Tag Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News

quin cook — BDN Recruiting Analyst Andre Slater goes 1 on 1 with Quinn Cook in B our latest premium offering. Join BDN Premium for full site access and get inside the world of recruiting. Photo Rick Crank for Blue Devil Nation

This interview was originally posted on BDN Premium on 7-31. This is a free-view of that interview that was conducted by fellow BDN recruiting analyst Andrew Slater. We hope you will compare this piece to others offerings and then try our subscription section for yourself.

As the point guard for DeMatha, Quinn Cook led the Washington area Catholic school to a City Title and a Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Championship, earning the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year award as a junior. In July, Quinn helped lead the United States to a gold medal, including dishing out a team-high eleven assists in the Championship game against Poland, at the FIBA Under-17 World Basketball Championship in Hamburg, Germany. Before leaving for Germany, Cook made the decision to spend his senior year in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia at national power Oak Hill Academy, whose long list of alumni includes Duke guards Nolan Smith and William Avery. After playing in front of Duke coach Nate James at the recent Adidas Super 64 tournament in Las Vegas, Quinn spoke with Blue Devil Nation about his decision to transfer from DeMatha to Oak Hill, changing others' perceptions of him through his play with the USA Under-17 team, and Duke's interest in him, among various topics.

What was the experience like being part of a gold medal winning team in Germany?

It was a great experience. I got to play with a lot of great people in my class. Players like Marquis Teague and players like that so it was just a wonderful experience competing and playing for the national team and being able to win the world championship. It's a blessing, but it was a lot of hard work. We didn't want to be outworked.

What did you do with that gold medal after you received it?

I gave it to my mom. So, I guess she's going to put it in her room.

Obviously, your father was very important to you, what do you think he would of thought of you winning the gold medal and did you think about what his reaction would have been after you guys won the gold medal?

Without him, I wouldn't be here. He was the one who put the basketball in my hands. I just try to honor him and his name and his character not only when I'm on the court, but in the time when I'm away from the court. I want people to see him when they see me out here or in the community.

Who are some guys on the team that you became close with over the time spent with the team?

I tried to get close with [private] really everybody on the team and just, you know, establish relationships.

Were there one or two guys that you were particularly close with?

Oh, yeah, Marquis Teague and Tony Wroten. We definitely were real close on the team. We definitely became real close. We hung out and stuff.

I know you're a big Kobe guy. What did you think of the whole LeBron announcement and decision?

Well, I respect his decision. I can't knock him for wanting to win a ring. You know he's in Miami where he's now with D. Wade and that's a pretty big and bold move, but he still can't beat Kobe. He can't. Not yet, at least.

You're moving on to Oak Hill. What went into that decision? Are you excited about it?

I'm very excited about it. I get to play with some great players. It was just, um..

Too many distractions?

Yeah, that's a good way of putting it. There were just too many distractions and things going on. My mom is a single mom, man. You know I don't really have that strong male figure in my life and, you know, Coach Jones was that. I'm blessed for that, but there was, well, you know, a lot of drama going on. Plus, on the basketball court, I don't feel like I like I have anything left to prove in the DC leagues.

Yeah, you're the first junior to win the player of the year in more than four decades. Now you're going to be playing a really national schedule for Oak Hill and more games as well.

Yeah, definitely, the schedule is going to be a challenge, but it'll make me better in the long-run. I also think that Oak Hill will get me ready, both on and off of the court, playing away from home and my mom and everybody else will help become more of a man. Just becoming a man and being by myself.

I do think it will help with your adjustment for college. Not just at Oak Hill, but a lot of guys that have gone up to the New England boarding schools and have gotten away from the distractions have come out better prepared for college life and basketball. When do you head to Oak Hill?

I have no clue. (laughs)

Well, what are your goals for this season? A National Championship? McDonald's All-American?

Undefeated. I'd love to go undefeated. For me, personally, in order would be to be the national champion, to be a McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand All-American, and then to make the Nike Hoops Summit.

What's it like to have Sidiki (Johnson) join DC Assault before you guys play together at Oak Hill?

I think it's been great to have him join us so that we can establish some chemistry before we play at Oak Hill together. We're both coming in as seniors and so we don't have a lot of time to work on that, but this will help. We played together at the Pangos (All-American Camp), but this is another level.

Has he been talking to you about joining him at Arizona?

Not too much really. He's been cool about it. He obviously wants me to go there, but he's not pushing anything.

Are you going to take all five of your visits?

Yeah, I don't know which five schools I'm going to visit yet, but I do know that I'd like to take all five of my visits.

At this point, what are your schools?

I've got ten schools right now: Villanova, Duke, Wake Forest, NC State, Arizona, UCLA, West Virginia, Rutgers, St. John’s and Georgetown.

Okay, do you have a timeframe for when you'd like to decide by or cut down on your list?

I want to decide by the fall, but I don't want to rush just too quickly into anything because, you know, it's a big decision. It's probably the biggest decision I'm going to make at this point in my life.

I understand. Do you think you opened up a lot of eyes by how you played over in Germany? The fact that you were more of a distributor than a scorer, as you have been asked to be for both DeMatha and your DC Assault team. Wrongly or rightly, some seemed to think that you're more of a gunner, but then you led the USA team in assists.

Yeah, definitely. Well, I mean, I hope so because I've always been a pass-first point guard, but, with both of those teams, they've asked me to score more for us to win and so, you know, I have, but, believe me, I love to pass the ball and get others involved. I'll do whatever my coach feels he needs me to do to win. I'm just trying to be helpful. Whatever my coach or my team needs me to do, I'll do. No doubt. So, yeah, I hope it made people realize there's more to my game than just scoring or whatever people thought before.

Yeah, I remember somebody you know told me that was how you felt about eighteen months ago and you were able to be more of a distributor when you were younger at DeMatha. At this point, what do you think will be the most important factor in your decision for college?

My relationship with the coaches is definitely number one at this point. I just want to feel comfortable with them and have them feel comfortable with me. After that, everything else can take care of itself.

You've played against probably every other top player in your class, at some point or another. Who are some other guys that you really walked away respecting or were really good challenges for you?

Johnny O' Bryant. The guy works his tail off and gave max effort. Johnny, yeah.

What about other point guards? Anyone stand out?

Oh, oh, oh. Marquis Teague is probably the toughest offensive point guard to check and Tony Wroten is tough too, with his size and everything.

For a player your age, I always think that you have a high basketball IQ. You try to make up for what others may have in height and quickness with your mind for basketball. Have you thought about getting into coaching after your playing career is over?

Hopefully, after the NBA, yep. I want to make the NBA and play as long as I can, but, after that, yeah.

Now, I know that you were a North Carolina fan growing up, but now Duke is recruiting you. You obviously know and are friends with a lot of the guys in the Duke program now, though.

Yeah, but I cheered for Duke. I mean even growing up, even though I was a North Carolina fan, I always respected Duke and what they accomplished and Coach K. Now, I mean they have a lot of guys that I know and am close friends with too. I like Duke a lot.

So, you weren't one of those guys that felt they had to hate Duke because you liked North Carolina. Who, on the coaching staff, have you spoken with most?

Well, both Coach James and Coach K. Those are the two that I've spoken to most. I spoke with Coach K probably the most.

I saw Coach James watching you today. What have they said to you?

Yeah, I saw him too. They're very interested in me because, well, you know, um, they're highly interested in me and we'll go from there.

What do you feel that can immediately bring to a program?

Toughness. Definitely toughness. I'm not the fastest or biggest or strongest guy, but I'll out tough my defender and beat him with heart. My heart and toughness is as big as anyone's.

What's one thing that fans don't know about Nolan Smith?

That he and Mike Beasley are like my Godbrothers and mentors. He's helped me with my situation with my father as much as anyone. I'll always be grateful to him for that.

Yeah, I saw Nolan last night at the Wynn. He's obviously helping the USA team, but I'm glad that he was so helpful to you. Thanks for your time, Quinn.

No problem. No problem.

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In depth interview with Duke prospect Rodney Purvis

August 16, 2010 Andrew Slater

rodney purvis 2 — BDN's Andrew Slater talks with future stud Rodney Purvis in our latest in depth prospect interview. BDN Photo

Rising sophomore Rodney Purvis is a 6'3" 185 lb guard, who is scheduled to play for Upper Room Christian Academy, a parochial school that runs through the tenth grade, in his native Raleigh. Due to proximity, their friendship, short memories, or relative talent, Purvis has been compared by a few to recent number one draft pick and fellow Raleigh product, John Wall. Last month, the very bubbly and social Purvis, who has demonstrated a preternatural ability to slash to the basket, spoke with Blue Devil Nation and others about his relationship with the aforementioned Wall, Duke's interest, and whether his childhood favorite in Chapel Hill was still his favorite, amongst other topics.

How did it feel to be the only rising sophomore invited to the LeBron James Academy?

Oh, it was an honor to be there. Being able to compete made it even better.

What did you learn, between the skills drills and the games?

Just competing, for the most part. You can see why guys deserved to be there.

In terms of recruiting, which schools are coming after you hardest right now?

Kentucky, Louisville, Wake Forest, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Xavier, and UNC and Duke

Have any of those schools formally offered you yet?

Yes, [private] Virginia offered, Georgia Tech offered, North Carolina Central offered, Xavier and Virginia Tech offered. Oh, and Wake offered.

It seems so early, but are these programs recruiting you as a combo guard? Point guard?

Yes, sir, they're almost all recruiting me a combo guard at this point.

In the backcourt, all things being equal, where do you prefer to play?

Point guard, yeah, I'd have to say point guard at this point.

I know UNC was supposed to be, at least, your childhood favorite. Is that still the case?

Yes, they're still one of my favorites. It's just a great school. They've got a great history and it's about twenty minutes from my house. My family could come and watch me play.

[Jerry Tipton] John Calipari has developed a reputation of having one and done guards recently. The fact that they're seriously looking at you at this relatively early an age would indicate that he and his staff, perhaps, view you as being a potential next in line. How do you feel about that?

It means a lot in that everybody wants to be in the NBA and things like that. John Calipari is the kind of guy that can get you there, if you want to go there.

There have been some comparisons between you and John Wall, who you know pretty well, probably because of where you've grown up. What do you make of people comparing the two of you?

They shouldn't. (laughs). There's really no comparison at all, between me and him.

Is he a hero, if you will, of yours? Someone you admire?

Yes, we grew up together and played on the same team. We're real close.

Have you played a lot of one-on-one against him?

Oh, yeah, probably over a hundred times and I've lost every single time. He's a fierce competitor. If you've got game point, he's just not going to let you score or anything.

What do you think makes him so hard to check?

Speed. (laughs) It's just hard to keep him in front, you know. You can back off of him, but he is going to make his jump shots in a one-on-one. The other thing is he's a good defender with his long arms, you know, so it's hard to score on him also.

What would you like to take from his game and add to yours?

Probably playing in transition. Watching John..he is so successful in transition. It's crazy. I'm just trying to watch how he does things, you know, like make the extra pass or hitting open teammates when he's on the break.

When you come out for the first thing in the morning and see some of the coaching heavyweights out there, like Coaches Krzyzewski, Boeheim, Williams, or Matta, does that have any effect on you? Do you even notice?

Yeah, absolutely, because you see who's walking in and, perhaps, watching you. One guy I noticed, well, was Coach K. I'm not trying to knock any of the other coaches, but maybe it was just because the light was on him or he caught my eye. I try not to pay too much attention to it because I'm just trying to play well so that I can get noticed by them.

[Kentucky reporter] I know you mentioned before that you're a combo guard or whatever. Can you talk about, like, I know we're asking a lot of Kentucky questions, but can you talk about Calipari and the guards he's developed? Do you see anything in his coaching that, um, helps the point guards out?

Like I said to you before, if you want to get, I mean, if you want to be "one-and-done," then Kentucky is the place to go. It's just that simple. They're the place to go right now, if you want to be a "one-and-done" type of player.

Would you like to be a "one-and-done" player?

Well, it's something that me and my mom have been talking about a little bit, but we're so far away that it's not realistic to even talk about. Playing and improving is all I'm trying to concentrate on now. That's it.

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses right now?

Oh, my strengths are getting to the basket and creating for me or my teammates. My weakness is probably my in-between game, like, instead of just going all the way, just pulling up. My body has taken a lot of wear and tear by just going to the basket consistently.

Where do you feel comfortable shooting the ball?

Like at the elbows or the free throw line extended.

[Mike DeCourcy] Is part of the problem with working on your in-between game that every time you get there, you can get all the way to the rim?

Yes, it's kind of hard to just stop and shoot the jumpsuit, if you're just used to going to the basket. It's something, though, that I've got to train myself to do.

[Mike DeCourcy] I know it's a long way off, but do you have a list of schools that are ideal for you? Or ones that you're thinking about?

Yes, just about every school in the ACC, some schools in the Big East, an SEC school or two, and some Pac-Ten schools.

[Jerry Tipton] With you growing up a North Carolina fan, would you say they were first among equals? Do you know what I mean? That it'll be harder for you to turn them aside.

Not really, because, once it comes down to it, I've got to what's best for me at that point. If North Carolina isn't the best situation for me, then I won't go. It's as simple as that.

[Jerry Tipton] How much do you think that John Wall might put in a good word for Kentucky? How much does that play into your mind that he was very, very successful? I mean an All-American in his first year.
Yeah, I'm sure he's putting in a good word or at least I hope he is. I've just got to keep working at it to hopefully earn a scholarship offer from Kentucky.

[Jerry Tipton] Why do you think it hasn't come yet?
Probably because of my age and the grade I'm in

Have you taken any visits yet or do you have any planned for the rest of the summer?

I went up to Kentucky when John first got there because there was a junior All-American camp there and the campus was really nice. It's just a basketball state. I mean there's nothing else. No distractions. Just basketball.

Have you visited any of the schools in your area at all in the past?

No, not really.

[Jerry Tipton] Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Marquis Teague is now coming and then Rodney Purvis. Do you put yourself into that line. How does that play on your mind?

Oh, you know, all of those are great players and all have made the NBA, well, except for Marquis Teague, but he's highly ranked and he's really good also. Honestly, to just have my name in that category would be great. You know, just having all those great players and point guards.

[Jerry Tipton] Is there pressure with that?

No, there's no pressure at all. I just try to go out there and focus and play.

Would you be open to Duke as well? I know you mentioned before about being a childhood fan of UNC.

Oh, shoot, yeah. Coach K is a great coach! I'd definitely be open to Duke. Absolutely.

Has Coach Krzyzewski or another Duke coach communicated with you?

Yes, yes, Nate James has spoken with me. Coach James.

How do you feel about being on the road a lot during the summer? Do you like it?

Well, I've been on the road a lot, but it's been great. Just coming out and meeting new people and meeting other great players and talking with new people like you guys has been great.

Have any other players or your teammates been talking with you about attending or encouraging you to go their school?

P.J. does it a lot. Reggie Bullock does it a lot. Oh, yeah, and Marquis Rankin for Virginia Tech has been encouraging me to go their school so, you know, it's like all of my teammates have been encouraging me to go their school, once they've committed. It's fun though.

Does it just go in one ear and out the other or does some of it stick with you?

Well, I mean it would be great to play with one of my AAU teammates. I mean I think about it, but not a lot.

Are any of them going to be in college by the time you get there?

(laughs) That's a great question, but I doubt it.

[Jerry Tipton] How close do you live to John Wall?

Ten minutes maybe. Before he left for the NBA summer leagues, I went over to his house and talked with him a little bit about different things.

[Jerry Tipton] How do you think he feels about being the first overall pick?

Right now, he's overwhelmed. He's a lucky kid, well, he's not lucky because he works for everything he got. He's a local kid from Raleigh, North Carolina, who made it and now his work ethic is going to take him over the top. You know how some guys they'll come in and not live up to the hype because they don't want to work and improve. Well, that won't happen with him. With the amount of work that he put in, he's going to be successful.

Do you have a similar work ethic?

Oh, yes, absolutely, anytime that I can, I'm in the gym.

Thank you for your time.

Absolutely. [/private]

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

Monday Musings – Pro Am, Football Practice and more

August 9, 2010 Mark Watson

RIC_1606 — Kyrie Irving, pixbyrick.com/BDN

There is always a lot going on if you cover Duke Athletics and as a busy summer around here gives way to September, Duke Football hits the field. In fact, they hold their first practice this evening where Coach David Cutcliffe will continue to work on getting the Blue Devils to a bowl game.

Duke is picked fifth by the ACC media in their division which features in my opinion, the four best teams. In fact all of the teams ahead of Duke are ranked in the season's first Top 25 poll. Before Duke worries about Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Miami, they will focus on the business at hand which is the opener against Elon.

They will then turn their attention to an early season ACC battle on the road at Wake Forest before coming home to face the nation's number one team in Alabama who returns a ton of talent including last years Heisman Tropy winner Mark Ingram.

BDN will attend practices to bring you our usual coverage, so if you are a football fan be sure to bookmark the Blue Devil Nation.

John Wall and company fall to Wheel Chair All Stars

Where else can one find the NBA's number one draft pick, John Wall playing hoops in a wheel chair? The answer is at the N.C. Pro Am, an event that wrapped up another strong season this past Sunday

Wall was unable to participate in a real game due to contractual obligations with the Washington Wizards but he told BDN that he wanted to see what it was like to play without the use of his legs to give him a better understanding of the plight some must go through.

Area participants filled the wheel chair game earlier and Wall joined C.J. Leslie and others to take on the all stars from the first contest. Several crowd pleasing moments ensued, bringing some light moments. In the end, Wall and company shot all clankers and were handed a 15-0 loss.

Also there promoting his foundation, Rodney Rodgers, the former Wake Forest star and Durham native spoke to the crowd about his hope to walk again against all odds. Rodgers was also able to shed light on his foundation which can be found on line by a simple google search for those interested in supporting his cause.

Blue Devils solid at the Pro Am

We'll touch on the N.C. Pro Am's final day a bit here, but an article will follow. In short, all of the Blue Devils had their moments in the event and we will break down our thoughts on each player in the coming week and talk of off season improvements. BDN has covered this event since it's inception and will continue to for we feel it is a very positive and good experience for Triangle area fans.

Recruiting

We will focus on Duke Football recruiting more and more now that the dust has cleared on a few things we have been working on behind the scenes. Cutcliffe and company have the bulk of their allotment filled but there are some key recruits we'll keep an eye on down the stretch.

Basketball is on somewhat of a hold with Coach Krzyzewski and Chris Collins doing duty for Team USA. Of course, Duke's Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith are with them for now in New York but they will return in a week or so, yet the coaches will be gone another month or so.

As for the Austin Rivers watch, I can tell you that he will not do a thing before the Duke coaches return, so the daily watch to see what he eats for breakfast to provide a sign is fruitless. We will have an interview up shortly with Amile Jefferson to update his recruitment and will have more on other targets as well.

Vincent Rey makes his mark with the Bengals

Duke will sorely miss linebacker Vincent "Vinnie" Rey this coming season but the Devils loss could be the Bengals gain. Rey had five tackles in Cincinnati's 16-7 loss to the Cowboys in the NFL's pre season opener. BDN will keep an eye on his play as the pres season progresses.

Video coming to BDN

We wanted to refine things a bit before we moved into video and in the coming months you will get a taste of vids BDN style. We are in negotiations with three different service and will inform you when the dust clears.

In closing ...

I admittedly am not a big fan of sites like Bleacher Report where anybody off the streets can pen something good or bad on their team. Most of the time little research is done on these sites and opinion is often stated as fact, but I think Justin McTeer is the exception and he has a nice piece up on Seth Curry so check it out here.

We'd also like to encourage Duke fans to visit Duke Update and Duke Report, two solid link sites for all things Duke. Duke Update is one of the original Duke Sites on the net where Jason D'Amico works it as a labor of love not taking one dime from advertising. Duke Report is the new kid on the block, but they do a great job as well and BDN enjoys working with these two sites.

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Marshall Plumlee speaks of choosing Duke and more for the first time since his decision

July 21, 2010 Mark Watson

RIC_5433 — Marshall Plumlee shows up at the N.C. Pro Am where he plays with his brother Mason. Rick Crank Photo, may not be used without permission from photographer or BDN

DURHAM, N.C. - When Marshall Plumlee committed to Duke we were tipped off that he would not go to Las Vegas but instead would spend time with his brothers on campus thorugh August. BDN caught up with Marshall during last evenings N.C. Pro Am event where he played alongside his brother Mason. Marshall played as if he belonged on the court showing off his ability to run the hardwood and in the process scored 12 points which included a nice alley oop from Mason which ended in an emphatic dunk. Listen to Marshall as he opens up about why he chose Duke and shares details for the first time about how that went down. Stay tuned for our nightly Pro Am article [private] as well.

Just press play -

Up next Tyler Thornton [/private]

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2012’s Khem Burch, a soft spoken Canadian with a loud game

July 20, 2010 Andrew Slater

Khem Birch is a 6'9" 200 lb rising junior from the Montreal area. In June, Birch helped Canada win a bronze medal at the U-18 FIBA Americas Championship in San Antonio, leading the junior national team in rebounding and blocked shots. After spending his sophomore year at Winchendon Academy, he has transferred to Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. At the recent King City Classic, the soft-spoken Canadian with the loud game spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of topics, ranging from his Canadian junior national team experience to his desire to being a two-and-done to Kyrie Irving.

What schools are recruiting you hardest right now?
Providence, Florida, Pitt, Texas, Ohio State, West Virginia, and Arizona.

Have they all offered?
Yes, they've all offered. Kentucky also contacted me recently, but they haven't offered yet. [private]

Do you have a timeframe for when you'd like to decide?
No, I don't know when I'll decide.

Do you still view it as early?
Oh, yeah, I'd say so.

What do you feel will be the most important factor, whenever you do decide on a college program?
My relationship with the coaching staff and also the players. I'd like to be comfortable with them.

Do you have a preference, in terms of style of play?
I like to run. I like to get up and down, but I can play either way.

Why did you decide to transfer to Notre Dame Prep?
Well, there were a few reasons. My coach left to take a different job. I think Notre Dame Prep is better academically. And then other guys on my team like Angel Nunez also left that school. I didn't want to be alone there.

Now, academically, are you going to be okay? There's not going to be any problems with qualifying, right?
Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I just think my new school is better. That's all. I'll be fine.

Will distance be a factor for you in your college decision?
I don't think so now. I'll have to talk it over with my mother since she would be the one that I'd want to see me. It was a big deal when I first came to America. I missed home so much.

Was it a major adjustment?
It was really tough, at first, making the adjustment. I was young and felt alone and I didn't really know anybody. My parents were going through some problems. I just missed home and my mother.

You've said that you'd like to be a "two and done." What made you come to that decision?
I've thought about it and I think I need to spend some time in college and enjoy it. I want to improve a lot before I go to the NBA, but that's my goal. I've put some thought into and I just don't want to be a one-and-done type.

I understand that you wanted to be a football player. Is that true?
Yeah, I did. I always wanted to play football more and hopefully grow up and play in the Canadian Football League. That was always my hope, when I was younger. I had good hands and that helped.

What position did you play?
I played mostly wide receiver because of my hands, but I also played some quarterback, I think, because of my height. They thought I could see better.

Do you think that your football mentality brings something different to the court from some of the other top players here?
Maybe. I think maybe more on defense and dealing with getting hit or being physical inside. I'm not afraid to get hit at all.

Where have you visited?
I've visited two schools: Massachusetts and Providence. I will be going to visit Pitt, though.

When is that visit scheduled?
In August, I believe.

They have you listed for some reason at 175. What do you actually weight now?
Yeah, I don't know why, but I'm up to two hundred pounds now. It's something I've been working on for a while.

I saw you playing for Winchendon last November in one of those showcase tournaments and I thought you stood out, particularly with changing the other team's shots and hitting the offensive glass, but your arms look bigger and more defined now.
Yeah, thanks. I've been able to add weight and muscle since I got to Notre Dame Prep like a month ago. I think I've added like ten pounds of muscle or something since I've gotten there. I give the school a lot of the credit. It's helped a lot with my arms and upper body, but I know that I've still got a long way to go.

What do you hope to weigh?
I'm hoping to eventually weigh between 220 and 230. I'd like to be able to get up to around 210 this season.

What position are they primarily recruiting you as, center or power forward?
Both really. I think they see me as a big guy that can play either position, but I guess more people look at me as a power forward.

Who are some of the other top kids that you're friendly with?
Angel Nunez and Ricardo Ledo. Angel was my teammate last season and he's going with me to Notre Dame.

Yeah, I know Angel a little bit. He was from the Bronx.
Yeah, exactly, and Ricardo I know from AAU. Actually, most of the kids here didn't know me before I got here.

Why do you think that is?
I don't think they ever heard of me before, for whatever reason, maybe because of where I played or the league.

Well, I mean it's a very competitive league and schedule. If they didn't know about you before, I'm sure that you've made an impression this week. There's a reason why I put a request in to speak with you first. Can you talk about the experience of playing for Canada? You guys trained in Toronto, right?

Oh, yeah, we did. That was just a great experience. I didn't know any of those guys before, but we bonded like brothers and I think I'm going to be friends with those guys for the rest of my life. It was amazing because we were together for like three straight weeks. I was so disappointed to not get the gold, but I'm glad that at least we got a medal and we'll be back in the future.

Definitely, the USA was loaded and you guys earned the bronze medal.
Yeah, I thought we played well, but it also made me realize that I need to improve my game on offense and be more versatile. I guess, in the end, I feel proud of our performance and really grateful for the opportunity.

Who's the best player that you've faced so far?
That's tough. There were some really difficult guys we faced in our league like Will Barton or Andre Drummond and Myck (Kabongo) was great for the Canadian team, but I'd have to say Kyrie Irving. He was just unbelievable down there.

What made Kyrie so difficult?
He could kill you in so many different ways. He changes speeds and thinks so well out there and can shoot the ball and passes it amazingly . He was just tough, man.

At this point, what do you feel are your strengths?

My energy or motor. I like to get after it and my shot blocking.

Now, you've only been playing this game for about four years. What do you feel you need to improve upon most, before you reach college?
I need to be more versatile on offense and improve my body too. I need to be more vocal on the court too. I realize that now.

What are your goals for this upcoming season?
To win the championship in New England, which'll be tough, but I think we can do it and hopefully win the national championship. That will be our goal or expectation. For me, personally, I just want to keep pushing myself to improve my weaknesses on the court and improve my body too.

Will you be going to Orlando or Vegas this year with your AAU program?
Orlando this year

We were talking before about distance before and being open. If Duke were to express interest in you, would you be open to them?
Oh, yeah, definitely. Absolutely.

What do you know about Duke?
Oh, I mean they're a great program. They just won the national title. They're great academically. They've got Coach K and great fans too. They can get players to the NBA.

Since you haven't spoken with him yet, what's your impression of Coach Krzyzewski from afar?
He's coached the USA team to the gold medal and just won the national title with Duke. I mean he's coached a lot of great players and won a lot of games. He's got a great reputation.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?
I like to listen to music a lot.

What type of music? Different types?
No, just rap or hip hop.

Thanks a lot, Khem, and good luck the rest of the summer.
Thanks. [/private]

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PG Prospect Josiah Turner is Open to Duke

July 19, 2010 Mark Watson

The Oakland Soldiers AAU team has four big time college prospects and one of them is point guard Josiah Turner. Turner [6-3, 195 PG Class of 2011 Sacramento, CA] is very aggressive with the ball and gets after it hard. College coaches are getting after Turner hard as well for there was no shortage of head men watching Turner during this past weeks Nike Peach Jam, now known as the Nike EYBL.

Duke has added Turner to their watch list and BDN caught up with point guard prospect recently for a Q & A session where he discussed a recnet call from the Blue Devils and more -

This is the first time I've seen you play and in the two games I beamed into, the one thing I come away with is that you are aggressive.

Yes. I'm an aggressive point guard that can get into the lane and to the rim when I want. I'm a pass first point guard looking for the open man. I play defense and I'm bigger than most guards, so that's what I have over them at this time.

What is your go-to move?

My go to move is my hesitation. Hesitation. I'll take them [private] out or in to get to the basket.

What are you like off the court?

I like to joke around a lot, I play video games, workout.

Do you consider yourself a leader?

Yeah, I try to be a leader on this team, that's what I try to do.

Which schools have been the most aggressive with you to date?

UCLA, UConn, Kansas, Wake Forest, Oregon, St. John's and uh, that's about it.

You're a west coast guy. Would there be a problem moving east?

No it's not a problem, not a problem at all to move east.

Where did you learn your basketball skills?

I've been playing since I was four or five and always had a ball in my hand.

Do you pattern your game after anyone in the pro or college game?

I look at Gilbert Arenas. I like his play and Chris Paul's play, that's about it.

I'm from the ACC area and heard that Duke most recently called you.

Yeah, they called me like two nights ago.

Who did you talk to?

Nate James

How did the chat go?

Oh, it went good. They were talking about how they haven't seen me yet. But the head coach saw me at the LeBron James camp and they are here at the Peach Jam as well.

Coach K?

Yes, Coach K. There somebody I'd really be interested in. I like Duke and they're one of the top programs, so of course I'm interested.

The coaching staff and how good of a relationship I have with them. How the offense is set up and how they play and that's about it.

Who will help you with your eventual decision on where you'll play your college ball?

My mom, just my mom. And my Dad, they are both huge in my life, especially my mom.

Where will your team go from here?

We're going to Vegas for the Fab 48 and then we're going to L.A.

Did you enjoy the Peach Jam?

I like it and like coming east because there is more competition.

What area of your game needs improvement?

My off the ball defense. I turn my head a lot where defenders can sneak behind me. So, I need work there.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really. It was Kansas when I was real young, but I don't really have one.

Thanks for your time.

Yeah, thank you. [/private]