Duke coaches Chris Collins and Nate James flank prospect Alex Murphy, middle, during the pre-game warm ups vs Maryland. Murphy is a key Duke target and you can read more about his recruitment on BDN Premium, our subscription service which grants full site access. Photo copyright Lance King of Lance Images for BDN.
DURHAM - The Duke Blue Devils hosted Alex Murphy, one of the nations elite prospects during last evenings Maryland game. Murphy is near 6-8 and is projected as a wing or big forward and is ranked the 6th best player in his class by Prep Stars. He plays his high school basketball for St. Mark's in Southborough, MA and suits up for New England Playaz in AAU ball.
Murphy remained on campus today in order to get a better feel for the school and program. Duke Assistant Coach Chris Collins is the lead assistant for Murphy and that means he's playing a big role in the process. Collins was seen showing Murphy around last evening and answering questions during both re and post game. Murphy was accompanied by his father, Jay, a former Boston College and NBA standout.
The two sat directly behind Coach Mike Krzyzewski on the Duke bench and were stoic for much of the game, but there were some positive reactions. Those included a father and son look at one another when Cameron got really loud after a Kyle Singler play.
They also cheered as the game got tight and Duke mounted a comeback, with Murphy fist pumping and clapping more a the game wore on. Murphy was joined by 2013 prospect Jabari Parker who was hosted and shown about by Duke Assistant Coach, Nate James.
The Cameron Crazies twice cheered "Alex Murphy, come to Duke," and that brought a smile and look from Murphy.
Early returns are that both visits went well. For more details on the recruiting front, join BDN Premium and we'll keep you in the loop. Once a member, you can discuss the latest happenings with fellow members on our private message board. And you will certainly like the changes we have in store for the site, not to mention some coverage this coming week that is sure to make for a happy member.
Pictured is Rasheed Sulaimon during his visit to Durham for Countdown to Craziness. The 6-3 guard prospect is now high on the Blue Devils list of priorities. Photo Rick Crank for BDN
One of the kids the Duke Coaches visited over the holiday break was Rasheed Sulaimon, of Strake Jesuit Prep in Houston, Texas.
Sulaimon is a 6-3, 185 guard who possesses a smooth game and a solid basketball skill set. Many have compared him to former Duke star Daniel Ewing.
Sulaimon talked with Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski over the weekend and an official offer was made to the 2012 standout. Krzyzewski took in Sulaimon's holiday games as did Duke Assistant Coaches Steve Wojciechowski and Nate James.
Sulaimon has said in the past he was working on a list of ten schools and since last season, his suitors continue to grow on a steady basis.
The Texas shooting guard caught our eye in the AAU season at a time when Duke was looking at his teammate, PG L.J. Rose.
Sulaimon has a nice pull up jump shot which is becoming a lost art in basketball of late. Versatility is at a premium when describing his game and he's very quick on his feet giving him a nice first step. Sulaimon has the ability to play good on ball defense and he is aware of of to get into passing lanes.
Sulaimon joins Alex Murphy, Tony Parker and Shabazz Muhammad as 2012 prospects with offers.
The top rated prospect visited Duke for Countdown to Craziness in October of 2010.
When questioned about that visit, Sulaimon told BDN, "They are really great people, all of them from Coach K to the rest of the staff. I felt they were really genuine people. Coach K is really a tremendous coach with all of his accomplishments; it was almost weird speaking with him face to face because he is so great. I got a really great impression of them from the visit."
We'll have more on Sulaimon on Blue Devil Nation Premium. Gain full site access today by joining and discuss the latest recruiting happenings with our members.
Seth Curry barks signals during the Blue-WHite game in Cameron - Photo- Rick Crank for Blue Devil Nation
Duke's Seth Curry shares his thoughts on the season to date and Michigan State in this audio interview. As a BDN Premium member, you recieve timely player interviews with fresh information, meaning it is not what you will find in general media coverage where every outlet has the same [private]stuff.
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Austin Rivers is now officially a Duke Blue Devil. BDN chatted up the star recruit and in turn got a lot of new information on the future Dukie. BDN Photo, Mark Watson Join BDN Premium for full site access and in the process support this site.
Young Austin Rivers is the nations top rated prospect in the class of 2011 and he signed his Letter of Intent to attend Duke University less than a day ago. The Blue Devil Nation chatted with Rivers about his decision early Wednesday morning and he recapped what's next for him in the coming months. The future Duke star talked of many things including, Coaches K and Collins, Kyrie Irving, Quinn Cook, the ESPNU special on Duke, Doc and the Celtics, his high school team and future matchups with Michael Gilchrist and well, you get the picture, we went in depth with Rivers BDN style.
In Austin's own words from the interview conducted yesterday -
I have officially signed and sent my Letter of Intent to Duke University. I made my commitment to Duke and never though about going back on it and all I want to do is play for Duke right now.
Talk to me a bit about your pending high school basketball season ...
This coming Tuesday we play like an exhibition game. I do have high expectations, maybe more than what some people might think, but that's just me. I really feel like we can for sure win state again and possibly get back to the national championship. The only thing we lack this year is size, but we're pretty athletic even if we don't look it. I think we'll be pretty good and we are ranked top five or ten with ESPN.
My understanding is that your team has some big TV games scheduled ...
We play on ESPN in the City of Palms if we make it to the semi final and ESPNU, we play against Micheal Gilchrist whose team comes to Winter Park. And I think we will play Milton on New Years Day and I think that game will be picked up as well and maybe when we go to Wisconsin to play Adonis Thomas high school team. Our third game is against Mt. Vernon Academy who was in the national championship last year, so we start out with two pre season games. I don't expect us to have a perfect season with the schedule we have, but we want to win state and have a good record.
We've talked several times in the past, but in catching up with you is there anything you've been working on with concerns to your game since our last conversation?
Yeah, I've got a pretty [private] good post up game developing. So, I've been working on that and my strength as well. But I have added a post game so you'll see me there a lot if I have an undersized guard on me or I have some straight aways [lanes]. You can always add something, so I've been working on that.
Cook and Rivers relax behind the Duke bench at Countdown to Craziness - BDN Photo
I've watched you mature over the years on the AAU circuit and you are now really growing into your body and seem to be stronger on the court ....
That's kind of how I am. I don't look the strongest or bench the most but mentally I'm stronger than most people. A guy can be on me that's physically stronger than me, but I'll still bully him. So it does't worry me how big I look in my jersey because I am definitely strong enough for the next level and I will continue to get stronger. So, one of the strengths that people really don't know about is the mental aspect.
Have you been staying in close contact with any of the current players on the team?
I stay close to Kyrie. He's on of my best friends so we text each other a lot and just last night I talked to with him on the phone about what was going on with him at Duke, so I always stay in touch with him.
Duke just signed Quinn Cook. How do you feel about that and what do you know of his game?
I think it's huge. I think we were in good position because we had Myck [Kabongo] or Quinn and you couldn't go wrong either way. I'm real happy for Duke right now because Quinn's a goo guard and as solid as they come. He'll have a huge impact on Duke, so I'm excited and think it's huge for us for it just adds depth for the team.
You're a very confident player on the court and seem to welcome the limelight. That said, you have pretty much flipped flopped with Michael Gilchrist in the rankings. Do you want to be the number one ranked player coming out of high school?
I never looked at the rankings as I want to be #1 but I do want people to know that I want to be the best. I don't play to be ranked number one -- I play to be the best. Right now I am ranked #1 but I am not playing for that but for my team and to be my best and I know if I do my job right, everything will work out well. I know people are going to be coming after me this year, but I look forward to that stuff [said in an upbeat and enthusiastic way]. So yeah, I look forward to playing against Mike [Gilchrist]. I look forward to playing every night but there are games on the schedule I look at and look forward to the most and Gilchrist and St. Pat's is one of those. I go up against Adonis Thomas and Milton, so I look forward to playing those guys. I think we play against Quincy Miller at Palms and I'd like to play against Deuce and him if we win out. It's not that I look at it as me against them, I just look forward to the opportunity.
I'm working on an article on Duke Assistant Coach Chris Collins and I know that after he payed a late visit you committed to Duke either that night or the next day. Did his visit help seal the deal with you?
It kind of did. I was already pretty sure it was Duke but his visit showed me that's the school I wanted to go to, that's the school I love and I really wanted to play for but just talking to him made my mind sure. Having that little talk to him made me realize this is the right decision and it is where I want to go and I then knew that Duke was the place for me. I love Coach Collins he's a great guy and a stand up coach.
Have you been watching the Duke ESPNU All Access specials?
Yeah, yeah I have [continued enthusiasm], they have like four of them so far?
Yeah, I think so, but there is a new one just released called "Training Days," that might be the best one.
I've watched four of them but I will catch them all.
When's the last time you talked with Coach K [Krzyzewski]?
About a week ago, he just checked in to see how everything is going. Right now, we're going to talk even more now that I signed. Once you sign I can talk to him as much as I want and he the same with me. So, we'll have a better relationship than we even do now, so I can't wait for that.
Your Dad is of course, Glenn "Doc" Rivers the coach of the Boston Celtics. When you told him of your decision what was his reaction?
He was real excited about it and said it was one of the best days he has had. So, he was really excited when I told him and you know, I was as well in talking with Coach Collins and it got me to really thinking and looking forward to playing in a Duke uniform. I told Coach Collins that was where I wanted to go and of course, I called Coach K to let him know and he was ecstatic about it and we had a very good conversation. As for Dad, he stays out of my business knowing this is going to be my career, but at the end of the day he's a Dad who knows a lot about the game of basketball, more than most people. So, I am open to listen for he knows way more than I do about the game and the stuff he says always helps me out. He doesn't say too much but when he does it helps. I was talking with him before your call and we talked of who has been playing well with the Celtics and stuff.
So, you obviously keep up with the Celtics?
Of course. I keep up with my Dad, my little brother on JV, my other brother at Indiana and my Dad and his team -- everybody in my family.
Will your mom, brother and such be able to get up to Cameron and watch you play a lot next season?
My mom will go to 80% of the games both away and home and my family will be at most of them as well. I have a lot of friends and supporters down here and they'll be at my games as well.
I read about your moms cooking and I may knock on the door if I am ever in your neighborhood after seeing the menu.
[laughs] Yeah, she's an awesome cook and I am not just saying that, so I will have to adjust to being away from that next year. She always has time to cook for my family and she can whip it up in a heart beat. She can hook anyone up and they'll want to come back.
It's official now, you are signed and sealed to Duke University.
Man, I can't wait to get there and I will be following them all year long. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be signing with Duke.
With that said I think this is a good place to close the conversation. Austin, thanks for your time and good luck this season. We'll talk again once your season gets under way.
As many of you know recruiting has been red hot around the basketball program of late and the Blue Devils entertained a bevy of prospects this past weekend. Of those visiting, Quin Cook was the biggest priority in that Duke is looking to close on the PG prospect and they [private] will likely do so sooner rather than later. I cannot give you an exact timeline but I feel from information gleaned from top notch sources close to the situation, that he could pull the trigger to become the newest Blue Devil very soon. We'll keep you posted.
There were a few names have not been discussed here that often visiting as well, but for now I will focus on the kids which have the Blue Devils utmost interest. Amile Jefferson will continue to be evaluated by Duke, but no offer is expected any time soon, meaning Krzyzewski wants some more views as he progresses. Quite simply, Jefferson needs to put some meat on his frame to be effective at Duke and only time will tell if he can fill that criteria.
Quin Cook and Austin Rivers take in the action at Countdown to Craziness - BDN Photo, Rick Crank
On the other hand, Duke is solidly involved with Rasheed Sulaimon, who we interviewed last evening. There is no offer but that could change down the road as Coach familiarizes himself with the prospects ability to keep improving. If he shows the desire to get better and he progresses, he will land an offer and with him being a Duke fan, if that happens consider him a done deal.
Duke will also continue to recruit Rodney Purvis who from all accounts had a good time on his visit. Purivs recruitment will go on for quite a while IMO, so don't look for too much going on here in the near future.
Still major priorities are Alex Murphy and Shabazz Muhammad. In fact, consider them the top two kids on the radar past Cook and or count them all as equally important. The Blue Devils will hang in there as long as it takes with Muhammad and they appear to be in good shape with Murphy. Visits are being firmed up as I type, more on that down the road.
Duke is still quite interested in J.P. Tokoto as well and expect some things to start happening in the next six months on this front. And let's not forget Tony Parker for he is starting to get a lot more interest and could well have an offer shortly down the road.
Finally on Tyler Adams ... Duke is still committed to him and as of now all is fine and they were aware of the visit. Adams is keeping his options open a bit as is Duke, but this could all work out provided he does the work. In fact, until further notice, I wouldn't worry too much about this.
I appreciate members patience in what has turned out to be the busiest time I can remember for me in a decade or so. It makes it tough to get to many articles I have planned and get CTC pictures up. I head to Charlotte tomorrow for ACC Operation Basketball, so keep in mind that I will check in when I can. Remember that BDN covers the Duke Beat in person and we strive to bring you constant in person update with our own questions to players and coaches.[/private]
Rasheed Sulaimon is one of the nation's top guards in the class of 2012. Sulaimon took time to talk in depth about the recruiting process with BDN and you didn't need to prompt him to say good things about Coach K and his program. Sulaimon will visit for Countdown to Craziness on October 15th and BDN Premium will keep you abreast of the lates happenings leading into and after the event. It
Standing close to 6-3, Duke prospect Rasheed Sulaimon is often referred to as silky smooth, versatile and a throwback player to days gone by. Sulaimon possesses the rare mid-range game which most kids no longer work on in this day and time, and the major schools are starting to recruit him hard. Sulaimon sat down for an in-depth interview with Blue Devil Nation where he states that he grew up a Duke fan and that he is more than just a little excited to be visiting Countdown to Craziness on October 15th. Sulaimon opened up in the interview and that allows you to get a really good feel for his character and thought process on the recruiting front. He spoke of Kansas and a recent visit to Texas and, well, you'll have to subscribe to BDN Premium to read a very interesting interview you are sure to be pleased with.
Suppose that the audience has never seen you play. Can you describe your game in your own words?
I would describe myself as a competitor. Every time get on the court I play hard and 100% offensively and defensively and have one common goal and that's to win. So, whatever it takes for my team to win I do. I like to create for myself on offense but am always looking for teammates and I like playing defense.
And your go to move would be?
Yes, I really like the pull up jumper, so my mid range game is my strength.
So, you are a bit of a throw back player. Do you feel that sets you apart from other prospects?
Yes, I believe so because now days the mid range shot is a lost art. Everybody just wants to be three point shooters and slashers. I do like to mix it up because I can shoot the three but if you cut me off going to the rim I have that mid range game to fall back on and those are high percentage shots that are hard to [private] stop.
What are your goals with concern to basketball?
My goal right now for highs school is to win the state championship and be a leader, but down the road I want to go to a great division one college that has great academics and basketball. If I'm blessed enough, I will one day make it to the NBA.
Did you have a dream school growing up?
I was sort of a Duke fan.
Do you pattern your game after any particular players in the pro or college game?
I like Kobe Bryant and watch a lot of his games where I try and, well, you know, it's kind of hard to emulate him, but I try to pick up what I can there. I like the way he goes to the rim.
So you are a big Lakers fan?
Yes, I like the Lakers.
Now, you recently visited Texas. Can you tell me how that visit went?
The visit went great and I met with big people down there like the Athletic Director, the president of the school and academic advisers. I was there with my family and we got a chance to see what Texas was all about and developed a better relationship with the coaches and the players, going to a football game and overall is was great.
Have you had any other unofficial visits in the past or recently?
Yes, I went to Texas A & m, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. I have been to Baylor also and I will be going to Duke on October 15th.
So you will be going to Countdown to Craziness. Are you excited about that?
Oh, yes sir, I am excited about it. I just want see historic Cameron [Indoor Stadium] and how loud it gets.
Speaking of Duke, let me ask you about ACC schools for those are the ones I normally cover. Have any other ACC schools been in contact with you besides them.
Yes, I have been contacted by Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Boston College and Virginia Tech.
Out of these schools which do you have the most interest in?
Who do I have the most interest in out of those schools? Well, I like Georgia Tech and North Carolina out of those schools ... including Duke.
Are you planning on taking visits to those schools as well?
Um, as of yet I do not have anything planned but I will likely visit those schools.
Do you have a timeline for the process and making a decision?
As of now I am just talking with my family, so we'll make a decision when it feels right.
Will your parents be most influential in your decision or will you talk to coaches or others for input?
My parents will be most influential in my decision and also my high school coach Wayne Jones who has been a mentor in my life. Those are the main people I will share and make my decision with.
Do you enjoy the recruiting process?
Yes sir, it is really an inspiration to have so many great coaches call and want to talk to me, so I am really enjoying the process.
Back to Duke, who have you been talking with from there?
I first got contact from Duke from Nate James and we've developed a really good relationship through calls or messaging and he's been to my school once to see me. And then Coach Wojo came to my school this past Monday.
I guess you're looking forward to meeting Coach K next week?
Oh, yes sir. I talked to him on the phone about two weeks ago and I was very excited to speak with him and he said he couldn't wait for me to come down there and meet, so that really made my day.
If you visited say a North Carolina or Duke and they just blew you away, would you think about committing with somebody early? What kind of school do you like and what kind of feeling do you need to have from a school to know you want to go there?
Well, if I take a great liking to a school I will greatly consider them and a committment, but like the trip to Duke, I'll be going there by myself. The school I want to commit to I want my parents to consider as well. So, I don't want to do it before my parents can see the campus and develop a relationship with the coaches.
You will have five official visits, do you think you will take all of those?
Right now, I'd say yes, but that might change in the future.
What are you like off the court ... tell me a little about yourself as a person?
Well, I take my academics seriously and have a 3.71 GPA. Off the court, I just like hanging out but when I am free I generally work out and try to get better at my game.
Have you thought about what you might like to take in school?
Yes, possibly business or business management, but we'll see.
Can you give me a list of schools that have actually offered?
Yes, UT [Texas], Texas A & M, Baylor, Memphis, Indiana, Oregon State, Arizona, Georgia Tech, um ...
So, quite a few?
Yes sir. I am sure I left out a few.
And there are several schools showing interest ...
Oh yes. Kansas has been showing a lot of interest. Coach Dooley and Coach Manning have been visited me this year and Coach Self is going to make it down to see me practice. I've been hearing a lot from Kansas, Marquette, Georgia Tech, Stanford and also got an offer from Stanford or will be accepted if I apply.
How do you handle so many heavy hitters now getting involved in the process?
Well, I see it as a blessing and I just have to remain humble and keep working on my game for them to keep showing interest in me. It's challenging because you don't want to get big headed, but just being around my family keeps me grounded. I just keep working because I haven't done anything yet. I am just a high school basketball player trying to make a name for myself.
When did you first learn your basketball skills?
I have been playing this game since I was two, shooting on the little Fisher Price goals. When I was four that was the first time I played organized basketball with six year olds. I work out with my Dad and in the fourth grade I started to working out with a trainer and he is still with me.
Wow! That's a long time and some serious work. So, your Dad kind of taught you your skill set?
He's kind of like a rebounder when I put up a lot of shots.
Did he play basketball?
No, he actually played soccer but he was a very big basketball fan. He's from Nigeria so when he came here to the states he started taking an interest in basketball.
I see. Nigeria has produced a lot of really good soccer players at the college level and beyond here.
He came here in the eighties and lived in New York but we moved down here to Houston. He likes the Knicks.
So, there is no real time table at this point?
Yes sir, I feel like I might make a decision about this time next year, my senior year.
Tell me a bit about your high school team and the coming season.
Two years ago we had a really good team and lost in the state semi finals and last year we made a big strong push in the playoffs and fell just short of going to state. From that team we lost three guys, so we'll have some experience this year after being very young a year ago. We'll have to work hard. Our only disadvantage this year will be our height but we have a lot of guards who can shoot and defend.
Will you be forced to play more in the paint?
I'm still going to play the one and the two but on defense I will probably have to be on the block on zone, so I will be called on to rebound more this year.
What position do you see yourself playing in college?
Uh, you know, I just see myself as a good combo guard because I feel comfortable playing the point or off guard spot. Whatever position a coach wants me to play, I'll feel comfortable playing.
You said you were in a tournament the other night the other night, right?
Yes, actually there is an article on the event on ESPN, an article by John Stovall I think? It was called the Super 16 Extravaganza.
I appreciate your time and we'll check back in with you down the road. You sound like a really good kid, grounded, talented and wherever you ultimately decide to go to school, I am sure you'll succeed.
Well, thank you sir, I really appreciate that and I hope you have a good night.
The bottom line - In my opinion Duke has the inside track on Sulaimon early on and if the visit to CTC blows him away - and it likely will - I would not be surprised if his parents didn't make a return trip in short time if he is offered. The mere fact that Wojo went to see him after James might be Coach K's way of seeking more input and approval. I am not privy to what Wojo saw, but Coach K did make the call and this a player they are seriously considering. He is often compared to Daniel Ewing and I have only beamed in on his game three times on the AAU circuit. That said, I do not feel I can give you a solid take in that you are all aware of my five view rule before making a strong analysis. In short, I like to see a prospect play in a variety of situations, fresh, tired and such. Sulaimon will follow up with BDN after his visit and we'll have an even better idea of what Krzyzewski thinks of the young, high character prospect. Some might call him a good program kid, but his work ethic could make him much more than that. Sulaimon beamed when talking about Duke and I approached him as Sports Nation Network in order to get straight answers, but I did tip my hand and tell him the interview would go on a Duke site once finished. It'll be fun to watch and see how this one develops and we'll keep you informed along the way. Also, FTR, his name is pronounced as it looks "sul - lay - mon."[/private]
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