Tag Archives: Mark Watson

Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Adidas Invitational Day One – Duke Coaches on the Trail

The Duke coaches were checking out prospects during the first day of the Adidas invitational and BDN Premium was right there as well.

Every college basketball coach and staff in America is currently checking out the nations top prospects at various shoe camps.  BDN's Andrew Slater was on the scene at the Adidas Invitational yesterday where he followed the Duke prospects you want to hear of.  Today, he'll head to the LeBron James Skills Academy where his coverage continues.

During the first day of camp, Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Steve Wojciechowski and Jeff Capel took in the action.  Krzyzewski watched Perry Ellis and Shabazz Muhammad play twice and he also checked out Nate Britt and some other names.

The day started when the trio of coaches were front row, center for the Kansas Pray and Play Players/Pump and Run vs New England Elite match up where their focus was on Perry Ellis but his team lost.  They then took in Brannen Greenes' Atlanta 16 team that absolutely crushed Indiana Elite 63-41 while he dropped 20 points.  When asked  if he noticed the three Duke coaches watching him, he acknowledged it.

The staff also checked out the New England Playazz who of course have Kaleb Tarczewski.  A bevy of coaches were in attendance for this game as well, but it was NEP point guard Makai Mason ('14) who said he had received interest from Duke that caught their eye as well.

The entire Duke staff sat with Tommy Amaker (Harvard) and Johnny  Dawkins (Stanford) for the Dream Vision vs. Indiana Elite game.  There focus was Shabazz Muhammad and he tossed in 39 points in a dominating performance.  Other coaches watching were UNC coached McGrath and head man Roy Williams as well as Howland, Romar, Self, Calipari, Carmody, Gottfried, Stallings, Crean, Haith, Sendek, Thompson and Floyd.  The staff caught Muhammads' night game too, where he finished with 18 as his team squandered a chance at a second victory in the last minute of play.

The staff also watched D.C. Assault and Nate Britt with Curtis Malone, Nolan's stepdad,  seated right behind the DCA bench.  After being saddled by early foul trouble, Britt dropped in a layup to cut it to 68-67 EG --37 seconds remaining, the game went to overtime where DCA pulled out the win on a three point shot at the buzzer.  Britt finished with 18.

Meanwhile, on another court, Perry Ellis tossed in 32 points in a stellar performance and Coach K had switched over to see him from Britts' game and had to be pleased with what he saw.

For more details including prospect comments and vital tidbits of information including prospect analysis, join Blue Devil Nation Premium for full site access.  BDN Premium is the "only" Duke site that covers all the major recruiting events in person.  If you think the above information is cool, think about what awaits you as a member.  Once a member, go to our subscribers message board where Andre Slater is streaming information as it happens from the Adidas Invitational and the LeBron James Skills Academy.  See for yourself the difference in quality, and consistent coverage of "true" Duke targets as our top notch staff never rests in an effort to bring you closer to the action than imaginable.  I personally invite you to join BDN Premium, our extended subscription service and compare our coverage to anyone, anywhere on planet earth.

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Basketball Recruiting Update

The Duke Men's Basketball staff will be hitting the recruiting trail starting July 6th and we'll know much more about new targets at that time.  In our latest recruiting update we speak of Tony Parker, Rodney Purvis, Theo Pinson, Jabari Parker and other prospects, breaking down the latest skinny  for our members.  We also update you on the current team and tip you in on what to look for with concerns to the 2011-12 race for captain.  Join BDN Premium for full site accss and be in the know.  BDN Premium Duke Basketball Recruiting Update

This update is a part of the Blue Devil Nation Message Board which requires an active subscription to view.

Duke Basketball, Duke Football

It’s Back! More of BDN’s Monday Musings on Duke Athletics

BDN Photographer Rick Crank caught wonderful moment after Duke defeated UNC for the ACC Championship. BDN Photo

After a brief hiatus Monday Musings is back and we have plenty of stuff to talk about.  The reason the article went MIA was due to an overload of Blue Devil Nation Premium articles which simply dominated the site last week.  One thing BDN followers can depend on is the flat out best recruiting circuit coverage available. 

The NBA Draft is still fresh in many fans minds and the Blue Devils added three more players to the league.  Kyrie Irving became the second Blue Devil to be the first overall pick, joining Elton Brand as the two Blue Devils holding that honor.  Irving looked rather suave as he hit the podium fulfilling his dream.  While some Duke fans feel a void in that they saw him play just eleven games in the royal blue, there are benefits to his quick departure.  Irving will represent Duke well and he's already had good things to say about Coach K and the program.  Having an alum in the spotlight will only bring more talk of the program and rising prospects really like seeing the hot rookies which stay fresh in their minds.  Duke adds Austin Rivers this year and trend is developing of great guards coming through Durham on a yearly basis.  Here is Irving and Tristan Thompson being introduced to Cleveland Cavalier fans.

How cool was it to hear, "And with the 21st overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select Nolan Smith of Duke?"  Maybe Kyle can give Nolan some tips as he rolls to home state to Oregon with a guaranteed contract in tow.  Smith worked hard at Duke and had both up's and downs but he stuck it out and he is now in the NBA.  FWIW, I jumped out of my chair and cheered as if it were a Duke buzzer beater when his name was called.  Here is the latest article on NDotSmitty.

Then there was Kyle Singler chosen #33 by the Detroit Pistons.  Singler barely missed the first round but he fell into a good situation with the Pistons in that he was still their first selection and he will get a sure contract.  The Detroit brass pointed to his leadership, work ethic and skills when they spoke of their prized rookie.  I will sure miss all three of these guys but the memories from each have been great, especially Nolan and Kyle who brought a National Championship to Durham.  Here is a link on the Pistons desire for character and that led them to draft KSing. 

It seems like a few months ago when I was covering Duke players at the N.C. Pro Am at North Carolina Central University.  Maybe it's the fact I am getting older or it could just be that coverage never ends at BDN.  Regardless, BDN will be front and center with coverage for the event which starts this week.  BDN was the first site to cover this event and therefore we've developed good relationships with those involved.  It's a first rate event worth your summer time and a friendly atmosphere awaits.  Stop by and say hello for I will once again be in the end zone with my own private desk;)  A key change to note -- no high school players are allowed to participate per NCAA rules this season.  That means no Pinson, Purvis and such.  One other tidbit is that Duke players rarely show the first session, so look for them next week.  And yes, Duke will have players participate but their time will be cut short due to the China-Dubai trip which happens in August.  As we've said before, Duke is allotted ten full practices before the journey.

USA!  A few key Duke Basketball recruiting prospects  were missing during last weeks NBA Top 100 Camp and for good reason.  Targets Jabari Parker and Theo Pinson were in the red, white and blue leading Team USA to Gold.  Parker averaged 15.4 ppg and  grabbed 6.4 rebounds a contest.  Pinson was the fourth   scorer at 11.5 ppg and added an amazing 6.2 rebounds from the wing.  Team USA finished 5-0 defeating Argentina 104-64.  Here are the TEAM USA U16 Stats.

The player nicknamed "The Black Falcon," flew on both sides of the fence until his most awkward Skype announcement. We'll let you fill in the caption on this pic. BDN Photo

Stash this in the remember where you heard it department.  Harrison Barnes will be the ACC Pre season POY and maybe even the national one as well.  A look at returning scorers in the conference shows that he is the top returning one in the league.  And look for the Blue Devils Seth Curry to make first team while Mason Plumlee will be on the second team.  UNC and Duke will be picked one, two in the league.  Yes, Duke fans, Barnes pictured left would have been in the top 8 picks had he gone pro, so his return guarantees that he will be one of the most hated Heels ever.

Measurements are coming in from the Nike Skills Academies and we found out that the measurements for the brothers Plumlee. Mason Plumlee measured 6'10," 234 with  6'11" wingspan, while Miles Plumlee measured 6'11.5," 247 with a 7' wingspan.  For full prospect measurements, check out the BDN Premium Message Board.

Recruiting information has been red hot of late and BDN has an incredible amount of material for you to catch up on by becoming a member.  We'll be heading to the Peach Jam in July but there is much more before then.  We'll keep you in a bit of suspense on that.  Look for a lengthy interview with Tony Parker today, so get off the fence and join the most dedicated Duke site in the world!  Be sure to go to our premium section located just under the header and take a look at what you're missing. Recent interviews include, Robert Carter, Davonta Pollard, Rodney Purvis, Troy Williams, Joel James and Nate Britt.  BDN Premium brings you print and video interviews and if you haven't heard the name Andrew Slater yet then you are not paying attention to our incredibly well informed basketball recruiting analyst and his one of a kind interviews.

BDN Photo

Duke Football Recruiting has been on a roll of late and you can find all the latest verbals by simply going to our football section.  Our resident recruiting analyst, Patrick Cacchio has been on a roll of late and BDN has become the place to be for Duke Football coverage.  We need more members on our football message board to discuss all the breaking news, so join up and help us make our forum the very best.  We are currently seeking a football board moderator, so send me a note through our popular twitter site if you are interested.   Anyhow, Coach Cutlciffe and staff are on a roll and they are beating some big schools for the latest commitments.  One other note, do not miss  our BDN Football Friday column which is the best weekly football article on the web.  If you find a better column on Cut's team, let us know and we'll work harder.

Speaking of Duke and ACC Football, I have been writing a preview of the conference for another site.  Everybody points to the Duke offense being able to move the ball  due to more vets on that side of the ball.  A closer look will tell you that Duke starts just two seniors and that nine of these kids will be back again the following year.  I picked Florida State and Virginia Tech as division winners and the main reason is that both have a manageable schedule.  The Blue Devils have the 22nd toughest schedule in the nation according to Phil Steele.  By writing a preview, I have a jump on fellow media members in picking the All ACC first and second teams at the fast approaching ACC Operation Football gathering.

Lastly, our prayers go out to the friends and family of two high school football players that were shot in Durham.

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN goes One on One with Devonta Pollard

Duke is showing interest in Davonta Pollard - BDN Photo

Davonta Pollard is a multi sport athlete that stands 6-7 and weighs in at 200 pounds.  Pollard plays AAU ball for the Southern Phenoms and goes to Kemper High School in DeKalb, Mississippi.  Pollard is one of the top rated players in the class of 2012 and he recently sat down with BDN to discuss the latest on the recruiting front.

You were just talking to some guys from an N.C. State site.  They are one of two ACC schools you mentioned.  What do you think about the Wolfpack?

I like their basketball program and staff.  They're rebuilding and putting in a new weight room and it seems like it will be a good school in the future.

There is a lot of buzz concerning the Blue Devils as well ... 

I talked to both Wojo and Coach Kand they were just telling me what they'd [private] heard about me and asked if I were interested in coming to Duke and I told them that yes, I was.  I haven't taken a visit to Duke yet because that was my first time talking to them.  I plan on going to visit them and looking at their school.  They have a great basketball program.

You are being chased by a lot of SEC schools as well,.  Can you list them, please?

Yes sir.  Kentucky, Georgetown, LSU, Mississippi state, Ole Miss, Alabama.

Who will play big roles in advising you on your collegiate decision?

My mom. She will be the key in helping me with my coach.  And there is also Darrell Carter, a football and basketball coach at our school.  He came into our district three years ago and we've had a bond since then.  He's like a brother or father to me, so I look up to him.

Do you play other varsity sports in high school?

Yes sir.  I play football.

Have some of the coaches recruiting you tried to persuade you to give football up and concentrate on hoops?

Some coaches have and some tell me that I'm young and to enjoy life.  Really, I played football before I played basketball.

Describe your game in your own words for our members.

I'm an all around player that can do a little bit of everything.  I can take a guard and put him on the block.  I need to work on my ball handling skills and jumper and I can always get stronger.

You'll be going to the Nike Skills Academies, right?

Yes sir.  The Lebron James and Derron Williams camp.

Is their a definitive timetable on your coming decision?

I really don't know but if things work out I plan on deciding in the spring.

What are you looking for from a coaching staff in college?

Willing to help a kid, accompany his dream and help him be his best and get to the next level.  I like coaches to be straight with me and tell me what I need to work on.  I want to go pro so I will do anything I need to accomplish my goal

Are you hesitant of going to a big time school where you will have tpo battle for playing time?

No sir.  I love competition.

Where did you first learn your basketball skills or who taught you the game?

My mom and my dad.  My mom was a player, she went to Kemper High and then she went to Delta State and got drafted by the WNBA's Chicago Hustlers.  My mom wants me to go wherever I'm comfortable and she'll be happy with that.  She wants someone who will work and push me to become my best.

Is it important for you to go to a school where most every game is televised?

That's not a big deal because she is going to be at the games.

So, she is planning on moving to follow you?

Yes sir.  She will come for the first year and no matter where she might be after that, she will find a way to get to games.

Thanks for your time Davonta and we'll be keeping tabs on your progress.

Yes sir.  Thank you. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke to Watch Robert Carter in July

One of the most intriguing players at the recent NBA Top 100 Camp was Robert Carter.  Analysts do not have a lot of chances to catch his games in that he plays for the Atlanta Xpress, a newly founded AAU team which is an offspring of the Atlanta Celtics.  The 6-8 power forward prospect from Thomasville, Georgia told BDN that he liked to remain faithful to his team and that meant not playing in some of the major events, like the Nike EYBL circuit.  Carter said that both Nate James and Jeff Capel have been in recent contact and that they will take a look at him during the open July recruiting period.  Hear what the colorful Carter had to say in another lengthy BDN interview where we give fans the opportunity to familiarize themselves with one of the nations top prospects.

This is the first time I've been able to see you play this season and you look pretty good in the post out there.

Yeah, I like to bang a little bit but this camp ... I thought was going to be able to come in here and work  ... I mean, you know how many bigs there are in my class.  So, I came here ready to improve but you know how these camps are.  They haven't got that many plays to get the bigs the ball ...

Yeah, it's a guard oriented thing ...

The guards come down and do whatever they want, so ...

This camp (NBAPA Top 100) is not that strong for point guards.

You see that's the thing.  We were winning because other teams didn't have good [private] points but you've still got to get the ball in the post.  Every time I touched it ... I almost scored every time I got it in the paint.

What camps are you slated for the rest of the summer?

I'll go to the Amare Stoudemire Camp and I might go to the Lebron James Camp, but not for sure, we'll see.  I'll be getting ready for the July period.

I haven't seen you play a lot this season in that your AAU team doesn't make a lot of major events.

I could play in the Peach Jam but I try to stay loyal to my team.  We're not on the EYBL schedule and all but I like to stay loyal to where I am.  I'll play in other events and the coaches will come there.

Describe your game in your own words.

I would say I have an inside/out game.  I'm skilled and I'm athletic but I haven't always taken advantage of that so I am working on that.  But if I'm bigger than you?  I am going to take you inside.  But if you're bigger than me, I'm still inside but I'm going to face up on you and bring you out.

Bump and move ...

Yeah, make you move your feet, yeah.

What will you take away from this camp?

It's a good camp and I've been here for two years now.  If you've got a good coach you can learn a lot.  Like I said, my class has a lot of bigs, so if you have a coach that uses his bigs, it can be a good camp.  This year?  I got to run a lot and averaged maybe 8-10 a game, got some boards.

What are you looking for in a school?

Somewhere I'm comfortable.  Somewhere where I can play.  I want a coaching staff that will tell me how I will come in and play and explain my role.  I don't want to go in there guessing whether I am going to do this or do that.  So, I want a coach that has a vision for me and who will help me improve and get tot he next level.

Do you have a list of schools?

No, I don't have a list.  But like you said, back to the question where you asked what I liked about the camp. I like meeting and playing with players that are as good as you are and show you what you have to work on.  I like the presentations as well and meeting and listening to former players that have been in your shoes.  So made it and some didn't.  I liked hearing Kareem Abdul Jabbar and it was the first time I'd seen him in person and then Chris Washburn who was one of the best and then ...

He took a tumble ..

Yeah, so it's good to see the game from there eyes and it helps you know what to do.

Coaches could start calling on Monday.  Did you get a few calls?

Yeah, I got some calls. (lowers his voice and seems to not like talking of the recruiting process)

You don't sound to enthused about that.  Are you getting too many calls or tiring of the process already?

Yeah, you talk to a lot of schools and try and see which ones I want to pursue.

So, you're getting serious now?

Yeah, a little bit.  I've been talking with my AAU Coach and parents but it's not like I'm ready to site down and talk to them about it.

Where did you first learn your basketball skills?

My Dad.  He played for Miami and overseas and back in the day.  Way back in the day.

You're making me feel old.  How old is your Dad?

He'll be 53.

See!  I'm in my ...

Naw, I didn't mean it like that ... how old are you?  You don't look that old.

Alright, yeah, yeah ... let's move on ...

(laughing) Yeah, but he was really good and taught me a lot of stuff early.

Like what?

Post moves and how to move my feet.  He taught me a lot at a young age.  He showed me a lot.

I'm from ACC Country.  Are any of those schools involved with you?

Yeah, yeah, all of them.  I've always liked the ACC and it's one of the best conferences in college basketball.  If you really want to get to the next level it's a league you want to play in.

I suppose some feel Miami has the inside track since your Dad played there?

I like Miami and they have been on me for a long time.  But we'll see how things go and all.

What about Duke?

They're good.  I mean they're one of the best schools in history and anytime they start recruiting you, you have to take a look at them, even ... even if you don;t like them.  I like them but ...

Yeah, they're sort of like the Yankees in that some like them or hate them.

Even if you do, you have to look into them because they're Duke University and one for the best and it may be the best situation.  I'm looking into them.  I mean, Nate James, he called me and we talk about it and they said they were going to be out there watching me this spring.

They just added Jeff Capel to the staff ...

Oh yeah.  He's been calling me.  You see he was recruiting me at Oklahoma and when he came over to Duke he started or told them how much he liked me and they or he is now recruiting me for them too.

UNC?

The Tar Heels are on me too. They're there.  They're another one of those big programs you have to listen to.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really.  Me and my Dad just sat down and watched games and would pick certain ones to win after studying them.  So I never had a favorite team to watch.

Do you pattern your game after other players, say in the league or college?

Not really, because I think my game is different.  I'm just coming out of high school and can do some things and my game is still developing.

You just want to be Robert Carter?

Yes, I just want to be my own person.

What do you do off the court?

I live in a small town so there is not much to do but I am currently staying in Atlanta with my AAU coach.  I go to the gym and hang out at home, play video games when I am at home.

And what are you looking for in a college?

I just want to come in and play as a freshman and develop over time to get to the next level.

Is there anything you would like the world to know about Robert Carter?

That I'm a hard worker and deserve everything I stay in the gym and work harder than everybody.  A lot of people where I'm from do look up to me and I want to make sure I give it my all. [/private]