Tag Archives: Blue Devil Nation Premium

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

NBA Top 100 Camp Scoring Leaders, Recaps

June 17, 2011 Mark Watson

nba 2 2011 005 — Kyle Anderson, Rasheed Sulaimon, Justin Anderson, L.J. Rose strike a pose, BDN Photo

CHARLOTTESVILLE -Several close contests highlighted last nights evening session of the NBAPA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Virginia. Future Blue Devil, Rasheed Sulaimon drained a three point shot to help get his Laker team to overtime, but a timeout called doomed them in that there are no timeouts allowed in the extra period.

THURSDAY NIGHT RECAPS
Spurs 65
Mavericks 62
Kellen McCormick scored 10 points leading a very balanced Spurs attack and pushing them past the Mavericks 65-62 evening their record at 1-1 on the day’s action. Amile Jefferson continued to impress, scoring a game high 20 markers. T.J. Warren added 11 in the tough loss.

Grizzlies 79
Heat 63
Gary Harris posted 17 points and the Grizzlies moved to 2-0 on the first day with a 79-63 burning of the Heat. The Grizzlies stand as the top seed after the first day’s games based on point differential. Adam Woodbury turned in a strong performance with 13 points and was joined in the scoring column by Anthony Bennett with 11. Kyle Anderson led the Heat with 14 points. Tony Parker added 11 points.

Magic 81
Lakers 79
Codi Miller-McIntyre sank a short jumper in overtime pushing the Magic to an 81-79 victory over the Lakers and moving to 2-0 on the day. Miller-Mac was outstanding finishing with a camp high 26 points, including four 3’s. Katin Reinhardt added 10 points in the tight victory. Rasheed Sulaimon led the Lakers with 17 markers, including a deep three to knot the score in regulation. He was assisted in the scoring column by Javan Felix with 12.

Celtics 75
Bulls 64
The Celtics move to 2-0 in camp action with a hard fought 75-64 victory over the winless Bulls. Jordan Price was a young man against boys finishing with 21 large and his running mate Savon Goodman added 18 in the win. Glenn Robinson added 12 points for the Celtics. Mike Gesell was high man for the Bulls finishing with 12. Shaquille Clear added 10 in the loss.

Hawks 55
Thunder 53
Arnaud Moto tipped in a missed chance and the Hawks came back from a major deficit to slide past the Thunder 55-53. Mitch McGary converted a 3-point play the old fashioned way and the Hawks grabbed their first lead of the game with a little under four minutes remaining in the contest. From that point a back and forth contest ended with the Moto tip. Sam Dekker led the Hawks with 14 points and Gavin Ware captured a double/double with 10 points and 11 boards. Jordan Burgess led all scorers with 16 points in the tough loss.

Top 10 Games
1. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Magic 26
2. Jordan Price, Celtics 21
3. Amile Jefferson, Mavericks 20
4. Tyler Lewis, Thunder 19
5. Jerome Hairston, Celtics 17
T.J. Warren, Mavericks 17
Rasheed Sulaimon, Lakers 17
Gary Harris, Grizzlies 17
9. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Magic 16
Amile Jefferson, Mavericks 16
Jordan Burgess, Thunder 16

#	Name		Year	Team	Game 1	Game 2	PPG
23	Codi	Miller-McIntyre	2012	Magic	16	26	21.0
84	Amile	Jefferson	2012	Mavericks	16	20	18.0
47	Jordan	Price	2012	Celtics	14	21	17.5
8	Jordan	Burgess	2012	Thunder	13	16	14.5
73	T.J.	Warren	2012	Mavericks	17	11	14.0
56	Savon	Goodman	2012	Celtics	8	18	13.0
20	Gary	Harris	2012	Grizzlies	8	17	12.5
5	Nate	Britt	2013	Thunder	14	10	12.0
80	Adam	Woodbury	2012	Grizzlies	10	13	11.5
30	Rasheed	Sulaimon	2012	Lakers	6	17	11.5
35	Katin	Reinhardt	2012	Magic	13	10	11.5
33	Anthony	Bennett	2012	Grizzlies	11	11	11.0
103	Gavin	Ware	2012	Hawks	12	10	11.0
78	Chicken	Knowles	2012	Heat	15	7	11.0
63	Mitch	McGary	2012	Hawks	12	9	10.5
51	Justin	Anderson	2012	Heat	14	7	10.5
83	Devonta	Pollard	2012	Magic	15	6	10.5
53	Robert	Carter	2012	Celtics	12	8	10.0
67	Daniel	Ochefu	2012	Grizzlies	12	8	10.0
77	Tony	Parker	2012	Heat	9	11	10.0
88	Anton	Gill	2013	Lakers	11	9	10.0
44	Omar	Calhoun	2012	Bulls	14	5	9.5
45	Sam	Dekker	2012	Hawks	5	14	9.5
31	Jordan	Tebbutt	2012	Lakers	10	9	9.5
3	Tyler	Lewis	2012	Thunder	19	0	9.5
42	Danuel	House	2012	Thunder	15	4	9.5
15	Jordan	Adams	2012	Bulls	14	4	9.0
21	Brice	Johnson	2012	Bulls	12	6	9.0
2	Yogi	Ferrell	2012	Magic	11	7	9.0
37	Marcus	Smart	2012	Spurs	9	9	9.0
76	Zena	Edosomwan	2012	Spurs	10	8	9.0
7	Jerome	Hairston	2012	Celtics	17	0	8.5
69	Glenn	Robinson	2012	Celtics	5	12	8.5
66	Steve	Taylor	2012	Grizzlies	12	5	8.5
75	Brandon	Bolden	2012	Lakers	11	6	8.5
03	Rosco	Allen	2012	Magic	9	8	8.5
38	Ryan	Arcidiacono	2012	Spurs	11	6	8.5
57	Montrezl	Harrell	2012	Bulls	10	6	8.0
36	Michael	Frazier	2012	Hawks	10	6	8.0
4	Ronnie	Johnson	2012	Heat	9	7	8.0
52	Kyle	Anderson	2012	Heat	2	14	8.0
00	Javan	Felix	2012	Lakers	4	12	8.0
48	Denzel	Valentine	2012	Magic	12	4	8.0
14	Mike	Gesell	2012	Bulls	3	12	7.5
9	J.P.	Tokoto	2012	Grizzlies	14	1	7.5
26	James	Robinson	2012	Grizzlies	9	6	7.5
109	Joell	James	2012	Hawks	13	2	7.5
65	George	Niang	2012	Lakers	11	4	7.5
102	Robert	Upshaw	2012	Lakers	6	9	7.5
105	A.J.	Hammons	2012	Magic	6	9	7.5
49	Allerik	Freeman	2012	Mavericks	9	6	7.5
60	Marcus	Hunt	2012	Mavericks	13	2	7.5
46	Braxton	Ogbueze	2012	Grizzlies	5	9	7.0
13	Jabari	Bird	2012	Heat	10	4	7.0
55	Ricardo	Gathers	2012	Heat	10	4	7.0
108	Hanner	Perea	2012	Spurs	6	8	7.0
02	Xavier	Johnson	2012	Bulls	9	4	6.5
86	A.J.	Davis	2013	Celtics	13	0	6.5
59	Twymond	Howard	2012	Heat	7	6	6.5
16	Alex	Caruso	2012	Mavericks	6	7	6.5
04	Cameron	Biedschied	2012	Spurs	9	4	6.5
104	Brandon	Ashley	2012	Bulls	4	8	6.0
106	Shaquille	Cleare	2012	Bulls	2	10	6.0
54	Raphael	Davis	2012	Celtics	8	4	6.0
101	Elijah	Macon	2012	Celtics	6	6	6.0
40	Kellen	Dunham	2012	Heat	9	3	6.0
19	Jerami	Grant	2012	Spurs	3	9	6.0
72	Chris	Walker	2013	Thunder	8	4	6.0
22	Terry	Henderson	2012	Grizzlies	11	0	5.5
79	Steve	Taylor	2012	Grizzlies	2	9	5.5
12	Damien	Wilson	2012	Hawks	4	7	5.5
74	Andrew	White	2012	Magic	9	2	5.5
10	Ron	Patterson	2012	Spurs	9	2	5.5
100	BeeJay	Anya	2013	Thunder	9	2	5.5
70	D'Vauntes	Smith-Rivera	2012	Hawks	8	2	5.0
58	Jeremy	Hollowell	2012	Lakers	5	5	5.0
25	J-Mychal	Reese	2012	Mavericks	2	8	5.0
107	Landen	Lucas	2012	Mavericks	6	4	5.0
62	Kellen	McCormick	2012	Spurs	0	10	5.0
82	Cameron	Ridley	2012	Spurs	4	6	5.0
01	Gabe	York	2012	Spurs	7	3	5.0
61	Grant	Jerrett	2012	Thunder	4	6	5.0
41	Kris	Dunn	2012	Bulls	5	4	4.5
1	Marcus	Paige	2012	Lakers	5	4	4.5
29	Daiquan	Walker	2012	Hawks	7	2	4.5
90	Matt	Costello	2012	Celtics	6	2	4.0
43	Shawn	Smith	2012	Hawks	8	0	4.0
24	Nerlens	Noel	2013	Magic	0	8	4.0
28	Josh	Scott	2012	Thunder	2	6	4.0
50	Anrio	Adams	2012	Bulls	2	5	3.5
97	Elijah	Brown	2013	Magic	7	0	3.5
27	L.J.	Rose	2012	Celtics	2	4	3.0
18	William	Goodwin	2012	Lakers	2	4	3.0
11	Alex	Poythress	2012	Magic	2	4	3.0
81	Andre	Drummond	2012	Mavericks	2	4	3.0
95	Kenny	Kaminski	2012	Heat	5	0	2.5
32	Negus	Webster-Chan	2012	Thunder	0	5	2.5
6	Charles	Mann	2012	Hawks	2	-	2.0
91	Miles	Overton	2013	Grizzlies	2	0	1.0
64	Arnaud	Moto	2012	Hawks	0	2	1.0
93	Nick	Tatu	2012	Hawks	2	0	1.0
89	DeLante	Victory	2013	Thunder	2	0	1.0
07	Tyler	Clark	2012	Celtics	0	0	0.0
05	Aubrey	Dawkins	2012	Heat	0	0	0.0
06	Darrin	Minnifield	2013	Lakers	0	0	0.0
39	Kareem	Canty	2012	Mavericks	0	0	0.0
68	Rodney	Purvis	2012	Thunder	-	-	#DIV/0!

Brannen Greene Sets a June Visit to Duke

June 14, 2011 Varand Khachadouri

In early May, BDN Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater, told you that Brannen Greene was setting up a visit to Duke. In our usual follow up interview, a BDN Premium standard practice others have now borrowed, Greene tells us that visit is set. Our west coast recruiting correspondent Varand Kachadouri has all the latest as BDN continues to set the pace on AAU Basketball scene coverage. - Mark Watson

A name that has popped up on Duke’s radar recently is 2013 wing prospect Brannen Greene of Forsyth, Georgia. The 6’6 wing prospect did not attend the L.A session of the Nike EYBL, but did compete at the Pangos All American camp. The once Southern Kings player says he will now be playing with the Atlanta Celtics. BDN got a chance to catch up with the Duke prospect last weekend, here’s what he had to say.

BDN: We didn’t see you last weekend at the EYBL, what happened with that?

BG: Well the head of our program, Morris Gordon, got into a little bit of trouble and he got removed from the head position and he lost his job and everything. So now there was a new head and everything was just all crazy and stuff. So I just decided to take that weekend off.

Tell me a little bit about Mary Persons High School.

BG: Well it’s about 15 minutes north of Macon, Georgia, about 45 minutes south of Atlanta. It’s kind of in the suburbs, it’s a real nice country school that’s big on academics.

I had read that you stated [private] when you moved up to the 16’s and 17’s there was chemistry issues, naturally. How did you guys as a team solve that?

BG: Well last year I was 15 and played up with the 16’s so I knew most of those guys from last year, but it was a change when I moved up last year. I only played with the 16’s for two games and then moved up. It took me about two games to get use to the 17’s and I was fine. I just needed to get use to how they played.

How do you balance school and sports at the same time? It must be tough.

BG: Well my dad and my mom both push me. My mom is a school teacher at the school (Mary Persons HS), and my dad is big on academics, he always is saying “school first, school first”, so I always do my school work first and then find a way to work out every day.

Where on the court do you like to get the ball most?

BG: I like getting the ball on the right wing. That’s where I feel most comfortable.

What’s your first thought when you get the ball there?

BG: First I will square up and see what I got, if the man’s back then I’ll shoot. If he’s not, I’ll probably use footwork like the jab step or something like that to find a way to get around him.

his is still a ways away but have you ever given any thought about a major in school? Or a favorite subject?

BG: Yea I really like journalism.

What are you looking to take away from a camp like this?

BG: Just whatever the camp instructors say, I mean they are obviously here for a reason and the people who are speaking have obviously accomplished something. I just want to make new relationships with players, get to meet them and get to know them. Just really enjoy the experience out in California. Enjoy the competition and just take what I can and learn and develop.

Is this your first trip out to California?

BG: Yea it is, I really like it a lot out here.

Do you have any routines that you like to do before games?

BG: Not really any routines. I like to take naps before games if I can. I’ll listen to some music.

Anyone specific in terms of music? Who’s on your iPod right now?

BG: If you took my iPod right now you’d probably find old school Tupac, Lil’ Wayne, Drake, and probably Big Shyne.

You talked about meeting new people at the camp. Who are you close with on the AAU circuit?

BG: I’d probably say Matt Jones from the Texas Titans, Archie Goodwin from the Arkansas Wings Elite, Isaiah Lewis who plays for the Albany City Rocks, and definitely Chris Walker, we use to play together, we are really cool. We talk all time.

Have you confirmed any upcoming visits yet?

BG: I’ll be visiting Duke from June 25^th to probably the 29^th. I have a visit with Alabama coming up soon too, Georgia Tech as well.

Greene setting a visit to Duke [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Getting to know Duke prospect Rodney Purvis

June 1, 2011 Andrew Slater

"The only source of knowledge is experience."
-Albert Einstein

Last year, Rodney Purvis was a carefree, rising sophomore, who had just finished his freshman year at Upper Room Christian Academy. Sporting braces, he was set to spend a summer as the youngest member of Chris Paul's 17-and-under CP3 All-Stars and be the only member of the 2013 class attending the King City Classic. After a successful summer on the AAU circuit, the Raleigh native had a bevy of schools pitching their merits. Last October, Purvis decided to accelerate his recruiting process by reclassifying back into his original 2012 class. In December, he took it a step further by verbally committing to the University of Louisville.

In April, he began playing once again for the CP3 All-Stars and head coach, Tony Edwards. During this year's Nike's EYBL season of fifteen games played over the course of three sessions in Virginia, Dallas, and Los Angeles, Purvis played quite well andwas quickly forced to become the vocal leader of his newly banded squad. Always known as a scorer (entered the final game ranking second in scoring in Nike's EYBL) and a penetrator, the 6'3" combo guard worked on his point guard skills over the past two months, while expanding his shooting range. He finished fifth in the EYBL in assists andshot 42% from beyond the three-point line over CP3's fifteen games. As part of his growing leadership role, one of the young AAU teammates he sought to mentor was Greensboro, NC freshman Theo Pinson, who chose to attend Duke's Countdown to Craziness and was recently named ESPN's number one prospect in the class of 2014.

On May 2nd of this year, Rodney Purvis de-committed from Louisville. The action was in reaction to the departure of Tim Fuller, a well-traveled assistant, who was most recently with Louisville and with whom Purvis had developed a relationship over the years. Coach Fuller elected to head out to Columbia, Missouri to join Coach Frank Haith's staff.

In the City of Angels, Raleigh's Rodney Purvis spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a myriad of topics.

Can you talk about opening up your recruitment?

Straight ahead is another outstanding in depth interview with a main Duke target from our recruiting analyst, Andrew Slater. As you can see by the intro alone, Andrew knows his subject matter through and through. At BDN, our representatives have not only seen these kids play various times in person, they study tirelessly in a effort to bring you the best interviews available on any Duke site. Join BDN Premium and see for yourself the immense quality BDN brings to the table. And if you don't like this interview? I will give you a full refundwithin 24 hours. It's time to join the site that really knows the way around the recruiting trail. Many more interviews coming your way and we personally think you will not only see the difference in coverage, but you will agree, it is unmatched . Do you think you know Rodney Purvis and his situation? Then you must already be a member of BDN Premium. [private]

Well, after Coach Fuller left, me and my family felt that it was best for me to open up my recruitment and develop a relationship with the new coaching staff. That's how that happened.

You touched on it, but what did the impact of Tim Fuller leaving have on your decision?

Oh, it was a huge impact! He's kinda like a big brother to me and I mean I've known him for a really long time. I just felt comfortable going to Louisville… with him being there. So, him leaving was kind of like a setback or whatever.

And how did you first meet him? How did you guys get to know each other a little better? I know of his involvement with Nike.

Yeah, over the Nike stuff and him and Chris Paul was cool and then I was playing for Chris' team and I got to know him and so..

What was their reaction when you told them the news? Were they cool with it or were they a little angry?

Oh, I'm not really sure. I just spoke with Coach Keatts and the new coaching staff that was there. So, I'm…I'm not really sure.

Alright, we can just move on..

(laughs) Yeah, yeah, yeah

With some perspective, what are you looking for this time, as opposed to when you initially decided?

Oh, I'm definitely trying to get a relationship with every single coach on the coaching staff and, most importantly, the head coach this time. We'll just go from there.

Now, is that a lot different from when you first decided? You're a little older and more mature.

Yeah, yeah.

Do you have a timeframe for when you'd like to decide by?

Oh, no, I don't have anything in mind.

Do you know where you'll be going to high school next year?

Upper Room Christian Academy

Oh, okay, I was looking at the school's website and they said they're only going through eleventh grade this year and likely expanding through twelfth grade next year.

Yeah.

In terms of high school, what are your goals for next year?

Oh, I'm trying to be a McDonald's All-American next year and finish up, at least, top five in the country. Not that rankings don't really matter to me, but I just want to set that as a goal for myself.

Before meeting with you, I was re-reading an interview that we had done last summer at the LeBron. You said, at the time, your goals were to get stronger so that you could finish through contact and that you wanted to improve your jumper, both mid-range and three-point shooting. Do you feel like you've improved in both of those areas over the past year?

Oh, I think I'm doing pretty good with it, you know. I'm up at five o'clock in the morning and in the gym every day working on my jump shot and different dimensions of my game. I feel like I've improved a lot, but I've still got a long way to go.

What about in the strength area, how have you tried to improve?

Oh, yeah, I'm trying in that area too. I'm going to an aerobics class and a yoga class.

I saw the other day that you said on Twitter that the whole family is going to yoga classes now.

Yeah, yeah. (laughs)

There's a little bit of a downtime in the next month. What are you hoping to improve upon most this summer?

Still my skill work. I want to keep improving my jumper. I want to keep working on becoming a better leader. I want to work on my point guard skills. That's it.

Are you trying to become more of a pure point or just improve one area of being a combo guard?

Yeah, exactly, I still want to be a combo. I don't want to take away from my scoring.

Yeah, because, no offense, but your strength is your scoring, particularly off of penetration.

Yes, it is.

You were just mentioning that you wanted to improve your leadership ability. How has your role changed on this particular AAU team versus the one you were on last year?

Oh, well, you know last year I was the youngest on the team, but I guess I didn't really play a huge part to the team.

Well, you made important contributions. There were games where they needed you to be the second or third option on the team.

Yeah, you're right. I mean I started every now and then. I just tried to come in and bring energy when I came in the game.

Back to leadership..

Yeah, that's definitely something I want to work on with this team. They really look at me as the leader.

When I saw you in Dallas, I saw that different dimension, where, now, guys are looking to you and the coaches wanted you to set the tone out there.

Yeah, yeah.

Speaking of your teammates, can you give the audience a little scouting report or run down on Theo (Pinson)?

Oh, yeah, Theo's long. He's very athletic. He's still young and he's still got some maturing to do. By the time it's all said and done, he'll be a really good player.

What kind of advice or guidance do you try to give him?

I just try to stay on him all of the time. You know sometimes he messes up and thinks he's playing with his age group.

Right.

You know he'll come in with, like a weak lay-up or something like that.

A little cocky.

(laughs) Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I just try to stay on him. He's got to know that it's a different ballgame out here.

Well, you went through it. You were the young guy.

Yeah, but Dez (Wells) and John Wall would stay on me all the time when I'd be playing with them.

Right..

Still, right now, I feel kinda normal. Just playing the game.

Who are some guys that you've become close with nationally that you've met through AAU basketball or camps?

Shabazz Muhammad, Winston Sheppard, Kyle Anderson, Myles Mack, Rasheed Sulaimon, and L.J. Rose. That's about it.

Mostly through AAU and Nike...

Yeah, yeah

How have you grown as a person and as a player in the last year?

As a person, you know, I'm always open to talking to everybody.

I can vouch for that.

(laughs) So, everybody pretty much thinks that I'm a pretty good person. That's what I care about most. That's what I care about most, you know, being a pretty good person. I'd rather somebody tell me how good of a person I am than that I played well out on that court.

Right, that's good to hear.

Yeah.

I know you're down to four or five schools now. What are the positives of each of those programs?

Well, you know, Kentucky, with Calipari, kind of speaks for himself. You know him with guards and stuff. With Duke, same thing, you know, Coach K is a great coach and it's quite close to home. With NC State, Coach Gottfried and stuff with guards and it's also close to home and then Louisville.

And you know those guys.

With the four that you mentioned, you common theme was their use of guards.

How important was that in the narrowing down process? Was that something that you were specifically looking for?

Oh, yeah, I'm definitely looking for somewhere where I can go and play free. Just get everybody involved and win games.

So, you're not looking for too much of a structured offense?

(laughs) Oh, of course, I'm looking for a structured offense. I'm looking for whatever it takes to win, but I mean..

Not too much..

Yeah, I'd like to feel a little free out there.

I don't think you're allowed, but are you going to be playing in the NC Pro-Am this year?

No, they said that high school players couldn't play this year, but, if I could, I would.

For those that want to check you out, what's your schedule like the rest of the summer?

I'm going to be at the LeBron Skills Academy..

Peach Jam?

Yeah, the Peach Jam too.

Are you going to Orlando or Vegas this year?

Orlando this year.

What's your favorite event?

Probably the LeBron, but I want to get out and do the Boost Mobile 24 this year… if I can get invited.

Don't worry about getting invited. Make the plane reservations now.

(laughs)

In terms of Twitter, what do you get out of it? Are you trying to build an audience and get in touch with your fans? As much as any recruit, you've seen both the positives and negatives of it. You've seen both sides unfortunately.

Oh, yeah, well, with Twitter, I try to keep it as clean as possible. Just talking to everyone. Sometimes, it gets a little out of whack…with some of the comments and things they say about me, but I try not to, um….

Let it roll off of your back ..

Yeah, you know.

Initially, was it a problem for you or did you have thick skin?

Oh, no, it was never a problem. I would just talk about it with my mom and we'd just laugh about it.

Tell the audience a little bit about you mother. She's always active and vocal.

(laughs) Oh, yeah, she's a great mom. She's a single mother.

Sadly, I know your father died a few years ago.

Yeah, thanks, so, you know, we kind of grew up together. If anything ever happens, I just go to her and we just talk it out.

What kind of person is she?

Oh, she's great. She just wants what's best for me at the end of the day. That's what I like most about her. She stays on me a lot.

Do you have any visits planned? Have you spoken with any coaches lately?

No, I don't have any visits planned, but I did speak with coaches lately. I spoke with Coach Early at NC State and Coach Jeff Capel and Coach K at Duke.

What do you guys talk about? Let's start with Coach Capel and Coach K.

Oh, most of those things are just relationship builders.

You getting to know them and them getting to know you.

Yeah, yeah.

What about Coach Early?

Yeah, I talked to Coach Early and Coach Gottfried too. Those two are just great guys. I'm trying to get to know them and they're trying to get to know me. They're telling how they're going to be new this year.

So, I just want to make sure… You don't have any visits planned over the next couple of weeks.

No, I don't have anything planned.

How do you feel you've played so far this AAU season?

I feel I've stepped up and played pretty well. My team's winning games and, so, that helps everything. I feel like I'm making strides. I just want to continue to get better at each event.

Alright, thank you very much for your time.

Sure, anytime!

Huge recruiting coverage weekend in store

May 26, 2011 Mark Watson

03-25-2010_ns_25Julius_randle_GME2PPBDM_1 — Top notch coverage of the main Duke recruiting targets awaits you - join BDN Premium and judge for yourself the quality input. Pictured Julius Randle

If you are not a member of Blue Devil Nation Premium, now is a great time to join for our Nike EYBL live coverage begins on Friday. As many of you know, the Tournament of Champions features no main Duke prospects at this time, but at the Nike EYBL in California?

BDN Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater and our west coast correspondent Varand Khachadouri will both cover the loaded event. You will get first hand reviews and live updates on our members only message board from the events start to finish.

And who will you hear about? Let's start with the Georgia duo of Tony Parker and Alex Poythress, two front court players at the top of the Blue Devils wish list. Our staff will also follow Jabari Parker and Julius Randle, two absolute studs.

They will also check out the talented CIA Bounce team with Andrew Wiggins and a young upstart named Theo Pinson. And of course, covering Pinson means you will hear from another hot name on the Duke recruiting radar, PG Rodney Purvis.

Heck, I am just scratching the surface with names ... Nerlens Noel, Brannen Greene, Trent Williams and others will be checked out as well. And of course, the interviews then start rolling in all next week and beyond. And if you haven't seen one of our interviews of late, let's just say they are about as concise as one can get, averaging almost 2000 words each.

Summer time balling and covering the grass roots circuit is our time of year, a strength of this site, but we are more than that.

Football recruiting is red-hot and we have the fastest growing premium football coverage around where Patrick Cacchio is on the ball with the latest breaking news. He's broke the last two recruits at Duke and this site is definitely football friendly. He also pens a weekly in depth article called Football Friday for members only.

Check out BDN Premium for yourself if you are a Blue Devils fan that loves a dedicated site that is Duke-centric. While we are starting to cover the national recruiting scene as well, we are the only site sending reps to get the information you really want to hear, that being the latest on Duke prospects and that will not end.

And changes are in store as well, as we rework the site to better suit your needs. Quite frankly, we have a great staff, friendly members that want you to join them in the latest discussion on a flame free message board that isn't filled with not so witty one liners distracting from the subject matter.

And we are all Duke fans at heart just like you and that shines through as well.

If there is a press conference at Duke, we are there in person. If there are events from the Men's Basketball Banquet, the NC Pro Am action to the Coach K Academy, we are there. And if there is a basketball or football game, we are there in person as well. In short, BDN a full coverage site.

I'm excited about the future here and again, I love the staff I have assembled that has a perfect balance of youth and wisdom. I personally invite you to join us and promise you that you will love the information within. We want you to compare BDN's coverage with our competition for we are more than proud of our product and think you get a lot of bang for the buck over a years time,

Lastly, thanks for visiting Blue Devil Nation and be sure to bookmark the site and follow us on our informative Twitter and Facebook pages which can be found on the main page. And it is you that makes up the Blue Devil Nation, a site with total dedication to Duke Athletics. Now, come on in and join us!

Mark Watson, owner of Blue Devil Nation

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Young, Talented Theo Pinson Jr. chats up BDN

May 18, 2011 Andrew Slater

Blue Devil Nation Premium is bringing the fire this week as Andrew Slater shares his in depth interviews with the nations finest talent. and players on the Duke coaches radar. We started on Monday with Nerlens Noel and Julius Ranldle on Tuesday. Today, Theo Pinson Jr. takes center stage and you don't want to miss his comments on Duke and so much more. If you have yet to subscribe to or try BDN Premium, now is the time to check it out and we are sure you will be more than satisfied with our content. And next up? Rasheed Sulaimon checks in tomorrow, so join now and chat it up with our knowledgeable members on our message board.

Theo Pinson, Jr. is a long 6'5" wing from Greensboro, NC. Presently, he goes to school at nearby Oak Ridge Military Academy. This past season, the versatile freshman took on added responsibilities, as the team's senior leaders, Jacob Lawson (Purdue) and Chris Jones (Tennessee), were unable to play, due to a season-ending injury and a violation deemed worthy of dismissal from the school, respectively. The bouncy 2014 prospect helped weather the storm and added a much-needed scoring punch, allowing the academy to finish with a commendable 35-6 record.

On the AAU circuit, he's joined forces with Rodney Purvis, as the backcourt for the CP3 All-Stars, helping them achieve an 8-2 record thus far. Playing with the 17s, he's managed to average over thirteen points, five rebounds, two steals and assists over the initial ten games of Nike's first two EYBL stops. His three-point shot improved, as the rising sophomore was able to connect on fifty percent (10 of 20) of his deep perimeter shots in the recent Dallas wing.

Last October, the North Carolina native chose to enjoy the atmosphere at the Countdown to Craziness. During the recent open period, Duke reciprocated, visiting Pinson at his current school.

In late March, Pinson was named as one of twenty-four players, including Duke recruit Jabari Parker, invited to be part of USA Basketball's next developmental team. In June, he will fly out to Colorado again, hoping to make the final cut of twelve for the USA's U16 team that will compete for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Leon, Mexico. It's an exciting time for the Pinson family and his dad, Theo, Sr., refreshingly embraces seeing his talented son have to compete for available spots and playing time.

Recently, Theo Pinson spoke exclusively with Blue Devil Nation.

How have you done individually and as a team this AAU season? [private]

I mean, we're winning a lot of games, but we've got to take care of business every time we go out on the court. I mean this is really like a business. Everybody spending money for us to come out here and play basketball so that we can get out there in front of everybody. There's a lot of money out there so we've got to go out there and play.

And how was your high school season?

Oh, I mean, I played really good. I mean, we had a couple of things that happened during the season, but we got over it. We was like 35-6 or something. We played pretty well considering.

Right, I caught you early in the year and then you…had those players leave or whatever.

Yeah, yeah. I mean at the end of the year we had to adjust to all of the players leaving or people leaving.

But then, you took on a bigger role after a couple of the senior guys, Chris (Jones) and Jacob (Lawson), were no longer playing.

Yeah, exactly, after Chris and Jacob left… or Jacob with the injury and Chris just left, I had to step up my scoring and be a bigger leader for the team. I just had to do what I had to do so that we could still win games.

How about the huge honor of getting invited to compete for USA Basketball?

Oh, that's huge. Just huge. I feel like it's an opportunity to represent Greensboro, my city, my family, and make everybody proud. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it.

Your dad and I were talking about the opportunity. He's very proud of you.

Yeah, it's huge.

This is so early for you, but what schools are already showing interest in you? Are schools already coming after you pretty hard?

(laughs) Oh, yeah, there's a lot. There's Syracuse, Duke, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Marquette, Tennessee, and there's quite a few more.

It must be a fun time.

Yeah, it is.

Do you have any time in mind for when you'd like to decide by? I feel badly asking you this. (laughs) No, it's cool.

I really don't know, but I might want to decide by my sophomore or junior year so that I can have it out of the way by my senior year.

Too much of a headache?

Yeah, it is.

Did any teams come to see you during the open period?

Yeah, Duke came. Carolina and Tennessee came. I think UNC-Charlotte and a couple of other teams. That was cool.

Which coaches came from Carolina and Duke?

McGrath from Carolina and I forgot the dude from Duke. He had a long last name. Oh, man.

Wojciechowski?

Yeah, it might've been. He had a long last name. I apologize. I forget.

How would you describe your game to an audience who hasn't seen you play yet?

,I like to get my teammates involved. If we're in transition or if I have to score, then I'll score, but I really don't like to force my game. I'd rather play within the flow of the game.

You've got a really, for lack of a better word, natural game.

Yeah, I like to let the game come to me and just play basketball. Don't force it, if it's not there.

I was talking with you father about your left hand..

I'm a righty. Oh, I see what you're saying. Yeah, I can go either way. That was like one of the first things that I worked on. Tightening up my ball-handling.

In terms of position, do you prefer to play the one or the two? Your dad mentioned that you played a lot of both towards the end of the high school year. Now, you're playing alongside Rodney Purvis.

It depends. If I see somebody else who likes to handle the ball and they can do that, then I can just roll with it

You and Rodney have pretty good chemistry out there?

Yeah, we've played all right. We've played in, like, four tournaments so we're pretty good right now and we're getting better.

And now you picked up two guys (Brice Johnson and Travis Hammonds)..

Yeah, adding them two was big. Like the first weekend that they were supposed to play, they had to take the ACT.

Your dad told me. He's been very helpful. Who are some players, at any level, that you look up to?

Kobe. He's my guy. I'm a big Kobe Bryant fan. I like Kevin Durant too, but Kobe's my man.

Well, of those two, right now your game's closer to Kobe's.

Yeah, it is.

What's your current height and weight?

I'm 6'5" and about 183.

Do you know how tall your projected to be?

I think I'm supposed to be about 6'8."

What are you looking for ideally in a college program, whenever you do decide?

Coaching. The coaching will be number one. The people that'll be around me. Academics will be important and I'd really like a good atmosphere at the games. For me, I love a good atmosphere at the games. That gets me going.

Are you a good student? Solid?

Oh, yeah.

That's good to hear. Will distance be a factor for you at all?

I haven't really thought about that yet.

What can you tell the audience about you away from the court?

I play around a lot. I mean we joke around all of the time.

(laughs) I feel badly that I'm asking questions.

No, no, it's all right.

Are you an only child?

No, no, I have a sister. She's not here. Only my dad is.

What would you like to show college coaches this summer? What are your goals?

Probably shooting off of the dribble, attacking the basket and finishing, dunking on people and stuff. Playing good defense too.

What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses? What's the greatest thing that you do right now?

My strengths are probably attacking the rack in transition and getting or hitting the open man. I feel that I do that good right now.

How about your range?

Oh, yeah, my jump shot's getting a lot better than it was. I've been working everyday during the week on it. Just keep improving it and getting my jump shot down.

At the high school or at another facility?

At my high school.

What are the facilities like there?

Oh, I mean we've got one gym, but it's a nice gym. We've only got one gym, but they upgraded it this year. It's really nice.

What about the weight room facilities and stuff like that?

Oh, our weight room facilities are real little. I mean real little.

Alright, what do you feel are your weaknesses right now?

Probably my ball-handling. That's probably still my number one thing that I need to work on.

You mentioned before that you were working on your left.

Yeah, I have been. I mean it's not terrible, but it's just not yet where I want it to be.

Just need a little bit more work.

Yeah, that's it. I just feel like I need just a little bit more work to feel completely comfortable.

Going back to position for a second, which position do you actually prefer to play?

Probably like the two or three. I mean I can play the one if I have to and I like to look for the open man, but I like to play off the ball and find spots. Roam around.

Playing with Rodney Purvis, what's the experience been like so far?

It's been fun. A whole lot of people come to see me and him compete.

It's a hell of a backcourt.

Yeah, definitely. It's been great so far. We just get out there and push it and compete. We love to run and we always have fun. It's been great and we already know what the other's thinking.

I've talked to him a few times, but what's he like with you.

Oh, he's real funny. He's a funny dude. He's just like me. He likes to have fun and he walks and talks basketball.

On the court, though, he looks dead serious.

Yeah, yeah.

I normally talk to older guys, but who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do decide on a college program?

A whole lot of people in my family play and talk basketball.

Well, your dad is very knowledgeable. I can tell that already.

Everybody in my family knows and talks basketball and so, realistically, I'll probably just talk with them all about it.

I don't know if this is a touchy issue, but what kind of a squad are guys expecting to have for next year at Oak Ridge?

I really don't know, man. I'm just trying to get through this year, man.

Oh, okay. (laughs)

Yeah, I just don't know. It's been..

Since we're running low on time, can you tell the audience what you know about Duke as a program and as a University?

Oh, absolutely, I've been to Duke twice and I loved it. I mean the atmosphere was crazy. Just crazy. I went to Midnight Madness and I just like the way Duke plays also. I like them a lot. I visited and I liked it both times.

And what do you know about their coaches?

I really don't know too much about their coaches. I'm sorry.

Well, you're still so young. You've got plenty of time to meet with different staffs. Thanks very much for your time and good luck with the USA team.

Oh, all right, thanks. I appreciate it. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Slater goes one on one with prospect Nerlens Noel

May 16, 2011 Andrew Slater

Blue Devil Nation Premium kicks off the week with another in depth interview, this time with big time prospect Nerlens Noel. Join BDN Premium as the AAU season heats up and stay close to the action asAndrew Slater and myself bring you word from the nations top talent on a consistent basis. Once finished reading this detailed interview, go back and read the latest on Jabari Parker, Alex Poythress, Tony Parker, all recent interviews and then discuss the latest with other members on our subscribers message board. And up next? Stay tuned for another one of the nations studs, when we bring you up close and personal with Julius Randle. Okay, on to the interview ...

Subtly, but quickly and powerfully, New England prep schools have become the most talent-laden leagues in the country. They've attracted players regionally, nationally, and internationally with their combination of great competition, quality academics with small teacher-to-student ratios, isolated locations designed to concentrate on their future trade, and facilities that can rival Division-III colleges. College coaches have taken notice and have made the wintry, circuitous trips in hopes of landing some impact college players.

One impact player, Nerlens Noel, makes a ninety minute drive from the Boston outskirts in Everett, Massachusetts, to the hills of Tilton, New Hampshire. This past March, the follically enhanced 6'10" sophomore helped lead the 166 year old Tilton School to its fourth consecutive NEPSAC Championship with a 72-57 victory over the more veteran St. Mark's with Alex Murphy and Kaleb Tarczewski. A week later, Tilton would narrowly lose 87-85 to ND Prep, a team so loaded that it brings a Louisville signee off of the bench. After the season, Noel was the only sophomore to be named first-team All-NEPSAC.

The reclassified 2013 prospect, Noel, has earned a reputation as being arguably the top shot-blocker in the nation, regardless of class. Not surprisingly, he is the leading shot-blocker in Nike's EYBL league and, despite his relatively narrow, 212 lb frame, he has affected substantially more shots as the last line of defense for the Boston Amateur Basketball Club. BABC is run by long-time New England staple, Leo Papile, who is also the Senior Director of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics. In the last game of the recent Dallas leg of the EYBL, Noel, who played twelve minutes through the pain of a basketball-related injury, lost his first AAU game, 81-78, in two years. That toughness is shared with his brothers, Jim and Rodman, who are set to play safety this September in the ACC for Boston College and NC State, respectively.

After a game in which he accumulated 12 rebounds, 13 points on 6 of 6 shooting, 6 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals against The Family of Detroit, Nerlens Noel spoke exclusively with Blue Devil Nation.

Let's start with recruiting. Who's after you right now?

Right now, I've got a lot of the Big East, ACC, and SEC after me. There's a lot in each conference, but I really don't have specific schools to be honest with you. I'm going to hopefully have a list out by the fall.

Oh, okay. Well, beyond that, do you have a time frame or a plan for when you'd like to cut down on schools or a time when you'd like to decide by?

Yeah, well, I'm going to start out with list by this fall to make it more manageable or whatever. Then, hopefully, after that, get serious about schools that clearly have an interest in me. Hopefully, things will start to clear up this summer.

Have you visited any schools yet? [private]

No, not really. No, I haven't.

Can you describe your game for an audience that may not have seen you play in person yet?

My game is that I think I'm a pretty good passer.

You're a hell of a shot-blocker.

Yeah, thanks, man, I think that's probably my best feature, you know, shot blocking and being a leader for both of my teams on the defensive end of the court. I try to be really vocal out there and demonstrate leadership. I feel like that's my responsibility. I need to be a leader out there on that end especially and tell guys if I see someone in the wrong spot or whatever. I'll always back them up, but it'll help if they can lock down on a guy on the perimeter. Just trying to keep the guys together. We've all been playing pretty good defense out there…not just me.

You guys have obviously been very successful (undefeated in April) out there. How much of it do you attribute to chemistry?I know at least four of you guys go to school at Tilton so you know each other very well. Mrs. Niang said there were, like, five of you guys in a room last night and not because of budget cutbacks at BABC, but because everyone wanted to hang out with each other.

Yeah, exactly, we know each other and our chemistry is real good. You know you see other teams that look like they've just been thrown together or whatever.

Are you guys talking about playing to get at the next level or is it one of those things where "if it happens, it happens?" I know you and Wayne (Selden) are getting recruited by a lot of the same schools.

We have talked about it a little bit, but I think it's going to be one of those things where, like you said, if it happens, it happens. If we both really like a school, then we'll go together, but it won't be anything where we force the other to go to the same school or put any pressure on each other. Yeah.

I was just curious because it seems like a lot of programs are going after multiple Tilton guys. Do you view yourself as a pure center or as more of a four/five?

Um, I don't really like any labels (laughs), but, as a basketball player, I don't really think of myself as a five.

Well, most of them frankly don't move like you move (laughs).

Yeah, I mean I feel like I'm a basketball player who can play and defend against most players down low. It doesn't matter to me if they're playing the four or the five. I just try to play.

Right, what's your current size and how much does the hair help? (laughs)

The hair doesn't help and I'm about 6'10."

Alright, alright, but maybe a couple of inches.

Yeah, maybe an inch or two.

Hell, I ought grow a fro that high if I could.

(laughs) Yeah, my hair helps a little.

How much do you weigh now? It looks like you're starting to get a little bigger in the upper-body. I've seen you a number of times this year at Tilton and it looks each time like you're making a little progress in that area.

Yeah, I've been in the weight room a lot more this year and I'm up to 212 right now.

How much would you like to get up to by next season?

Probably 220 to 225.

What are you eating, McDonald's?

Yeah, McDonald's or whatever can help put some weight on me is fine with me. (laughs) I just know that I need to get bigger.

Now, how are the facilities there at Tilton, in terms of weight-lifting and cardio? Do you guys still have a strength and conditioning coach?

Oh, yeah, we've got a good program. We work out three to four times a week. Just adding size and working out. Just trying to get our work in.

Speaking of that can you tell the audience about the competition that you face both in practice and in games at Tilton? Some people may not realize, who aren't from the area, just how good the competition is that you guys face, game in and game out.

Yeah, it is real tough. Everybody goes up against each other. We've got George (Niang), a really tough post player. He's really strong with a good touch too. We've got Goodluck..

He's starting to come along too.

Yeah, he is starting to come along. You can see it, week by week, where it's starting to click with him by facing all of us in practice. I really think we all get better by facing all different types of guys, whether it's guys with a different skill type or more athleticism.

Exactly, because, no offense, but, if you were a normal guy growing up in Iowa, you would never be facing someone your size on a regular basis, let alone maybe at all. You'd be playing against 6'3" centers.

Definitely, it makes us all a lot better. You can't hide in our league.

I saw you against (Andre) Drummond (current consensus top player in 2012) earlier in the season, but who's been the most difficult player for you to defend? You played well that day against him.

To be honest with you, the guy I actually have a hard with is on my own team, George. He's tough and skilled.

Yeah, yeah.

I've gotta deal with him in pickup. He's got that soft touch with a lot of strength. He's a smart player too.

I think he's underrated.

Yeah, he definitely is. People need to watch out for him.

What are you ideally looking for in whatever program you ultimately decide on?

I'm looking for a good coaching staff, players who want to win, and a staff that develops players and takes them to the next level.

They've got to have a track record.

Yeah, that's a must. Just a good system that can develop bigs.

How about style of play? I've seen you play in a very, almost passive, half-court oriented system and also playing in an uptempo, get-out-and-go, pressure the ball style.

Yeah, I mean I like to run, but that's not necessary. Whatever I can do to help, I'll do. I can adjust myself to their style of play. I can fit in with whatever the coaches want to do.

So, you can fit to their preferred style of play?

Yeah, definitely.

Obviously, you go away to school right now, but it's not too far from Everett. Will distance be a factor at all for you?

No, not at all. It really don't matter to me.

Who's your favorite player or a guy that you try to model your game after?

I really look to try to make myself like Kevin Garnett. I mean I like Kevin Durant a lot too, but Garnett is really closer to how I play.

Speaking of the Celtics, I know Coach Papile works for the Celtics. Do you ever get a chance to go over with him and watch the Celtics play? I know Tilton takes its academics very seriously and they may not let you guys out for an evening, but I was just wondering.

Oh, no, I don't go to any games, but..

Practices?

Yeah, exactly, I've seen them up close at a few practices. Mostly just watching them on TV and stuff though. Watching their intensity and energy on defense really motivates me to be like them and keep pushing myself.

It's got to be helpful to have a guy like that as your coach for the summer, as opposed to some jokers who call themselves "coach."

(laughs) Yeah, exactly, it's embarrassing because I mean, you know, he's a real coach who knows what he's doing.

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

Oh, yeah, sure, when I'm out of school, I love to play NBA 2K11. I'm really good at that.

Let me guess. You're on the Celtics.

laughs) I feel badly, but it's between the Celtics and the Heat.

(laughs) Yeah, yeah, sure, you're guilty. You want to win.

That's true too. I just also love to hang with my friends, especially Goodluck (Okonoboh).

Now, is he the one that you're closest to on the team?

Yeah, yeah, definitely.

I'm always curious about those kind of things. Team dynamics. Are you guys roommates or does everyone have their own place?

Yeah, sure. No, we're roommates in school too.

Who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do decide on a program? Who will be some influential in your life?

Coach Papile, my head coach at Tilton, Marcus O'Neil, my brothers, my older brothers…they played football in college.

Oh, yeah, where?

My oldest brother, Jim, plays safety at Boston College and my next oldest brother, Rodman, he's going to NC State. He's leaving on May 21st. He'll be going down there soon.

Did they ever ask you to go out for the team?

Did they ask me to what?

Go out for the football team?

Oh, yeah, definitely, please, I played football. I was real good too.

Oh, did you? What were you a D-end? What am I looking at here?

I played quarterback.

Holy cow!

Yeah, and wide receiver.

Jesus, it must hard to take you down at your size.

(laughs)

Now, that explains some of your toughness. I know at some some of those prep schools they make you play a sport every season. Are you going to playing football this fall at Tilton or…

(laughs) I was looking to but…

… they want to protect those knees?

Right, right, right.

What are some things that you'd like to accomplish this summer?

I want to establish myself as a top player throughout the course of the summer.

Get your name out there?

Yeah, as much as I can.

How about your body? Before, you were saying that you'd like to add a few pounds..

Yeah, I want to make my body as solid as I can. I want to develop a go-to move. I want to listen to my coaches and do whatever hard work that they tell me to do.

There are obviously other guys that have your length and some have similar athleticism. What do you think makes you or one a good shot blocker? Timing? Patience? Natural ability?

To be honest with you, some of its natural, but you also have to constantly figure out their moves, how athletic they are, how high they will elevate, but it might just be a natural thing.

(AAU ref interrupts to see if one of us can get a ball that's stuck high on the back of a backboard, Noel takes this one)

That's a showoff move, man.

(laughs)

For those that may not know, you reclassified to 2013, is there any chance that you may wind up back in the 2012 class or have you pretty much decided that 2013 is where you feel comfortable?

It crosses my mind sometimes, but nothing too serious. Some times I think about it, though. Right now, I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunities. Take everything one day at a time.

How did you decide to choose Tilton?

Playing at Tilton? They had made a nice run with Alex and Jamal. Those two guys just became national champions.

They had a good system.

Talk about a track record.

Yeah, and I liked coach. Now, we've got George, Wayne, Goodluck, me, and the other guys.

What are your goals for next season with the team?

Oh, we've got to get the national championship. I think we had a good run this year, but we lost in a close one to Notre Dame.

Yeah, I know I happened to be there for that game too. You guys lost by two to them in the semifinals, but ND Prep was loaded and, frankly, they're also a lot older.

Yeah, both, but next year we're going to come back and take that championship.

George played very well in that game

Yes, absolutely, very well.

Outside of your Tilton team, who are some other guys that your friends with on the circuit?

Ricky Ledo.

Ricky Ledo?

Yep, I'm cool with him. Shaq (Jones)…he plays for ND Prep. Andrew Chrabascz, who plays with us for BABC and plays for Cushing. Those are three guys.

Yeah, I just didn't know which guys you liked to hang out with during the down time or people that you keep running into throughout the spring and summer.

Yeah, do you know Savon from the Playaz?

Sure, Savon Goodman. He's very, very nice off of the court, but a tough two-way player on it. I love his aggression and toughness. I like him a lot.

Do you know what your reach is right now?
(laughs) We measured it a while back.

It's got to be ridiculous.

Yeah, I think it was like 7'5," but that was a while back back. (laughs) It might've grown a little bit since then.

You had mentioned before that some ACC schools were after you and I had heard that one of those schools was Duke. Have they expressed interest in you?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that they are. They were at my school the other week.

Were you there or were you out of town?

Yeah, no, I was there. They watched us play pickup. I think they liked what they saw. Well, I guess so.

What do you know about their program?

I know they develop pros. Coach K is a very good coach. Personally, I believe that he's one of the best. They've got a real good program over there.

Would you be interested in visiting them, among the other schools that you check out?

Yeah, I'd be happy to visit with them

Thank you very much, Nerlens.

Oh, alright. Sure, sure. [/private]