Rasheed Sulamion will visit Cameron Indoor Stadium today where he'll take in the tonight's Duke versus Western Michigan game. Also attending the game with Rasheed will be his father and brother. Sulaimon played in the Holiday Invitational in Raleigh where he scored 21 points leading his Strake Jesuit to win and they'll head back to Texas having won one of three games. For the record, Sulaimon was playing with a virus but soldiered through and led his team in scoring. BDN Premium has this exclusive 1 on 1 interview with Sulaimon where he shares some interesting facts, including his game of horse with Matt Jones, another soon to be Blue Devil. [private]
Next up, well, you'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for being a BDN Premium member. [/private]
One of the more well known recruiting evaluators, Brick Oettinger took time to talk with BDN Premium about Duke prospects Theo Pinson and Jaquel Richmond. Oettinger is the long time recruiting columnist for the ACC Sports Journal, formerly known as the Poop Sheet and he is the evaluator for Prep Stars as well. If you are looking for meticulous notes, he's your man. Pinson and Richmond, super sophs, combined for 34 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists nd 8 steals leading their Wesleyan to a 69-54 win. Here is the video with Brick, an exclusive for BDN Premium [private] members -
There is a new name on the Duke radar and his name is Ricardo Gathers, a manly 6-7 presence in the post who hails from Louisiana where he plays for Riverside Academy. Gathers, who was set to go to St. John's but backed out of his verbal commitment and reopened the process. A couple of big name schools are now on him and Gathers tells us about that and much more in this one on one interview conducted by BDN correspondent Travis Boyd. And when asked of Duke, Gathers made it no secret that he hold immense respect for the program and that he is ... well, it all lies ahead. Remember, we are still running a 20% off special on a yearly membership to Blue Devil Nation Premium, where all the latest inside information awaits you as does our members only message board to discuss the latest. Just sign up for a year and we'll send you 20 bucks back through paypal. Isn't it time to see BDN Premium for yourself and see what others are talking about?
Suppose somebody had never seen you play before. How would you describe your game in your own words?
Very physical, a lock down on D. I'm a rebounding factor and I like playing with my teammates man and as I go, I know they go, so ...
What are you looking for in a program. What are some of the most important factors?
I want to play with somebody that is a winner and a coach who brings out the best in me and communicates with me and make me a better player.
What's your list of schools right now?
Baylor, Duke, N.C. State, Florida, LSU, St. Johns and USC and Cal.
Which schools or who has been the most aggressive in your recruitment of late? [private]
Billy Donovan of Florida and Duke.
Who have you talked to from Duke?
Um, I don't want to get his name wrong (smiling) Wojichowski ... I'm not sure how to say his name.
Wojciechowski?
Yeah, yeah, that's him.
So what do you like about Duke?
I mean, Duke you know, the tradition at Duke (upbeat) and they've developed many players at my position and they have one of the best coaches in America and the history in college basketball ... I mean, whats not to like about Duke?
So, do you sit down and take a look at the rosters of the teams recruiting you and look at say who is coming, leaving and such?
I definitely looking at the roster because I don;t want to go nowhere where I'm sitting for four years and stuff so, (smiling) yeah, I'm looking and analyzing what they need and find the best place for me.
Do you pattern your game after any player in the NBA or college?
(Pause) Uhm, no, not really. At this point I'm just mold myself to be my on type of player. I'm just trying to keep it together and keep working and be the best Ricardo Gathers that I can be.
With this being your senior year, what part of your game will you work on the rest of the year?
Being more efficient at both ends of the court. I mean yesterday, I couldn't always go all out on the offensive end because I knew I had to bring it on D. So that is definitely is what I am going to do and work on conditioning,
Do you have any visits set up in the near future?
I'm probably going to take a few visits in the upcoming year, like January or February. Probably mid January is when I will start some visits. I am going to definitely go down to Florida soon, Duke and N.C. State.
What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?
Most likely the 4 and the 3.
And who will help you make your decision when it comes time to pick a school?
The Holiday tournaments are in full swing from now until the new year and Blue Devil Nation Premium is representing. While I was covering the Blue Devils win over UNC-Greensboro laast evening, our newest deep south correspondent, Travis Boyd, was in Florida for the City of Plams event. We were simaltanously tweeting for BDN loves being in two places at once and on the scene of all things Duke.
Most of the information goes to BDN Premium, like our latest interview with Ricardo Gathers but here is a breakdown of last evenings action in the sunshine state -
Two of Duke's primary targets for 2012 and 2013 went off for big games tonight. Both played with a chip on their shoulder and were competitive with each other from the opening tip. Shabazz Muhammad faced off againat Julius Randle as Prestonwood took on Bishop Gorman. The entire Kentucky staff was in attendance for the game as were assistants from UConn, Michigan., Ohio State and Georgetown.
Randle was in aggressive mode hollering "all day" and "get off me" every time he would make a move to the basket. Muhammad woke up in the 2nd half, 4th quarter especially. He finished the game with 42 points and 5 rebounds and scored in every way imaginable, be it put-backs, big time dunks, jumpers, floaters, and hook shots. There is nothing Muhammad can't do on the offensive end.
Randle had an all around solid game with 26pts 10rbs and 5ast. Randle showed a much imporoved handle in this game and is developing a scary good jump shot off an at times dizzying crossover. As he displayed Saturday also, his ability to pass is far beyond other bigs in high school. He wowed the crowd by running the fast break a few times. Simply said, these prospects can play at another level that most.
In the end, Prestonwood scorec a big 72-63 win. The action continues today and live updates will be on the BDN Premium Members Message Board as they happen. Also coming are more interviews with key Duke prospects and talk of the national scene. Worth noting is the fact that another prospect, Jabari Parker went for a school record 40 points and 15 rebounds last evening.
So take advantage of our 20% off on a yearly rate which is our lowest price ever through Christmas and stay informed! At 80 bucks for the entire year and full site access, we are talking 22 cents a day here for some of the best information available and as always it's way ahead of the curve. Team BDN has assembled a very talented and in the know staff and we're ready to take you into the new year with us, so get off the fence and join today!
Key Duke prospect Jabari Parker - BDN Premium 1271 word recruting update posted.
The Holiday season is upon us and that means Duke Basketball plays just a couple of December games, but make no mistake, it is still a busy time. The Duke Men's Basketball staff will put in their frequent flyer miles and burn a little rubber as they hit the recruiting trail and BDN Premium brings you an update on the latest news.
Coach Krzyzewski and assistant coach Jeff Capel will be in Dallas, Texas today to watch Julius Randle, the nations #2 ranked player in the class of 2012. Duke will also see (1271 word update ahead for BDN Premium members) [private] Matt Jones, the shooting guard who just pledged to the Blue Devils. There is no mistaking the fact that Duke hopes Jones will help recruit the banging horse, Randle. And Rasheed Sulaimon may help there as well. As I have said in past updates, the Blue Devils covet Randle and think they can get him and Jabari Parker and that would be just magical for the fan base.
Speaking of Jabari Parker, the top rated player in his class that is now being compared to Kobe Bryant by some, the staff will watch him in Fayetteville this weekend. I have long maintained that I feel Duke is in incredibly good shape here and that they were in on Parker very early and have developed great relationships with the family. Duke will also take in the Beach Ball Classis in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they'll see him again at the end of this month. Parker will have his parents in tow this weekend and probably Myrtle Beach as well.
And speaking of the the Beach Ball Classic, one of two top recruits left for this season at this time, Tony Parker will be there. Duke continues to get good vibes from his camp, especially his parents who I have said for a long time now favor Duke. Parker is a stressful prospect for Duke fans in that the Blue Devils really need him and or have a place for him. I was the first to tell you that the December date was sketchy and that you cannot really go on what Parker says he'll do. And that means the old line, don't listen to what he says, but watch what he does. Parker is enjoying the process, a bit too much for most Duke fans taste for it makes little sense he would choose any situation but Duke for numerous reasons. Of course, they have on royal blue glasses as well but even the objective observer sees the best spot for him is in Durham. I still think he will end upo taking this until summer - late summer, so try and keep your composure and not go bad mouthing him in forums which could possibly damage the teams efforts.
Tyus Jones is a mature PG and leader - BDN Photo
We cannot leave out the top rated player in this seasons class, Shabazz Muhammad who will also be in Myrtle Beach. UCLA, once considered a strong leader is now third in my opinion and as I said a bit back, it will come down to Duke and Kentucky. His decision could hinge on Austin Rivers decision to go pro or stay at Duke, so this one as I have said all along will go to the podium the last day or so of the signing period in late summer. And it doesn't hurt to dream and think that both Parker and Bazz might choose Duke taking all of the build up stress away and making us all five years younger in the process. Muhammad could really flourish in the Duke system where I feel he would be more of a go-to guy than he would be at Kentucky.
Another Chicago are kid has caught the Blue Devils eye as well. Jalhill Okafor is a bruising type in the class of 2014 and stands 6-10 and weighs in at 280. Duke has mad in roads with him and they'll see him this weekend along with Jabari Parker. I am looking forward to reporting on his game as I focus in on him solely for the first time. He plays AAU ball for the Mac Irwin Fire and they at times have so many good players, that it is hard to focus in on one early in the circuit season.
Two players that will play at the former Glaxo event in Raleigh will be Rasheed Sulaimon, already signed with Duke and young Theo Pinson. Sulaimon will thrill the crowd for sure with his water bug like movement. He glides around the court with high energy and his on ball defense is much improved, making me think he can be a stopper at Duke. Our diary session kind of imploded due to his schedule, but he has said he will pick it up soon. Pinson is another 2014 kid that liked Duke growing up. He is an interesting wing that still seems to be growing at 6-5 and will likely be a small forward type in college, but he has good guard skills as well and like all Duke prospects, he has great character. Okay, I know what you are thinking about that statement, but be nice as I said up top, LOL.
Juilus Randle is a true banger in the paint.
The City of Palms, Texas, Vegas .... the Blue Devils staff will be seeing a lot of kids this month. Some of those will be individual visits to the likes of Tyus Jones and Austin Nichols. The Blue Devils fell in love with Jones last year and I had already been there in that he always stood out to me. During my last interview with Jones, I came away very impressed at his grounded maturity which is far ahead of his years. And that kind of maturity is what you seek in a point guard. Duke will be on this kid hard as will everybody else int he nation, but early returns are that he likes Coach K and Duke a lot. Austin Nichols is a 6-8 slender forward approaching 200 pounds that the Devils staff will check out individually. A lot of SEC schools are on the Tennessee native and a few from the Big East along with Butler. Nichols caught the Blue Devils eye but it is early on this one, so we'll call it an on going evaluation.
On the team front, Coach K is very pleased with the 9-1 start to the season and the staff will take measures to try an assure there is no burnout from the added stress of the China trip. There are a few nagging injuries (nothing major) but I only speak of them when announced and the team rarely does this. The staff will be watching a lot of film, so expect a few new wrinkles as the new year moves in. As I said, the plan is to redshirt Alex Murphy and Marshall Plumlee and this will be a good thing down the road for these will be seasoned and mature freshman. And yes, I played a bit of a game in mentioning lineup changes the other week and many got a chuckle out of other sites running with it in public. It pays to know Duke Basketball, wink-wink and to be a member of Blue Devil Nation Premium. Thanks for being a member guys and let's go Duke!
Talk about this article on the Blue Devil Nation Premium Message Board, a part of your membership package and please do not share, copy and past this information per user agreement. There will be more news to follow in an addendum I will add to this update and we'll be on prospect hard. This is where you will get an idea of what Blue Devil Nation Premium is all about. [/private]
The Duke Men's Basketball team pushed their record to 9-1 this past week with a wins over Colorado State and Washington while the football coaches secured three verbal commitments on the recruiting trail. That's a pretty solid week and thus we begin this weeks Monday Musing's.
The win over Washington
I personally thought it was a good win and a learning experience for a young team but many found fault in the win. Of course, we are talking message boards here and everybody, no matter who you are has an occasional melt down. Yes, the Huskies staged a comeback late in the game but Duke built a sizable lead which didn't allow the comeback to take hold, I mean come on critics, a three pointer at the buzzer cut it to six for the Huskies and who actually thought in reality that Duke was going to lose that lead? Now granted, the comeback is a lesson to a young team on how to close a game but I just find no major negatives in this win. In fact, with Austin Rivers and Seth Curry on the bench it forced young players into action on the big stage of Madison Square Garden and that to me is a positive learning experience. So, I don't get the criticism unless you want to win by 20 every time out. And no knock on my man Mason Plumlee, who struggled at the free throw stripe, but had he hit half of those the lead would have been much larger and that is a single intangible.
A work in progress
What fans need to remember is that this Duke team is a work in progress and is 9-1 against the toughest early schedule in the nation! Coach Krzyzewski is bringing this team along just as he has others and to succeed in March it takes both improvement and luck. The Blue Devils seem to be just below a tier of four or five teams, but there is not one of those teams that Duke could not beat on a given night, so that is something to hang your hat on. The Blue Devils lost Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler and to some extent Kyrie Irving, so this team is developing it's leaders and Coach has said from day one, different players will step up. You know, I use to make fun of the UNC fan base at times for complaining when Dean Smith was there, but the Blue Devil fan base is right there now, demanding perfection when they've only come to expect it from mad success. So, sit back and enjoy this years team develop and for the record they've pretty darn good.
Austin Rivers named rookie of the week
Austin Rivers averaged a team-high 17.5 points per game in leading seventh-ranked Duke to wins over Colorado State and Washington. The Winter Park, Fla., freshman guard was 11-of-22 from the field, including 5-of-10 from three-point range, and 8-of-10 from the foul line for the week, while also adding 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He scored a team-high 17 points in Duke’s 87-64 win over Colorado State Wednesday. In Saturday’s 86-80 victory over Washington, Rivers tallied a team-high 18 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes of action.
So, you think December will be slow with just two games, huh?
Duke does not play again until a week from today against UNC-Greensboro at home and then Western Michigan on the day before new years eve. Yep just two games, but it is December and that means high school basketball tournaments fro Raleigh to Myrtle Beach and we'll certainly bring you some coverage. We'll discuss this further shortly, but you can bet you will hear from the likes of Rasheed Sulaimon and other targets.
Football Recruiting has a big day
Coach Cutcliffe hit the road the day after the loss to UNC as did his whole staff. And that's not just speak on our part, they are beating the road hard trying to improve the talent base. As BDN's football guru reported yesterday, the Blue Devils have three new verbals and one in particularly excites me. Check out this link - Football gains three verbals
Rasheed Sulamion will visit Cameron Indoor Stadium today where he'll take in the tonight's Duke versus Western Michigan game. Also attending the game with Rasheed will be his father and brother. Sulaimon played in the Holiday Invitational in Raleigh where he scored 21 points leading his Strake Jesuit to win and they'll head back to Texas having won one of three games. For the record, Sulaimon was playing with a virus but soldiered through and led his team in scoring. BDN Premium has this exclusive 1 on 1 interview with Sulaimon where he shares some interesting facts, including his game of horse with Matt Jones, another soon to be Blue Devil. [private]
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