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BDN Premium – Amile Jefferson talks recruiting

Amile Jefferson Duke
Amile Jefferson, 2012 prospect from Philadelphia, PA

One of the top players in the class of 2012 is Amile Jefferson of Philadelphia, PA, Friends Central High School.  Jefferson stands 6-6 and weighs in around 190 pounds.  Jefferson's versatility and upside has college coaches jockeying for position as he starts to take a serious look at the process.  In a our conversation, Jefferson said he adheres to a constant work ethic in order to make his game better.  He was happy with his teams high school season and ready to continue his hard work.  Jefferson said he would once again play for Team Philly on the AAU circuit.  At this time, Jefferson really doesn't have a true position but he played the power forward slot for his high school team.  Jefferson is a bit of a tweener right now, but he is still growing and should fill out in the coming years.  Despite what some consider to be a slight frame, Jefferson is not a kid who backs down and one analyst said he is lean but stronger than he looks.

Suppose somebody has yet to see you play.  How would you describe your game?

I would probably describe my game as still coming along, but skillful and versatile.  I play a lot with my back to the basket but I'm starting to face up. [private]

You are starting to climb in the rankings, how do you stay grounded with all of the hype?

You have to stay grounded and keep working or one day it'll be here and the next day it can be gone.

When will you get serious about your collegiate decision?

Most likely I will sit down this summer and think about the pro's and con's of different schools.  We'll [his Dad] figure out who we want to concentrate on and get to know the schools and the coach.

You mentioned your Father earlier, is that who taught you most of your basketball skills?

Uh, in a way.  I have been playing since I was about ten and I've also been playing for the same team that whole time.  So a few people work with me and as it has gone along, I've gotten better.  I've had a lot of great people helping me.

Do you pattern your game after any particular player?

No, not really.  I just like to watch good basketball players and to learn the component's of their game and add it to my game.  So, I like looking at the best point guard but at the same time good big men to learn different skills.  I watch how guards come off screens ... you just look at the best and try to emulate their game.

How do you feel about where you are as a basketball player?

Versatility is really helping my game come together and it is an on going process.  I still am not close to where I need to be as a player, so I will continue to put in the work and get better every day.

What kind of student are you in the class room?

I'm an A-B student.  Education is important to me.

You attended some skill camps this past summer.  I know Duke was one of the camps you attended.  How did that go and did you attend other camps?

I had a great time at the camp and the few hours  I was there, probably 48 hours, I learned a lot and I think the camp was a success and I had a great time.  It was great competition and I would love to go back.  Other camps, I went to Penn State's camp and Syracuse over the summer and they were both really good as well.

Has Duke remained in contact with you?

Yes, they've [coaches] have been up to see me play in open situations and occasionally call.

Any type of school that you like best?

At this point I am really still wide open.  I have yet to figure out what kind of school I want to go to, let alone what conference.  It's great to see that people are showing interest but it is still a bit early.  Hopefully everything will work out for the best.

Being a Philly guy is there any added pressure to stay close to home?

No,  not really.  I'm not sure yet if I want to stay close to home or if I want to go miles away.  Right now I'm just happy living in the moment.

Do you have a preference when it comes to style of play?

It's still a learning process for me and I am trying to learn what type of play or system best suits me.  I like the up and down game but there are times when you have to be in half court sets, pressure the ball ... I'm just not sure right now.

What is Amile Jefferson like off the hardwood?

I like being with my friends, my basketball buddies.  On and off the hardwood, I hang with my friends on the team.  It's basketball and school for me.

As of right now, no.

Thanks for your time ...

Thank You.

Final Word - Jefferson is wide open but Duke should get a very serious look as will Syracuse.  Several schools are interested, Virginia Tech is his latest offer.  We had an awful phone connection which made it hard to get into a flow.  which[/private]

Duke Basketball

Game Notes – Duke at Maryland

Mason Plumlee dunks
Mason Plumlee - Lance King Images

Game 30

[4 AP/4 Coaches] Duke (25-4, 12-2 ACC) vs. [22 AP/23 Coaches] Maryland (21-7, 11-3 ACC)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010  •  9:00 p.m.  •  ESPN

Comcast Center (17,950)  •  College Park, Md.

The Opening Tip

Duke (25-4, 12-2 ACC), ranked fourth in the AP poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll, travels to College Park to play Maryland (21-7, 11-3 ACC) at the Comcast Center on Wednesday, March 3 at 9:00 p.m. The game will air on ESPN with Dan Shulman, Jay Bilas and Erin Andrews calling the action. With a win on Wednesday, Duke would clinch its 12th ACC regular season title under Mike Krzyzewski.

The Last Time Out

Duke recorded its eighth straight win with a 67-49 victory at Virginia on Sunday. Kyle Singler scored 21 points and Jon Scheyer added 20 points in the contest. The Blue Devils have now had 14 games with two or more 20-point scorers in a game this season.

Scheyer went 8-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and added three rebounds, three assists and five steals in the game.

The Blue Devils limited Virginia to 31.4 percent (16-of-51) shooting, including 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from three-point range. The 49 points matched the third-lowest point total allowed on the year.

Duke 77, Maryland 56 - Feb. 13, 2010

Duke topped the Terrapins earlier this season as Jon Scheyer netted a game-high 22 points. Senior Brian Zoubek added 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and a career-high 17 rebounds (eight offensive rebounds) in the win.

Numbers Game

l Duke is ranked fourth in the AP poll, marking the 53rd consecutive week ranked in the top 10. The Blue Devils are 43-7 all-time when ranked fourth in the AP poll.

l The Blue Devils lead the NCAA in three-point defense at 26.7 percent (108-of-405). Duke has held the opposition to 19.6 percent (21-of-107) shooting from behind the arc during its current eight-game win streak.

l Duke has outscored the opposition 195-63 from three-point range during its eight-game win streak. Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler have 26 and 25 three-point field goals respectively in that span.

l The Blue Devils have won five straight conference road games and are the only team in the ACC guaranteed to finish the year with a winning road record in league play. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski collected his ACC-record 134th league road win on Sunday against Virginia.

l Kyle Singler is averaging 19.5 points and 3.2 three-point field goals over the last eight games. He is shooting 50.0 percent (25-of-50) from three-point range in that span.

l Jon Scheyer leads the ACC in three statistical categories and is the only player in the league to rank in the top 5 in seven statistical categories: scoring (third, 18.8 ppg.), assists (fourth, 5.3 apg.), free throw percentage (first, .887), three-point field goals (first, 2.9 3pg.), three-point field goal percentage (second, .409), assist-to-turnover ratio (first, 3.06:1) and minutes (second, 36.4 mpg.).

l Brian Zoubek is averaging 7.8 points and 10.6 rebounds (4.8 orpg.) since joining the starting lineup five games ago. He is second in the ACC in offensive rebounds (3.3 orpg) and ranks 14th in total rebounds (6.9 rpg.). Zoubek is three offensive rebounds shy of becoming the ninth player (12th time) in Duke history to grab 100 offensive rebounds in a season.

l Junior Kyle Singler ranks in the top 10 in eight statistical categories in conference play: scoring (fifth, 18.1 ppg.), rebounds (t-seventh, 7.1 rpg.), field goal percentage (ninth, .410), three-point percentage (first, .420), three-point field goals (t-third, 2.4 3pg.), offensive rebounds (t-fifth, 2.6 orpg.), defensive rebounds (t-10th, 4.4 drpg.) and minutes (third, 37.8 mpg.).

l Jon Scheyer has topped the 20-point mark in nine of Duke’s 14 league games (tied for the most in the ACC). Kyle Singler is tied for third in the conference with seven 20-point games in ACC play.

Checking in on ...

#2 Nolan Smith - +9.0 ppg. increase from a year ago is second-best in the ACC ... shooting a career-best 41.0 percent from three-point range ... fourth in the ACC with 12 games with 20+ points scored ... double figures in 25 of 27 games played

#5 Mason Plumlee - Second on the team with 21 dunks ... fourth with 20 blocks ... season-high nine rebounds vs. North Carolina

#12 Kyle Singler - Five double-doubles and six games with 10+ rebounds ... averaging 19.5 points per game during current eight-game win streak ... 25 three-point field goals in that span

#20 Andre Dawkins - Fourth on the team with 30 three-point field goals ... shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range

#21 Miles Plumlee - Leads the team with 28 dunks ... shooting 56.9 percent (66-of-116) from the field

#30 Jon Scheyer - 20+ points in six of the last 10 games ... ranks in the top 10 of the ACC in eight statistical categories ... leads the league in free throw percentage, three-point field goals and assist-to-turnover ratio ... second in the ACC with 14 games with 20 or more points ... three-time ACC Player of the Week

#34 Ryan Kelly - 14 blocked shots ... one of five Blue Devils with 10+ blocks

#42 Lance Thomas - Leads the Blue Devils with 12 charges taken ... 5 or more rebounds in nine of the last 12 games

#55 Brian Zoubek - Four or more offensive rebounds 12 times ... averaging 16.6 rebounds per 40 minutes played ... seven double figure rebounding games

Duke Basketball

Duke defeats Virginia 67-49 to set up showdown with Maryland

Duke came away with a 67-49 win over the Virginia Cavaliers on Sunday night and in the process set up the biggest match up in the ACC this season.  With the win the Blue Devils go to 25-4 overall and 12-2 in the ACC and now turn their attention to second place Maryland in a game that could decide the regular season champion.

On a night when Sylvan Landesburg sat with a deep thigh bruise, the Cavaliers were no match for the seasoned Blue Devils.  Once again, defense led the way for the Blue Devils.  Duke held Virginia to just 31% from the field for the game and the Cav's 49  points marked the 4th time this season Duke has held an opponent under 50 points.

Kyle Singler scored 12 points during a 20-4 Duke run to start the game and the Blue Devils never looked back.  Singler ended the game as Duke's high scorer with 21 points.  Senior Jon Scheyer picked up where Singler left off in the first half ending the game with 20 points and 5 steals.

Mason Plumlee added six points, while Andre Dawkins and Nolan Smith had 5 points apiece.  Lance Thomas tallied 4 points, Miles Plumlee 3, Steve Johnson 2 and Jordan Davidson 1 to round out the scoring for Duke.  The game marked only the second time this season Smith was held to under 10 points.

Duke Coach Mike Kryzewski moved past Dean Smith of North Carolina for the most ACC road victories this season.  And the Blue Devils pushed their season road mark to 5-2 after many questioned whether they could play away from home just a month ago.  The victory also meant that Krzyzewski know has three consecutive 25 plus win seasons.

Duke will next face their toughest road test of the season when they visit Maryland in College Park.

Notes - During the post game, Kryzewski said he was pleased with his teams performance and that they just want to return to Durham safely and get some rest for the big week ahead.  Duke has now won eight straight games.  Duke's largest lead in the game was 27 points.

Duke-Virginia Box Score

More to come ...

Duke Basketball

Duke at Virginia Game Notes

Coach K instructs
BDN Photo

Duke (24-4, 11-2 ACC) vs. Virginia (14-12, 5-8 ACC)

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010  •  7:45 p.m.  •  FSN

John Paul Jones Arena (14,593)  •  Charlottesville, Va.

The Opening Tip

Duke (24-4, 11-2 ACC), ranked fifth in the AP poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll, travels to Charlottesville to play Virginia (14-12, 5-8 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 7:45 p.m. The game will air on FSN with Rich Waltz, Dan Bonner and Jenn Hildreth calling the action.

The Last Time Out

Duke posted a 70-52 win over Tulsa on Thursday for its seventh straight victory. Junior Nolan Smith scored a game-high 18 points and added four steals, while Kyle Singler finished with 17 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots.

The senior post tandem of Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas combined for 12 points and 21 rebounds in the win. Zoubek recorded his third double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Thomas grabbed 10 boards, including six offensive rebounds.

Duke posted a 47-37 edge on the glass and finished with 18 offensive rebounds. The Blue Devils have now grabbed 17 or more offensive caroms in five straight games.

Jon Scheyer reached double figures for the 27th time this season with 15 points. He went 3-of-5 from three-point distance and now has an ACC-high 79 three-point field goals. Scheyer also had four rebounds and three assists in the contest.

The Blue Devils held Tulsa to 32.8 percent (19-of-58) shooting from the field, including 1-of-10 from behind the three-point arc. Duke has now held 15 teams to under 40 percent shooting and 14 teams to less than 60 points in a game.

Numbers Game

l Duke is ranked fifth in the AP poll, marking the 52nd consecutive week ranked in the top 10. The Blue Devils are 54-23 all-time when ranked fifth in the AP poll.

l The Blue Devils are holding the opposition to an ACC-low 27.0 percent (106-of-393) shooting from three-point range. Duke is allowing just 3.8 three-point field goals per game and has limited its opponents to three or fewer three-pointers in 13 games.

l Duke leads the ACC with +6.5 rebound margin as Kyle Singler, Brian Zoubek, Miles Plumlee and Lance Thomas are each averaging 5.0 rebounds per game or better for the season. The 2000-01 Blue Devils are the only team to accomplish that feat under Mike Krzyzewski.

l Jon Scheyer leads the ACC in four statistical categories and is the only player in the league to rank in the top 5 in seven statistical categories: scoring (second, 18.8 ppg.), assists (fourth, 5.4 apg.), free throw percentage (first, .887), three-point field goals (first, 2.8 3pg.), three-point field goal percentage (fourth, .403), assist-to-turnover ratio (first, 3.06:1) and minutes (first, 36.6 mpg.).

l Brian Zoubek is averaging 9.8 points and 12.3 rebounds (6.0 orpg.) since joining the starting lineup four games ago. He is second in the ACC in offensive rebounds (3.5 orpg) and ranks 13th in total rebounds (7.0 rpg.), while playing 16.7 minutes per game. Zoubek ranks among the national leaders with 16.8 rebounds, including 8.4 offensive boards, per 40 minutes played.

l Duke is collecting a Coach K era-best 15.3 offensive rebounds per game for the year. The Blue Devils are averaging 16.4 second chance points per game and are 23-2 when scoring more second chance points than their opponent. Duke has grabbed at least 17 offensive rebounds in four straight games.

l Junior Kyle Singler ranks in the top 10 in eight statistical categories in conference play: scoring (fifth, 17.9 ppg.), rebounds (t-seventh, 7.4 rpg.), field goal percentage (10th, .400), three-point percentage (first, .421), three-point field goals (second, 2.5 3pg.), offensive rebounds (t-fifth, 2.8 orpg.), defensive rebounds (10th, 4.6 drpg.) and minutes (first, 38.3 mpg.).

l Nolan Smith has scored 466 points this season after recording 487 points in his first two years as a Blue Devils. He is 47 points shy of becoming the 60th player in Duke history to score 1,000 career points.

Checking in on ...

#2 Nolan Smith - +9.5 ppg. increase from a year ago leads the ACC ... shooting a career-best 42.2 percent from three-point range ... tied for third in the ACC with 12 games with 20+ points scored ... double figures in 25 of 26 games played

#5 Mason Plumlee - Second on the team with 21 dunks ... fourth with 19 blocks ... season-high nine rebounds vs. North Carolina

#12 Kyle Singler - Five double-doubles  and six games with 10+ rebounds ... averaging 19.3 points per game during current seven-game win streak ... 29 three-point field goals in that span

#20 Andre Dawkins - Fourth on the team with 29 three-point field goals ... shooting 37.7 percent from three-point range

#21 Miles Plumlee - Leads the team with 28 dunks ... shooting 57.5 percent (65-of-113) from the field

#30 Jon Scheyer - 20+ points in five of the last nine games ... ranks in the top 10 of the ACC in eight statistical categories ... leads the league in minutes, free throw percentage, three-point field goals and assist-to-turnover ratio ... second in the ACC with 13 games with 20 or more points ... three-time ACC Player of the Week

#34 Ryan Kelly - 14 blocked shots ... one of five Blue Devils with 10+ blocks

#42 Lance Thomas - Leads the Blue Devils with 12 charges taken ... 5 or more rebounds in nine of the last 11 games

#55 Brian Zoubek - Four or more offensive rebounds 12 times ... averaging 9.68points and 12.3 rebounds, while shooting 76.2 pct (16-of-21) from the field since joining the starting lineup four games ago.