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May 18, 2010 Mark Watson

Austin Rivers2 — Everybody wants to know whats up with Austin Rivers - BDN Photo

BDN takes a look at how things are going on the recruiting front in our latest detailed update. If you want to know who the Blue Devils are seriously interested in and their likely strategy, read on. Join BDN Premium for full site access and be there every step of the way as we cover every major AAU event as warm weather rolls in. At BDN, we focus in on the players you want to hear about by concentrating only

A lot of talk surrounds Austin Rivers these days, [private] but nothing has really changed. Duke expects to sign Rivers by the end of summer but as I have stated numerous times, the decision could come sooner and maybe, just maybe, even later. The bottom line is that Duke has a significant lead and that has been the case throughout the threads which total 50,000 views collectively where people hang on every little blip on the radar. My suggestion is to sit back and relax and allow this to happen for it is on pace. The Rivers camp will not make any kind of move until the NBA playoffs are over and that could be in July if they keep winning.

Duke recently reached out to Anthony Davis, a top notch prospect from Chicago, Krzyzewski's old stomping grounds. They will be taking a good long look at him once they are allowed to take in events. Andrew and myself will be sure to keep a eye out for him as we get to know him better together. With a busy AAU tournament schedule coming up, we see no reason in calling him before we see him play.

The Duke staff will also continue to evaluate players they've developed early relationships with. Among those will be Quincy Miller, Marshall Plumlee and Amir Williams. The Blue Devils will be looking at other players as well to see who emerge as the humid days of summer give way to September.

One of the questions I often get is how may players does Duke look to sign in 2011. The answer is that number could vary from three to five. Duke is happy having steady swingman Michael Gbinije and ever improving Tyler Adams in the fold and they of course want Austin Rivers as well. The fourth and fifth guys would come into play of Duke experiences a mass exodus to the NBA. That is a pretty good possibility for Mason Plumlee and Kyrie Irving could join Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith in the first round. If Duke somehow defends the title this is almost certain to happen but we all know how hard that is. Regardless, Duke will have a target on on their backs again in that they are the likely pre season number one team in the country. Duke will only sign a guard in 2011 if Irving or Curry leave.

The great thing about winning the national championship is that Duke can once again be selective and with another banner season seemingly coming, the Blue Devils will remain hot and in the spotlight. That means they'll take their time with a bevy of names that will grow in the coming months. We told you last summer that Duke assistants loved Alex Murphy's game and he is a hot name at the moment, but Coach K needs to check out his game. Shabazz Muhammad has impressed them immensely. It helps that the Team USA training facility is where Duke can keep a close eye on the talented Vegas native. While some would have you think J.P. Tokoto is already a Tar Heel, Duke is not buying that just yet and they are still involved withthe athletic prospect. Amile Jefferson, who Andrew interviewed just last week is also an early name on the radar. Again, there are other names that will come to light some of which you already know of and others who will be new when Duke can get their views in July an open period for events. Duke is not rushing the process with any of the above mentioned names at this time.

I was waiting for some new info but it has been delayed so I'll add an addendum later. [/private]

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BDN Exclusive – Tom Konchalski shares his thoughts on Duke prospects

May 11, 2010 Andrew Slater

Tom Konchalski, the publisher and editor of High School Basketball Illustrated, has been covering high school basketball for more than thirty-five years. The 6'6" sexagenarian, with an eidetic memory, is a McDonald's All-American voter and a ubiquitous presence on the summer AAU circuit. He generously spoke with Blue Devil Nation recently about one dozen Duke recruits and verbal commitments in the 2011 and 2012 classes.

Amile Jefferson: He has an extremely mature feel for the game for a guy who's only a sophomore. He's very young physically, but, in terms of his understanding of the game, he's a veteran, wise beyond his years. He's got to get stronger, not only upper-body wise, but also his legs as well. He's very efficient and he's always around the ball. The ball always manages to find him. He's got good hands. He's a very good finisher inside. He's got a very good drop-step, can reverse around the basket, things like that. He can put the ball on the floor and he can pass. He's not a consistent outside shooter. He doesn't have the leg strength right now to get his legs into it. Down the road, I think he'll be a perimeter forward. He's a guy who has a terrific understanding of the game. He plays to the situation. He doesn't try to showcase his skills set. He does whatever the situation requires. I don't think he'll be a step-out four. I think he'll be a three. as his legs get stronger, he'll be able to guard away from the basket very easily. He's got to shoot the ball away from the basket more consistently, but I think he'll be a three.

Tyler Adams: The [private] only time I've seen him since last July at the Reebok All-American Camp and the Peach Jam with the Jackson Tigers was recently at the Boo Williams. I don't know if his skills have improved that much or…, um, he's a very nice kid. He's a good teammate. He has a big-time body. He has an SEC football body, forget about an ACC basketball body. Really, this year, just like last year…in the class of 2011, just like the class of 2010, there just aren't a lot of great big guys in the class. I'll tell you what he's got a good attitude and he'll work hard. I think he'll be extremely coachable. He's not a guy who's going to go in thinking he's going to be the main guy. I think he can be a contributor. He's a guy who comes in without a lot of offense and he's a big, strong kid. That's what I think, in the past, Duke has lacked. Brian Zoubek gave them that this year. The Plumlees will hopefully give them that next year. A wise old coach once said that you can never have too many big men. I think he's about 6'8" or 6'9" right now.

Shabazz Muhammad: I haven't been able to see him in a while because he was injured and wasn't able to play in the Beach Ball Classic. What I remember is that he was extremely active. He had a good motor and really played every possession. He pursued relentlessly loose balls and offensive rebounds. He's a left-hander, which screws people up defensively. He didn't have a lot of range to his game. He was like a 6'4" small forward at the time. I'd like to see to what degree he has developed his skill set, but, to be a really effective college player, he's really got to expand his offensive skill set and take his game at least a little bit further away from the basket. Then again, I haven't seen him recently, but, hopefully, I'll be able to see him again at the Bob Gibbons tournament. He played for Dream Vision last year. They won the tournament and he was the MVP. He's a guy who plays extremely hard. There's a lot of quickness to his game and he's just so active. He's got to be able to score from outside against defenses. He's got to be able to start his drives towards the basket a little further from the basket. He has a tendency to get the ball either at the short baseline or at the high post and just slice to the basket. He's got to put a change of direction to his game and be a little more careful with the ball. I can say this, as a left-hander myself, he's got to improve his right-hand a little bit and definitely improve his change of direction. There's a slightly broken feel to his game. He's got to move his game away from the basket. He's a wing right now and, hopefully, in time, he'll develop the skills to be a guard.

Austin Rivers: Well, first of all, there's no one in high school basketball who has a better skill set, regardless of position. He's great playing off of the dribble. He can get to the basket. Because he has been parented and coached by a former pro and a current NBA coach, he has a lot of the tricks of the trade. He's spent intensive time developing his point guard skills at the Steve Nash Skills Camp as well as the Deron Williams Skills Camp. He has a lot of Steve Nash's unorthodox skills. He drives to the basket and takes what I call a half-volley shot, where he takes a half-volley layup in the lane off of the wrong foot to throw off or stay a step ahead of the defenses. In spite of the fact that his left thumb affects his shot far too much..to the point where he almost shoots a two-handed jump shot, just by repetition, he's made himself into a lethal three point shooter. Somewhat streaky, but he's a lethal three-point shooter when he gets into a groove. When I first saw him, as a ninth grader, I thought he made his teammates better. I thought he saw the court really well and made his teammates better. I think he's gotten a little caught up recently with playing one-on-one. I think he looks for his offense too much. A player who is highly touted always in the back of his mind wants to be the number one player in his class and he's absolutely a contender to be that, but I think because of that he's tried to change his game. At the next level, he's got to change it back and return to making plays for others, instead of only for himself. In the event that he and Kyrie play together, I think they'll share the ball and whoever gets the ball will just take it up and initiate the offense. Duke has played that way in the past and quite well.

Alex Murphy: I haven't seen him since we saw him together. I was in Providence last week and hoped to see him there, but his team was upset by the Granite State Jayhawks, who are really no great shakes. I can tell you that people are saying that he's playing very well and he's got a lot of personality. He's much more extroverted than Erik was. I think he can be a really good player. I think he needs to get stronger, but I think that's sort of a family trait. The three boys are all very tall and the youngest one, Tomas, who's in fifth grade, Jay says is going to be the tallest one. The mother played in Scandinavia. She's a big-boned woman, but the boys really take after the father. Jay has gotten thick now, but he was pretty skinny coming out of high school and when he entered Boston College. Alex is about 6'8" right now. I'd say 6'8."

Quincy Miller: I saw him twice at Boo Williams and both times they got blown out. The first game I saw them against the Drew Gooden Soldiers and they were down 46-16 at the half. In the next game, they played the Saint Louis Eagles and they ended up losing 98-60. He isn't playing with a great team. He's 6'8 1/2 ", although they often list him at 6'10." He is skilled and has a predilection for playing on the perimeter. He can shoot the three, but he tries too much to be a perimeter player. In the past, and this is a function of his lack of strength, but he's taken a lot of plays off. he's got to learn to play with more intensity. He is 6'8 1/2" to 6'9" and he's got to learn to use his body. His body should be a weapon in his arsenal. He can't be or play in denial of his height. There are plenty of players who would give their eye teeth for his height. He's got a great deal of skill, very mobile, very good in the open court. He can shoot the three, handle the ball a bit, but he's got to bulk up a bit. More than anything else, though, he's got to calcify his nose and get tougher. He's got to learn to play 6'9" and do the dirty stuff inside. He's transferring to Westchester. I won't be going to Houston or LA, but, given their performance at Boo Williams, they're unlikely to qualify for the Peach Jam. That said, Quincy will definitely be picked up by one of the good squads and I hope to see him there with an improved squad. He'll definitely be playing at the Peach Jam, but I don't think it will be with D-One Sports. Someone will definitely pick him up.

L.J. Rose: I saw J-Mychal Reese and him last year for the first time and, although Reese came in with a bigger reputation, I thought Rose outplayed him at the event. I then saw him at the Boo Williams twice, but, at this point, I have to say that I really don't have a clear feel for him. I couldn't tell you much about him.

J.P. Tokoto: A tremendous athlete. He has so much natural athleticism. He can handle the ball. He's got to shoot the ball more consistently. He's great going to the basket. He can make plays. He can really pass the ball. He's big enough. He can rebound. I think he has to add a little more toughness to himself, but I think he's going to be really, really good. He's a big wing player with skill, but he's got to become a more consistent outside shooter. He can really handle the ball. He has skill and athleticism and that's a lethal combination. He can be really, really good. The guy who brought him to Duke's attention is a guy by the name of Dave Cooks, who is in a wheelchair. I don't know if he was in an accident. I've known him for about fifteen years and he coaches Marquette high school in Milwaukee. He always works the Duke camp. Tokoto said that he's going to spend this summer working on his shot and I think he has to. Right now, his strength is driving to the basket and making plays off of the dribble. He has the size and can rebound. He has quickness, but he's got to get stronger. He has a nice frame. I'd rather see a young kid with a body like that than, well, someone who looks likes he's topped out. He's listed at 6'6." He's probably 6'5," maybe 6'5 1/2." He's going to be a heck of a player.

Amir Williams: I saw him at the Peach Jam and at Boo Williams. He didn't make it here. I like him. There are other big guys, who are probably more athletic. He has very good hands. He's efficient and I think he knows what he is. He's not a perimeter wannabe. He makes simple plays and is a good finisher inside. Ben Franklin said more than two hundred years ago "There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self." That's the first step on the road to success. Know what you are. I think he realizes that he's 6'10" or 6'11." His skill set has got to be tailored to interior play. That's why I think he's going to be an effective player. He goes to a very good school. He's a smart kid. Hopefully, there is some transferal from off of the court to on the court or vise versa. I think he'll be very good.

Michael Gbinije: Gbinije is a good player, very skilled perimeter player. There are some guys who are more explosive, but he has very good skills and size. He plays within the flow of the game and generally lets the game come to him. He plays with a very good AAU team and a good high school team, Benedictine, and so he doesn't have to do everything himself. It's not as if he has to be a volume shooter for the teams to be successful. I think he will be a very good player for them.

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera: Well, he's young. He's a sophomore. He should be thinking about preparing for his junior year and not whether Duke will be recruiting him. He should be thinking about getting good enough to play at Duke. He's good. He's about 6'3" and he's strong. He's a player who has a toughness to him and a strength. He plays for a good program and a good coach and he's won a championship. All else being equal, coaches like to recruit players from winning programs because they know about sacrificing and usually it's important for them to win. A kid who has never won sometimes raises a red flag that the young man may care more about individual success than team success. He's a tough kid, that plays hard, and comes from a winning program. He's got to get a little more quickness and develop into more of a perimeter player. He's listed as a 6'4" wing now that is strong enough now to play inside, but he's got to be able to guard outside. If he ever wants to be a guard, he's got to get a lot quicker. I know he's said about waiting to play some point, but I think he ought to forget about it because I don't think he'll ever develop that level of quickness to be able to take players off of the dribble or withstand pressure. I don't think there's a lot of growth left in him. I think he's about 6'3" right now.

Anthony Davis: He hasn't played AAU ball since the eighth grade. I've known Loren Jackson for a long time and Loren's father and son. He told me about Anthony and then I read more about him in a profile, while I was waiting at O'Hare to fly here. There are two major leagues in the Chicago Public League: the Red, which is stronger, and the Blue, which is the weak one. If you finish in last place in the Red, you're demoted to the Blue. Well, Anthony has played for Perspectives high school, which plays in the Blue-West. There have been a lot of schools that have wanted him to transfer, but he's stayed at Perspectives and remained loyal to his school and coaches, who he likes. He's been going there since the sixth grade and just liked it there. He's got great grades there. He looks like a tremendous prospect. I think he's more of a four than a five, although he has to add some strength. He's got a nice jump hook, can drop-step, and he can finish on either block. He has good feet. He has great hands. He has good energy and instincts. He can block shots and gets into the passing lanes and adds pressure. He can put the ball in the basket and can hit the three, like he did today again in the semifinal against Indiana Elite. You mentioned he hit two in the game before that. I think he can be very, very good. Here's a guy who obviously hasn't played nearly as much basketball as some of his peers, who have played AAU ball or against nearly the same level of competition. AAU ball can supplement high school competition. He's grown so much over the past year, but, right now, I would recruit him more as a four than a five. He seems like a very coachable kid. Loren Jackson told me he's been a great kid to deal with and Davis listens. [/private]

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D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera is garnering interest from the nations elite

May 9, 2010 Andrew Slater

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera is a 6'4," 220 lb guard from Indianapolis' North Central High School, the alma mater of basketball players Eric Gordon and Jason Gardner as well as singer Babyface and Subway pitchman "Jared." The efficient and rugged sophomore, who, at times, was asked to play power forward for his high school team, helped lead the school to a State Title in the largest classification for Indiana, 4A, scoring twenty-five points in the state semi-finals and generating sixteen points and six rebounds in the Indiana State Championship game. Among those coaches in attendance for his state title game were Tom Crean, Bruce Weber, Roy Williams, Matt Painter, and Tubby Smith. After the season, the Associated Press named him to the Indiana All-State team, the only sophomore to make either the First or Second-Team All-State. Smith-Rivera's recruitment has naturally heated up and he spoke with us in his native Indiana about his recent achievements and the latest in his recruitment.

Can you talk about the run and experience of winning the state title?

I mean it was a great experience, but I really didn't know how to feel after the game. It was a great feeling afterwards, but I had butterflies before the game.

I wasn't there, but I heard it was a pretty big crowd.

Right, right, it was a pretty big crowd, but, throughout the season, we didn't have too much fan support. As we kept winning more and advancing, they started showing up.

What about making Second-Team All-State, regardless of class, in Indiana?

That was also a great feeling. I mean being All-State as a sophomore in this state was a big honor. It was a real honor to be associated with all of those guys at the top.

The forty-one point game you had the other at the AAU Tournament. How does that stack up with some of the other best games of your life? Were you just feeling it that day? What happened?

Yeah, it was actually my career high so far. It was just one of those days, where I envisioned it just going in. I was hitting everything.

Let's move to recruiting. Which schools are recruiting you? Who's [private] offered so far?

Purdue, Louisville, IU, Xavier, Cincinnati, Tennessee. They've all offered.

Now, which schools have expressed interest? I'm sure there's been a lot more than that.

Right, right. Absolutely, um, Kentucky has been expressing a lot of interest lately. Ohio State has been showing a lot, I mean, a lot of interest lately. North Carolina and Georgetown too.

In terms of a position, here they have you playing the one and two, while in high school, you played the four. What are most schools recruiting you as? And where do you actually like to play?

I prefer to play either or in college. I mean I'd like to be a combo guard. I think my versatility can be valuable to them.

Do you have a go-to move at this point? You caught it a lot on the high post and would either shoot the turnaround or blow by your man on a pump fake.

(laughs) I can't be giving away my moves right now. I do like to catch it there though and also just outside of the three-point line.

Now, you are one of the relatively rare kids who can function in either a half-court offense or just run and play full-court. Do you have a preference?

I like to play full-court. I love to get up and down.

Go back for a second to having to play the four for your high school team. What was that like and how do you think it helps you for when you come out and play a combo guard during the AAU season?

(Laughs) Right, right. It was a pretty awkward experience actually. I mean I played forward when I was younger because I was bigger than everybody else. I think it helps me see the floor a little differently.

How big are you now?

I'm 6'4" and about 220.

Who do you try to model your game after?

Deron Williams. Definitely Deron Williams. I think he's the most complete guard, right now, in the NBA. I just try to watch him and tailor my game towards his.

Have you taken any visits recently or do you have any planned?

Not recently, but I plan on taking quite a few in the near future. I plan on seeing Kentucky and Ohio State. If, on the same trip, we go to Washington D.C., then I'll see Georgetown, Virginia, and possibly North Carolina.

Will your mother be the one that you'll be seeking guidance from, whenever you do decide?

Most likely. Most likely, my mom.. and my father too.

Her name came up a lot when I was doing some background work.

Yeah, yeah.

What will you be looking for ideally in a college, whenever you do decide?

How good their business program is. I plan on majoring in business when I get to college. Hopefully, a program that gets up and down the floor and a coach that trusts me with the ball. That's really all I'm looking for.

Do you have any time in mind for when you'd like to decide by?

Sooner rather than later.

Well, now you've got more schools coming after you.

Right, right. I guess if I had my choice I'd rather get it over with sooner though.

Has Duke expressed any interest in you at all? I heard they've recently come into the picture.

They sent a letter to me recently, very recently actually. I haven't been able to speak with them, but I'd definitely like to. I liked Duke a lot when I visited for the tournament…the Bob Gibbons.

Well, what's your impression of Duke from afar?

Well, they just won the National Championship. What can you say? They're a great school, have a great basketball program, and have Coach K. I visited there last summer and saw a lot of the facilities.

Do you have plans right now, in terms of camps?

Well, right now, I plan on playing for Adidas Nations.

Do you watch a lot of college basketball?

I watch a lot more college basketball now than I do the NBA. It's a lot more competitive and passionate. Those guys are playing for something.

Big Ten? ACC? Big East?

I watch all of them really.

Did you have a favorite as a kid?

Well, when I was a kid, I really only watched the NBA. Now, everything's changed.

What would you like the audience to know about you?

I take the game very seriously and I love my family dearly.

That's good to hear. Now, would distance from your family be a factor at all?

No, not really

Thanks, D'Vauntes.

Absolutely. Any time. [/private]

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BDN’s Andrew Slater scores an in depth interview with Duke prospect Amile Jefferson

May 6, 2010 Andrew Slater

FORT WAYNE, Indiana - Amile Jefferson is a nearly 6'8" sophomore forward from the Philadelphia area. This past season he scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in leading Friends Central to the Independent Schools State Title over Germantown Academy, 72-52. He was the only sophomore named to the first-team All-State team for the AA Class. At this past weekend's Speice Run 'N Slam All-Star Classic in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jefferson opted to compete with the oldest age group and performed quite well for his Team Philly AAU program. After the initial game, Amile spoke with Blue Devil Nation about his state title, the latest in his recruitment, his impression of Duke and Coach Krzyzewski from his time spent at their Elite Camp, small forwards in the 2012 class, and the best cheese steak in Philadelphia.

Why don't we start with the championship game against Germantown? Talk about the win and also your performance. You obviously had a great game. Given the context, was it your best game to date?

(laughs) Yeah, it was a really good game, but, no, it wasn't my best. It was definitely a big win and I was happy we got that for our seniors. We had a great group of seniors and for those guys to leave on such a high note, instead of a loss, was such a big thing. Then, you know, for our last game, to be able to play at such a high level, it was definitely up there.

And they are always competitive.

Yeah, GA is always very good. So it was great to be able to beat them in the championship.

When I watched you in December in the Bronx, you were essentially the third or fourth option on offense. What happened between late December and March? Did they recognize that they needed to utilize you more or did you step up your game?

Well, I think I needed to establish more of a dominant role on the team for us [private] to be successful. By the end of the year, I think I, kind of, was starting to take off and not taking a back seat to anyone. We all needed to support one another and be able to step up if one of us wasn't playing well.

It was obviously a senior-laden team and one with several guys who are going to play at the D-One level. What do you feel you learned from the upperclassmen?

I picked up a lot. Guys like Terry Robinson...he's an absolute gym rat. Dominic Morris..

He's huge.

Yeah, he's huge and he always wants to get better. He wanted to work on his jump shot and make it consistent this season. I think I mostly learned about the need to consistently put in work to improve and not get satisfied.

Now, the word or, well, rumor is that you may be looking to transfer after this season. Do you want to comment on the record on the rumor?

(laughs) Well, let's just say that, right now, it's just a rumor.

Alright, well, let's move onto recruiting. What's the latest in your recruitment?

I'm wide open, but I have been looking at schools. After this school year is over, I'm going to sit down and look at the different schools that are recruiting me.

Do you have any hard offers at this point? If so, which schools?

West Virginia's offered, Penn State has offered, Wake Forest, Temple, and some others at this point.

Well, you're still a sophomore. I'm sure there are a lot of others that have expressed interest.

Oh, yes.

Now, you're around 6'8," but athletic. Do you prefer to play the three or the four? What are most schools recruiting you as?

Well, I like to play whatever my team needs. If the defender is really small, I like to take my man on the block. If it's a big guy or someone who's about my height, I'd like to take him on the wing. I guess I really like to play the three because it gives you more of an option of being able to play either out on the wing or down on the block.

Where do you like to catch the ball?

I like to catch it right outside of the paint or..

I thought you liked to catch it right outside of the paint, near the baseline.

Oh, that baseline area is like my favorite. You've got a lot of room to operate and you can still hit that mid-range jumper

You hit a few floaters over your man on the baseline tonight. Is that your go-to move at this point?

Yeah, it probably is.

I was wondering before if anyone is recruiting you as a step-out four. How tall are you now?

I'm 6'8."

And how much do you weight now?

Somewhere between 185 and 190.

Have you taken any visits yet? Do you have any planned?

No, I haven't taken any formal visits yet, but I did visit Duke's campus last summer. That one was great, but short. I don't have planned right now, though.

Alright. I'd like to get back to that in a moment, but how do you compare yourself to other threes in the class? Although there are a couple of quality bigs, the wings, particularly the depth of the wings, really stand out in your class.

We've got a very deep class of threes. I think we can all bring a little something different to the table. I just try to keep getting better and not worry about how I necessarily compare myself to the others, but I'm definitely aware of some the others.

Do you know where you'll be going to camp this year? NBA? LeBron?

Well, I just went to Adidas Nations in Florida a couple of weeks ago.

Right, I heard about you heading down to Orlando.

Yeah, exactly, that was fun. I'm not sure of exactly where I'll be heading, but I know I'm going to be very busy this summer. (laughs)

Yeah, sure, now I know your father comes up quite a bit. Will he be the primary person that you will be turning to for guidance, whenever you do decide on a college?

Yes, he and my AAU coach, Cedric Jones. Those will be the two guys that I'll be turning to for guidance. They both have my interests at heart.

Well, when I saw him wearing that Nova shirt on the sidelines, I didn't know if that was a signal. I thought that maybe he was gonna kill my article and also what the hell am I doing in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

(Laughs hard) No, don't worry about that.

Now, I know that, like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, your dad is from West Philadelphia and went to West Philly high school. How did he feel about you going to Friends?

Oh, well, we went to Friends because they have great academics and it was only a blessing that they were able to get some of those seniors like Dominic and Robinson. I went there for the quality academics and it only happened to become good at basketball. We didn't even know that those guys were coming. It's been great to be able to combine the benefits of great academics with now championship basketball.

Now, that hits on another topic I wanted to get your take on. Clearly, you've been able to fuse quality academics and basketball on the high school level. Will that be what you're looking for at the college level? What are some other things that you'll be looking for?

I'm really going to be looking for very similar things. I like getting the best of both worlds, but we really haven't even begun to discuss recruiting or what exactly I'll be looking for. I've been trying to hold off on making any decisions on my recruitment.

I wasn't trying put you on the spot. As you know, it's just relatively unusual that an excellent basketball player goes to a strong, academically challenging high school.

(laughs) No, I know. I know. No problem.

So that fans can check you out, do you know where your next AAU event is?

Um, probably either the Southern or

Where is that one now? Atlanta?

No, I think at the Boo Williams Complex. If not that one, then definitely the Bob Gibbons in late May.

Speaking of the Triangle area and going back to a prior answer, what was the Duke Elite Camp like last summer? You're obviously on their radar. Talk a little bit about your experience down there.

Well, I believe it was their first camp. I was really happy to be asked and loved the time that I had down there. I loved seeing the beautiful campus and where they get to play. We got to see a little of their new facilities, but I think we only played on where they get to play.

Cameron?

Yeah, exactly.

What was your impression of the school?

Well, I didn't really get to see much of the school because we had such a short time there, but I did get to see a lot of the basketball facilities and stuff like that. I was really only there for about a day, but I got to see their facilities and eat dinner with Coach K. We got to talk about the Olympic team. He was just a good guy. It was a real honor personally to be in his presence for any amount of time. The whole experience I considered to be just a blessing.

One guy from your area that I was hoping to see with you was Savon Goodman. Are you guys looking to go to college together? Have you talked about it at all?

Right now, we play in the same league. We sometimes play with each other in the Sixteens, but, most of the time, we don't. This weekend, I'm playing up with the Seventeens.

Speaking of that, how do you feel about playing up with the Seventeens? I'm not sure if you know Quinn Cook, but he's a point guard on DC Assault. He was saying that he noticed a major difference between the two and that the players were much more physically mature and faster. It's got to make you better long-term.

Yeah, absolutely, there is just such a difference between the two. Guys are so much stronger, wiser, and more physical. Everyone is athletic and so you have to adjust and be able to box out and use the talents that you already have to your advantage. You have to play hard at all times because everybody is just bigger and stronger.

What's your biggest weakness right now?

I'd say getting lift on my jump shot. I'd say right now it frankly works because I'm bigger than the guy guarding me, but, long-term, I want to work on adding more lift to my jumper.

And what's your biggest strength? What makes you most dangerous?

In the post, I've got a lot of moves and, at this point, I can take my man in a variety of directions. I can also take a bigger defender off the dribble from the wing.

Versatility?

Yeah, my versatility.

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

I'd like them to know that I'm a good guy.

Do you watch a lot of college basketball?

Yeah, I do. I watch a lot definitely.

Lastly, Pat's or Geno's?

(Laughs hard) Steaks?

C'mon, I know it's always an important issue in Philly.

(laughs) I can't say.

Alright, I understand if it's too political.

(Jefferson laughs. His AAU coach, Cedric Jones, comes in and answers Ishkabibble's and says that Geno's is overrated) Alright, I'm going to go with Ishkabibble's. They're great.

I'll have to check it out. Thanks a lot, fellas, for sticking around and we'll be keeping an eye out for you.

Thanks for interviewing me. [/private]

Duke Basketball

Carrick Felix is ready to face the challenges at Duke

May 5, 2010 Mark Watson

felix southern Idaho — Carrick Felix will be on campus in late May to prepare for the rigors of ACC Basketball. This is the first of a series of previews of the incoming players to the Duke program in the 2011 season. Felix told the Blue Devil Nation that he wanted to win his own national title while at Duke.

It was a typical day on the recruiting trail during an open period for Duke Assistant Coach Nate James, well, maybe not so typical in that he found himself in Southern Idaho which is a state the Blue Devils rarely if ever visit. He was there to check out a seven foot behemoth Aziz Nidiaye, but it was a sleek athlete who unexpectedly caught his eye.

I hesitate to use the phrase diamond in the rough but it is more than appropriate when talking about JUCO transfer Carrick Felix. James saw a lot of things he liked in Felix's game during the open gym and the future Blue Devil knew he had the opportunity to make an impression. In fact, he made it a point to introduce himself to Duke's second year assistant in the coaches office after learning who he was, but the likely story is that he was more than aware of who was coming in.

It was March and Duke was just beginning what would turn out to be one of the most magical runs in Duke Basketball history where three seniors led a tight knit group to a national championship. James in just his second year has already made an impact on Duke recruiting efforts and Felix was the first of three kids he played a big role with, the others being Michael Gbinije and Tyler Adams.

"I introduced myself to Coach James in our coaches offices and then we get on the court. He’s watching our center and I was just playing like I always play. I play hard and practice hard and later that night he gave me a call and was excited about the way I played basketball. Ever since then, he’s followed me everyday and we’ve developed a wonderful, wonderful relationship. He’s actually playing like the big brother role right now," said Felix.

Not many people have seen Felix play other than on film but he adds a dimension to next seasons talented roster that wasn't there before. Felix runs the court with ease and when open he wastes little time in flushing down a dunk. He has the ability to be a stellar role player in the Blue Devils system if he continues to work and don't be surprised if he once again finds a way to standout once practice officially starts.

"It’s been a long journey with many ups and downs but Coach K and Nate James saw me and liked me and now I get the opportunity to be a Duke Basketball player and a part of their family. I honestly worked for it. I really worked for it, I worked real hard for it. I’m excited and glad they’re giving me the opportunity," Felix told Blue Devil Nation.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski had only seen Felix on film but at the advice of James he took a look at a kid who was being courted by Arizona, Arizona State, Washington from the Pac 10 and Maryland and Clemson from the ACC not to mention West Virginia.

"He’s kind of like another person in my family. I felt like I could talk to him about anything from the start. We just clicked like we knew each other for years and I felt very, very comfortable around him and he did around me, so we really clicked," said Felix when asked about meeting Krzyzewski for the first time.

As we mentioned Felix has all the tools to play key roles especially on the defensive end, "They’re going to use me as a defender. On offense Coach K is excited and feels he can use me at any position because of my versatility. He’s excited knowing he can use me a multiple positions and that’s what they need, so I’m excited about that and look forward to being the best player I can be," said Felix."

Felix's journey to play for the defending national champions wasn't always smooth but he persevered. "My mom didn't even graduate from high school but she still pushed me and made me understand the importance of academics. I was not a good student when I was younger. I didn’t know what I wanted to be in life so I eventually sat down with my mom. We had a talk and identified what was important and academics is part of that.. I just want to do the best I can, just like I do on the court? I want to work that same way in the class room if not harder. I’m a student athlete first not an athlete-student."

With a good attitude and desire Felix now finds himself living the dream and he can't wait to get started in Durham. In fact, he'll be on campus in just two weeks to learn the Blue Devils system and go through off season conditioning drills. Those drills will be conducted by the aforementioned Nate James who will hold down the fort while Krzyzewski and his assistants Chris Collins and Steve Wojciechowski will be in Las Vegas training Team USA for another run at the Gold Medal.

Felix moved around a lot while he was growing up in that his Dad was a military man. He somewhat reluctantly calls Arizona home in that he played his high school basketball there, but he has seen his share of destinations before he landed in Idaho. Felix will now call Durham home and he already feels a part of the team.

"On my visit to Duke I was just talking to the coaches, but then I met the guys. I talked to Nolan, Kyle, Mason and Miles Plumlee. I hung out with Miles some but all of them welcomed me with open arms. I really like that they made me feel comfortable. I mean, I felt real comfortable, like a family and that right there … that was a big part of my decision. I’ve been sending texts back and forth with Seth Curry since I left and he’s a pretty good guy and I think we can be really good friends. I got along with all the guys, so I’m excited," said Felix.

BDN also asked Felix to describe his game in his own words for the many who had yet to see him play, "My game is unique [said with emphasis]. I’m not like a lot of other players … my best thing is my athleticism but I still kind of new to the game. I need to dribble and shoot better, but I can kind of do it all, just unique. You’ll see that when you see me play, the way I run, the way I move the ball, it’s not like anybody else."

Only time will tell if Felix is ready to contribute right away but unlike a true freshman, he brings some experience which should help him adjust to what he readily admits will be a more physical and faster paced game in the ACC.

"It’s been a long journey for me and I’m happy. I’m just ready to be a Duke Blue Devil and play for Coach K and win a national championship. That’s what I want to help them do so I have to work hard in order to give them the help they need to get the job done."

For more recruiting information join Blue Devil Nation Premium and gain full site access. Recruiting analysts Andrew Slater, Patrick Cacchio and Mark Watson along with our great team will keep you abreast of all the latest happenings. Check out our infamous interviews and analysis on key basketball and football prospects and then talk about it on the fastest growing members only message board around. BDN deals in facts not rumors, so you don't have to wade through all the muck which clogs up most message boards. Isn't it time you checked us out ? We feel certain that you'll be glad you did. If you liked this article, you'll love whats in our subscription section. Help support BDN by joinging today. On a side note, LOL, we printed the draft by accident and our editor is out of the country.

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

More of Watzone’s Monday Musings

May 3, 2010 Mark Watson

2010_0409fourfinal0156 — Monday Musings likes to salute the people behind the scenes, like these two lovely cheerleaders.

The Duke Blue Devils continue to reap the rewards of being crowned national champions. The team will go to the White House to meet with President Obama soon and some of the players helped with the Jon Scheyer Foundation's May Madness Gaming event this past Saturday in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Kryzyzewski and Duke's National Championship is the gift that keeps on giving in so many ways.

As you know by now, recruiting never stops and the men's basketball staff is mapping out their plans for the coming summer months. The Duke staff are not allowed to attend events in May due to NCAA rules. Speaking of rules, the NCAA will decide the future of camps soon, so stay tuned for that. The consensus is that they will not allow events like The Tournament of Champions to be played on major college courts and or in venues. This would drastically change the landscape and many of the current tournaments could soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking of events, BDN's Andrew Slater took in some action at the Spiece Field House event in Fort Wayne, Indiana this past weekend and he will soon be reporting on what he saw with interviews and a analysis for BDN Premium members. The coverage will likely start some time tomorrow so check back in with BDN as we remain the most active Duke subscription site on the circuit.

For you recruitniks [not a real word butr appropriate] it's also worth noting that Nike has already started to roll with changes in their camp sessions. The most recent Boo Williams event was coined Nike EYBL Development camp and teams now play an even amount of games. In the past, the teams played to meet in a championship game. The verdict is still pending on whether or not people like the changes.

The Duke Football coaches have been out on the road as well and they'll now sit down to see which kids warrant an offer. Duke most recently signed an interior lineman in

You may have noticed that BDN's Patrick Cacchio has been interviewing football prospects and he will continue to serve in that role. He concentrated on the offensive line prospects the past couple of weeks and we'll switch gears to some skilled positions in the near future. BDN is dedicated in covering Duke Football as many of you already know, but we've amped up our recruiting coverage and for now, all of the articles are free. So, be sure to tell your friends that BDN is the place for football and we are certain our coverage of prospects will be just as good as our infamous basketball offerings.

I had a friend say the other day that he knew I had been busy going out on the road to cover an AAU event after following the team every step of the way to the national championship. "You must be glad to have some free time now," he said. I wish! BDN stays busy all year round with recruiting and we constantly strive to come up with off season articles of interest. We cover the Duke beat and more and by more we are the only subscription site to offer a ton of free articles to the Blue Devil Nation. In short, check in often in the coming months or you'll be missing a lot.

You may have noticed a bit of slow coverage of late, well, we had a lot of our key people in transit on way or the other and every now and then I try to sneak a couple of days in. The trouble with that is it never fails that something happens when I let my guard down, so not a lot of rest for the weary.

In closing this weeks Monday Musings, I want to thank the Blue Devil Nation for their support. You guys make us constantly want to improve our coverage and we are always open to suggestions provided they are grounded in reality;)