Tag Archives: Perry Ellis

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Final Four: A Perry Ellis Update

Perry Ellis BDN/Andrew Slater Photo

This past weekend, 6'8" rising senior Perry Ellis of Wichita helped his USA Red team to a third place finish at Adidas Nations in Compton, California. In his final game, the three-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year scored twelve points and grabbed six rebounds. Since he was last profiled, Ellis, a 4.0 student, has cut his lengthy list of suitors down to a final four: Kansas St., Kansas, Kentucky and Duke University. He is working on setting up future visits.

Over the past month, Ellis has teamed with improving guard Buddy Hield for the Kansas Pray and Play program in events from the NY2LA Summer Jam outside Milwaukee to Las Vegas' Super 64 to cap off his final AAU campaign. In two weeks, the driven forward, who battled tendinitis in June, will once again be participating in the Elite 24 event in Venice Beach, CA.

The always cordial Perry Ellis sat down with BDN for a quick update following a close defeat to discuss what he'd like to find in the college of his choice and what he hopes to view on his upcoming visits.

How much momentum carries over from event to event or tournament to tournament? Either as an individual or a team?
With our first game, we always seem a little sluggish.

I noticed that. Then, you guys seem to pick it up in the second game, for whatever reason. The team seems to get into a groove and build from there.
Yeah, and then we get into a flow and we get momentum and we're running up-and-down and things seem to click a lot better. When we're not, we're missing easy shots and easy lay-ups.
[private]

Even just one or two tip-ins would've changed the course of this game.
Yeah, it's the little stuff. I mean we lost by what? Three?

Two. It was killing me. (laughs)
Two? Jeez. Man, I can't believe we lost by two and we missed all of those little things. We should've won by twenty or something. There's no excuse, but we've just got to keep our focus.

Yeah, I was just thinking about momentum and what your thoughts were on it. Is there any new news in terms of recruiting or visits?
Um, I'm not really sure when exactly I'm going to visit the schools. I don't have nothing really planned right now.

Where do you feel most comfortable catching the ball?
Right around the free throw line..

Facing up around the wings?
Wings?

Yeah, I'm sorry, like the free throw line extended.
Yeah, exactly, right around there, you know, just facing up.

How about defending fours versus threes? Which do you feel more comfortable defending against? It seems like you've defended everyone from fives to threes.
I mean I like getting out on the wings, but it just depends on what we needed.

Yeah, that's why I was more curious about what position you felt most comfortable guarding versus what the team needed in a given game or match-up.
Well, I like getting out on the wings because I think you get out on more breaks, you know. I mean most of the time if you're down low and you throw an outlet pass, it's already too..

You're too late to score on the break. (laughs) You want to have some fun out there.
Yeah, exactly. (laughs)

And what position are most schools recruiting you for now? There seemed to be some back and forth the last time over some schools recruiting you as a face-up four versus a three.
I'd say most schools are saying three and, if I've got a mismatch, than a four. That's what they've said.

What are you looking for ideally in the college that you ultimately do decide on? What are some things that you hope that they have? Looking big picture now.
The first thing is being comfortable. Being comfortable around the school and just knowing people. Being comfortable there is the first thing.

That's step one. You've got to feel comfortable.
Then, playing on TV. I want to be able to play on TV.

Sure.
Putting out players..they're developing players.

So, exposure and developing players..
Yeah, definitely.

What about urban versus rural? Will distance play a big factor? You've got them both very close by and a few states away.
Yeah, no, distance won't really matter to me. Just whether I'm more comfortable there than on the other campuses.

How about knowing players either on the current team or in your recruiting class?
Yeah, that would definitely help. It would help as far as knowing other people and being comfortable. Just knowing guys that you might get to play with. That's definitely something to think about.

Yeah, I was just thinking that might ease some concerns. What are you hoping to see on your visits?
As far as..

Where would you like to go? Do you want to see the facilities, the campus, and the players' dorms, etcetera?
Yeah, exactly, I'd like to see all the little stuff like what do they do before the games.

Pre-game rituals and preparation.
Yeah, see all that they have to do, where they live, see their classes and so forth.

Have you thought at all about what you'd like to major in or what interests you? I know you're Mr. 4.0 student.
Yeah, (laughs) I'm not really sure. I've been concentrating so much on basketball lately.

Sure, will immediate playing time be a major factor in your decision?
Yeah, I mean, on the one hand, I definitely would like an opportunity to play early on…just like I'm sure everybody does, but, on the other hand, I don't want people to just tell me that I'm gonna play..I want to work for it. I want people to tell me that. I don't want to just be given anything.

See, but I remember the last time that you said that you didn't like guys that were too demanding on you all of the time. How does that..would you like them to push a little bit, but not too much?
Oh, I meant as far as practice.

But you just meant off the court.
Yeah, yeah, breathing room.

Because the last time you were talking about how you liked how some of the programs recruiting you gave their players freedom, but now I understand that you want the freedom off the court, while being pushed on it.
Yeah, yeah, exactly.

Okay. That's it for me. I really appreciate it. Good luck tonight.
Alright, sure. Thank you.
[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Basketball Team & Recruiting Update – A Crystal Clear Picture

The Dynamic duo of Matthew Jones and Julius Randle srike a pose for BDN - BDN Photo Do you want an accurate take on Duke Basketball Recruiting? Well, join BDN Premium and we'll give you a crystal clear picture.

BDN's Duke Basketball Team and Recruiting Updates have set the standard among the sites and sure enough, this concept is now being copied.  We'll take that as a compliment but when push comes to shove, it is all about the content and we'll stack ours against anybody.  Here at BDN, our staff is in the trenches at AAU events.  That means our members are getting live streams of information as it happens, making our site well ahead of the curve.

We can lay claim to the fact that we cover more major recruiting events in person than any other site and that has been a running thing for several years now.  We don't send "stringers," with limited knowledge of the subject matter to do our work, nor do we sit back and depend on national network guys to do our job for us.  Seriously, do you not want first hand observations from an accomplished staff that has seen the prospects play multiple times?  No knocks here on the National guys in that many are our friends, but their sole focus is certainly not on Duke prospects nor is it a priority to cover them.  There are no smoke and mirrors tactics at BDN folks, nope, we are straightforward and honest when it comes to our coverage and we take pride in that.

If you have yet to try BDN Premium, you don't know what you're  missing of late and with some exciting changes on the horizon, it's the perfect time to check us out.  Our staff is hard working, dedicated and hands on in everything we do.  In our current update we lay out a clear picture of the staff's efforts.  And before we get on with our update where lots is happening, take a look at how much content we've pumped out recently which includes: Two interviews with both Tony Parker and Matt Jones to go with individual interviews with Julius Randle, Jabari Parker, Alex Poythress, Perry Ellis, Jahill Okafor, Rasheed Sulaimon and much, much more.  Just today, recruiting analyst Andrew Slater goes in depth with Mitch McGary and we have content laying in wait this week. And our interviews have meat to them in that we don't lure you in with a premium article featuring a couple of quotes via texting.  Anyhow, let's move on to another informative and detailed (2521 word) update on the Duke Basketball recruiting scene where we paint a crystal clear picture for our members.  Trust me in that you will absolutely love our update, so if you want to find out where the coaches will be going, who is really on the radar and such, we have the answers for you.  And if you are not satisfied, we'll refund you within the first 24 hours of joining.

The picture is now crystal clear with concern to 2012 and beyond.  Duke will stick with Tony Parker until his decision is made.  Coach Krzyzewski sat front and center for many of Parker's games and the big man [private] knew it, cutting his eyes towards the man while playing.  Parker has been a bit up and down with his comments of late but my belief is that Duke is in better shape than anyone else for Tony.  His parents love Duke and if they had their way, this one would be over from what I've heard from legitimate sources.  The Parkers sat directly behind the bench this weekend and they certainly saw the Blue Devils' keen interest.  Duke has been faithful to Tony and his verbal could set other things in motion.  Coach K loves his hands and footwork and wants him to anchor the paint in Durham.  The Blue Devils have made Tony priority 1 on their 2012 wish list.

And if Parker is priority 1-A, then Mitch McGary is 1-B, or you can reverse the order if you'd like.  Duke will go hard after McGary and they feel they have a great chance at the tenacious big.  Sources are now saying McGary may pull the trigger before his high school season and if that is indeed the case, look for a whirlwind of activity in the coming months.  It is safe to say McGary will be visiting Duke and the Blue Devils will be in home with him when the time comes, but that will not happen until the team returns from their venture to China and Dubai.

The Blue Devils were most impressed with Matt Jones and he gained an offer after his play this past weekend.  Of course, as members, you all saw this one coming.  Jones glowed beyond belief when talking of Duke and you will see those videos this week.  We spoke to Jones the other night but kept it short.  He told BDN that he was on cloud nine after Coach K called and that he could certainly see himself there.  He was very excited that Duke moved in and it is fair to say that they went to the top of his list.  Jones has shown steady improvement in his game and he can slash through the lanes and has an outstanding outside shot.  He is a good on-ball defender as well and he sent a game to overtime with a defensive stop in front of Krzyzewski as time ran out.  The only knock I witnessed is that he at times has trouble shaking free for his shot.  He is a great character kid as well and BDN got his AAU coach's thoughts on that, which is another feature you can look forward to.

His teammate, the hulking Julius Randle, also has an offer and Duke feels they are in good shape there as well.  Jeff Capel has certainly been a help in this one and the thought of a package deal with Jones is most appealing.  But make no mistake about it, Duke loves Matthew Jones as a stand alone player.  Randle was called the best player in the nation on the night he dominated the Memphis front court by someone close to the situation that watched him play.  That was a bit cryptic but easy enough for you to figure out on your own.  Randle was like a bull in a China shop and it is clear that he will not back down from anyone.  I caught several of his games and was most impressed by his enormous upside.  He is a true power player that may or may not fit should Duke get Tony Parker.

The Bull - BDN Photo

And then there is another 2013 product named Jabari Parker.  What a humble superstar he is and you'll see this on coming videos as well.  Parker likes Duke a lot ... a whole lot and the Duke coaches like him a lot, a whole helluva lot.  They are in great early shape with Parker and this one might end in the spring of next year at the latest.  Parker will make an unofficial visit to Durham in due time and we'll have more on that as it develops.  While UNC and others are on him, Duke has been from the start and that will IMO pay dividends down the road.  Parker is smooth and versatile and at times cannot be stopped.  He is part of the spectacular trio joining Randle and Noel as the best of the best in 2013.

One thing many seemingly fail to see is that Duke has a great jump on 2013 for a reason.  The Duke staff will be tied up with Team USA duties next summer limiting their time on the recruiting trail.  That especially holds true for Krzyzewski and that is why he was so hands-on this past week with the class.  The three aforementioned 2013 players are clearly at the top of the wish list but more names are in the works, specifically Nerlens Noel.  This defensive demon we coined the "Sultan of Swat," is a most interesting talent and game changer.  Then there is the "Nerlens Noel effect," which causes players to alter shots for Noel is an absolute terror when it comes to blocking shots.  By the  end of the EYBL he was in every prospect's head and it doesn't matter who he is guarding.  In short, he inflicts pain on guys the same age, younger and/or older.  When I joked with Noel about the fact he didn't send out invitations to his "Block Party," he loved it.  Form that point on, Noel really opened up to me.  Make no mistake, everybody is on Noel, so Duke will have their hands full as will every other team that vies for his services.  I love me some Nerlens and so does Grant Hill, for he is making his fade rise on the cover of the 1991 Sports Illustrated stylish again;) A side note is that Grant Hill will go along on the China trip and he will be helping to teach the "Duke culture" to newcomers.

Rasheed Sulaimon, Matt Jones, LJ Rose and Rodeny Purvis strike a pose for BDN

Some have attempted to hang me out to dry with a comment on Rodney Purvis which was misquoted, but that is something I am used to from another Duke site.  This time they made sure my name was in the head of a post.  I never intended certain things to go public but when users break the agreement upon signing up all I can do is boot them.  Purvis flat out wants to come in and play right away but Duke has a bevy of wings on the roster and in the works.  Purvis wanted to hang with Rasheed Sulaimon, Matt Jones and LJ Rose this weekend and he is seemingly upset at, well, everything that is said these days.  The mere fact that Duke did not watch him is telling and I can tell you without revealing sources close to the situation that Purvis is no longer an option.  Of course, we were the first to say that in a private forum and now all but one site is on the bandwagon.  I think the offer to Jones may have made him see the light and/or the writing on the wall.  Purvis is a good kid, but his emotion concerns me as does his behavior when he is not on the court.  Would Duke take him if he called and wanted to come?   Make no mistake, Purvis has talent and he is a good kid, so I am in no way beating him down, but he is no Austin Rivers or Kyrie Irving.

We have to watch how we mention prospects around here and even where we'll be going on the recruiting trail in that it tips off others.  Just this week nobody was on Nerlens Noel until we were seen talking to him.  Yes, people pay close attention to everything we do at events.  It frustrates us at times but what can you do?  All I can say is pay close attention to when information is printed and as a member sit back and know that you were aware of it beforehand.  Noel is sure to pick up an offer soon.

Rasheed Sulaimon played very well at the EYBL finals as well although he saved his worst game for last and a lackluster offensive performance cost him the scoring title.  Still, he finished second and he has improved immensely since a season ago;  he's like a water bug running all over the place and locks down well on his defensive assignment.  His handle is improving as well and his offense is top shelf.  The Duke staff knew exactly what they were doing in getting this kid aboard early, a testament to Krzyzewski's eye.  That too should excite one more with concern to Jones.

Wojo was in Wisconsin this week and Krzyzewski was as well before returning to Augusta.  Chris Collins was at home this go round but he returns in the coming week.  The addition of Jeff Capel has been a winner and this staff is, well, pretty darn good.

One kid that caught our eye during the EYBL opening session was  Tyus Jones, a 2014 PG from Minnesota who plays for the older Howard Pulley team.  Once we interviewed him, it was obvious to others he had caught the Blue Devils' eyes.  Again, our every move is watched by others at events.  We actually interviewed Jones while at Boo, so he didn't slip up on me at all.  In fact, he stood out and I was amazed to learn he was 2014 for his play was smooth as silk and so far ahead of those in his class.  We have a nice interview coming your way with Jones as well.  I can tell you that he has great character, confidence and his recruitment will go on for a very long time.  Still, both Andrew and myself take pride in giving you background on players Duke likes before it really gets out there.  In short, we anticipate while at the many events, as Andrew did with Jahill Okafor.  What you may not realize is how rare a good interview with Oakfor is, so pay attention to our offerings.

Duke is still keeping an eye on Alex Poythress and Perry Ellis as well.  Neither of them have an offer and both play pretty much the same position.  Duke would likely turn here if they got one of Mitch McGary and Tony Parker but the real need is bangers and not wings.  Still, keep a close eye on these guys as the recruiting evaluation period opens back up.

Just in are the players Duke will watch in Orlando for the AAU National Showcase which runs from the 23rd to the 27th.  Mitch McGary will start there and once it is over go to Kansas City.  Teammates Julius Randle and Matt Jones will be there as well along with Nerlens Noel and Theo Pinson.  Rasheed Sulaimon will play in the AAU Nationals in Orlando which takes place after the loaded Showcase.  And Tony Parker and Alex Poythress will play in both events.  I am trying to swing this event but right now it isn't looking good.

I am trying to rework my schedule to go to Orlando but a cash crunch may prevent that from happening.  However, Andrew is set to go to Las Vegas and you know his coverage will be top shelf.  In closing our latest update I would like to thank all of you for supporting us through membership.  We would like to give back, so here is an opportunity for you.  If you refer new members to BDN Premium, we'll give you 15% of their membership provided you e-mail or PM us before they join.  If you have a friend join for a year, that means you get 15$ cash sent to your paypal account.  If it is for six months, you get 9$.  There is no referral granted for a one or three month membership.  This is a limited time offer.  Help us grow our community!

Thanks again for choosing Blue Devil Nation Premium and the future is looking bright around here, so stay tuned for more on that. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Perry Ellis a Duke Fan since Elementary School


In Kansas, there isn't much that 6'8" rising senior Perry Ellis of Wichita hasn't accomplished. Ellis won three consecutive state titles and Gatorade Player of the Year awards, earned a 4.0 grade point average, and began a side job at a nursery in June to earn some extra money.

Taking a school that had not won a state title in thirty-two years, the forward has won seventy-two of the seventy-five games that he's suited up for the Falcons, including forty-four consecutive high school games, of Heights High School, which produced former NBA player Antoine Carr and current Met pitcher Mike Pelfrey. In 2010, Ellis, whose face-up game is relatively advanced for a rising senior, shot 74.9% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the three-point arc, and 71.6% from the charity stripe.

The second of four children of Fonda, a two-time Iowa HS state champ in track, and Will Ellis, a former basketball player at Briar Cliff University, Perry Ellis brings a fluidity, efficiency, and natural scoring ability to the court that has some of the nation's top programs chasing after him. Recently, he missed the NBA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, VA in order to rest up for the July live periods.

Due to the severe time constraints that the NCAA has enacted, a coaching staff needs to allocate their valuable resources, their coaches' time, in the most efficient way possible, in order to both evaluate players and demonstrate their commitment to their top individual prospects during the July period. In his first game of the July live period, Perry Ellis tipped off at North Central High School in Indianapolis for Kansas Pray and Play AAU program in the Adidas Invitational. Seated front row were a trio of Duke University coaches: Mike Krzyzewski, Jeff Capel, and Steve Wojciechowski.

Duke's recent interest in Perry Ellis immediately ties into the arrival of Coach Capel, who has closely recruited Perry, the most decorated Kansan high school basketball player in history, since his freshman year in Wichita. Ellis, a self-described Dukie in elementary school, immediately added the Blue Devils to his final list of colleges.

After that initial game at the Adidas Invitational, the industrious Perry Ellis spoke with Blue Devil Nation and (2639) word interview ahead for members [private] Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader about a variety of topics, including Coach Jeff Capel, the myth of his prior souring on Duke, and his new summer job.

How is your tendonitis?  - [/private]

It's doing a lot better. I took like a week off. It's just a lot of icing and resting that's the only thing you can do. So, I mean you've got to play through it too. Like they said, seventy percent of the NBA players have it so…

Do they view it as a major long-term issue?

I haven't really went to the doctor and really, you know, gotten an answer on that one yet…so I just don't know. Yeah.

Where do you have the tendonitis?

In both of my knees.

How much of a hindrance is it to you? I mean how much pain are you playing with or through right now.

Hmmm, I wouldn't call it pain in that game. It felt real good. I just need to stretch after the game and keep that rotation going. I think that will help me.

What do you view as your strengths right now and areas for improvement?

Um, when I get the ball, I just need to attack even more because I can score. I feel I can always score out there, but I just need to attack more. I think there are times out there where I'm a little too passive…so I need to attack. That's what I need to improve upon. I need to make attacking even more of a priority. Just attack.

And in terms of your strengths, scoring?

I think being able to go coast-to-coast.

Yeah, well, you demonstrated that today.

Yeah. I think I'm able to rebound it and just push it against my defender…like I'm really able to take them off the dribble pretty well.

What's current height and weight?

6'8" and 220.

Do you want to get bigger? What are your goals, physically, for next season?

Um, well, I want to be around 230 maybe for next year. That'll hopefully be real solid, lean weight. In terms of height, I might grow some more and I might not. We'll see what happens.

How much of an adjustment is there between the high school competition that you face in Wichita and in a normal AAU game in July?

Well, I would say that they play a lot harder. I would say. There are also a lot more bigger and stronger players here too I would say. You've got to adjust. The main thing I'd say is simply getting used to the bigger and stronger players. More talented too.

(J. Tipton) Why do you think that you were passive at times?

Um, I think I'm one of the best scorers on our team and I feel that, if I go out there and shoot more, then maybe we'd have abetter chance to win the game. Like in that game,you know, some of those shots I should've shot, but I just passed it around. I mean it's a disappointing loss.

You had cut down your list of schools to six of them. What are some positive things about each of those programs?

Okay, I mean KU is close. I like all of the coaches there. Good players and good people. With K. State, it's close and they got a real family vibe. It feels like a real family. I mean there's a lot of good people there too. With Wichita State, it's really, really close. It's like a five minute drive. Then, let's see, with Kentucky, they're putting out pros and developing players and I like Calipari. I like how his approach to the game and to his players is.

(J. Tipton) What do you mean?

I mean he's not real on you. Like…he lets you roam free and he's not always on you. That's how I see him. With Memphis, it's like that too. He's not micro-managing you. My sister went there and I've been there a couple of times. And Duke…

(J. Tipton) Your sister goes there?

Yeah, she graduated this year.

(J.Tipton) Was she an athlete?

(BDN) Yeah, she played basketball there.

Yeah, she played basketball. She was more of a defensive player. She finished third all-time in blocks.

No biggie.

(laughs) And, with Duke, when Capel went there, they started contacting me. It's just an honor to be seen or to be wanted by them, you know.

I saw three of their coaches here watching you today.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely, I've been talking to them a lot lately. I want to go out there and check it out.

(J. Tipton) Why is it an honor to be recruited by Duke? You didn't mention "honor" when you were talking about the other schools. Why is it an "honor" for Duke?

Well, with all Coach K has done with Team USA, the championships, the players he's worked with, the hard academics…it's humbling.

Not that there's anything wrong with it, but why did you decide to take a summer job at a nursery? I've got to say that it's pretty unusual for an elite basketball player to work a side job during the summer these days.

(laughs) Yeah, man, but you know you get a good workout from the tree moving and loading and unloading. It's my first real job.

Was that your idea or your mother's?

It was my idea. I just wanted to get some extra money.

The legal way

(laughs)

(J. Tipton) How did that come about? How did you get the job? I'd like to get my son to get out there.

Well, I wanted a job and I liked working outside.

What about those early morning workouts at the Y? What do you work on there? Is it mostly working on your body or skill development?

Well, there's a lot of ball-handling and a lot of ball-handling and working on shooting off of the dribble.

Do you view yourself as a combo forward or a face-up four?

A combo guy really.

What style of play do you prefer?

I like to run up and down as much as possible. I think it fits my game a little more.

Who do you try to model your game after?

I wouldn't say that I really try to model my game, but my two favorite players are LeBron and Kevin Durant. I watch them a lot and try to pick up on stuff that they do.

(J. Tipton) How long have you been working at the nursery?

Since the beginning of June.

(J. Tipton) And what sort of things are you doing for them?

Loading cars…Like, if they buy their stuff, you know, plants, trees, whatever, I just load it in.

(J. Tipton) Do you dig holes to plant the trees and stuff?

Yeah, I did that once.

Don't throw out your back loading up someone's birch tree. Speaking of that, how has your back-to-the-basket game improved over your high school years? Is it something that you've tried to develop lately?

Yeah, well, you know, in high school, I play a lot of the post and so that helps out too. I mean it's improved, but it's also something that I keep trying to work on…you know, piece by piece.

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

I haven't taken any recently and I'm not sure if I'm going to visit any this summer or just go onto my officials…whenever it's time t do that. I'm not sure yet.

In terms of timeline, do you have one in mind for when you'd like to decide by?

I don't really have one. I'm just gonna wait and see which one feels right.

(J. Tipton) Did anyone come in late to your recruitment? Did Duke come in later than the other schools?

Yeah, Duke was probably the latest one to come in.

(J. Tipton) When did they come in?

Pretty much right when Capel went there.

(J. Tipton) So, that was this spring, right?

Yeah.

What would you like to do after your basketball playing career is over? Have you thought about that at all?

I want to do something to help kids like become a coach or something. That's what I'm thinking of right now because I really like to help kids. I like working with them.

I know you're supposed to be a 4.0 student, but you attributed more to hard work than necessarily being exceptionally smart. Can you touch on that and your work ethic required to achieve a 4.0?

Yeah, it's tough for me. It's not easy to achieve. It just doesn't come easy to me, you know, I have to work for it. I always need to push myself to achieve high grades.

I don't think some kids recognize that it can be a grind and time-consuming.

Yeah, yeah, exactly, they think I'm super smart. I mean I'm smart, but I've also got to be really careful about how I use my time and what I do with it. I've got to really work for it and you're right some people take it for granted.

(J. Tipton) How long does it take for you to do your homework or get tutoring?

An hour because I get a lot done in school too. I work during all the time I get because of the hour long or hour and a half long classes.

(J. Tipton)What do you hope to do with your academics? Have you thought about that?

No.

What can you tell the audience about your mother and her influence? I've seen her at a lot of events over the years.

Sure, she helps me a lot with, like, taking the pressure off of me. She takes a lot of the pressure off as far as the recruiting part.

She deals with the coaches, right?

Yeah, she deals with all of that. That helps a lot.

Touch on the USA Basketball experience.

Yeah, after my freshman year, I mean it was a good experience, but I didn't ultimately go with the team and stuff, you know, I went to the Nike camps and stuff, but it was a good experience for me. You know just to try something new.

(J. Tipton) Do you enjoy being regarded as a highly regarded basketball prospect?

Yeah, I do. I look at it as there are not a lot of people that get a chance to have this. I feel like I need to just take this opportunity and just go with it.

Is it more enjoyable or stressful right now?

It's enjoyable, but there are times where it can really bug you. I mean like when there's so much, but, for the most part, it's been okay.

Since you've already mentioned him a couple of times, what's your relationship like with Coach Jeff Capel?

Oh, we've got a real good relationship. When he was at OU, I used to go up there all the time. I used to talk with him. I mean he's a really nice and good person. I mean that'll help. That'll help me talk with Duke, you know, so…

(J. Tipton) Kentucky's gotten a name as one-and-done university I've noticed. What kind of an impression does that make on you?

I just want to go to college, play my hardest, do my best, and whatever happens, happens. If I have to stay, I'll stay. I just want to do whatever I have to do.

There's this sort of perception or myth that you grew up a Duke fan, but then became angry with them because they didn't immediately offer you. Can you address that rumor or whatever you want to call it?

I mean I was real young. When I was in elementary school and all, I was a real Dukie.

Did you become angry when they didn't offer you as early as some other programs, which offered you as a freshman?

(laughs) No, because before I started talking to them. I wasn't even being recruited so, you know

(J. Tipton) What made you stop liking them?

You know I don't even really remember.

Well, you must've like them enough that they're right on your final six.

Yeah, I mean I definitely still like them.

(J. Tipton) What made you like them to start with? What made you a real "Dukie?"

Honestly, I don't remember the original reason.

What was your reaction when they ultimately offered you?

I was excited. I was definitely excited because I didn't think they'd ever recruit me. Because, you know, Capel and K, man, they're real good friends and real close and, you know, I don't think they wanted to hurt anyone. I mean that's one of the reasons why I really am looking seriously at them. I like that loyalty.

He didn't want to take a player from his old or former student.

Yeah, yeah.

Are you excited about now playing with your brothers next year?

Yeah, yeah, definitely. Hopefully, we'll all three get to play varsity next year. It'll be fun. That doesn't happen a lot.

Do you guys play a lot together at the Y or wherever?

Yeah, at the Y and at the school…wherever we can.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

Say that I play Xbox hard.

Last question, what are your goals for next season?

I'm going to try to go undefeated again, get another state championship, and whatever accolades will come, will come hopefully.

Like becoming a McDonald's All-American?

Yeah, exactly, I've got to keep playing hard this summer and that'll help with that too.

Thank you very much, Perry.

Sure, sure. [/private]

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.

Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

LeBron James Skills Academy, Adidas Invitational Updates

Shabazz Muhammad is but a single player BDN Premium will follow this week.

BDN Recruiting analyst Andrew Slater is currently sending back live reports to members on the Blue Devil Nation Premium Message Board.  He's checking out the skills portion of opening night at the LeBron James Skills Academy and he'll float to Akron for the Adidas Invitational this week.  He will of course be checking in with all the major Duke prospects as the coaching staff can see prospects play during the open period and will be present at the events.  Don't miss any of the reports from BDN by joining today.  We set the standard for complete AAU Basketball coverage of Duke prospects and we are sure you'll enjoy what we have to offer.  Whether you like in person player analysis, prospect videos, or our famous in depth interviews, BDN brings you the highest quality of coverage available on any Duke site.