter what school you choose.
The Blue Devil Nation was on hand for the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Scholastic invitational in Greensboro and we bring our members this synopsis of the happenings. We'll have Q & A's with the shakers coming as well. From Deuce Bello to Mason Plumlee, we bring you the latest -
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Why did Oak Hill win so easily? -Guard play, namely Mo-Mo Jones who drove it right down the throat of the Greenies defense at will. Oklahoma bound Tiny Gallon made some timely blocks and held down the middle. Daron Lamb ran as a front court player in what was basically a three guard
Mo-Mo Jones faces down Tony Kimbrough
offense. Oak Hill scored a ton of points where the Greenies didn't [private] get back on defense. Then there was a lack of patience when the game was close for Christ School, that allowed spurts that ultimately became too much to come back from. Greenies lack of a special point guard ws exposed and their guards neutralized.
More Keith "Tiny" Gallon- While he wasn't that effective on the offensive end, his play was vital. He turned to the Oklahoma assistant and nodded with a smile after taking the ball in for a dunk over two players. Later in the game he said "I'll bet yalls money was on them," to the TV crew from Western North Carolina which was covering the game. He did so laughing. Too much moxy for Oak Hill.
Playing with a chip on their shoulder- Coming into the game, most thought Christ School was the team with a chip on their shoulder having lost a heart breaker last season against the same team. But Oak Hill players cited several newspaper quotes which riled them up. Mo-Mo pointed to a comment, "Brandon Jennings is gone," taking it as if that meant he'd be handled with ease. We will provide quotes from many of the players in a game article that is in the works.
Short turnaround - Christ School is in High Point for a game today.
Greenie support - Christ School support was impressive and at times funny as their student body sat directly behind the Oak Hill bench.
Mason Plumlee- Plumlee had 24 points but struggled from the three point stripe. The lack of three point shooters helped doom Christ School in their comeback effort and Mason was trying to put his team on his back. This caused him to force a few shots and late in the game the calls were not going his way. It was not one of Plumlees better games despite his MVP for his team, but he was by far one of the only players on a talented team to show up. He was helped by Lucas Troutman, a junior who had a nice game around the boards. His brother, Marshall played sparingly.
Coaches there - Nate James of Duke, Oklahoma, Murry State, UNC Greensboro, Harvard, South Carolina, Dino Gaudio and assistants from Wake Forest
Overheard - Assistant from Wake telling a players Father, you know I cannot speak to him talking of an Oak Hill player.
Most watched prospect- Deuce Bello, a sophomore from Westchester Country Day. You'll be hearing a lot more about this prospect. It may be worth noting that Nate James stayed for his entire game in the nightcap.
More on Deuce- He stands 6-3 and has blazing speed in making his moves like slashing through the lane. He is a quick leaper and a showboat dunker. He is very fast with the ball off the dribble and
Deuce Bello throws one of many dunks down
has a solid handle. His defense needs work as does his outside shot. He looks like a top ten player in the class of 2011. He handled PG for his team, but will fit more as a wing guard in college. I was able to watch a DVD of another game he wasx in and will break him down shortly. I look forward to seeing him again. [/private]
touched on the play, his chats with other Duke commitments and Harrison Barnes. Talk about it on our Blue Devil Nation Premium message board.
under the weather. The list also consists of, have they had off the court or personal issues, a look at the match up situations, whether they have familiarity or lack of in the environment they are playing in. I watch to see if they play consistently or if they turn it on when certain coaches are in attendance. I could go on for another 1000 words describing intangibles alone. That is but scratching the surface of the many things I look for when scouting a player.
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