Tag Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News

SUB_3726 — Marshall Plumlee runs the floor well - BDN Photo

CHARLOTTESVILLE -

During last evenings closing ceremony at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp, Marshall Plumlee was named to the five man workout warrior team for his work ethic during one of the nation's top events. Plumlee used the opportunity of playing with some of the nation's best players to get better, but coaches advice helped as much. Plumlee visited Virginia today and he most recently met with the Duke coaching staff as he nears his decision on where he'll play his college basketball. BDN caught up to Marshall and got his thoughts on the process. [Discuss this and more on the BDN Premium message board becoming a member today]

What is it like to play with some of the nation's top prospects?

It's a lot of fun because most of the kids have good attitudes and learn from one another. We all do certain things well and we take some of that to make ourselves better.

Do you feel like you've played well so far?

I'm happy with what I've done. A couple of moves have gone my way and I feel like I'm rebounding better. I could be playing a little better defense but I'm happy with the way that things have gone.

I watched one sequence in the last game where you had a three point play and then dished an assist on the break the next time down giving your team a one point lead.

I didn't really notice but when you start to mesh together as a team things goes better. You want that kind of thing to become second nature.

Do your brothers keep tabs on you these days?

Yeah, yeah, more and more I'm talking to them, especially recently. So, a lot more of late. I really enjoy getting closer to them. I got time to spend time with Miles at Duke recently. I have to catch up with Mason who is in Chicago working a camp. I really look to them for advice especially at this stage in my recruitment for their opinions mean a lot to me. [private]

You seem to be working on some go-to moves down low.

I think I'm getting a better feel for it. The great thing about this camp is that their is a wealth of knowledge here with former NBA players and coaches. They'll work with you, but you've just got to take the time. I pulled some of them to the side and they'll work with me on go-to moves and little stuff like that. I know there are some things I have to work on at the offensive end.

What have you been working on here? I saw you talking with your coaches when you came out of the games.

I pride myself on trying to be confident on the defensive end of . I'm lucky because my coach is Theo Ratliffe and if anyone knows how to teach big men it's him. He showed me a lot of things that are obvious but I haven't noticed. His advice has really helped and I'm enjoying working with him.

You were playing very aggressive out there at times.

Yeah, if only I could knocked down my free throws. Normally I try to be more efficient from the free throw line but tonight I struggled. I just really try to attack the basket because good things will happen if you go up strong, so I try to keep that mindset. [Marshall hit his next four free throws with good form]

We're at Virginia and this is one of the schools that are recruiting you and on your final list of four schools. What do you think about this place overall?

Overall, I like Virginia. I really like Coach Bennett, a great guy and a man I deeply respect. I have a good relationship with him and have enjoyed the process and getting to know him. A school like Virginia makes my decision terribly tough. I've been talking to my family, my brothers and I am really going to try to figure out the situation for me. I will be staying to visit with Coach Bennet after the NBAPA camp.

You hold an offer from Duke, is everything going well there?

Yeah and as of late even better. I'm in a different situation than my two brothers who are already at Duke, therefore the process has been a little bit different. Most of the stuff they don't have to sell me for I already know, so ... Recently I've been able to meet with Coach K and Coach Wojciechowski and talking with them and building a relationship with them has been really helpful, but more than anything talking to my brothers. Duke is a school that, you can't really say anything bad about them. They're coming off a national championship [smiling, hesitating] it's a very viable option. If I were to to pick Duke I would pick them for me and the opportunity to play with my brothers is just icing on the cake and I'd love that an it would be awesome. But if I were to pick Duke it would be because it's the best situation for me and they have a lot of things that fit me just right.

I know that your Mom and Dad are big on education. How does that play into your decision?

Education is something that's very important to me but I love basketball though and it's my passion and I hope to see how far it'll take me and education is important for there is life after basketball.

How is the rest of your summer looking?

Amare Stoudemire Camp and the LeBron James camp, a busy summer.

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

Thanks a lot Mr. Watson. [/private]

NBAPA Top 100 Camp Day Two – Gbinije is the camps 6th leading scorer

June 19, 2010 Mark Watson

CHARLOTTESVILLE - One of the coaches and mentors at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp is former Blue Devil Chris Duhon. We chatted with Duhon and you'll hear what he had to say early next week. If you think he was taking it easy on the kids in drills think again. He stuffed one camper as he went up for a jump shot to challenge the free agent.

Soon to be Blue Devil Tyler Adams again challenged all comers on the glass, grabbing 10 rebounds in one of the days games. Adams was sporting a wrist support by tonight's game and he told BDN he sprained the wrist during the morning session. The injury happened earlier this AAU season. Adams intimidated [private] a couple of players into turnovers, but he needs work on his help defense. One thing I loved was that it was Adams, the man in the middle talking to his teammates directing them to men on the defensive end. In short, he knew where to be on the court. Bottom line is that the Celtics only consistent player is Adams who went for 11 and 15 points on Friday.

Will the real Rodney Hood please stand up! If you are a member of BDN Premium you may remember that Duke was once looking at the Mississippi native. Hood seemingly regressed dropping in the rankings, but if his play during the NBAPA Camp is something he can repeat on a regular basis, then he is back and once again moving up in the rankings. Hood told BDN that his list of schools were firm at around nine, but he said if the right team came in he'd open the door. For what it's worth, Hood's dream school growing up was, you got it, Duke.

We checked out Rodney Purvis and secured an interview and I must say the 2013 prospect is as advertised.

And then there is Deuce Bello. Wow! This guy is good. The first year I saw him he was but an athlete but he is know turning into a smarter basketball player that has a really solid handle and blow by speed. Easily one of the tournaments best and most consistent players. Bello is averaging 12.0 ppg.

A big guy that was calling for the ball today was named Marshall Plumlee. The Duke prospect was more aggressive today and he once again drew several fouls. Unlike last evening, he nailed his free throws today. As we noted Plumlee will visit Virginia after the event where he will meet with Coach Bennett. However, a good meeting took place with Coach K and Wojo recently and considering his brothers are at Duke, I kind of think he will opt that way in due time. Plumlees scoring numbers from today were 6 and 2.

After a great start in the event, Amile Jefferson's game tailed off significantly on the offense in the early game

Man was I happy to see J.P. Tokoto get a few points in. Tokoto started the game with two air balls and they were some kind of ugly ten to fifteen foot shots. He finally got an easy one and then nailed one from the outside. That means he is averaging a whopping 1.0 ppg good for 103rd in scoring. He's a good player for sure but needs serious work on the offensive end of the court, especially with his outside game. I really think he needs to play for his AAU teams 17 U team to get better. Despite the rumors of a Carolina lean which may be true for him, his stepfather will not let him rush into a decision and this one will go on for a bit.

Then there is Kaleb Tarczewskiwho seems warm when talking of Duke. Coach K gave him a call not long ago and Chris Collins started the ball rolling. This 2012 kid is going to be a good center in college and he is not afraid to mix it up. He blocked Cody Zellers shot so hard that he hit the floor. He threw down two moster slams as well, but Zeller had his best game of the tournament scoring 20. It was Tarczewski's teams first loss.

Then there was Michael Gbinije, the silent assassin who tossed in 16 and 15 points making him the camps 6th leading scorer. [/private]

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NBAPA Top 100 Camp – Day One Report

June 18, 2010 Mark Watson

MARSHALL — Marshall Plumlee is holding his opponent off the boards at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Va. BDN Photo

CHARLOTTESVILLE- The first day of the NBAPA Top 100 Camp is in the books and the Blue Devil Nation brings you highlights and thoughts from day one. The talent level is a bit watered down with the likes of Austin Rivers, Quincy Miller and others making the Team USA U-18 squad. Despite the absence of a few big names there are still plenty of intriguing prospects to watch and some of them will certainly make it to the league.

Michael Gbinije- Despite his disappointment of not making the USA U-18 team, Gbinije shook off jet lag to have a nice first day. In his second game of the day, Gbinije scored seven straight points during a key stretch finishing with 17 for the game and leading his Spurs team to a 98-82 win over the Jazz. Gbinije seemed to have benefited from the USA trials in that he was playing some really good on ball defense which showed improvement. Gbinije is a solid player whose quiet demeanor makes some of his game go unnoticed but there is no doubt that he can be a solid contributor at Duke.

Marshall Plumlee- Marshall ended day one with 8 and 7 points in his two games. He had one nice sequence when his team was down [private] by four. Plumlee completed a three point play and after a defensive stop he called for the ball, was hit with the pass and then immediately hit a teammate cutting to the basket for an assist. Plumlee will meet with the UVA staff before leaving but he recently talked with Coach K and Wojo and came away saying it was very positive. I'll go ahead and tell you that I think Marshall will be a Blue Devil soon enough. We have an interview coming with Plumlee.

Kaleb Tarczewski -The 2012 big man is listed as seven feet tall and despite being one of the younger players here, he is holding his own. I fell for his game during last seasons AAU tournament and Duke has been keeping tabs on him making contact. He is of course the teammate of Alex Murphy who appears to be a Duke lean according to trusted sources. Tarczewski is a strong kid who does not back down and despite not following the college game but one year, his game is promising. In an interview you'll soon hear, Tarczewski said that he planned on visiting Duke. If I were to guess I would say Kansas and Duke could be his early leaders but it is early.

J.P. Tokoto- UNC offered him one minute after midnight but according to his stepdad it is not a done deal. Still, most feel if it were up to him it would be over. Interestingly his scoring total in the first two games was a grand total of zero. It has not helped Tokoto playing with his AAU teams 16-U team and his stock is falling - not too far mind you, but the lack of an outside game offensively is a glaring weakness. Tokoto is still a top notch prospect and Duke is still in it from what I am told.

Tyler Adams- Mr. Bang loves to play the workhorse role and Duke loves that he is about anchoring the middle. Adams had about 20 rebounds in his first two games and averaged 5.5 ppg. Again, keep in mind that the teams have 12 roster players when looking at numbers. Adams has a new drop step he is proud of and he indeed, loves to bang. Solid day for the young and future Dukie Adams.

Notes - Future UNC player P.J. Hairston is the camps leading scorer but let me make this clear in that he is shooting more than anybody here. An awkward moment came when Jerry Stackhouse, a coach, had to be restrained from going after a ref. Not one of his better moments and not what a role model should do. The games were shortened tonight so that the players might eat pizza and watch the Lakers defeat the Celtics for the NBA title. They played two halves instead of four quarters. The kicker is that one of the games went four quarters and some prospects complained that their numbers would be down. Anthony Davis is a man and he caught the eye of several talent scouts. Deuce Bello averaged 10.5 ppg and was very impressive. His athletic moves wowed many who watched his games. Isaiah Austin averaged 5 ppg and plays with Tyler Adams on a 0-2 Celtics team. FWIW, the teams are split up and named after NBA teams. Another player who looked good was Rodney Purvis, a class of 2013 product who plays in Raleigh, North Carolina. He lists UNC as his dream school but said Duke has shown interest in him. A UNC lead but his mom will play a big role in his decision but it sounds like she grew up a fan of the dark side as well. We have an interview coming with him. Former Duke standout Chris Duhon is working at the event as a mentor and coach. [/private]

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BDN checks in with Duke commitment Tyler Adams

June 17, 2010 Mark Watson

CHARLOTTESVILLE - BDN is on the scene at the NBAPA Top 100 player developmental camp in Charlottesville, Virginia and we're hear to cover all of the true Duke prospects and commitments. We caught up with future Blue Devil Tyler Adams who is playing for a very talented Celtics team. After a slow start where he committed two turnovers, Adams controlled the boards and showed off a slimmed down figure.

You had a bit of a slow start before really turning it on in your first game on the Celtics team. What is it like to play against good competition in the NBAPA type setting?

It's good, pretty good. You get to see how you stack up against players you'll play against in college. I feel pretty comfortable.

You told me one time that "I love to bang," and that stuck with me and fans even mention that quote when talking about you. You were getting a little physical out there with some elbow posturing. Do you feel like you have to establish yourself out there?

Yeah, yeah. Especially a guy like me[private] that doesn't have a whole lot of athleticism. You have to take advantage of what you have and a lot of guys don't like to bang so I take advantage of that.

Since you've committed to Duke do a lot of guys come at you harder?

Yeah, yeah, yeah and it's like a lot of people give me a hard time and wonder why I'm going to Duke because not everybody likes them. So there are a lot of guys coming at me harder.

But you like Duke just fine?

Yeah! [smiling] I love Duke!

Have you talked with any of the coaches of late?

Coach K called me a little over a week ago and I talked with Coach James a couple of weeks ago. Coach K told me some things to work on and said he liked what he heard of my progress.

You've developed a good relationship with them ..

Yeah, yeah. Especially Coach James. I call him a lot on my own.

He's a good guy.

Yeah, he is.

Have you ever called him Dogg?

[Tyler looking puzzled]

They called him Nate "Dogg," at Duke and that's with two g's. Call him that he'll like it. [jesting and setting Tyler up]

Oh, okay. [utters] Dogg ... [laughs], okay.

What does Coach James talk to you about. What does he have you working on?

Well, he has me working on my offense and my face up game. Today I took a couple of guys off the dribble and hit a little step back. I've always had decent offense just not the aggressive attitude and that's what he wants me to work on.

You're on a pretty good team with J.P. Tokoto and Isiah Austin ...

I think were a pretty decent team with Perry Ellis and those guys. Another thing I am working on is toning up my body. I've lost a bit of weight and I'm lifting weights. I like to run a lot to work on my endurance. Sometimes when I am sitting around home, I'll get up and just run more than I used to. I do some jump rope too.

What do you do when you chill in Mississippi?

I like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes it's at the gym but if I'm not with them I hang out with some of my girls.

Girls as in plural huh?

[laughs] Well, well, one girl, one girl.

Are you participating in any of the skills development here?

Yeah, I am a member of the breakfast club. During our workout, I learned how to create space to where I can get a step back. We get up real early and workout before the sessions start.

Tyler, it was good catching up to you and we'll talk again soon.

Alright, thanks man. [/private]

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In depth one on one interview with 2012 stud Isaiah Austin

June 13, 2010 Andrew Slater

Isaiah Austin

Isaiah Austin is a seven footer with touch range out to the three-point line and a real knack for blocking shots. His father, Alex, played professionally both in the US and abroad for a decade and now helps youths build confidence, teamwork, and discipline through his A-Train For Youth program. Austin's uncle, Ike, helped three different NBA teams reach the playoffs and won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award in 1997. Although he plays for Grace Prep in Arlington, Texas, Isaiah is a Los Angeles native, who plays for the Compton Magic during the AAU season. The rising junior and self-described straight-A student participated this past weekend at the Pangos All-American Camp in Long Beach, California and was selected to the Top 25 Cream of the Crop Game. With the dearth of quality big man and his own significant natural and refined talents, Isaiah will be one of the most coveted prospects in the country over the next two years. After the game, the extraordinarily polite young man spoke with Blue Devil Nation.

Let's start with recruiting. Who's coming after you?

The Big Twelve, some of the Pac-Ten and the ACC.

Do you still view this as early?

Yeah, it's real early. I'm not in any rush.

You played very well today.

Thank you.

Who do you try to model your game on?

My father

He was a very good college player and I know he played for a while in the pros, both here and overseas.

Yeah, he taught me how to post up, how to dribble, and how to play around the rim.

Will he be the person that you primarily seek guidance from, whenever you do decide upon [private] a college?

Yeah, my father and definitely my mother too.

What's your height and weight right now?

Right now, I'm seven feet tall and about 205 to 210 pounds.

What position do you view yourself as? Center? Power forward?

I think of myself as both. I try to play like a center on defense and use my size to block as many shots as I can and rebound, but, on offense, I try to play to my strengths and since I don't have the strength, right now, to back every big guy down so I just try to go right around them.

Do you enjoy facing up? You do a lot of it, but I didn't know if it was more a case of necessity.

Yeah, I normally face up, but, for my high school team, I normally have to post first.

Grace Prep, right?

Yes, sir.

Now, did you ever play with Nick Russell?

Yes, sir, he went there, but now he's at K-State. During the summer, when we had teams practicing, I would sometimes play against him or with him as well.

I know they have a reputation for a solid football program as well.

Yes, sir.

You never played football for them, right?

No, sir, but I do workout with them in the summer just to keep my body in good shape.

Do you lift weights? It looks like you've put on some weight from last summer.

Yeah, I'm on a very heavy program actually with my father and..At six o'clock, I get up and go lift. Then, I drink my protein drinks. I come home and eat as much as I can, wait a little, and then go and lift again. That's my daily schedule.

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

That I'm a straight-A student. My mom has pushed my grades since I was very little. If I didn't have my grades, she probably wouldn't let me play and come to events like this.

That's refreshing to hear. Did you have a dream school growing up?

My dream school was UCLA because I used to live right here. I used to live in LA. Yes, sir.

When did you move to Texas?

Well, sir, we actually moved to Minnesota when I was eleven. I spent two years in Minnesota, when my mom got a job out there.

Then, her company transferred her to Texas.

She actually got a different job at a different company with a higher position. Now, we're actually living in Texas.

How do you feel about moving around to the three different states?

It's great actually because I've gotten to see and experience more cultures.

I would think you'd be very good at meeting new people and making good first impressions. You must be good at making new friends.

Yes, I've always been taught by my parents to be respectful to everybody.

What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses in your game?

I think my strength is my jumpsuit. My dad taught me to shoot since I was little so I have a very nice touch. I can take people off the dribble and I'm a great shot blocker. I can change a lot of shots too. My weakness is that I really have to get stronger because I know guys will like to bump me round a lot. If I can put some weight on me, that'd be great too.

How did you do personally this past season?

I had about six triple-doubles and thirteen double-doubles. i thought I played really well. I blocked a lot of shots this year.

Texas is obviously a very good state in terms of basketball. How did your team do this past season?

Oh, we went to the Final Four and we lost off of a buzzer beater that I tipped from half court.

Oh, man.

Yeah, it was a heartbreaker.

Who beat you?

It was Second Baptist. They..

That's L.J. Rose's team. He's a great point guard.

Yeah, he's a very nice point guard and person.

Who are you running with on the AAU circuit this year?

The Compton Magic, sir.

Going back to your original answer, who from the ACC is recruiting you?

North Carolina is showing the most interest and Duke has sent some letters, but I'm not sure how interested they are in me.

Well, speaking of Duke, what is your impression of them and, if they were to pursue you, would you be interested in them?

Oh, they've sent a couple of letters, but I would definitely love to play for them. Yes, sir, absolutely. They're great academically and have a tremendous program. I'd definitely be interested in them. Yes, sir.

Well, thank you very much, Isaiah. Good luck to you.

Thank you, sir. [/private]

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BDN Premium gets to know Rashad Muhammad during the recent Pango’s event

June 9, 2010 Andrew Slater

download — Rashad Muhammad - A. Slater, BDN Photo

Rashad Muhammad is the younger brother of the much heralded Shabazz Muhammad, HoopScoop's top ranked player in the class of 2012, but he is not overshadowed by his family's extensive athletic bloodlines. Rashad's father, Ron, played basketball at Southern California and his mother, Faye, was an All-American in track at Long Beach State. His older sister, Asia, who spent time at the Agassi Academy, is a budding tennis professional. The youngest Muhammad is a 6'4" guard, from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, NV, who will team with his older brother in a bid to bring the school three consecutive 4A state titles. Last weekend, he competed with Dream Vision at the Bob Gibbons AAU tournament in North Carolina and toured the schools of the Triangle region. This past weekend, he was invited to the Pangos All-American Camp in Long Beach, California. The rising sophomore played well enough to be selected to the Top 50 Cream of the Crop Game, one of only three members of the class of 2013. After the game, Rashad spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of topics including his recruitment, how he compares, competes, and plays with Shabazz, and his favorite school growing up.

It's very early in the process, but what schools have expressed interest in you and do you have any firm offers so far?

I have two offers already from USC and Northwestern. I've gotten a lot of interest from UNLV, Arizona State, and Arizona as well as USC and Northwestern. There are a lot of other schools showing interest, but those are the only two offers.

What position are those schools looking at you for? What do you like to play?

I'm really more of a one now. I'm trying to learn it. I've played the two before, but I just want to learn the one right now.

What's your current height and weight?

I'm 6'4" and 180.

Who's your favorite player?

My favorite player is Kobe Bryant. Yeah (laughs)

How about competing against your brother? That's got to be a unique experience.

Yeah, it is. We always clash, but [private] it's all good. (laughs) I know he's one of the top players in the country.

You help him out as much as he helps you.

Yeah, that's the way we feel. It helps us both I think.

Now, do you guys work out together?

Yeah, we work out everyday.

Is that in Vegas or...

It's in Vegas.

What do you feel are the similarities and differences between you two guys? I had never seen you before this camp, but I have seen Shabazz.

Oh, really, he's more like an old-fashioned player. He tries to slash to the basket and play inside too. I think I'm more comfortable playing either on or off the ball. I can hit the open jumper.

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?

I think I need to get a little stronger that's my weakness. I think my strength is my shot. I can shoot the ball pretty well.

Now, can you shoot the ball better than him?

Oh, yeah, yeah (laughs).

What about your father? How does he help out?

He helps us a lot with our workouts. He gets on us and pushes us. He was a former player so that helps.

At USC?

Yeah, he played for USC in the early eighties.

Growing up, did you have a favorite school?

Oh, yeah, my dream school growing up was Duke, but right now I'm looking at a lot of schools.

Have they indicated that they're going to pursue you? I know it's very early for them and for you, but you were out there last weekend.

Yeah, we were out there, but maybe in a couple of years or whatever. We'll see.

I know they don't offer kids until later in the process. What was your impression of the school, after getting an opportunity to see it up close?

I liked the way they played and the facilities. It was really nice and then we went over and saw UNC.

Did you see the campus at all?

Oh, yeah, we saw that too and just had a nice tour. It was cool.

Last year, for whatever reason, they had you play on the JV team and put up big numbers. I know they're a great team and they're going to move you up this year. Talk about that and have you guys ever played together for an organized team?

Well, besides the middle school team, yeah, it's the first time we're going to play together.

How do you think that's going to work?

We play really well together. We know each other. I think it'll work out alright (laughs). We work well together.

Are you guys interested in playing in college together?

It's something we've thought about we'll see. We still have time. I'd definitely be interested in that.

Well, I'm sure some Duke fans are hoping you'll get to play together at your favorite school.

(laughs) Yeah, yeah

In this game, you knocked down several open threes. Do you feel completely comfortable shooting all the way out to the three point line at this point?

Yeah, I think that's my range right now.

Thanks a lot, Rashad. It was nice to meet you.

Yes,[nodding] thanks a lot [/private]