Tag Archives: Coach K

The Duke Blue Devils men’s team celebrate their 2009 accomplishments

April 28, 2009 Mark Watson

poauluss The Duke Men's Basketball Awards Banquet was held this past Friday evening in Cameron Indoor Stadium and serves as a season ending celebration. For those in attendance there is that feeling of being a part of the team as you listen the seniors give emotional and personal speeches. The voice of the Blue Devils, Bob Harris, got the evening started and he soon gave way to Athletic Director Kevin White.

White made it quite clear that Mike Krzyzewski had been a big factor when he interviewed for the job and ultimately left Notre Dame. It was clear that White realized K's accomplishments as he presented him with the Amos Alonzo Stagg trophy.

Krzyzewski took to the podium, where he acknowledged appreciation for the crowd that gathered and looked out adoringly to his family, introducing each and every one in one fell swoop. His family has always played a big role in the awards banquets, coming up with themes and video highlights features for the seniors and assigning each their own individual song.

Just in front of Krzyzewski's table sat the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Champions trophy and he let everybody know of how proud he was of that accomplishment. We should all recognize that Duke won thirty games against a schedule ranked number one in the RPI and that, when the chips were down after a loss to Boston College, masterful adjustments led to the ACC crown and a number two seed in the NCAA Tournament.

This was, after all, a new staff with the addition of Nate James and the departure of Johnny Dawkins to Stanford. Not only did Dawkins leave, but so did Mike Scragge, the head of basketball operations. K's son-in-law, Chris Spatola, took over that job and Chris Carrawell came aboard as well and both may be in line to coach one day.

The point is that Duke persevered by making changes before and after the season. With a team that had no dominant center and a point guard by committee, this w,as in my opinion, one of Coach K and his staff's finer jobs. Had the average fan been given the opportunity to take the aforementioned thirty wins, ACC title and Sweet 16 going into this season, I'm pretty sure they would have said, fine by me.

But Krzyzewski knows that it takes players to perform and he was quick to thank them for the experience of coaching them and this was genuine adoration, not just coach-speak. He then gave way to his assistant coaches who handed out individual awards where Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson were named MVP's.

Coach Collins was his perpetually exuberant self as he handed out each award, and Wojo limped to the stage on a crutch due to recently suffering an ACL injury in a pick-up game. Nate James made his first appearance and some of the players mentioned how good it was to have a guy like him around. Heck, Coach K even called him "Nate Dogg," as the crowd let out laughter.

But despite funny cracks all the way around, it may have been Marty Pocius who stole the show. He alluded to the fact that his first roommate left for Arizona State and then his second to California and wondered out loud, is it me? He then mentioned that both went a long way west to get away. Pocius then stated that he was assigned a walk-on for a roommate the next season.

Marty also joked of his language curve and how hard it was for a Lithuanian to learn English. "I'd be sitting around in the locker room and be listening to a joke and everybody would start laughing. By the time I caught up with it and laughed they had moved on to the next joke."

After each senior spoke, Krzyzewski would finish up with some comments and introduce the next one in line. When he came to Dave McClure, he stated that he just got a text from Matt Christensen with his well wishes. This again brought a laugh from the crowd for Christensen had a longer stint at Duke than, well, anybody. McClure's injuries made it seem like he was here for almost as long. Even Pocius jokingly referred to him as "Uncle McClure."

But when Dave was at the podium flashbacks of one of the most selfless players in Duke history filled my head. They, of course, showed that awesome shot to win the game versus Clemson a bit later in his tribute video.

When it was time for Greg Paulus to have his turn, Krzyzewski showed the highest admiration, reminiscing on when he recruited him and how tough he was. While he certainly didn't mention some of his detractors, he made sure that all knew that during Greg's four years that Duke went 112-28, which averaged out to 28 wins a season.

Paulus was grateful for the comments and walked off the round stage with the dignity of a champion, an ACC Champion. It's not often that a three year starter can accept a new role for the betterment of his team, and Paulus gave his heart and soul to Duke during his four years.

During some of the awards, a hoot or holler if you will, rang out for Gerald Henderson to stay. But those in the know realized that the talented "G" or Hendo was just hours before he was to announce that he would be entering the NBA Draft.

I suppose some would have liked to hear a farewell speech from Gerald, but this night is traditionally set aside for seniors. While I certainly hope Henderson will return, my sources say he is likely gone and Duke fans should not hold that against him for he served the royal blue well.

Maybe that's why Krzyzewski didn't really talk as much about next season as he has in past events, but maybe he just wanted these kids to enjoy their championship. Before the hall of fame coach made his final trip to the podium, the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Champions banner fell from above and K stood under it to applause from the diehard fans who were there.

He then called his team up and, once they settled together, the championship trophy was hoisted high by Brian Zoubek as the circular stage turned so all the crowd could see. It was a proud moment for all and the smiling faces of the players, the fans and family alike is what makes this event special. Quite simply, it was a celebration of accomplishments, and the history books will always have Duke crowned the 2009 ACC Champs.

Men's Banquet Photo Gallery is located in the menu to your right.
2008-09 Duke Men's Basketball Award Winners (courtesy GoDuke.com)

Swett-Baylin Award (Most Valuable Player): Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler
Dr. Deryl Hart Award (Top Scholar-Athlete): Greg Paulus
Glenn E. "Ted" Mann, Jr., Award (Reserve Contributing Most to Team Morale): Elliot Williams
Coach's Award (Player Exemplifying the Commitment and Values of Duke Basketball): Lance Thomas
Iron Dukes Award (Most Minutes Played): Jon Scheyer
Bill Krzyzewski Captains' Awards: Gerald Henderson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer
Best Field Goal Percentage Award: Gerald Henderson
Best Rebounding Average Award: Kyle Singler
Best Free Throw Percentage Award: Jon Scheyer
Most Assists Award: Jon Scheyer
Best Defensive Player Award: Gerald Henderson
Gopal Varadhan Senior Manager Award: Joey McMahon, Griffin Tormey
Harry Rainey Spirit Award: Elise Rose
Charles Hogan Memorial Band Award: John Roelofs

Duke Basketball

Tri MVP’s named during the Duke Basketball Awards Banquet

April 25, 2009 Duke Sports Information

Team celebrated the 2009 ACC Championship

DURHAM, N.C. – The trio of Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler shared the Swett-Baylin Award for Most Valuable Player at the annual Duke Men’s Basketball banquet on Friday night in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Henderson, a Wooden Award All-America and first team All-ACC choice, also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award, True Blue Award for most charges drawn (20), the Best Field Goal Percentage (.450) and Best Defensive Player.

Scheyer, the ACC Tournament MVP, also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award, the Iron Duke Award for most minutes played (1,214), the Best Free Throw Percentage (.836) and the Most Assists (102). He has recorded the best free throw percentage in all three of his seasons at Duke.

Singler, a second team All-ACC selection and 2K Sports Classic MVP, had the Best Rebounding Average with 7.7 rebounds per game. It is the second straight season he has posted the top rebounding average.

Senior Greg Paulus was named an Academic All-America for the second straight year and received the Dr. Deryl Hart Award as the top scholar-athlete. He has been named the top scholar athlete in each of the last two seasons. He also received the Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Award for the second time in his career.

The Glenn E. “Ted” Mann, Jr., Award, which is given to a reserve who contributes the most to team morale, was delivered to freshman Elliot Williams. The Coach’s Award for a player exemplifying the commitment and values of Duke Basketball was given to Lance Thomas.

Three other awards were handed out Friday night. Joey McMahon and Griffin Tormey received the Gopal Varadhan Senior Manager Award, Elise Rose was given the Harry Rainey Spirit Award and John Roelofs was the recipient of the Charles Hogan Memorial Band Award.

2008-09 Duke Men's Basketball Award Winners

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Basketball Recruiting – John Wall reschedules his visit to Duke

April 22, 2009 Mark Watson

misc-challenge-0651 John Wall was to have met with Coach Mike Krzyzewski this evening but that visit has been postponed by both parties until next week. At last word, Wall will leave for Miami tomorrow. Wall met briefly today when John Calipari was in Raleigh to see C.J. Leslie.

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

With rumors flying, BDN Premium gets the facts from John Wall himself

April 3, 2009 Mark Watson

There has been quite a bit of buzz on various message boards about John Wall contacting North Carolina Coach Roy Williams, or was it the other way around? The news traveled through the Duke, UNC and Kentucky forums at warp speed, each poster giving it more of a spin until the rumor mill was spinning like a tornado.

Wow! First, it was John Calapari's leaving Memphis for Kentucky, many of their fans claiming Wall was a package deal. Today, it was UNC's turn, despite the fact they are on the verge of a semi-final game in the Final Four. I made a few calls and got a different take from each person, almost as if they were making it up as they go.

I finally opened the Blue Devil Nation Premium Message Board and the sky was falling. I then saw that the News and Observer had talked to Wall's AAU Coach, Brian Clifton, about the situation, but he hadn't talked to Wall. What was left to do in order to figure this whirlwind out? Of course, talk to John himself, and that's what I did. So, here is the latest from the horse's mouth. And as always, BDN Premium just deals in the facts. That said, here they are -[private]

Wall had just finished a day at school where he is trying to close out the academic year in a strong way. Other than that, he is preparing for the Nike and the Jordan Brand Classic All Star Games.

It sounds like a lot has been going on today. The message boards at Duke, Kentucky and UNC are buzzing. I have heard that either you contacted UNC Coach Roy Williams or that he contacted you.

Did I contact him?

Yes ...

No, he contacted me.

When did that call take place?

Last night.

Can you talk of what he had to say? Was he getting involved in your recruitment or showing interest?

He really didn't say too much. He just said he wanted to call and keep in contact, but it's nothing major right now. We were just talking, he hasn't said he was interested yet. He is just getting ready for the Final Four and all that.

So, is there any truth that you contacted anyone at UNC to have him call you?

No sir.

Okay, just trying to get the facts straight. Will you likely talk to Roy Williams after the Final Four?.

Uh, that's what I am hop ... (cut short) that's what I think we are looking to do. But like I said, I don't really put too much into what's going on. He just called and that's basically it.

Has UNC been a school you had been interested in? Did you grow up a UNC fan?

I liked them like any other school that's around like Duke and N.C. State. I liked all those schools.

Do you feel as if UNC is getting in late at this point, or is this good timing?

I don't really know (obviously thinking about the question). I don't know if they are really in it or not, they just call and that's it.

Duke has made inroads and Kentucky is on the verge of making a push, is it odd to you in any way that Williams calls after these developments?

I don't know. I think he (Roy) just called to see how I was doing. If he calls back and we talk, I can let you know more about it, but all we had was a quick conversation. He asked how I was doing and that was basically it.

Have you had a chance to talk with John Calipari yet?

Naw, he called me the other night but I was asleep, so I will call him back today.

But you have been staying in touch with his assistant coaches that will likely follow him to Lexington?

Yes sir.

When is the last time you talked to Duke?

It was the day of the McDonald Game. I talked with Coach K.

How did that go?

We were just getting to know each other better?

What are your overall feelings about Duke at this point?

I think it's a great school, you know.

And N.C. State? Have you talked with them?

Um, they're still in there.

Have you been able to talk with Brian Clifton or anybody else since all these happenings?

No, not really. I'm just get ready for the Nike Hoops and Jordan game.

Are you still targeting the Jordan Brand game for a decision?

No. That's not going to be when I announce my decision anymore.

What's on your agenda next in regards to recruiting?

Probably taking a trip to Miami. I will make my decision shortly after that.

How many official visits have you actually been on?

Three.

You have one more visit besides Miami that you can still take. Is it fair to say that might be used for Kentucky?

I don't know yet, it could be reserved for anybody. I really don't know, you know.

But UNC would be like Duke in that you wouldn't necessarily have to take an official visit?

Yes sir.

Was it exciting that Roy called you and would you be willing to let them in?

I really don't know yet, we just have to talk about it. It's really like any other coach calling you. Carolina is a great school and he's a good coach, but I didn't really get all that excited, they are just like any other school.

I remember talking to your AAU and Word of God coach and they seem perturbed that UNC never really looked at you in a serious way early on. Is it fair to say that UNC never really came around until now?

They didn't really recruit me really hard , so ..,

Which school has been recruiting you the longest?

N.C. State.

Where to from here?

Just trying to finish school strong before the break and that's about it.

Thanks, for helping me get the facts straight and good luck in the coming all star games.

Yes sir, no problem. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Wall caught off guard by the Calapari news – “It helps Duke a lot”

March 30, 2009 Mark Watson

john-wall John Wall was just hours removed from a meeting with Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski and, if you are a member, you know it went very well. One would think the nation's top point guard prospect could soak that in for 24 hours before an interruption, but that was not the case on Monday evening when reports indicated Memphis Coach John Calipari was about to leave Memphis.

It could be just hours before Calipari signs a 35.5 million dollar contract that will make him the nation's highest paid college basketball coach. A ripple effect is now in play with some of the nation's top recruits with Calipari being Kentucky bound. Already, Memphis prospects are taking the necessary measures to get out of their verbal commitments.

But the player Duke fans are concerned about is John Wall, who had Memphis listed as his favorite. Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up with Wall just before he watched former D-One teammate Ryan Kelly win the three-point shooting contest, and another Dukie, Mason Plumlee, threw down some sweet dunks in the McDonald's game.

There was a time when Wall dreamed of playing in the McDonald's All Star game, but a new rule change had a dire effect on schools with fifth year players. It was America which lost out on its chance to see the point guard who goes east to west or north to south quicker than anybody in the country. But while somewhat upset about it, John has focused in on the big picture.

"I'm kind of upset I'm not playing, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm just happy to have what I've got. I'm happy for the guys that made it, but I'm not mad at anyone because I didn't make it. It's tough that I have seen so many fifth year seniors play in the game, but they just made that new rule this year."

The news on John Calipari caught Wall off guard today, but he is now processing what is likely to soon happen, "I haven't [private] talked to him (Calipari) yet, I guess it's just part of business. He has to do what is best for him." As this goes to press, the announcement is not official, but sources say Calipari is meeting with boosters to push a former Memphis assistant. Others think Memphis is making one last push, but I will trust my source on this one.

There has already been a lot of scuttlebutt in the Big Blue Nation concerning Wall. Many feel that Kentucky may now be a player for his services, "I was considering them a long time ago. I will look into it if he (Calipari) gets the job."

But what effect has all this had on the Blue Devils' hopes of signing the point guard they covet? When asked if this pending announcement would help Duke, Wall calmly stated, "It helps Duke a lot."

While that sounds pretty good in the ears of Duke fans, it would still be wise to just let this situation play out. Today's events prompted him to mention that he had another meeting scheduled with Krzyzewski this week.

"I learned some good things on my visit to Durham. He told me some things I didn't already know. He felt like I could come in and help the team right away and that he could make me a better player," said Wall.

Krzyzewski showed Wall highlights of Jason Williams and Chris Duhon and told Wall that he could help the team be better. " He told me that he could make me a player so I could be one and done and that he wasn't going to try to hold me back."

When asked how Memphis told him he would be used, Wall said, "Let me play my game, basically just let me be John Wall. Duke said the same thing, that they just wanted me to be me."

"Memphis was the favorite, but we'll just have to see all that goes down and stuff," said Wall. When asked if Calipari stays would he still feel good about them, he said "Yeah, I'd feel pretty good about them."

I think it's somewhat safe to say that Duke has made up a lot of ground with Wall, especially if Calipari goes to Kentucky. But one of the more telling quotes came when I asked him to talk about Baylor and N.C. State. Wall said, "Um, naw ... I just talk to them sometimes and still consider them a little bit."

That comment could assure one that Duke is in a very good position, one which many couldn't fathom just a month ago. Duke missed on Kenny Boynton, who they remained faithful to after offering. After that offer Boynton expected them to keep a spot open, but that sidetracked the Devils' effort in the end.

Once that happened, Duke started to track Wall, a player they had kept an eye on throughout the process. Wall now has a chance to take the keys to the machine that is Duke Basketball. It's seems to be a pretty good match, but only time will tell. Unlike the Boynton ordeal, Duke will know the answer within a few weeks.

My call - There have been many who have questioned John Wall from unfounded rumors, but I can tell you that this young man handles himself in a polite manner every time I've seen him. One has to remember that this is a player who has been crowned the best and it took a bit of growth along the way, but it all came to fruition.

My analysis is that Duke is in better shape than they have ever been with John Wall and reports I'm getting say that Brian Clifton was impressed by the visit. Clifton already has one player in a Duke uniform, that being Ryan Kelly. "Kelly and Wall made each other! They both made each other better while playing for D-One," said Clifton during the Carolina Challenge.

It certainly doesn't hurt Duke if a door opens up with D-One, for there are other talented players coming down the pike. That group includes Bishop Daniels and Deuce Bello who BDN interviewed over the weekend. We have a backlog of information which we will get out as time allows. One thing to watch out for is Kentucky making a heavy play for Wall, though they will be decimated by departures and have few offers available. But, knowing the Cats, they will somehow make some additional room.

Wall will leave for the Nike Hoop Summit on April the 8th and the game will take place on the 11tth. Once that is done, he will participate in the Jordan Brand All Star Game and will likely make his decision at that time.

It's a busy time around here and BDN Premium is red hot! New members now know what others have for a good while -- we truly stay ahead of the curve. This site will never be outworked in bringing you accurate and timely information. So, tell your pals about us a for this site is growing daily and is second to none in a very short time. The best is yet to come. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN talks to John Wall about his visit with Coach K, “It was great!”

March 29, 2009 Mark Watson

Wall posed for BDN at last years TOC event

John Wall was able to sit down with Coach Mike Krzyzewski on Sunday evening. Wall is the nation's top point guard prospect, and he will be making one of the biggest decisions in his young life by April 30th. Blue Devil Nation Premium spoke to Wall about his visit and the first thing said was, "It was great," when questioned about the visit. [private]

Wall visited with his Mom and AAU Coach Brian Clifton of D-One Sports. The three of them arrived around 6:00 and he talked to Coach K just over an hour. "A lot of people have told me a lot of things about him (Coach K) and he wasn't exactly what I expected, but I got to see for myself," said Wall of Krzyzewski. Wall continued, "He told me how he would use me in his system and I like what I heard."

When asked if he could see himself in a Duke uniform running the show, Wall exclaimed, "Yes, I can see that." The visit was a long time coming and many were starting to wonder if it would ever take place. Wall said that he was able to tour the basketball facilities and that they were really nice. "I felt comfortable and really liked what I saw," said Wall.

I asked if Wall had discussed the visit with his Mom and Clifton and he replied, "I really haven't had a chance to sit down and discuss it yet." Wall did say that Clifton thought it was a great place. He mentioned that he would be concentrating on the Nike Hoop Summit and that he may have taken all of his visits, which pretty much means Miami is out. "Right now, my list is still the same," said Wall.

Wall was very upbeat during the conversation, but stopped short of saying he was offered. "Well, not really, but I think it's there. I know it's there if I wanted to come. I'm pretty sure it's there." It was clear that John was still processing the visit, but for all those who think he is not taking the Blue Devil's seriously, think again. "The visit definitely helped, I feel better about them after talking with Coach K."

When asked what was the best part of the visit, Wall stated, "Just being able to sit down and talk to Coach K."

The Blue Devil Nation was the first to report of the pending visit and you can bet we'll keep you informed. With the Curry addition and good vibes coming from Wall's visit, this has been a good day for Duke. I will have more on this article on the message board. NEW MEMBERS - Be sure to register for the members only message board. If you are not up and running within 8 hours, drop us a line. If you use a different e-mail address than on your paypal account, it may not stand out. We have to manualy check off members as they join for we cannot keep non-members from registering at this time. I will have more on the visit by noon tomorrow. We will also bring you some news and quotes on from 2011 kids on the radar. [/private]