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Noah Vonleh: A New England Warrior

Noah Vonleh BDN/Andrew Slater Photo

After a one-point loss in triple overtime of an end-of-the-summer AAU event, 6'7" Noah Vonleh, an amiable gym rat from Haverhill, Massachusetts comes over and tries to collect his thoughts. The son of a nurse who escaped war-ravaged Western Africa in the mid-90s is preparing for his own move in the coming weeks. The fifteen year-old decided to leave the comfort of his local public high school, Haverhill, where he dominated the competition, averaging eighteen points, seventeen rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks.

From his home in the formerly thriving industrial city, Haverhill, on the outskirts of Boston, he's heading an hour north to a New England prep school, New Hampton, the chief rival of Brewster Academy (where Duke recruit Mitch McGary attends) that has produced ex-NBA players Lawrence Moten, Darius Songalia, and Rashad McCants as well as former Duke Blue Devil, J.D. Simpson. The versatile forward has also decided to reclassify to the 2014 class, in order to acclimate himself to his new school and the NEPSAC AAA league, the most challenging high school league in the country. New Hampton, located in the foothills of New Hampshire's White Mountains, is coming off of a very good year, where they made a run to the NEPSAC Finals.

Vonleh, who enjoys a 7'4" reach, anticipates that he will have to deal with bigger, stronger, and older players than in his prior Merrimack Valley league. The hard-working forward is eager to utilize the valuable facilities that New Hampton enjoys and the easy access that he'll have to them. One person who will help in his adjustment is his Massachusetts Rivals AAU teammate and fellow high-major recruit, 6'9" Zach Auguste, who played for the New Hampton Huskies last season. This AAU season, the duo has helped Coach Vincent Pastore, Vonleh's longtime AAU coach and mentor to former McDonald's All-American Scott Hazelton, enjoy a few successful runs over the past few months, including recently at the Super 64 in Las Vegas and the Best of Summer Showcase in Southern California. Vonleh, who was one of only seven 2014 prospects to attend the LeBron James Skills Academy, has generated interest from both of the "Tobacco Road" schools and offers from several big-time programs, including Kansas, Syracuse, UCLA, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Florida.

Always respectful, but understandably exhausted, Noah gave Blue Devil Nation a quick update on his future and a recap of his summer.

I'm sorry to have to talk to you after a terrible loss like this, but what went into your decision to transfer to New Hampton and reclassify to the 2014 class? Why did you choose to do it and what are you hoping to get out of it?
Yeah, I'm going to New Hampton and I'm going to be in the class of 2014. The reason why I left is that the prep school competition is a lot better than the high school competition that I've faced so far. I really think it'll help make me a lot better. I'm really looking forward to it.

[private]
Staying with that theme, tell the audience both a little bit more about both the level of competition that you'll see in the New England prep school leagues and the recent rise of New England overall on a national stage. Both have gotten a lot better in recent years.
Yeah, there's a real rush of great players coming out right now. Andre Drummond, Ricky Ledo, Nerlens and a lot of players have helped to show what we're capable of this summer. I'm not really sure why, but it's great to see.

Not that it's extremely uncommon anymore, but what went into your decision to reclassify?
Yeah, well, I'm still only fifteen years old so I felt that it wouldn't be a big deal and hopefully would help me when I went to my new school and got used to their facilities and competition. I think it'll help me get bigger and better in my time in high school. I'm going to be playing against a lot stronger players and competition, you know. I mean some of these guys'll be a lot older.

As you mentioned, you're still so young, but what is it like playing in front of the college coaches? Does it get you excited or motivated?
Yeah, it kind of gets me nervous and motivated. I want to play my best and perform in front of the college coaches. 

Absolutely, what are your offers and what schools are expressing interest in you?
Providence, Syracuse, BC, Georgia Tech, Kansas… Duke has shown interest and actually so has UNC. That’s all I can think of right now. 

What about a position? What do you view yourself as?
A small forward or a combo forward, I guess. Probably a small forward. 

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
I think scoring the ball and my versatility because I’m able to score inside and post up against smaller players or I can take bigger guys off of the dribble from the outside or just shoot over them. 

Speaking of that, do you prefer to play with your back to the basket or face-up? In this game, you played a lot more with your back to the basket, but a lot of other games you stay outside or move around.
Oh, yeah, definitely face-up.

Have you taken any visits and do you have any planned?
I haven’t taken any visits really. I think I’m going to wait. I don’t have any plans. 

What are you looking for, ideally, whenever you do decide?
A school that will make me better, a school that will push me, both on the court and academically, and that will help me in school. I also like to be comfortable with the players and coaches. Just a place that I’d like to be.

Will distance be a factor?
No, it won’t be. 

What are your goals for this high school season?
To help my team become successful and for me to get better.

How do you feel you did in your original sophomore year at Haverhill this year?
Yeah, Haverhill. I thought I did well, but the competition wasn’t really great. I think I played well overall, but we didn't win as many games as we probably should or could've, which was a little frustrating. 

How do you feel you’ve played so far this AAU season?
I thought I’ve been playing really good this year. We’ve done well as a team, which is important and we've got some good talent here too. We've been able to beat and compete against a lot of good teams, which is also important. I think I’ve done really well. I feel like I’m competing against my rivals. 

Whenever you do decide, who will you turn to for guidance?
My AAU coach, Vincent Pastore, and my mom. 

Speaking of your mom, how does your family feel about you going away to school this year? Are they excited for you? Or are they sorry to see you leave?
They’re very excited for me. They can’t wait for me to go. They think it’s a great opportunity. 

Who do you try to model your game after?
Kevin Durant. We’re around the same size and I guess I just love to watch him play.

How do you feel you shoot the ball? What do you think is your range?
Well, I think I can shoot it all the way to the three point line. I just didn’t shoot it well today. I'm not sure what happened. 

No, no, don’t worry about that. I’ve seen you shoot the ball well before. Who’s the toughest player you’ve ever gone against?
I guess the toughest player I’ve gone against is Nerlens Noel. He blocks everything. 
Yeah, it’s like he’s got a broomstick out there or something.

From what we touched on before, what are you looking forward to gaining from facing the competition you’re going to see next year?
I’m looking for guys to keep pushing me and competing with me and helping me to get better, both on my team and the teams we’ll be facing. I’m looking forward to working with my new coaches, too.

Other than Zach (Auguste), do you know any of your teammates or coaches pretty well at this point?
Yeah, Zach Auguste. Zach helped me and encouraged me to go there. It’s good to know somebody who’s actually there right now. Also, Mike Auger, who's out here.

Did the coaches there talk to you about what your role will be or what their expectations will be of you?
No, not really. They’re going to tell me when I get there.

How far will it be from your hometown of Haverhill?
It’ll be about an hour, maybe a little bit more. Not too far.

Earlier you mentioned that the two Tobacco Road schools, Duke and North Carolina, had expressed interest in you.
Oh, yeah, they've both shown interest so far.

What do you know about the programs?
Two things…they get a lot of players to the NBA and they win National Championships.
(Laughs)

What would like the audience to know about you, on or off the court?
That I work very hard at basketball and take it very seriously. I try to put in a lot of hours…day or night.

Thanks very much.
Yeah, I really appreciate it.[/private]

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Prince Ibeh: A Prince By Any Other Name

Prince Ibeh BDN/Andrew Slater Photo

Three years after trying organized basketball for the first time, 6'11" Prince Ibeh played in a very lightly attended AAU evening game on the outskirts of Las Vegas. There were sixteen coaches in attendance, however, including three Duke coaches: Mike Krzyzewski, Jeff Capel, and Steve Wojciechowski. Ibeh, who wields a 7'4" wingspan, has landed on the radars of high-major programs like Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Vanderbilt by possessing a tantalizing mix of size, athleticism, and upside.

For the majority of this AAU season, the 2012 prospect has been the defensive stalwart and veteran presence on a young Texas Titans team, where Ibeh, who has added more than twenty pounds of muscle, was a teammate of both Dallas-area Duke 2013 recruits Julius Randle and Matt Jones. The Garland, Texas product's performance at the Amar'e Stoudemire Skills Academy earned him an invitation to Akron's LeBron James Skills Academy. His length, lateral quickness, and quick-twitch second jump has made him into one of the better shot-blockers among the rising seniors.

Recently, he spoke with Blue Devil Nation about Duke's recent interest, his unique first name, playing with Randle, and the keys to being a good shot-blocker.

For those that may only recently have seen you play, touch on your growth as a player over the past few years?
Yeah, a couple of years ago, I was pretty bad. (laughs) I was just starting and I guess I just got used to my body. I practiced a lot more and things started to fall into place.

In terms of your offensive growth or progression, where do you view it now and how far do you feel that you have to go? Where do you think it needs to be?
I think it needs to get a lot better, but it's actually improved a lot.

Yeah, I think that your comfort level on offense and filling out your body have been the two biggest things that you've improved on since last year.
Yeah, absolutely.

With respect to recruiting, what schools are after you right now?
Duke, Texas, Florida, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, Maryland, and then Baylor and a couple of other schools.

[private]

You must be, at least, a pretty good student.
Yeah, I am.

What was it like playing with Randle and Jones earlier? You were sort of their man in the middle to sweep up any mistakes.
Oh, it was good, but I didn't have like any offensive sets on that team. (laughs) So, it was really just a defensive role, but it was nice playing with them.

You get a lot more touches on this team?
Yeah, but I knew what I was getting in to… (laughs)

What are your strengths and weakness right now?
My strengths are rebounding and blocking shots…pretty much defense.

Well, what do you feel are some areas for improvement?
Yeah, I really need to improve my shooting…my free throw shooting.
Well, you hit the one you took in this game.
(Laughs) Yeah, I was glad I made that one.

Do you view yourself more as a four or five?
A four.

Can you tell the audience a little bit about yourself away from the court? Well, first of all, how did you get that name?

Prince?
Yeah.
My mom thought I was going to be a girl and so she was going to name me "Princess," (laughs) but I ended up a boy and, so, I've tried to make the most of it. (laughs)
Sure, that wasn't exactly the answer I was expecting (laughs). Back to telling the audience a bit about yourself away from the court…
Yeah, I'm pretty laid-back. I just like to hang out with friends and listen to music. That's pretty much it.

Okay, by the way, in terms of distance, will that be a big factor for you? It seems like you've got schools all around the country, but I had heard that you might want to stay near your family in Texas.
No, it won't be much of a problem.

With respect to your timeline, do you still view this as early in the process for you? Late? I had heard you'd like to sign in the early period.
Yeah, I want to decide sometime in November.
You want to take some visits?
Yeah, definitely.

Have you taken any unofficial visits recently and do you have any planned?
No, I haven't taken any that I'd call very recently and I don't plan on taking any more unofficial visits. I think I'm just going to take my official visits.

Who will you turn to for guidance, whenever you do sit down and decide?
Coach (Lawrence) Mann, who's my AAU coach, and my high school coach, Coach (Jeff) Clarkson

What are you looking for ideally, whenever you do decide?
A good coaching staff and a good opportunity to play…things like that

How long have you been playing basketball and what other sports have you played through your life?
I used to play mostly football. That was basically all I played, until my freshman year. My freshman year was when I started playing basketball.
So, it is true that you've really only been playing basketball for about three years.
Yeah, for better or worse, I've only been playing since my freshman year.
Any chance of seeing you at wide receiver or defensive end?
(laughs) Yeah, well, I used to actually play both wide receiver and defensive end.

How long did it take you to adjust to a new team?
The Titans?
Yes.
Sure, it didn't take too long. I kind of understood right when I got there that they already had a system and how they were going to do things. I didn't need much time.

Are you a Mavericks fan? How did you feel about them winning the title?
Oh, I hate the Mavericks. (laughs)

(laughs) I'm trying here. You're sort of known as a defensive and rebounding specialist. Who's been the toughest guy for you to defend?
There isn't one guy that comes to the top of my head, but Julius (Randle) probably would've been.
Yeah, I was going to ask you about the best teammate that you've had, but I guess Julius would be your answer.
Sure, that would definitely be Julius.

What are some of your goals for the high school season, both individually and as a team?
Oh, well, for the team, we want to win the state championship this coming year.
You guys didn't make it quite as far as you wanted to this year.
Yeah, definitely, we lost in the second round of the playoffs, but I think we'll do a lot better this year.

In terms of Duke specifically, what do you know about the program and who has contacted you from their staff?
Coach Capel has called me. I don't know too much about the program, but I know that it's a good program.

What do you feel are the keys to being a good shot-blocker? Timing? Positioning?
Yeah, timing and positioning…oh, and athleticism, I guess.
Well, you sent one shot into the third row in this game.
(laughs)

Rather than necessarily having a player that you model your game after, who's your favorite player right now?
Oh, definitely Kevin Durant.

Where do you prefer to catch the ball on offense?
In the high post..
Sort of around the foul line extended, where you were catching the ball a lot in this game and against the zone
Yeah, that's right.

Does playing in front of college coaches have affect your play at all? Does it change your emotions at all?
It makes it a lot more frustrating when you make a mistake. It magnifies things, but I think it also makes people or, at least, me play harder and more consistently.

Do you think it affects players or teammates in general?
Yeah, I think it does affect them, but some just don't want to admit it or say that it changes them a bit.

How do you feel that you've played throughout the AAU season, both here and with the Titans?
I feel like I've played pretty good overall. I feel like I've grown and contributed. I would've liked to have scored with the ball a little bit more, but things happen.

Staying with that and we touched on it before, but where would you like to be offensively by the time that you reach college? Where do you view as the area that you can improve most rapidly before college? Low-post play? Improving your shooting from the outside?
Yeah, I think improving my low-post play and developing more low-post moves in general. It would help make it tougher on defenders, I think.

Do you work on that often? What's your schedule typically like? How much time do you put into improving yourself on the court?
Yeah, I try. I work out about three times a week. Um, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
With a trainer or by yourself? How does that work?
Sometimes by my self.

Alright, well, thank you very much, Prince.
Thank you very much.[/private]

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Jabari Parker and the Eventful Summer

Jabari Parker BDN/Andrew Slater Photo

Since last we profiled Chicago's Jabari Parker, he has led the United States to a Gold Medal at the FIBA Americas 16U Championship in Mexico, where the 6'8" wing was named the MVP of the tournament. Over the past month, Parker stood out against the nation's best at the LeBron James Skills Academy and helped take his relatively young Mac Irvin AAU squad deep into several tournaments including the Peach Jam, Fab 48, and, most recently, into the finals at the Desert Duel.

Recently, Jabari spoke with us about a variety of issues, including his USA Basketball experience, his recent profile in Sports Illustrated, and a scouting report on some of his recent teammates, who also have received recruiting interest from Duke.

What schools are you considering?
Kansas, Washington, Duke, Illinois, and Michigan State.

What’s going to influence your decision when you choose a school?
The best program where I can fit in, a program where I can develop as an individual, both in basketball and character-wise.

[private]
(Other site) Chicago basketball, is that the best basketball in the country or what?
I would say in the country because, as a public school, we don’t have the ability to recruit as the other schools do, so I always consider us one of the best high school programs in the country.

What did you learn about yourself at the academies?
I learned that these guys are just as good as me, so I have to work hard, I have to make myself stand out through hard work.

What do you feel you need to work on?
Not just being an individual, but being able to have your teammates play around you and it’s not about one person...Just getting to loose balls and playing better defense, too, cause you know I can lag on that. And getting my jump shot improved, too.

What’s it like playing in front of college coaches?
Not a lot of pressure, but, you know, I’m kind of used to it, but it’s good because you know…
Do you find it makes you play or act differently? Do you find it motivates, excites, or even makes you a little nervous?
It makes me kind of motivated because I can show them what I’m not good at and show what I’ve improved on and lacking in skills.

Do you feel you've improved as a shooter over the past few months?
I’ve gotten better, but it needs some work. You know, I’m just getting in the gym and getting shots up. I’m not thinking about it too much, but just..
Getting comfortable with your range?
Yeah.

What was the USA Basketball experience like?
It was very good. It was very aggressive. It’s kind of different from the States because they called a whole lot of ticky-tack fouls. In the national game, they let you be more physical where hand-checking is allowed.

How long does it take you to get used to the rules, etc.?
Well, it took me about a week. We practiced in Colorado Springs, so they had us learn the rules.

What about winning the MVP? It must have been exciting.
It was good. I was actually surprised because you know Aaron?
Yeah, Aaron Gordon..
He played well and just my teammates..they were just as good as me, so when I got it, I felt honored.

What were the highlights of the trip? The highlight was obviously winning the gold medal, but other than that, I meant…
Yeah, but off the court, we went to Chichen Itza. It was one of the Aztec pyramids or something like that we got to see. It was like another wonder of the world. We got to see that up close.

Oh, that must've been a great experience. Forgive me, but what’s the latest in your recruitment?
Missouri just offered me, Tennessee just offered me, and UConn, too.

Who’s been after you hardest since that June 15th deadline?
Illinois and DePaul. DePaul has sent me a lot of things. They kind of get under you because they’re the local school.

Have you enjoyed playing with Jahlil Okafor? He said he looked up to you. What’s your relationship like with him?
Oh, that’s like a little brother to me. Jahlil’s very good. He’s a really big person down-low that you can throw the ball down to. He’s looking to be like me- one of the top players in his class. He’s very dominant.

He had mentioned how you had slimmed down on your body and how he was going to try to do the same.
Yeah, with me and him, it’s all about our bodies are different. Growing up, it’s about eating the right food. You can’t get away with taking a lot of days off.

Can you give the audience a scouting report on Theo Pinson?
Oh, Theo’s very good. You know, without the ball, he can run the lanes very well. He’s very athletic. He’s just good for his age. He can do so much that other kids can’t do at his age.
He’s a very natural player.
Yeah, he’s very natural.

What was the experience at LeBron like?
It went well. We did a lot of skill development, getting coaching from all different levels- from the NBA down to high school. You know, it just brings different views.

What sort of things did you learn?
Footwork, just different footwork… and skills as far as reverse pivots and face-up game.

Speaking about those five or six schools that you mentioned before, can you mention something about each of them?
Well, they each have great coaches, they have a long history, they’ve been able to win, you can also develop as a person too with them and you can trust them. I just like that the coaches there are all good.  I think I can fit into their systems well.

What makes you think that you can fit into their systems?
Because it’s versatile. I’ve been scouting throughout the players they had and I’m similar to some of those players..the ones that are able to post inside and out and play the small forward position.

How likely is it that your schools are likely to change from here on out?
It’s able to change, there are a lot of schools trying to come in, but you know, things can change, I guess. I just like those schools.

I guess I was just curious, but do you have a friendly rivalry with Julius Randle?
Well, you know, he’s a very good player. You know, me and him are a rival on the courts, but me and him get along very well and we talk. We share words and we talk about schools. I just like being around him.
I know you guys are often associated on a national level.
Yeah, yeah.

In terms of visits, have you taken any recently? Do you have any upcoming?
I don’t have any visits planned because, you know, I’ll be busy. In August, I really don’t know.

Who are some coaches that you’ve enjoyed talking to?
It was surprising to see Jim Calhoun, you know he just won the National Championship..and his interest in me being very high. He’s always won national championships and he plays in the Big East.

Have you spoken with Durant and what advice did he give you?
I met Durant in Chicago and…
I remember you really looked up to him, I remember that he was one of your favorite players. I’m glad that you had the opportunity to meet him.
Yeah, he’s a very good guy. He was always involved with us. He also worked with us individually as well. He also told us that we need to work hard and told me not to let my talent be wasted by not working hard.

Did you get to play against him at all?
Yeah, I got to play against him.
How did you do?
I did okay. He didn’t really play to his full effort, but…

How far along do you feel you are in terms of your recruitment?
I think it’s getting there. I think it’ll be before my senior year. I’ll be able to decide one day. Only time will tell.

(Kentucky site reporter) You mentioned Kentucky. You've gotten a little interest from Kentucky. Have they called you since June 15th.
Yeah, they called my parents and they didn't really give me any insight into what was said. They just said that they were very interested in me.

(Kentucky site reporter) Do you feel like you have an offer from them?
Not really, because I think that they're interested in other kids from the 2012 class. But Coach Orlando, he contacts my mom sometimes.
(Kentucky site reporter) What would be your interest level if they did come through with an offer?
It would be so-so.

Have you visited all five of them?
I have visited all but Kansas. I haven't visited Kansas yet. I've been away and at the camps. I haven't visited them yet.

Is that something you want to do or thought about?
Yeah.

Since we're getting near the end of the season, how do you feel you and your team are playing right now?
I think we're playing well, you know. We're playing well as a team. This spring, you remember we were struggling a little bit, when we were trying to get used to each other and our surroundings. Right now, we're starting every game strong and everybody is playing well with each other.

What is the importance for you and your teammates of going out with a bang…ending the summer on a high note?
I've been playing pretty well this summer. You know getting a lot of hard work in, between the Nike Skills Academies and the LeBron James Camp… and I've just tried to grow from there.

It translates also back to AAU ball.
Yes, it does. It really started from USA camp. We worked very hard from there and coaches there just said, you know, to play as hard today in practice as you will tomorrow in the games. We all tried to take that to heart, you know.

Speaking of USA Basketball, what was it like playing with Tyus Jones? How did he mesh with the team as your point guard?
Oh, yeah, it was really good group and Tyus was one of the best guards at passing. He really facilitated more than he scored for our team, but, you know, he could score anytime that he wanted.

In terms of watching tapes or games of older players, which ones have you enjoyed watching most?
I've actually enjoyed watching a lot, but recently I was watching the Boston Celtics against the Houston Rockets. I just loved to watch Larry Bird move around the floor and seeing how he stayed active and involved. Then, I've also been watching the Portland Trailblazers against the Nets or I mean the 76ers back when they had Doctor J and just trying to take from that and how they played hard and how they would try to get their baskets.

I saw you yesterday trying to incorporate the bank shot, which is sadly missing in a lot of the younger guys' games.
Oh, yeah, definitely.

What did you think of the recent SI article?
Yeah, it was real good. You know I appreciate it. The guy interviewed me and he thought I was a very good guy.
Yeah, well, you are.
Thanks, you know I'm just glad with the way it turned out and I appreciated his time. I'm just so glad that I had an opportunity to have an article on me and I never want to take it for granted.

How do you account for the improvement in your explosiveness? When you're dunking the ball, how much does the thought of igniting the crowd play into what you're going to do?
You know I just started to get a little more bounce.
Sure.
Yeah, and you know the weight going down has helped me a lot as far as being lighter and helping me stay in the air a little longer.

What about your match-up with (Kuran) Iverson? He's got a lot of tools too and he's around your size, age, and athleticism.
Yeah, I've got to say that he brought the best out in me. He made me play harder and not so sluggish. In the beginning, I thought he got the best of me and so I needed to come out strong for my team in the second half.

Thank you very much. It was great to see you, Jabari.
It was great to see you.[/private]

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Bronson Koenig: One of Wisconsin’s Better Players

Bronson Koenig BDN/Andrew Slater Photo

The college town of La Crosse, Wisconsin sits on the banks of the Mississippi, which provides the border to Minnesota. It is the hometown of Bronson Koenig, a 6'2" guard who straddles the line between point guard and shooting guard. The 2013 prospect has recently picked up significant interest from the Duke Blue Devils. As a sophomore, he led Aquinas High School to a state title and was named All-State in Wisconsin.

On the AAU circuit, Koenig competed with the Wisconsin Playground Warriors 16-and-under squad at the Adidas Super 64. He had been getting recruiting interest from Kansas, North Carolina, and in-state Wisconsin, but recently the Jayhawks were able to receive a verbal commitment from Connor Frankamp, a Wichita guard who led his 16U squad to the Super 64 Championship.

After a 52-44 defeat by New Heights, the third straight defeat for the ultimately 1-4 Warriors, the terse Koenig spoke about Duke's recent interest, how he felt he performed in his initial game in front of Coach K, and how he's going to try to improve his game in the coming months.

What position do you view yourself as? A combo or more of a one?
It doesn't really matter. I mean I can play point guard in college or I can play either the one, two, or three.

In terms of the colleges that are pursuing you, Wisconsin and North Carolina are considered two of your leaders. Kansas took a commitment last week from Connor. Are those your two primary suitors or are there other programs out there that are still in the running?
Yeah, I'd say Virginia, Duke, and Kansas are the other ones. That's pretty much it.
[private]

How far along do you feel that you are in terms of deciding? Is this near the end or do you still feel you're in the early stages?
I'd say late… Late.

You're sort of known as a three point shooter and a secondary ball-handler. How have you tried to diversify your game, in order to make it more difficult for defenders to guard you?
I've tried to improve my ability to get in the lane and then either improve my ability to dish it off or lay it in.

Is there significant in-state pressure to choose Wisconsin?
Yeah, um, there is a little bit.

For the audience that may not know much about you, you won the state title this past year and made All-State as well. Share with the audience what this run was like?
Yeah, it was a really good team and I learned a lot that I'll be able to use later on too.

What are your goals for this upcoming high school season?
To win another state championship.

Alright, what are you hoping to improve upon most over the next year?
Getting stronger, getting lower, and developing my core game more and I think I need to work on my conditioning a little bit, do you know what I mean?

Yeah, I do. By the way, do you view three-point shooting as your strength or is it something else?
Um, yeah, I'd say shooting and passing.
Shooting and passing?
Yeah.

Is there a guy that you try to model your game after?
Not really.

One of the other schools you mentioned before was Duke. What do you know about the program and which coaches have you spoken with?
Oh, yeah, I talked to them when I was in Louisville. They said that they were going to go ahead and watch me play here. So, we'll see..

What do you know about the program?
It's a really good program.

What do you find are some of the differences between playing with the 16s versus the 17s?
Yeah, as I'm sure you know, it's a big difference. they're physically so much bigger and more athletic and stronger. I'd say athleticism and strength are the biggest things. I'm not sure, but I'll probably play with them at the next event. You need to get stronger as you move up the ranks.

What are you looking for ideally whenever you do decide on a college?
Well, I think it'll pretty much come down to how comfortable I am with being there. Just a comfort level.

Who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do decide?
My parents. Yeah, my parents probably.

Have you taken any visits recently and do you have any planned?
I went to North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Kansas.

Who's the best player you've faced so far, either in Wisconsin or nationally?
I don't know. There are a lot of really good players. (laughs)

Coach K came and saw you play for the first time. Did that have any significance?
Um, I guess it was in the back of my mind a little bit, but I just tried to play through it.

Was it similar to when some of the other big-time coaches came and watched you play for the first time?
Um, yeah.

Is it pressure, hunger..
A little of both, but I guess a little pressure.

How do you feel that you played?
I don't really think about it. I though it was really clogged up and I couldn't get anything going.

What do you think you need to focus on?
Getting stronger and getting lower…just getting my body lower and eventually being able to get above the rim.

Defensively, which position do you feel most comfortable guarding? They switched you a lot out there today. Mostly playing guys off of the ball.
Either one, it doesn't really matter.

Thanks for your time.
Thanks.[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

2014 PG Tyus Jones leaves an impression on Duke staff

Class of 2014 PG Tyus Jones - BDN Photo

A young man caught my eye during the opening session of the Nike EYBL in Hampton, Virginia this season.  I watched on as he ran his Howard Pulley team with great precision from the point guard spot.  I later learned that Tyus Jones was in the class of 2014, yet here he was playing with the big boys and looking as if he were there classmates.  He impressed me with his ball handling skills and the kid has a seriously good offensive game to go with his multiple skills.

Jones also caught the eye of the Blue Devils staff and they will get involved early on with the Apple Valley, Minnesota product.  He dropped 30 in front of Coach Krzyzewski during this past weeks Nike EYBL Peach Jam and BDN Premium caught up with the budding talent in an effort to get to know him.  After our conversation it is fair to say that Jones is very mature for his age and he comes off as a really bright young man with great character.

Jones also played for Team USA and he turned heads there as well, so keep an eye out for this kid can play.

You've been playing very well the entire AAU season but you also played well for Team USA.  How was that experience?

It was definitely an honor to be selected to play for tour country and it's something I enjoyed participating in.  It was a great experience where we went 5-0 in Mexico City.

Do you have a list of schools? [private]

Iowa and Baylor offered.  Minnesota, Michigan State, Ohio State, Illinois, Arizona, USC and others making contact.

You mentioned earlier that a couple of other schools are starting to show keen interest.

The newer schools are Tennessee and Florida.

Have you heard from any ACC schools?

No, not really.  North Carolina sent me a questionnaire but that's about it.  I haven't talked to the coaches yet.

Would you be open to ACC schools like Duke or UNC?

Yes, definitely, definitely. (emphatic)

What do you think of Duke?

Duke is a great program.  I mean they have Coach K and great tradition.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really.  I watched all the big name schools but had no real favorite.  I guess I followed Michigan State the most growing up and they recruited my brother, so I kind of rooted for them but they are not necessarily a favorite in the recruiting process.

How would you describe your own game?

Probably just a complete point guard who likes to distribute the ball and set up my teammates to give them an opportunity to score.  But if I am given the opportunity to score or someone plays off of me, I'll take the shot.

Do  you have a timetable with concern to when you would like to commit in the future and who will help you make your decision?

Definitely no time table and I will probably not commit until late but you never know.  My mom and Dad are the people who will be most involved.  They were the people who raised me and made me the person that I am.  My older brother will play a big part in it as well.  Maybe my high school coach and Antwan Harris my AAU coach,

Will distance be a problem?

Right now we are looking at everything, so I am not really sure yet, but probably not.

How do you feel about education?

Ever since I was little it was important, so I was raised taking my education seriously

What are you looking for in a school?

Just a goof fit.  It will be a combination of a lot of things.

How do you feel you played here (Peach Jam)?

I think I played pretty well and as a team I think we had some success as well.

You're a young man with a lot of time before you have to get serious about schools, yet you seem mature beyond your years.  Do you feel that you are?

Yes, I guess so.  I have always been comfortable playing with older players, so I have grown into it.  It is nothing new to me.

Do you try an emulate anybody on the court or do you have a favorite player?

Probably LeBron James.  I watched a whole lot of basketball growing up.  I want to be successful like him.

Born and raised in Minnesota?

Yes. I was born and raised there.

With all these coaches watching, do you ever in awe of say Izzo, Coach K or Williams see you play?

Definitely the big name coaches.  You see them on TV but not so much in person and the three you named are all pretty ... it's a cool thing.

When did you first know you had it?

Ever since I was little I was playing up. (with older kids)  I talked to my parents when I was in the 7th grade about playing varsity and I was successful and I knew I would get recruited.

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

Only the U of M, Minnesota.  I might take a couple in August but I am not sure where yet.

What style best fits your game at the college level?

I definitely like to push the tempo so an up tempo team.  I will be looking into things a lot.  The location and coaching style and campus, players, just all have to fit.  You want to have a good team bond like my AAU team, it is important and I will have to see where I can fit in.

Do you want to play for a team which has a shot at the national title in college?

Definitely.  A national championship as a college athlete would be a great accomplishment.

Thanks for your time and good luck the rest of the way.

Thank you.

Discuss this article on the BDN Premium Message Board.  A side note - members must sign up for the board separately in order to gain access.  Once you've done so, you will be approved in short time. [/private]

 

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Jabari Parker talks recruiting with BDN

Jabari Parker - Photo c/r BDN Photo

In our latest offering on BDN Premium, our extended subscription service, we dig into one of several video outtakes of Jabari Parker (Class of 2013) from this past week. Here is the first interview with the very talented Chicago area prospect.  Parker is quite humble for a future super star and you can hear his values ring through from his answers to questions.  Parker is a versatile WF that can pretty much do it all and despite being a rising junior in high school, he was clearly one of the four best players at the Peach Jam.  Much more to come on Blue Devil Nation Premium but for now, check out Jabari Parker -[private]

Next up - More from Matt Jones [/private]