Tag Archives: Austin Rivers

BDN Premium Articles

The latest on Duke prospect Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers remains atop Duke's list of targets - BDN Photo

One of the most coveted players in the class of 2011 is Austin Rivers, the son of Glenn "Doc" Rivers who coaches the NBA's Boston Celtics.

Rivers is an outstanding talent and he fits the Duke system in the way he plays.  He mentions that Duke gives its guards free rein in our interview and Krzyzewski covets the current Florida native as does Florida and, now, North Carolina.

Duke has had great success with players who have NBA lineage.

Duke and North Carolina are now in the picture, but will you allow more teams in now that you have reopened your recruitment?

Right now, that's the only two teams I'm kind of interested in.

How did UNC first get involved?

Roy Williams called me and we talked for about an hour, so I said why not, that place is historic so I decided to look at them and maybe go and visit.

When did that happen?

Four weeks ago.  I don't want to recruit you because you're committed to Florida, but if I was to reopen it he would like to come in.

Did Duke contact you?

I contacted them [private] a while back when I was thinking about other schools after making a real early decision to go to Florida.

But no talk of  visiting them until recently.

It would make things easier and less awkward to reopen my recruitment before visiting other schools.

When will you make a decision on where you'll play collegiate basketball?

Before the high school season.  It will not be late like some of the other guys out there.

What do you like about Duke and UNC?

I love that they let their guards go man.  I just like the way both Duke and UNC go up and down.  At Duke, Nolan is point guard, Scheyer is the point guard, and they're both shooting guards as well.

Did you follow Duke on the road to the championship?

The whole way.  I called him a couple of times to congratulate him and told him to keep it going.  I really felt like they could win with their senior leadership and they get so much out of their big men.  With all the offensive rebounds it opened it up for the guard.  I picked Duke to go all the way in my bracket, I did.

What did Coach Williams have to say to you?

I talked with him about thirty minutes recently.  I have only talked to him once but he came down to my school, I could not talk to him there.  He is the only coach that talked to me from them.

What are you looking for in a coach?

It's real important because it is a trust factor. W hen you have a relationship with a college coach and he has your back, well, that' s what I'm looking for.  I am looking for him to do whatever he can to get me to the next level and that will be the school that I need to go to.  Just talking to Coach K and Roy Williams and Billy Donovan, all three of those coaches can do that.

You have a long relationship with Coach Donovan at Florida.  How is your relationship with Coach K?

It's developed a lot. He' really quiet and the first conversation was kind of awkward like it is with anyone but we've come a long way.  I have a good relationship with him.  He' a really good guy, I talk to him about Scheyer and what they do up there and life beyond basketball, so I have a really good relationship with him and Coach Donovan too.

Are you close with the UF players?

Kenny and I grew up playing against each other.  Chandler Parson lives a couple of blocks from me. I am really close with a few of them. [He also mentioned the fact that one friend at Florida transferred]

Do you talk with any Duke players?

I lost their numbers.  I have a new phone and will have to talk to Coach K about that.

What do you think of Coach K's involvement with team USA?

I think it's just cool man.  It's just how good of a coach he is.  This year's team was not really the favorite and it just shows how good of a coach he is in how he developed Scheyer and Nolan, they're really underrated as far as playing in the NBA.  I think they proved themelves.

You know have a target on your back.  Is it tough to perform with everyone trying to make a name for themselves against you?

No.  It comes as a responsibility of being a great player.  The other kids  want to do what it takes to be in the top player position or they are willing to do whatever it takes and you have to be ready to do the same.

I understand you may be visiting Duke soon, perhaps for their championship banquet?

[smiling] Yeah, maybe.  We'll see if it works out. [continuing to smile]

Well, it did, and Rivers will attend the banquet on Thursday.  As we have said on the message board, we kept this under wraps despite knowing.  Rivers told me shortly after our conversation that he planned on attending provided nothing came up.  It is worth noting that Rivers contacted Duke while UNC and Roy Williams contacted Rivers.  UNC, knowing Rivers will be in town, will now try to get him to come by their campus as well.  I think you guys are smart enough to read between the lines as to why Duke and BDN kept this under wraps. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

Duke prospect Austin Rivers opens up about the recruiting process

Duke prospect Austin Rivers opened up in a lengthy interview after his team held on top defeat AAU power Team Takeover in opening round action of the Nike EYBL/Boo Williams camp in Hampton, Virginia

HAMPTON - Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up to Austin Rivers during the opening night of the Nike EYBL developmental camp in Hampton, Virginia.  Rivers opened up about the recruiting process and his recent decision to de-commit from Florida in this lengthy interview - [private]

Just press play -

We still have a more personal interview with Austin to come.  Next up - Tyler Adams [/private]

Duke Basketball

Austin Rivers helps lead team to an upset win over Team Takeover

Austin Rivers leads team to win at Nike EYBL
Austin Rivers scored 15 points and helped lead his Each One Teach One team to an upet victory of the Michael Gilchrist led Team Takeover in Friday action at the Nike EYBL Session I event in Hampton, Virginia. Memembers of BDN Premium can check out not one but two interviews with the star.

HAMPTON - BDN is in Hampton, Virginia to cover the Nike EYBL Session I, formerly known as the Boo Williams Invitational, this weekend where the nation's top prospects have gathered to kick off the grass roots season.

There has already been an upset on day one where Each One Teach One, led by Austin Rivers, defeated powerful Team Final, which features Michael Gilchrist and Rakeem Christmas.

Each One Teach One got off to a good start despite Rivers starting the game 2 for 10 from the field.  Rivers ended the game with 15 points and his play helped lead his team to the 76-64 upset victory.

Rivers was swarmed by the media after the game where mainly UNC sites were asking the questions.  BDN has that whole interview for you as well as another one when the rest of the media was not around.  Those interviews will appear shortly for members of Blue Devil Nation Premium.

We talked to prospect Tyler Adams as well along with Justin Anderson on day one of the event.  We'll be reporting from the camp this weekend and it is loaded with talent.

In the nightcap, future Duke star Michael Gbinije went 6 of 10 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free throw stripe for a total of 17 points to go with 2 rebounds and 3 steals.  His team won easily and you will also hear from him in the coming days.

So, it's a great time to join Blue Devil Nation Premium where you'll get full site access and the skinny on the real Duke prospects.

Duke Basketball

BDN Premium set to cover Austin Rivers and Quincy Miller

First of all, Blue Devil Nation will be celebrating Duke's national championship for some time to come, but there is little rest when you want to bring fans the best Duke coverage available.  Blue Devil Nation Premium will kick off its AAU coverage this weekend as we cover the Nike EYBL Session I, also known as the Boo Williams Invitational in Hampton, Virginia.

There we will cover the likes of Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers and more names you can learn about as a member.  In fact, the spring and summer is one of the busiest times at BDN in that we bring you lots of information during the off season.

We'll once again bring our top notch coverage of AAU events where Andre Slater and myself will interview and analyze the prospects at the various camps.  Last season, BDN Premium was the only Duke site to cover all the major events, setting a new standard of Duke subscription site coverage.  Furthermore, we were there in person to cover the kids you really want to hear about and not some brief banter and fodder from national corporate site types.

Not that the national guys aren't good mind you, just that they certainly are not there to concentrate on true Duke targets as we do.

Austin Rivers is still committed to Florida, but he has shown interest in a Duke team that just won the national title. Current Flordia player Kenny Boynton Jr. spurnned Duke for the Gators saying he felt like he could play for a national championship there. Well, he would have won one had he been on the Duke roster this season. There are many stories on the recruiting trail and that's what we cover better than any other site hers at BDN. Join Blue Devil Nation Premium and follow us on the recruiting trail as we cover fuure Blue Devils and coveted prospects like Austin Rivers. Our coverage starts this weekend at the Nile Boo Williams Invitational, don't delay in joining so you get stay in the loop.

We were the only site to cover the Blue Devils in person all the way through the tournament.  We're in touch with the subject matter and we bring years of experience to the table.  And BDN is a fans site, for our members make up the Blue Devil Nation.

We don't offer public message boards for they fast turn into rant fests and rumor mills and we feel there are forums already out there to fill those needs, the best being Duke Basketball Report's message boards who keep it as real as they can.

But our members message board allows you to come in from the storm and talk rationally with other fans, some insiders, some knowledgeable and some just fans.  We have a tight knit community of followers and our reviews and member feedback is glowing.

Isn't it time for you to join Blue Devil Nation Premium and gain full site access and talk with fellow members about all things Duke?

BDN Premiums 's archives allow you to catch up on what you've missed. Pictured is Carrick Feliz who few know much about, but BDN has one of the most detailed interviews you'll ever read posted for members.

And be sure to catch up on all of our past interviews and updates as you settle into your new national champions t-shirt while being a part of the fastest growing Duke web site around.

Blue Devil Nation depends on it's members to allow us our coverage, so if you have liked our numerous free offerings what is 27 cents a day for getting even closer to the programs and full access to the site?

Here is a link where you can join Blue Devil Nation Premium -

step by step instructions and here is a direct link to the joining process

BDN Premium Articles

High School Hoops 2010 Edition No. 9

Here is another edition of High School Hoops for Blue Devil Nation premium members. This edition takes a look at Duke’s three 2010 committed players: Kyrie Irving, Josh Hairston, and Tyler Thornton; as well as the other players Duke is looking at in the Class of 2010 and beyond. [private]

Kyrie Irving: St. Patrick has advanced to the Championship Game in the Union County Tournament in what could be their last game. Kyrie Irving scored 13 points as the Celtics defeated Union 64-47. St. Patrick will face Plainfield for the championship. Here is some video of the action.

St. Patrick has been banned from participating in the State Tournament due to Coach Kevin Boyle being present during open gym workouts prior to the official start of practice. St. Patrick has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court and a hearing will be held on Monday at 9 am.

Josh Hairston: Montrose Christian ended a losing streak with a 62-56 win over Fork Union. Hairston scored 20 points in the game. Hairston is averaging 17 points per game for the Mustangs and he is currently Second Team in the All-Met Watch.

Tyler Thornton: Thornton is averaging 15 points a game for the 22-6 Eagles. On Friday, February 26, O’Connell defeated Gonzaga 67-55. On Wednesday, February 24, Gonzaga defeated McNamara 62-58. Thornton scored 19 points in the victory.

Trey Zeigler: Zeigler fouled out in regulation but first he scored 27 points to go with 10 rebounds as Mt. Pleasant defeated Bay City Central 73-68 in overtime. The Oilers have now won 13 games in a row.

Marshall Plumlee: Christ School is 35-1 and will play Charlotte Christian for the NCISAA Championship on Saturday night. The Greenies defeated Wesleyan Christian Academy 81-40 in the Quarter-Finals and Forsyth Country Day 67-64 in the Semi-Finals.

Charlotte Christian defeated Ravenscroft to advance to the Championship Game.

Austin Rivers: Winter Park defeated Edgewater 70-59 in the Florida 6A Regional Semi-Finals. Edgewater employed a Box and 1 defense designed to stop Austin Rivers and held him to 11 points but it wasn’t enough to stop the Wildcats from advancing to the Regional Finals. Brett Comer stepped up and scored 23 points. Here is some game video.

In the Quarter-Finals, Rivers scored 41 points in front of a crowd of 1,200 fans including Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski as Winter Park defeated Winter Springs 83-60.

J.P. Tokoto: Menomonee Falls completed the regular season 14-0 in the Greater Metro Conference with an 80-64 defeat of Brookfield Central on Thursday February 25. J.P. Tokoto scored 23 points.

Menomonee Falls defeated Wauwatosa East 67-46 as Tokoto scored a game-high 18 points. The win clinched the Greater Metro Conference title and earned the Indians’ a first round bye in the upcoming state tournament. Menomonee Falls is the #2 seed in Sectional #5.

On Monday, February 22, Tokoto scored 27 points as Menomonee Falls defeated Homestead 74-71.

Finally, here is an article from the Raleigh News & Observer on Kendall Marshall that I’m including in this update in the spirit of the great Chinese Philosopher Sun Tzu whose sage advice was to keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Taking into account all the Larry Drew II rumors about a possible transfer, Marshall could be given the keys to Roy Williams’ broken down jalopy as a freshman.

[/private]

Duke Basketball

Rivers tallies 41 points to lead his team in front of Coach K

Rivers eying Duke
Krzyzewski watched Rivers drop 41 points - Photo BDNP

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski is a busy man these days and the reasons are quite simple.  His team is fighting for the ACC regular season title with a huge game coming up against Virginia Tech, a team with the leagues second best record this Sunday.

Despite the coming match up and the fact that Duke just defeated Miami on the road, Krzyzewski took time out to see one of the most coveted talents in the class of 2011 in Austin Rivers.

Rivers is, of course, the son of Doc Rivers, a former NBA standout who now coaches the Boston Celtics.  He plays for Winter Park High School, a team fighting their way towards a state title.

It's fair to say Krzyzewski was pleased with Rivers effort last evening in that he scored 41 points and led his team to an easy win.

Rivers nailed 7 of 12 three pointers and 12 of his 41 points came in the final quarter before he went to the bench as Krzyzewski left for his return to Durham.

Rivers gave a verbal to Florida just after their second national championship and he has a lot of Florida ties, but he is indeed looking at Duke, having toured the campus with his Mom and brother in September.

Quite simply, Rivers, like many prospects, commited early and now he has decided to reevaluate the situation.

Rivers maintains he is still committed to Florida, but he is quick to show adoration for the man known as Coach K and is up front that Duke is the only school that could sway him away and that he is open to the possibility.

Despite what some might have you think, it was the Rivers' who contacted Duke, not the other way around, but make no mistake, the Blue Devils were thrilled and open to the prospect of gaining an elite talent.

By the time last season's AAU Nationals came about, the word was generating through the college basketball recruiting world that Rivers was wavering on his early verbal and Krzyzewski and the Duke staff had been watching Rivers since the Peach Jam, an AAU event in Augusta.

Duke has had past success with young men with NBA lineage.  One of those who comes to mind is current assistant coach Chris Collins, whose Dad, Doug, has coached and announced for the league.

Currently on the Duke roster, Seth Curry is the son of Dell Curry, another NBA standout, and, of course, Nolan Smith, the son of Derrick Smith.

Gerald Henderson joined the Charlotte Bobcats this season but his Dad was Gerald Sr., a Celtic star during championship years.

Don't forget Mike Dunleavy, son of  Mike Dunleavy, Sr., and Danny Ferry, the current GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers and his Dad, Bob, was a former player and lauded for his GM work in Washington.

In short, there has been an NBA flavor to Duke's roster for a good while now and you can bet they would love for Austin Rivers to join the list.

Rivers is averaging 24.5 ppg this season and his team will next face Edgewater [26-3] this coming Tuesday evening as the play-offs continue.

If his Winter Park team advances to the finals, it is the same day as the UNC at Duke contest in a game he is scheduled to make.  While this could certainly derail the visit, one must keep in mind that tip-off is at 9:00 EST, so there is a chance he could make it.

Duke fans hope that Rivers will be able to take in some of the atmosphere in the season finale in Durham, where ESPN Gameday will be on the scene.

Either way, Austin Rivers is genuinely interested in Duke and it is obvious that Krzyzewski wants to coach another NBA coach or player's son.

For more on Austin Rivers and Duke Basketball Recruiting, join Blue Devil Nation Premium for full site access and discuss the latest on our members-only message board.