Tag Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Mitch McGary: Energy and Effort Personified

Mitch McGary, BDN Photo

Each year, there is, at least, one fresh face that demands attention be paid to him through unexpectedly good play in the AAU season. A player will seemingly come out of nowhere and vault to the front of his class. Some attribute this novelty to being a "late bloomer," an improved work ethic, coming from an underreported community, fruits finally being born from the labor of hard work, or a late growth spurt. Two years ago, the player was Kyrie Irving. Anthony Davis was last year's primary example. This year, Mitch McGary of Brewster Academy is on the short list of everybody's favorite player in 2012. The Chesterton, Indiana native has transformed his body, his low-post game, and his commitment to academics to such a degree that he's now capable of being recruited by all of the major college basketball powers.

McGary has become the poster child for the benefits of New England prep school basketball. It's rustic locations, small college-quality facilities, low teacher-to-student ratios, high-caliber coaching, and the most talent-rich leagues in the country have caused players to gravitate to these New England powers from around the country.

These past four months, the social big man has enjoyed both individual success, including at the NBA 100 Camp and LeBron James Skills Academy, and, while playing for SYF AAU program, team success, including winning the recent NY2LA Summer Jam in suburban Milwaukee.

Recently, Mitch received new offers, including one from Duke University. He spoke again with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of topics, including the influence of sneaker companies, his metamorphosis at Brewster from vocally supportive sixth man to being one of the most sought after recruits in the country, and whether he's looking for more of a buddy or an adult figure in his college head coach.

How do you feel your summer's going?
It's going good. I'm honored to be here and all of the other camps, like the Amar'e camp. I feel like I'm going against the best of the best between here and the NBA Top 100 camp, so it's been good so far.

Can you talk about going from being a Big Ten prospect...highly regarded, but maybe not on this level...to being considered arguably the most dominant big guy in your class? You're sort of in the middle of it, but what's going through your mind about that right now
It's been pretty cool. I mean, my overall improvement on and off the court, making me more mature and responsible, I think the transition to Brewster. It's been 100% percent improvement.

[private]
You're like the poster child for the Brewster program.
(laughs) Yeah, just moving out there really helped me a lot. I mean, that's all I've got to say, pretty much. Coach Jason Smith does a great job with us out there. From an academic standpoint, the teachers do a great job out there, too. 

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Have you been home for a while?
I've been home for a month on-and-off, between the camps and stuff.

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Have your old high school buddies noticed any changes?
Um, yeah, but I haven't really played with them yet. When I come home, I usually play, but this time they noticed I was a little bit taller, a little bit more cut, a little more defined, they noticed my body. They said it's incredible, the transition. (laughs)

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Are you talking about guys or girls?
Both (laughs). I love it when we're playing together and they say I'm a lot stronger than I used to be. Girls like it, I guess, too. 

Has this been a fun process or stressful?
Yeah, it's been fun overall. I mean I'm honored that I went to Brewster and, even though I had to leave my hometown high school, which was tragic for me and stuff... You know growing up there and giving up all of my friends and family. I thought it was something I had to do. I had to make a choice. I had some consequences before that and I just had to turn my life around, I guess, start being mature. 

How did your trip to Michigan go the other day?
Oh, it went great. I liked the coaches. I see Coach Meyer over there with that yellow and blue jumpsuit. It's cool. I like him. He's a great big man coach. I talked to all of the coaches there and they really want me. There's a rumor that it's between me and Gary Harris, whoever commits first, but we may have to wait and see and see how everything plays out. 

In terms of a timeline, if this were a baseball game, how far along do you think you are in your recruitment?
You mean before I commit? I mean I'll probably commit before the season starts.. so whatever that is (laughs)

Whatever that is.. It seems like you're tied in with Gary Harris for some schools. Have you guys talked about that?
Yeah, I mean, a little bit. I mean, he knows what's up. How's it going, G? (shakes hands with Gary Harris)

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Purdue and Indiana, where do they stand?
I mean, a little bit, right now. I mean, everyone wants to go hometown state, but I mean, I won't say they're out of the picture, but they're kind of on the bottom part of my list. I'm wide open to everybody, but they're just kind of on the bottom of it. Just because they haven't been talking to me lately and stuff. I mean, they're still in contact. I just don't think that they're going to be right there.

Can you talk about that list that you're going to be coming out with? 
Yeah, I'm coming out with a list next month with my AAU coach.

How big will this list be? 5 schools? 10?
It'll probably be about 10. 

How has this camp gone and what have you learned about yourself?
It's gone good. Pretty much every top player from every AAU team is here. It helps you measure out your strengths and weaknesses and how well you're matching up against the other big-time players.

What kind of guy is toughest for you to defend?
Jarnell Stokes. He's like a Coke machine with legs. (laughs)

You did well against him tonight, you got him on a few plays.
Yeah, I felt happy with it. I mean I probably have a little weight on him. I may not look it cause I'm a little leaner, but I'm about 260 and he's probably about 250.
Yeah, he only had that one fadeaway over you.
Yeah, he only had that one, but he's tough. I mean, overall, I think Julius Randle would've been the hardest guy for me to defend here, but he's on my team, fortunately.

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) What's going on for you in July after this?
The Super Showcase in Kansas City.

Did you talk to any of the college guys at all?
Yeah, I talked to Thomas Robinson, T-Rob, he's kind of like a big brother to me. He went to Brewster. I talk to him a lot, not just about Kansas, but about the whole recruiting process. He wants me to go to Kansas and stuff, and that worked for him, but it's just like he taught me a lot about the recruiting process..who to trust and stuff like that. And so he's been good to me, I like him. 

Can you talk about keeping the passionate mentality and always being supportive of your teammates, as you were on the bench at Brewster, while now being the team's resident star? Staying vocal out here...I frankly wondered if you'd change.
Yeah, I mean once you make it to the collegiate level… let alone whoever makes it to the NBA, you're going to have to talk. Like we were watching LeBron play and he was non-stop talking. I mean, if you want to be the best that you can be for you and your team, being vocal out there is a key.

Touch on the importance of being vocal, in terms of leadership.
Yeah, absolutely, it is. It's really good for leadership. I guess I wasn't really like the talkative kid growing up. I was just the goofy kid, but I had a loud mouth so, you know, it just stayed with me I guess.

Well, I mean you've got a lot of energy..
Yeah, yeah, absolutely

Not just here... At Brewster and with SYF too
Yeah, yeah..I mean also wear the arm sleeve and the headband too. I mean I could probably break it out (laughs) next weekend or something

No, no, that's all right. (laughs)
I can do it next week if that's something that you want (laughs)

No, no, that's okay.
No, but I think it really just rolled over. I like being the real leader, even if I'm probably the biggest dude on the court. I mean I guess I've always grown up as the biggest kid and being the real leader among all of my friends and family.

Beats having to learn how to fight because you're not 6'10"
(laughs) Yeah, well, My parents wanted me to be a good leader and I guess it just carried over. I mean, we just beat the number one team, so that was great. I guess that means it's a good day.

Talk about being a good teammate. I had talked to some of your teammates both at Brewster and SYF. They both really raved about you, but what do you hope your teammates say about you when you walk away?
I hope that they think that I play really hard and with a lot of heart and passion. I hope they like playing with me and that I have a lot of heart, like I said. Overall, that I'm just a worker and that I'm just the hardest worker on the floor.

Some of them have said that, you don't have to worry.
(laughs)

What are you looking for on your visits?
Mostly, first of all, I want to find a great head coach that'll take me in like his own son.

That was one thing I wanted to touch on. Are you looking for more of a buddy-coach or an adult figure? Because some guys are looking for one or the other...
Oh, definitely an adult.
Because some guys were just looking for a friend or something.
Oh, yeah, I know, but I just want someone who's going to encourage me and teach me. I'm willing to learn, so... The greatest players are always going to need a coach and be able and willing to learn.

Back to the visits, what else are you looking for?
Basically, some colleges most guys that are there like the names and stuff. And the schools I've already been to, I already knew the players there. I'm always interested in speaking to the players because the coaches don't necessarily always speak the truth, but the players are going to speak the truth to you. They'll tell you things that you wouldn't otherwise find out til you get there. There are things that the coaches might not tell you before you get there. I want to actually know some of the players that go there. You know, like with Michigan, one of my good friends Zack Novak..

He's from your hometown.
Yeah, he is. I'm really good friends with him and he speaks the truth about coaches at Michigan and like truthfully, how the coaches are to deal with.

In terms of that list that you were mentioning before, who's going to help you make it more manageable? Your dad?
Yeah, my AAU coach and my dad.

This is a sort of Kyrie Irving type question, but you've sort of come out of nowhere and you sort of moved up the rankings steadily and ultimately came up very high. Do you think you were always this good and nobody noticed or do you think you've gotten considerably better in an extremely short period of time or a mixture?
(laughs) It might have been a mixture, I mean, everybody on my AAU team is one of the best players on their high school team, but at Brewster I wasn't the best player. I guess that encouraged me to get a lot better.

I mean, you guys were stacked though.
Yeah, I know. I just had to transform my body and stuff and work on my skills. I guess everything turned good. That's a good question.

This is one I've never asked a player on the record before, but I've always been curious about-- what kind of impact do the sneaker companies have over you and do you honestly care what sneaker of the program that you ultimately choose is?
I mean I don't care. I've always worn Nike growing up, but, at Brewster, I'm Adidas and my AAU team just got signed with Under Armor. I don't really care.

That's exactly why I was asking because you're with all three of the major sneaker companies.
Yeah, I don't really care, as long as the shoe fits and supports me, I'll run with it. I don't care how it looks.

Who are some of the assistants or head coaches that you've enjoyed talking to?
Rick Pitino, when he was at Florida... I should say Richard Pitino. Now that he's at Louisville, I've lost touch with him. I like him a lot. And I like Coach Book.

Yeah, he's from my area. He used to be with the Gauchos and now he's at Arizona.
Yeah, exactly. And I also like Coach Ogden of Texas. Those three are probably my favorite and Coach Meyer from Michigan too.

Have you seen any ACC schools? Do you have any visits planned?
Hopefully, Duke and North Carolina. I'm not really sure when, though.

Will that come after July probably?
Yeah, probably. Yeah, after the AAU thing. North Carolina offered me so I probably have to go down for an unofficial.

Has Duke offered you?
I'm not sure quite yet, Coach K called.

They're clearly watching you.
Oh, yeah, I noticed.

Thank you very much, Mitch.
Oh, no problem.
[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN speaks with Duke prospect Tony Parker

Tony Parker remains at the top of the Blue Devils want list - BDN Photo

Make no mistake that Duke has made it clear that Georgia Stars big man Tony Parker is a top priority.  Coach Krzyzewski and Jeff Capel watched 90% of his games this week at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam.  Parker came up big in that his teammate Alex Poythress sat out one game and he shouldered the load.  He led the Stars to the semi finals before they bowed out.  BDN caught up to Tony for this video [private] chat -

More to come - [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN closing interview with Tony Parker who adds a 4th team to list

Tony Parker gave BDN Premium a closing interview after his team lost in the semi finals. He added a fourth team to his list as well. BDN Photo

The Georgia Stars made it to the semi finals of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam before losing to YOMCA (Memphis) 78-64.  Duke prospect Tony Parker sat for much of the second half with three fouls and when he returned there was a 14 point swing and a 17 point YOMCA lead.  Parker had 8 points and 8 rebounds in 21 minutes of play and averaged 9.3 rebounds overall in the event.  Parker has long maintained a list of Duke, Memphis and Ohio State but in our closing interview with the budding prospect he added a fourth team which caught me off guard.

In fact, [private] he said that there was another team he "wanted" to come in and that he expected them to but he stopped short of naming the school.

You guys made a good run, how do you feel the week went?

I think we played well overall as a team and Shaq Goodwin had a mismatch and he took full control, killing us on the boards and in the post and we just have to have players who play both sides of the floor and that's the bottom line.

Your team had some injuries, like Alex Poythress and another starter out, so I guess that had a dire effect?

At this point if you have an injury you have to get past it.  This is the Final Four so you have got to play through it.  Every player out here has some sort of kink.  We just didn't play both sides of the floor and injuries?  That didn't have anything to do with it at all.

Memphis doubled down on you a lot, sometime throwing Goodwin at you and sometime Stokes ...

Yeah.  They are both great players and good guys.  They play both sides of the floor, play strong and tough.

Where will the Stars go from here?

I think Orlando.

It sounds like you are waiting for a certain school to come in.  Is that true?

Yes.

So you are expecting certain schools to come in?

Yes.

Have they have actually sent some feelers out?

Yes sir. Yes.

Can you discuss that at all?

No sir.

So, somebody has shot you some feelers saying they would come in and you are definitely interested in them?

Yes sir.

I suppose they will call you some time this week?

Yes sir.

And you will then add teams to your list?

Yes.  I will add a couple of teams.

It sounds like the team coming in could shift the position of the other schools recruiting you.

No sir, not at all,  They are all great schools and all have great programs.

So, Duke, Memphis, Ohio State ..

Duke, Memphis, Ohio State and UCLA

UCLA?  Is that the one you were talking about?

Yes, well, that's one and maybe ...

UCLA is new huh? 

Yes, they are new.

Have other ACC schools showed interest, like  UNC?

They off (stopped short, so not sure what to make of it) ... I haven't heard from North Carolina in a while.

As far as a decision goes, is there an actual time frame?

I don't know.  I'll probably sitdown with my parents soon and figure that out.

Thanks for your time Tony!

Yes sir.  Thank you.

Last word - I wouldn't fret too much about UCLA being added to the list or worry with other comments.  While the recruitment has become frustrating for the fan base, Duke is still in solid shape to land him.  Still, we'd all like to see Tony realize the opportunity at hand with Duke and go ahead and pull the trigger.  Looks like this one will go into his high school season at the current pace.[/private]

 

 

 

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Jahlil Okafor: Focused and Friendly Chicagoland Big Man

Jahlil Okafor BDN Photo

"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.

At various Nike EYBL events throughout this AAU season and at the recent LeBron James Skills Academy, Jahlil spoke with Blue Devil Nation.

What was it like playing LeBron James?
It was a great experience. I've been watching LeBron since I was a little kid. It was a really cool experience to be able to play with him. I couldn't believe I was on his team. I got to play with LeBron and Jabari Parker was on my team, too, so that was good.

What were your hopes for USA Basketball and how did you prepare?
I couldn't wait. That was like my hope for the whole year. That's like all I was thinking about every time I'd work out, you know. Just getting ready for the USA team. It's been very important to me. I wanted to represent for the US and be a part of it.

How was your USA Basketball experience?
It was a lot of talent and we pretty much knew everybody. It was fun to come together though. We were together for a few weeks.

Can you talk about training camp, making the team, and that whole experience?
It was very intense. It was pretty hard. There were a lot of emotions. We pretty much had to fight through it. When I finally made the team, I was just so excited. I was really happy. I called my dad first to tell him about it. It was very emotional. When I made the cut, I was really happy.
[private]

Yeah, I was really happy for you when I saw your name was on the list.
Thank you, thank you.

What was it like when you finally won the Gold Medal?
It was just great. We were practicing for, like, two and a half weeks and we kept trying to focus on getting that gold medal. We'd end every practice talking about it. It was even better than we expected.

And you guys were bonding.
Yeah, that was great. We became real close.

Where did you put the Gold Medal, by the way?
(laughs) Well, right now, I think it's in my room, but it's going to get framed.
That'll be really nice.
Yeah.

How have you enjoyed the experience of playing with Jabari, both for Mac Irvin and on the USA team? He's been tremendous on the AAU and camp circuit. Then, he won the FIBA MVP down in Mexico.
Playing with Jabari is great. He makes the game a lot easier. He's a great scorer and a lot of people don't know this, but he's also a great passer. He makes it so easy for you on the break. He's got great court vision.

He's so versatile, too.
Yeah, he is.

Do you feel you've grown as a person, travelling abroad with USA Basketball and experiencing what you have?
Oh, yeah, I think I've gotten way more mature. My leadership is definitely better. I'm talking more with people out on the court in general.

What did you see when you went down to Mexico? Did you get to see any of the country or did you not have an opportunity?
I saw Chichen Itza.

Oh, yeah, Jabari mentioned that, too. He thought it was the highlight for him.
Yeah, it was for me too off the court, but other than that, we didn't get to see too much off the court. We mostly concentrated on basketball.

What part of Chicago are you from, by the way?
Oh, I'm from the North Side. Yeah, I'm a North Side guy.

When you're playing in front of coaches, what kind of emotions go through you? Are you excited? Nervous?
Well, playing in front of coaches is not too big for me. I try not to get too emotional one way or the other. I've been doing this for a number of years. I try not to get affected by it too much. I feel like I pretty much know that it's just basketball. I've just got to go out there and perform.

What are you trying to show college coaches this summer?
Mostly, I want to show them that I can post up and that I'm one of the more dominant big men in the country.

For those that may not know, what's your current size?
I'm 6'10" right now and about 250 to 255.

What are you projected to be?
Oh, 7'2."

What position do you like to play?
Well, I'm more of a four, but I can play the four and the five.

You feel that you're more of a natural four.
Yeah, I like the four more because they let move around a little more.
You've got pretty good footwork for a guy your size and age.
Yeah, thanks.

What about the experience playing now with the seventeens for Mac Irvin? How much of a jump do you feel it's been from the other age brackets?
Oh, yeah, it's totally different. I'm fifteen now and I was playing the 16s, but this is at a completely other level. It's so much faster and guys are stronger down low.
I was going to check you out in Dallas, but you were playing with the 16s in a different area.
Oh, yeah. I played well, but, with the 17s, everything is much faster and you can't take any plays off. You have to sprint every time.

You play in a great high school league in Chicago, but how does that compare with what you've faced today?
I think playing 17s in AAU is harder than high school because, in AAU, it's like all of the players are really good at their high school instead of facing just one or two.

What kind of an adjustment did you have to make when you were promoted to the 17s?
Not that much. My coach just said to make my game faster. So, I tried to step up and do that.

What so view as your strengths right now?
My strengths are being able to post up, but I can face up..My body, my height, and my actual strength..I can take a lot.
It looks like you have the frame to really hold a lot of muscle.
Yeah, I think so.

What do you consider your weakness?
My weaknesses are probably staying in shape. I always need to stay on top of that.

How do you try to combat that? How do you plan on staying in shape during the downtimes this summer?
I was playing with the Olympic team this summer. I tried to get my body in shape before we headed down there.

Are you going on treadmills? Running? Spinning?
I've got two trainers. One works on my basketball skills and the other one works on my core and my flexibility.

That's a good approach. Who's recruiting you at this point? Are there any new schools that have expressed interest in you that haven't offered yet? I have to make sure I cover my bases.
Oh yeah, sure, I understand.My scholarship offers are from Illinois, DePaul, Michigan State, and Arkansas. Ohio State just offered me. I've talked to UConn, Georgetown, Syracuse, and North Carolina... and Kansas. I'm supposed to take a visit there, but I'm not sure when. And Syracuse has shown an interest.

Has Duke recruited you at all yet?
No, not yet.

Is distance going to be a factor for you?
Oh, no, no. I'll go anywhere. It doesn't matter to me.

Have you taken any visits recently or do you have any plans other than Kansas?
I'm supposed to visit Ohio State, Illinois, and Kansas before the end of summer.

What are your goals next year for Whitney Young?
Our only goal next season is to simply win the state championship. Last year, we lost in the sectionals to Farragut and that was disappointing.
We'll forget about that.
(laughs)

What are your goals for this summer?
My main goal was to make the final cut for the Olympic team. That was my number one priority. After that, my next goal is to help us win the Peach Jam.
Well, I think you've got a shot at both of those things.
Yes, sir.

Can you talk about playing with some of your high school teammates on your AAU team?
Oh, yeah, it's great to play with guys like Jermaine Morgan, Thomas Hamilton, and Derrick Randolph. Those three guys really help me out a lot.

Who are you closest to?
Jermaine Morgan and Thomas Hamilton. Those two are like my two older brothers.

How did you choose Whitney Young?
Well, in seventh grade, before I knew they even had a good basketball team, I knew I wanted to go there because of the academics.

I'm from New York, but I know that Whitney Young's a magnet school academically.
Yeah, even if the basketball team wasn't any good, I would've gone there regardless.

That's interesting. Are you a good student or pretty good?
Yeah, I'm pretty good.

What type of style of play do you think best suits you?
It doesn't matter, but I think I'm a little more effective if we can slow it down a bit and let me post up.

Do you have a go-to move at this point?
I usually spin a lot and sometimes it works. (laughs)

Are you able to work out at all between these AAU events to work on skill development?
Yeah, I definitely try to get it in. I've had to miss some AAU practices cause I feel like I can grow more if I work out individually with a trainer. I feel like it benefits me sometimes more.

Is there a guy that you try to model your game after?
Jared Sullinger.

Did you have a dream school growing up?
No, I didn't.

What about an NBA team?
Oh, definitely, the Bulls. The Chicago Bulls..I love them.

How'd you feel about their year this year?
Well, I think they surprised a lot of people. I mean nobody expected Derrick Rose to be MVP. I mean nobody expected them to be in the conference finals and so they accomplished that and I think they have a great future.

I think they've got a good shot over the next couple of years, if things break right.
Yeah, so do I.

Do you know Theo Pinson pretty well now?
Oh, yeah, definitely.

How would you assess your defense at this point?
I feel I'm playing pretty well on defense at this point. I like my effort and I guess, for the most part, the results. I'm definitely trying out there.

Can you give a scouting report on Jabari Parker? You've played with him in AAU and against him in high school. What's the best defense against him?
Well, in the past, I would've said to make him shoot, but he's improved so much in the last year. I think he's one of the most unguardable players out here. I mean he's been a great teammate, but he's really stepped up his game and his body. He can beat you inside with his moves or athleticism and now outside with size and shooting. He can really run the court.

Are you related to Emeka Okafor?
Yeah, distant.

For your big decisions in life, who do you turn to for guidance?
Probably my dad and my high school coaches.

Is your dad here?
Yeah.

Can you talk about the rise of Chicago? A lot of people are talking about the rise of Chicago for the 2013 and 2014 classes on a national scale.
We have a bunch of players coming out, yeah. I think our top two players are also top ten in the country. 2013 class is very good to with Jabari Parker, Thomas Hamilton, and Kendrick Nunn. Jabari Parker and Kendrick Nunn are two of the best players in the state and they're both going to be playing for USA. We have four players from Chicago on the USA team.

Is one of your goals to eventually be the #1 player in your class?
Oh, yeah, definitely. I want to try to be that.

Who are some people that you're close with nationally that people might be surprised about?
Right, I'm really friends with Theo Pinson. Do you know him?
Yeah, and I like his dad, too.
Oh yeah, he's real cool. I'm real cool with Theo and Ishmail Wainright. I'm also close with Dakari Johnson.

Going forward with Dakari (Johnson), is it friendly or is it a rivalry?
Well, I consider it both. We've known each other since about third grade.

Well, you two are two of the best players and big men in your class.
Yeah, they naturally compare us. It's a friendly rivalry.

Who's going to be your toughest competition next year in high school?
I've got to say Simeon. They're going to be tough. They're loaded.

How did you guys do against them this year?

We went 1-1. The first game they beat us, the second game we beat them at the end. The first game we played them at DePaul and the second game we played them right around where we're from.

Who's the best player you've faced?
Well, LeBron, but..

Alright, other than LeBron?
Oh, then Thomas Hamilton.

Oh, Tommy Hamilton. What do you feel you've gained this summer through your various experiences that you can bring to Whitney Young?
First of all, my condition is really better.
Yeah, I saw you running the court out there a lot better than you did in the past.
Yeah, I'm also more of a vocal leader now and also my defense is better.

Are you guys going to be on TV this year so people can catch you?
Yeah, we've actually got a couple of games on TV, not sure when though.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
I'm just a humble guy. Modest…very modest. That's it.

Thanks a lot, Jahlil, and good luck.
Sure, thank you. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Matt Jones is very high on Duke University

BDN has two interviews with Matt Jones, a kid who is blowing up on the AAU circuit. Here is the first of two and video is coming as well. BDN Photo

From the suburban Dallas city of DeSoto, there hails one of the best shooters in high school basketball, 6'4" Matt Jones. During the recent Nike EYBL fifteen game season, the polite marksman finished fourth in overall scoring, while averaging 18.2 points per game. Jones, a rising junior, has formed one of the best inside-outside tandems on the AAU circuit with the heralded forward Julius Randle for the Texas Titans, a Dallas-area AAU program which strives to fuse basketball and spiritual training.

At the LeBron James Skills Academy, Matt spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a myriad of topics, including his close friend Randle, Duke's recent interest in the shooting guard, and Jones' shooting prowess.

How's your recruiting going lately?

Oh, recruiting's fun. Just getting all kinds of calls from all kinds of area codes. It's just fun. The coaches have been great. I just like hearing about the history and tradition of each one.

So, it's exciting for you?

Yes, sir.

In terms of interest and offers, where are you receiving them from, respectively?

I have a lot of offers like [private] from Memphis, Kansas, Baylor…teams like that. I've gotten interest from a lot more, but, in the end, I just want to go somewhere that fits my game and makes me more of a complete player.

Well, for the audience that hasn't seen you play yet, how would you describe your game right now? What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses?

Sure, my strengths are my shooting and playing defense. My weaknesses are probably ball-handling a little bit and also being more vocal.

In terms of shooting, do you feel you're better off of the catch or off of the dribble?

(laughs) Well, I can do both, but..

Alright, what do you prefer?

I prefer to just catch and shoot.

So, five seconds left, you'd rather have someone penetrate and kick it to you on the wing.

Yes, sir, definitely.

Your partner, Julius Randle, compared your game to Ray Allen's. He basically said you may not be quite at that level of shooting, but you had more of diverse offensive game than you were given credit for. Is he on the right track and is Allen a player that you try to model your game after?

Yeah, well, I like to compare my game to him and just get there and shoot like him.

You were mentioning defense before, how would you assess your defense right now?

My defense is pretty good, but it could get better..

You know that sometimes high-level shooters have a reputation for not necessarily being the toughest defenders.

(laughs) Yes, I know, but, like on my high school team, it's made me a better defender because, if you don't play defense, you won't play. My coach is very strict about that and we've all gotten better.

Why don't you tell the audience how you did this past season at DeSoto?

Oh, man, we were one game away from winning the state. It was tough to take.

Well, next year, you should be strong again.

Yes, sir, we should. We bring back a lot of seniors and I'll try my best again, sir. We should be strong.

Attending this event and others similar to this, what do you take out of it? This is your first big one, right?

Oh, yes, sir. It is. By playing against these other guys, I've learned that I've got to be more vocal and keep working on my ball-handling. I've got to make those my priorities and keep working on my shot too. I need to be more of a leader than I have been too and just getting guys where they're supposed to be. Yes, sir.

Then, it's been a valuable use of your time.

Yes, sir.

I hate to touch on Randle again, but you two are inseparable at all of these camps and tournaments. What's it been like playing alongside him and enjoying the spacing that he's provided? You guys have formed one of the best inside-outside tandems around.

(laughs) Absolutely, it's been good and fun, sir. He just demands so much attention that it helps me.

You guys have a nice rhythm.

Yes, sir. We've been playing together since, like fifth grade. He just demands so much attention that when they have to, like, double team him, it just makes my job more easier to shoot it. It's just pure catch-and-shoot. Yes, sir.

They say that you're a good student. Does it come relatively easy to you or do you have to work at it? Is it true first of all?

(laughs) It is true and I do work at it. My parents just keep me on my toes. They're always on me and, if they're ever slipping, they both always are just cracking down on me. You never have to worry about that.

That's good to hear. What are your goals for this summer?

My goals for this summer are, well, first to win the Peach Jam, just do really good and help my team to succeed.

Do you feel you have a strong shot at the Peach Jam? I've seen you guys play in Dallas and LA, when you got Julius back.

Yes, sir, I think we do. Me and Julius and just the rest of my team are pretty solid. I mean, on the one hand, we're a young bunch, but you can't count us out and we know how to play. We'll fight.

That's the kind of attitude that I like to hear and, in the end, it becomes about performing in one game at a time at the Peach Jam. In terms of visits, where have you visited recently and what do you have planned?

I've been to Missouri and Baylor and I'm trying to get to Kansas and Florida and then some more.

Are those last two this summer?

Yes, sir, those last two are this summer and then I'd like to take some more visits in the fall, sir. Yes, sir.

Who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do make a decision on a college program?

Sure, sir, my big brother, Antonio, my parents, and probably my AAU coaches.

Do you view yourself as a pure two or can you play other positions?

As a pure two, sir.

Will distance be a factor in your decision?

No, I'll go wherever I feel is best, sir.

You were sort of, well, laughing about it before, but have you and Julius seriously discussed the possibility of going to the same school? Is it sort of a half-serious thing?

Oh, no, we're both pretty serious about it. I mean it's definitely something we've talked about and a few schools are interested in us both. It'd be great to be able to play with him in college. Like you said, we've got a great chemistry out there.

Has Duke expressed interest in you?

Oh, yes, sir. The coaches called. I hope they keep staying interested, sir.

So, if they continue to express interest in you, you'd be interested in them?

Oh, yes, definitely. If they're serious, I'd like to go out there and visit with my family. I feel that they're a program that could be a good fit. They've got great coaches and a great program. It's definitely a program that I'm interested in. I hope they keep recruiting me. Yes, sir.

What do you know about the program and the university?

I know they just got Coach Capel and they've always had great guards and shooters. Obviously, Coach K is a legend. Just a great coach. It's a great school with a winning tradition and history. Great players and everything. Yes, sir.

Can you talk about the rise of Texas basketball on a national scale and how competitive it is on the high school level? How do you account for it?

Well, it's been great to be a part of, sir. We're a huge state with a lot of people and a lot of the young kids are playing basketball. Football is still big, but maybe more people are going into basketball sir. It's been great to see some of the success from all the different parts of the state. In high school, it's definitely tough to win a championship, sir…because you've got to go through all of these talented players and teams.

Who's been the toughest opponent that you've had to defend?

Oh, that's a tough one. I think I'd have to go with BABC or All-Ohio Red. They were the hardest.

I apologize, Matt. That's my fault. I actually mean which individual player was the toughest for you to defend.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir…Probably J.P. Tokoto. He was real tough for me because he's big and athletic.

Are those the type of guys that give you problems, the big and athletic guards?

Oh, yes, sir.

Physically, how are you trying to improve your body?

Oh, I'm trying to get a little stronger, but mostly I want to work on my flexibility. I think I need to keep improving that area. I need to get more flexible.

I know Julius had said that he was trying to work on his flexibility as well. Working with a trainer.

Oh, yes, sir.

You've got the reputation as an excellent shooter. One veteran scout said he thought you were the best in your class and it wasn't even close. How do you continue to strive and fight the temptation to rest on your laurels? Julius before was talking about how you were looking to develop beyond being "just a shooter." How have you tried to balance growing your game, while not losing your bread and butter, your shooting?

Oh, I've got to try to do both and I'm never resting, sir. I know that I've got to keep pushing myself. I've got to improve my shooting off of the dribble. I want it to be as good as when I catch-and-shoot. I want to be comfortable at both, sir. I'm not satisfied. I still push myself hard. Yes, sir.

What would you say is your range? How far out do you feel comfortable shooting the ball?

Oh, yes, sir, I'd say the three-point line. I'm very comfortable out there. I like to shoot it out there.

What are your goals for the next high school year at DeSoto?

I'd like to win the state and keep improving. I think we'll be pretty good and I'm going to keep pushing myself.

Lastly, what would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

Well, most people wouldn't know, but I actually love to bowl. I'm pretty good at bowling. (laughs)

Are you really? What's like your all-time high score?

Oh, I'm not exactly sure, but I've broken two hundred. I'm not sure exactly what it was.

Oh, wow, I guess you are really good. Well, thank you very much for your time, Matt. It's been really nice to talk with you.

Thanks. [/private]

 

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Julius Randle shares his thoughts from the Peach Jam

Julius Randle - BDN Photo

One of the studs in the class of 2013 is Julius Randle who plays his AAU ball for the Team Texas Titans.  Duke, UNC and other major coaches all took in his power game yesterday at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta, South Carolina.  BDN Premium is covering the event as we always do and we caught up to Randle for this ... For full site access to all of our interviews and premium articles, join Blue Devil Nation Premium, then discuss the latest on our members only message board.[private] video interview -

Up next - Matt Jones [/private]