Tag Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Basketball

BDN Monday Musings – Football is on a roll, Basketball season is upon us, recruiting news

In this week's Monday Musings column I speak of the Blue Devils going to 3-2 on the gridiron entering the bye week.  And then there is basketball as the season is here once again.  We also share a couple of links with concerns to two big hoops recruits in Mitch McGary and Shabazz Muhammad and then talk of the character of the players in both basketball and football.

Duke Football goes into the bye week 3-2

The Blue Devils were quite resilient coming back 10 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat Florida International on the road.  The last few minutes of the game featured a forced fumble and recovery, followed by a six yard romp into the end zone.  The Blue Devils defense would then bend again, only to tighten up in the red zone where they took over on downs and allowed the offense to run out the clock.  Going into the bye week on a three game winning streak should help this young football team as they continue to gain confidence in their abilities.  If Duke played Richmond tomorrow, they'd win by three touchdowns.  Thankfully, Duke has opened up the offense since then and it is paying off.  Wins is what the program needs and Cutcliffe is starting to deliver them.  The remainder of the schedule is tough, but with a few breaks, maybe, just maybe ... okay, let's take it one game at a time.  For exclusive post game interviews, check out our coverage from Miami.

Basketball is upon us!

Hoops casts a huge shadow over the Duke Campus year round and in less than two weeks I will attend media day at Duke which opens the season for our full throttle coverage.  A few days after that, it's off to ACC Operation Basketball in Charlotte.  We got a glimpse of the Blue Devils early on during the Friendship Games, but we'll have to wait and see how Coach Krzyzewski has decided to use his team.  Duke in no way showed their hand on the trip and it's always fun to see what Coach comes up with in that he always uses his team's strengths to their benefit.

Countdown to Craziness

Tickets are sold out for this yearly event and if you're a Duke fan this is an experience that should be on your bucket list.  The evening is a celebration of the Duke Basketball program that features much more than play on the court.  The dunk contests are always fun, but the video skits are also a riot.  Then there are the introductions of each player to the roar of hoop-starved Duke fans and of course, Coach K addresses the Crazies.  It's a royal blue rush of an evening that is sure to leave you flushed with energy.  And a hint to those who don't have tickets, look for some released at the last moment, and most people outside seem to get in.  In short, come on out and you will probably get in.

Mitch McGary and Shabazz Muhammad

Here are two links, the first being a diary offering from Mitch McGary where he shares the latest on his recruitment.  After a read, you will realize that Duke is battling Michigan for his services.  But before many freak out, my suggestion is to let it play out.  Unfortunately, McGary addresses the rumor about a silent verbal to Duke.  Thanks to some irresponsible twitter types, this bad rumor spread like wildfire.  It's more of a testament to listen to people that have been around for a long time and have a track record.  While I'm at it, I hope fan bases realize they can hurt recruiting efforts with over the top contact to these young men.  And here is the latest interview from Shabazz Muhammad from my pals at a UCLA site.

Captains Ryan Kelly and Miles Plumlee

During last seasons untimely loss to Arizona, I spoke with Doreen Kelly about her son, Ryan.  She referred to Ryan as wine in that he gets better with age. Well, she is on to something for Kelly is looking like he's ready to make the leap to possibly being a star this season.  His work ethic and willingness to do what it takes for the team to win made him a perfect choice for captain.  And then there is Miles Plumlee, a senior poised to have a monster final season.  Plumlee will show off his physical maturity this season and I can see games where he will be the rock for a young team.  I'm excited and happy for both of these young men for earning the honor.  And I almost forgot, Miles senior day game will be the last game of the regular season verus North Carolina in Cameron.

True Blue Character

As most of you know, I cover the Duke beat both in basketball and football.  I can tell you from experience that the kids in both programs possess high character and that is something to be celebrated.   It's a whole lot easier to root your guys on when you know they are truly good young men.  This also speaks to the way both programs recruit, so if you're a young prospect that wants to come to Duke, you know what they're looking for.

Next up, Florida State

The Noles will roll into Wallace Wade Stadium in two weeks eager to put two early season losses behind them.  It's always a show when the big programs come to town and this game will be a good measuring stick for Duke.  With a week more to prepare, Duke could come up with a few new wrinkles and they will most certainly need them against this team.  But they also need a good turnout.  After winning three straight games, fans hanging on the fence or laying on the couch need to turnout.  This is a young team that played their hearts out lately and they deserve some noise.  Besides, it is the day after Countdown for Craziness, so why not make the trek to Durham for a Duke double header!

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Offers Rolling in for Matt Jones – will visit Countdown to Craziness

Matt Jones is a 6-5 shooting guard out of the state of Texas where he plays for DeSota High School.  Jones soared up the rankings while playing with his AAU team, the Texas Titans over the summer.  Jones is a a flat out dangerous outside shooter who nails down the three ball on a regular basis.  The Blue Devils offered Jones after Coach K and his staff took a look at him at the Peach Jam in Augusta, South Carolina.  Jones was very excited about the offer at that time and he is looking forward to attending Countdown to Craziness in a couple of weeks.  Since the Duke offer, a lot of other schools starting making their moves.  We are talking the likes of Arizona, Kansas and North Carolina here, so it is safe to say, Jones will not slip under the radar again.  BDN spoke with Jones recently and we discussed the schools recruiting him and his thoughts on them among many other things.  Here is the latest BDN Premium offering for members.

The last time we spoke was during the Peach Jam in July.  What have you been doing since that time?

Since then I've just been going to school and doing the work and working out with my high school team.  I have been trying to get stronger, more explosive, things like that.

What kind of team will DeSoto put on the court this year?  Do you have a lot of guys back?

We should be very experienced with a bunch of seniors. I have confidence in that they know what they are doing, so we should have a pretty good team this year and be contenders for the state title.

Now, your projected position at the college level is the off guard.  What position do you play in high school?

In high school, I am sometimes a [private] wing guard, but we play a four guard system and I will play the four.

Can you list the schools that are recruiting you the hardest?

Kansas, Duke , Florida, Arizona, Baylor, just a lot of teams.  North Carolina, Arkansas, teams like that.

What about Kansas?  Can you talk about what you like about them?

I really like Kansas.  Coach Self has been in a couple of times to see me, so they are really good, I oculd see myself going there.

Arizona?

Same, just the same.  Coach Miller is really cool and I like where the team is headed.

How about the other schools listed?

With North Carolina, Coach Williams just tells me what he's done with players as for Baylor, I really like their coaching staff with Coach Drew, Coach Mills.  Like with Texas, it's kind of like the home school.

How many of these schools have offered you?

All of them.

When did UNC start recruiting you?

They came in the first or second day they could. Coach Williams and Coach Robinson.  Coach Williams called and offered me and it was a great honor.

Do you talk with other prospects?

I talk to Kasey Hill a lot.

Do you two discuss possibly playing with each other?

Yes sir.  Of course.

I know from past discussions that you are big on faith, playing for an AAU team where it is the center piece.  Can you speak to that and how it helps you?

In life it helps me to make the right decision and gives me more confidence in that I am doing what God wants me to do.  It gives me more things to play for and I want to give God all my glory.  It just makes me work harder and gets me through things people don't want to do.

You were 6-4 last time we spoke.  Any changes there?

Yes, I'm 6-5, 190 now.

Do you have a favorite basketball memory?

My favorite basketball memory was probably during my freshman year at DeSoto High School and it was a rivalry game in district and I hit the game winning three.

Okay, you know I run a Duke site but we like to try and remain objective around here.  What do you think of Duke?

Duke is great, a great school. Coach K is just a really great person on and off the court, a great mentor and he's really cool.  I'm really looking forward to going there for Countdown to Craziness and see the campus and social life and atmosphere.  I can definitely see myself going to Duke.

And you will soon be on the Duke campus for Countdown to Craziness ..

I am looking forward to it.  So many people have told me about it and how crazy it is.

Do you speak with any Duke players or prospects?

I talk to Rasheed (Sulaimon) a lot, but not any current players.

What is your basketball dream?

My basketball dream is to get my education doing something I love in playing basketball.  But first, getting a scholorship and going somewhere where I can play for championships and hopefully go to the next level.

What kind of staff do you like?  Easy going, serious or intense, etc.

I mean, I have experienced two coaching styles.  In AAU, it's a laid-back style and in high school it's more yelling at you ... I am used to both of them.  As long as the coach has the my best interest at heart as a player and person.

And who will help you make a decision on where you will play your collegiate career?

My parents, AAU coaches and high school coaches.

Tell me something about Matt Jones that most people wouldn't know.

I always wanted to sing so ... (laughs) Some people say I get on their nerves, but that's the way I let it out, so ...

And what do you like to sing?

I like singing Beyonce and other stuff.  Whatever I have going at that time.

Thanks for your time Matt and good luck with the process and finding the right school for you.

Thank you. [/private]

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2014 Stud, Jahlil Okafor picks up Duke offer – Updated

The Duke Basketball staff is on the road as you learned in out latest recruiting update and BDN has confirmed that an official offer was made to Jahlil Okafor, a 6-9 sophomore center who plays for  Whiney Young High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Blue Devil Nation Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater gives you the low down on Jahlil Okafor below and if you like what you read, you will love how informed Blue Devil Nation Premium is.  What are you waiting for?  Join in on the fun as a member now!

“For of those to whom much is given, much is required”
-President John F. Kennedy

Jahlil Okafor is a 6’10″ rising sophomore from the North Side of Chicago. In the Gold Medal game of the 16U FIBA Americas, the fifteen year-old was perfect from the floor and finished with eighteen points and fourteen rebounds against Argentina. This was the culmination of months of preparation. Okafor had spent countless hours refining his low-post skills and shedding some baby fat in order to be able to both make the final cut and ultimately contribute to the USA 16s team.

Although one of the youngest members of the team, Jahlil wound up finishing second on the team in rebounds (9.2 rpg) and third in points (14.6 ppg), while leading the team in shooting, both free throw (82.6%) and field goal (71%). His Mac Irvin teammate and friend, FIBA Americas MVP Jabari Parker, was on hand to celebrate the moment with him on the court in Mexico.

Okafor had a solid freshman year on the varsity team at Whitney Young, a magnet school that is the alma mater of First Lady Michelle Obama, the NBA veteran Quentin Richardson, and the directors of the Matrix, the Wachowski brothers. Jahlil was reportedly offered a scholarship to DePaul as an eighth grader at Rosemont Elementary School by their former interim coach, Tracy Webster. Since then, Okafor, a passionate Bulls fan, has received college scholarship offers from high-major programs across the country.

In late May, the decision was made to advance the fifteen year-old Jahlil to Mac Irvin’s 17U team in order to give more of a post presence for Nike’s EYBL wing in Los Angeles. Like a duck taking to water, he was a natural in his game against the physical 6’8″ senior Elijah Macon and All-Ohio Red. His advanced footwork, size, and developing low-post game have helped him hold his own against significantly older players at the LeBron James Skills Academy and the Peach Jam.

After losing his mother in the third grade, the focused and gregarious big man has been raised by his father Chukwudi “Chuck” Okafor and helped out by his aunt, Dr. Chinyere Okafor-Conley, an assistant principal at Penn Elementary School in Chicago. Education is a major point of emphasis in the family and was the primary factor in Jahlil’s decision to select the academically challenging school, Whitney Young.

For more, join BDN Premium for full site access.

 

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2013 Prospect Troy Williams recaps visits to Duke and UNC

Prospect Troy Williams is a budding prospect coming up in the Boo Williams AAU system.  In fact, Boo Williams is his Uncle and is playing a huge role in offering him suggestions and guidance.  Williams is long and lanky and has a nose for the basket early on and his length allows him to hit passing lanes on the defensive end.  While still a somewhat streaky shooter, Williams has plenty of time to work on that part of his game. Almost all the rankings have Williams listed among the best in the class of 2013 and suitors are starting to call on a regular basis.  Williams speaks to BDN about a recent visit to the Triangle where he stopped in at UNC before heading to Duke.  He also gives us a list of schools chasing him the hardest in this BDN Premium interview.

How would you describe your game for those who've yet to see you play?

Explosive, high flying and you never know what's going to happen next.

The last time I checked in with you, you were pushing  6-7, is that still the case?

I'm closing in on 6-8 and still growing.

Tell me about how you progressed and became listed as one of the nations top players? [private]

After my ninth grade year  on varsity, I didn't play that much, getting like 15 or 20 minutes and in the spring I just got  in the gym.  That's what actually motivated me and my Uncle (Boo Williams) pushed me along.  I didn't get as much playing time as a ninth grader that I was told I would, so I just went out and worked harder.  I was on the 16 under team and then got noticed, so I moved up and played with the 17's and my name got out there even more.  During my sophomore year I added more skills and my athleticism got better and it is just all coming together now.

You play the passing lanes well, with your length.  Do you like playing defense?

I like to block the shot and get the team off on a fast break.  I play the passing lanes the same way.

Would you rather have a blocked shot for a win or a dunk?

I would say the winning block.

What are you like to do when you are not balling?

Eating.  I love eating and then hang out, watching You Tube, playing video games and T.V.  I just like hanging out.

Who will help you make a decision on where you play  in college?

My Uncle Boo and my Aunt Sadie.

Have you made any unofficial visits of late?

Two weekends ago I came back from the UNC and Duke campus, so those were my first two unofficial visits.

Tell me how the UNC visit went.

I was able to play in the open gym with their basketball team.  I got to eat at their tailgate with them and watch some of the football game.  It was real good and a nice campus.  Their history is amazing.  I can see them in the future being in my favorites.

What about Duke?

It was kind of a late schedule and on the spot schedule.  I met Coach K and toured some of the campus, saw the gym and learned a little bit about the history,  I didn't really get to see that much.  Later on in the future ... it's a good school but I don't know if I can see them in my top.

Do you have any favorites early on?  Or, did you have a dream school growing up?

I don't even know that.  I had no dream school growing up.

Back to UNC, you seem to favor them a lot.

I mean, I had a good visit.  Yes, I like them a lot and see them being there at my top.

But you don't see Duke at the top?

No. I can't say for sure I would not like them in the future but I just didn't get to see that much, so ...

Will you take all five official visits before making a choice.

Yes, I can see that happening.

What other schools have been active in your recruitment?

Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Louisville, DePaul, Florida and Kentucky.

Thanks for your time Troy, and good luck this season.

Okay, thank you.

Synopsis - It is obvious to me after our conversation that UNC made a huge impression on him while he was very open about not seeing Duke in his final list.  In recruiting, much can change, but early returns seem to indicate that the Blue Devils should concentrate their efforts elsewhere in the class of 2013. [/private]

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BDN Premium talks with Duke prospect Tony Parker

When it comes to big physical big men in the 2012 high school recruiting class, not many are bigger and stronger than Georgia big man Tony Parker. Parker has long been on the Blue Devils wish list for 2012 recruits to try and get that bruising cog to man the middle. Parker, who stands 6’9 and 260lbs, has had the Blue Devils high on his list for as long as many remember. However, many Duke fans are struggling to fully emerge themselves into the twisting and turning of Parker’s recruitment. In recent interviews Tony hasn’t exactly made glowing comments about Duke, but they haven’t been comments that fans would like to hear. The Duke brass has showed Tony plenty of film on former Blue Devils Elton Brand, Carlos Boozer, and Shelden Williams to display their use of big men and what they can achieve when they commit to play for the storied program. Whether the perception of Duke being a guard school is right or wrong, the Blue Devils have to consistently combat that view to land that low post bruiser that fans have long been clamoring for. BDN got a chance to briefly speak with the highly touted big man and get some of his thoughts.

BDN: How was it playing against the pro’s in the Elite 24?

TP: It was good. It was fun. But you know we play against pro’s back home in Atlanta, they’re local pro’s, but playing against pro’s from all over was cool. You know they had top draft picks, it was fun.

BDN: Most difficult aspect?

TP: It was just, you know, their moves are so quick and they’re real controlled. It’s just really playing defense. It’s not about scoring, everybody out here can score, it’s just playing defense.

BDN: What’s [private] their advantage that puts them where they are?

TP: Obviously you know their bodies, the way they play and how strong they are. How quick they are on their feet, it’s a real big difference.

BDN: How does it feel to be selected to the Elite 24?

TP: You know it’s a great experience to be selected to the Elite 24. I’m really happy for me and my family to be able to watch me on TV and everybody just coming out to support us is real cool.

BDN: Did you have a toughest opponent you played against?

TP: Probably Derrick Williams.

BDN: What official visits will you be taking soon?

TP: I should be taking one on September 9th to Ohio State, October 15th to probably either Georgetown or Memphis.

BDN: Have you figured out a schedule yet for Duke?

TP: I haven’t set that up yet but I’ll probably set that up soon.

BDN: Some say you've cooled on Duke.  Is that the case for it seems you mention other schools more often these days.

TP:  Not really.  They've been in my top 3 from the start, so ...

BDN: Do you have a front runner?
TP: I mean, I like Memphis and Ohio State a lot, but they're all about equal right now.

BDN: What are you ultimately looking for when you make your decision?

TP: I’m just going to be looking for an all around good school, some place to play, some place where they have a good basketball atmosphere, and a great place to just have fun. A place that has good guys and good coaching.

BDN: What is important with concerns with a coach?

I just want somebody that has a good track record and gets along with his players.  I mean a lot of things will go into my decision but the coach is a big part of it.  I want somebody I can talk and relate to.

BDN: Are you waiting to see where other prospects go before deciding?

TP: No, not really.  I mean, it could have some bearing. [/private]

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Julius Randle stoked about his upcoming visit to Duke

The state of Texas has long been known for football and rightfully so. However, there have been plenty of hoops stars coming out of the Lone Star State. One of the future bright stars of the state? Julius Randle, a 6’8 220lbs combo forward that is oozing with potential. The Texas product uses his strength to have his way with his competition and has found himself at the top of every coaches wish list. There is no shortage of coaches waiting for Randle’s commitment. However, his commitment likely won’t be announced for at least a year, so until then we can enjoy coaches scrapping and clawing their way to the top of his list. Randle, who says his number one spot to visit for Midnight Madness is Duke, played exceptionally well during his four day visit to Venice Beach for the Boost Mobile Elite 24. Often grabbing a rebound and going coast to coast for an emphatic jam, Julius displays plenty of skills at this stage but with loads of room to grow. Currently he sits right near the top of every scouting service one can name. BDN got a chance to speak with the skilled combo forward and hear his thoughts on a number of subjects.

BDN: Tell me a little about the experience of playing against the pro’s last night.

JR: Oh it was fun. It’s always fun competing with the guys who have been in the same position as you and now they are pro’s. So you can take a lot away from that.

BDN: Was this the first time playing [private] against a pro?

JR: No, no, I play against pros all the time.

BDN: What is it that puts them where they are compared to where you are?

JR: Just their work ethic you know. I mean they have a lot more time to work out than us. I guess pretty much their work ethic.

BDN: Is there any aspect of your game you have been working on a lot lately?

JR: Just my pull up game. One dribble or two dribble pull ups. Just working on that and trying to get it right.

BDN: I have heard you say you feel like you are a combo forward, do you take notice of schools that develop that position well?

JR: Yea of course.

BDN: Any school specifically that you feel does that well?
JR: Ohh not really. There’s a lot of schools that do that well, but I mean I don’t really have a list because I don’t really think about it too much right now. I just take what everyone says, I take it all in and I’ll make the decision from there.

BDN: Being one of the few juniors here can you talk about the selection to this all-star game?

JR: Oh yes, it’s a great honor to be here as a junior. It’s mostly a senior event so to be here as a junior is a great honor. There’s a lot of legacy that comes through here , it’s great to be able to add on to it.

BDN: What are you looking to show on Saturday for the game?

JR: Just to dominate my opponent.

BDN: You are a very player, unafraid of anyone?

I'm going to play my game and my game is not to back down from anybody.  I liked going up against the best players regardless of class this summer.

BDN: Are you always the best player on the court?

JR: (laughs) Uhh that’s what I feel like when I’m on the floor.

BDN: You have that mindset.

JR: Oh yea.

BDN: If you could play with one player from your class to play with, who would it be?
JR: Probably Kasey Hill. I like Kasey.

BDN: Are you close with him off of the court?

JR: Yea.

BDN: You’ll likely be taking some visits coming up soon. You stated that you want to visit Duke for Midnight Madness, is that confirmed?

JR: That’s not confirmed. It’s my number one option because I’ve never been to Duke so it’ll be my first visit.  I'm looking forward to visiting and seeing the Cameron Crazies and the players.  It'll be a great time.

BDN: You always bring up some tasty sounding recipes, can you elaborate on why you love cooking?

JR: Yea, I mean my mom stopped cooking for me when I was in like 6th grade so if I wanted to survive I had to learn to cook.

BDN: Thanks a lot for your time, Julius.
JR: Alright, no problem. [/private]