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rivers-front-150x150 — The Blue Devils staff visited Austin Rivers on Tuesday evening where they dined on Soutern Cooking and spoke to a prospect they covet. BDN Photo

The nation’s top 2011 prospect, Austin Rivers, has been quite busy entertaining some of the country’s top collegiate programs. Austin, who is down to Duke, North Carolina and Kansas, has had all three teams on in-home visits recently. Most recently though he entertained the Duke staff where Coach K and Assistant Coach Collins talked to him about why Duke would be a great fit for him. BDN caught up with the top prospect a few minutes after the coaching staff had left. Here’s what he had to say.

BDN: Can you talk about [private] why you chose each of these three schools?

AR: Sure, basically they are all kind of related in a similar way, that’s why they are the three schools that I like. They all like to play fast paced and get up and down the court. I just feel like each school can put me in a position where I can succeed, not only with winning but getting better and getting me to the next level.

BDN: Is the recruiting process something you’ve enjoyed?

AR: It’s definitely something I enjoy; I get to learn a lot. People who say it weighs down on them you know it’s crazy, at the end of the day you have greatness in front of you. Being with Bill Self, Roy Williams and Coach K (as he laughs), you know those aren’t bad people to have in your home to talk about basketball. They know a lot more about it than me they’ve been through it already. Just being able to go through this process has been great.

BDN: Absolutely. Can you talk about your UNC visit and how that went?

AR: The UNC visit went great, they came down and just talked about their school and what they’re doing now and what they could see me doing there. They talked about their school and how I could affect them by playing there.

BDN: How about the Kansas visit?

AR: That went great as well, absolutely. All of the visits have went well, all real classy people that know the game better than me.

BDN: What did the schools talk about?

AR: Basically all three talked about what they could do for me and how I could fit in with them. They all have their own opinion on how they see me fitting in with them.

BDN: What do you like about the coaches?

AR: I love Coach K’s passion for the game. You can really just tell he loves it and Duke basketball is just something that is their life. You can just tell how much passion he has and how much he loves his players, and how much he believes in them. That was something I really loved about tonight. You could just see how basketball is his way of life and really just coaching period. He just enjoys it so much. I love the way Coach Self just comes at you, he’s a real dude, he doesn’t sugarcoat anything and he’s there to get you better. He won’t hide anything from you; he’s a guy that can make you a better player. Roy Williams just really a nice guy that knows the game and someone that will get on you as well. He and Bill Self are real similar.

BDN: So you have three official visits coming up, is that correct? And is there anything specific you’re looking to see on the visits?

AR: Yes that’s correct. No, not really anything specific. I’m just going to go and see what a normal day would be like as a student athlete there, to see what the campus is like and see the guys a little bit more. After that I’ll take a couple of weeks to myself and I’ll decide.

BDN: Did the Duke staff talk specifics about how they’d try and use you?

AR: They said that every player kind of has their own thing. You know, they said they have their role players and then they have their players. They see me as a player, somebody that they can see leading their team. They’ve had players like that before like Jason Williams, Grant Hill and now Kyrie Irving. They have guys who they trust and who can lead their team to a good place. That’s what they talked to me about tonight. It really makes me happy to see they have confidence in me and I know I can deliver.

BDN: Do you still plan on making a decision before your season starts?

AR: Yes that’s what I hope to do, there are no guarantees though. I would kind of like to see the games played this year first, and that’s not going to have any effect on my decision, I just would like to see the colleges play a little bit, that’s the only thing that might change it. But I really do hope to get it done before the season.

BDN: Were you rocking any Duke gear tonight?

AR: (laughs) Na I wasn’t rocking any Duke gear. I was just rocking some Under Armour and regular clothes.

BDN: I saw you were hyping up your moms cooking earlier today. What’d you guys have for dinner?

AR: (laughs) She made fried chicken, of course. She made some ribs, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, beans and bacon and chocolate frosted brownies. We had a southern cooked meal like usual. She knows how to cook and especially for those guys coming down, she did her thing.

BDN: Appreciate your time, Austin. Good luck moving forward.

AR: Thank you man, thank you. Have a good one.

We'll have a follow up interview concentrating on visit details and such, so stay tuned. Discuss the lates on the BDN Premium Message Board[/private]

Duke Basketball

2011 prospect Bernard Sullivan pays a visit to Duke

June 29, 2010 Mark Watson

Bernard_Sullivan_NHR — Photo courtesy of National Hoops Report, check their blog out.

If you are a BDN Premium member you have already read on the message board that Bernard Sullivan [North Mecklinberg HS, NC, 6-7, 198 class of 2011] is visiting Duke today. Sullivan is a North Carolina native with good basketball skills and a love for music and education as well. Sullivan has been playing well during this summers AAU ball and he is garnering interest form new schools daily. We sat down with Sullivan and got his thoughts on Duke and the recruiting process in another in depth interview.

How did you fare during the NBAPA Top 100 Camp?

It was a blessing to be invited as one of the top 100 players and I really learned where I was with my game while learning from some of the NBA's best coaches. It's great to get that experience and the camp is much more than just basketball, we have classes which teaches you about life.

Describe your game in your own words?

I would say I'm a combo forward and a versatile player who can step inside and out. I hustle the whole game and I want to win and will do whatever it takes to win.

What is your school list looking like?

Before the summer it was Clemson, Virginia Tech, Penn State but after playing well in the tournaments I have all of a sudden had a lot of coaches call like Duke, Maryland, Kansas State, Georgetown, so I see the difference and I will just feel everything out and enjoy the recruiting process.

Who will play a major role in your decision?

My [private] parents, high school coach, Jerry Jordan who has worked with me.

You mentioned Duke. Who did you talk to there?

Nate James.

What did he have to say to you?

He said he had heard I had been playing well in tournaments and that they're interested in me and want to come down and see me play in July. That's what he said, that they were very interested in recruiting me.

Are you interested in Duke?

I'm definitely interested in one of the best athletic and academic schools in the country, you can't get any better than that along with one of the greatest coaches.

Any other ACC schools showing interest?

Every ACC school but Carolina, Wake and Miami.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Definitely Carolina. I'm from ACC country and everybody pulls for Duke or Carolina and for me it was Carolina.

Is that a bad omen for Duke?

I don't think so. Wherever I go ... in the ACC you cannot go wrong whether it is Duke, Clemson ..

And a school that prepares you for the NBA is good?

You have life after college so a good basketball school as well as an academic school will help me get ready for the next level in basketball and life.

Who were some of the toughest guys you went up against at the NBAPA Camp?

I'm not to sure of all the names but a friend told me I just played against a top ten guy and I played very well and felt good about my performances overall.

Have you thought about a major?

I would like to major in psychology, my dads a psychologist, so he wants me to be a psychologist but I wouldn't mid minoring in music because I play a little piano and sing a little bit.

Music is your big hobby?

Shoot, music is not that much of a hobby because I have been playing and signing longer than I have been playing basketball. I like video games, reading and hanging out like teenagers.

Who are your favorite artists?

I like R & B, Music Soul Child, I like gospel and old school like Stevie Wonder and the Temptations, stuff like that.

Which video game is keeping you occupied the most?

NBA 2K 10. I love basketball and to be able to play int on a video game is great.

Do you pattern your game after any players?

A lot of people tell me I play a little bit like Michael Beasley. He can post up, take you out and shoot, I feel like I play a lot like him. I'm athletic and he is athletic so a lot of people think we play the same game.

And your go to move is?

I like to jab for my set up move, and whatever is open I take.

When will you get serious about the recruiting process?

I will be sure to take all my visits. I enjoy the process and want to get the most I can out of it.

I am going to put you on the spot for a minute. If you could pick four schools you would love to visit which ones would that be?

Virginia, Duke, Penn State, Clemson and Virginia Tech.

It sounds like you like the ACC?

Yeah to me it's the best conference in the country and the one I am most familiar with.

Thanks for your time!

No problem

ATTENTION MEMBERS - some of you have not registered for the message board and that is where a lot of informations is disbursed, so if you are new and or old, it's a good idea to sign up now!Be sure to drop us a line so we can okay you for the boards. [/private]

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Q & A with star 2013 prospect Rodney Purvis

June 27, 2010 Mark Watson

One of the kids who is already considered a star from the class of 2013 is Rodney Purvis [6-2,170 PG] who plays his high school ball for Upper Room in Raleigh, North Carolina.

How would you describe your game in your own words?

I'm real unselfish and like to get to the basket and dish out to my teammates.

Now, you're close to the youngest guy here.

Yes sir, 2013. I just turned 16. [private]

What are you like off the court?

Outgoing, like to have fun, hang out with friends, all the right things.

Where did you learn your basketball skills?

They just came along. I was growing up and playing in my grandma's backyard and somebody said, hey this kid can play and people started working with me.

And what do you think of the camp to date?

I'm honored to be here, first and foremost. I'm kind of used to it now, playing with older players, so it aint nothing ...

And where do you play in high school?

Upper Room in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Did have a dream school growing up?

Carolina because they were always the best school and I'm a big Vince Carter fan.

What schools have shown interest to date?

Carolina, Duke, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest offered me, VCU, Xavier and Baylor have offered me ...

A lot of people coming at you early ...

Yeah

You mentioned Carolina as a dream school, does that leave Duke out?

Naw, I'm open to both of them.

What do you like about UNC?

The tradition. The winning tradition they have and their history. Coach Roy, he's a great coach.

And what about Duke?

Same thing. There's nothing you can dislike about them.

Have you ever been to games or visited either school?

Yes, I went to Carolina when they played Miami and I went to the Duke Elite Camp.

How are your grades these days?

I'm always on A-B honor roll, but I'm trying to get principles list.

Good job! There have been a lot of really good players come out of the triangle of late. Do you want to follow in the footsteps of say a John Wall or ...

Yes, yes.

What are your goals in life?

I'd like to play in the NBA. Most people just want to be in the NBA but I actually want to be good in the NBA - a great player.

What are the strengths of your game?

Getting to the basket and being able to dish to my teammates.

And what do you need to work on?

My pull up or mid range jump shot.

What position will you play for your high school team this season?

Uhm, everywhere. It helps me because I'm forced to do some things. With my high School team I'm the leader, but when playing in AAU for CP3, I'm playing with older guys, so I take a backseat, but I'm prepared to take a leadership role.

I know it's a long ways to go at your age, but any idea when you would like to make a college choice?

It'll be a last minute thing. I'll take all five official visits but will likely decide late.

Who will be involved with that choice?

My mom, coaches, family and whatever God has planned for me is what I'll go with.

So if your dream school UNC offered would you jump?

No. I'll wait it out.

A lot of kids end up at schools they rooted against. What if you were to sign with Duke?

[laughs] I'd be hated in North Carolina.

What did you take away from the camp?

I just got better in every area mentally and on the court.

Thanks for your time. [/private]

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One on one with prospect Anthony Davis

June 23, 2010 Mark Watson

Anthony Davis is a Chicago native whose uncle taught him the game of basketball in grammar school. The budding prospect has been getting better ever since. Davis is coveted for his versatility and some of the nation's top schools are after him. In an one on one interview during the NBAPA Top 100 Camp, Davis sat down to chat with BDN.

You have two games under your belt and have been participating in drills. What have you learned thus far in the camp?

It's been a great experience so far with some of the players past and present and they're teaching me a lot of things post wise and shooting wise. Since I was a guard last year being 6-2 or 6-3. I always had my guard skills where I can dribble and shoot. So they're trying to teach me more ball handling as a big because if you're a big that can shoot and dribble, you can score. A lot of bigs here don't have that same skill set..

Describe your game for those who have not seen you play in your own words?

Tayshaun Prince. A lot of people compare me to Kevin Durant because I'm a big guy long and lanky who can really shoot the ball and get up and down the floor. The person I work out with, we do a lot of Kevin Durrant skills work, like stepping through the man on the post to create space to where your shots are not contested.

Are you [private] still growing? You had quite the growth spurt this past year.

A lot of people say I may end up 7-0, but I don't know if that'll be the case.

And your list of schools are?

Kentucky, Ohio State, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Kansas State. All have offered except Duke and North Carolina, they want to see me in July at the Peach Jam and that's when they'll offer.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

No, not really. I watched the Big Ten and Big East growing up and I followed Illinois while growing up. I know a couple of the guys who went there and me and my cousins pulled for them back in the day, but now I watch a lot of schools play to see how they play and how they might use me.

Will distance play a role in your decision?

Actually it would. I don't want to be more than 6 or 7 hours from home.

So that might eliminate schools like Duke or North Carolina?

Not really. When I take a visit down there if I really like it and could see myself being there it wouldn't effect my decision at all. There are some schools, you know, that I'm wishy-washy about, but not so much them.

What are you looking for in a school?

First they need to have my major, sports management because you have to have something to fall back on because basketball doesn't last forever. Also, the population, I want to go to a big school.

What about a coach? What are you looking for from him?

Good background for building a squad to be a national championship caliber team.

Obviously you have your eyes on the next level of college hoops and then the NBA. What position do you feel you might play?

I would say a three or four, maybe a three. It doesn't matter really, I'll just be happy to be there for the opportunity.

What is Anthony Davis like off the hardwood?

I'm a fun guy to be around, way cool and all and most people think I'm fun to be around but I really just play a lot of basketball with other players.

Do you consider yourself a hard worker?

Yes, I work on my game almost everyday. One day I go into the weight room and the next day put up some shots. I'll try and hit the weight room a lot this summer.

I'm from ACC country. You list Duke and UNC. Your thoughts on the two schools?

North Carolina has a great program. They produce a lot of NBA players and Duke, they do the same thing. They both like to get up and down and they both fit the way I play. They like to go inside out and Duke allows freedom and they do too. They're both really good.

Do you look at or are you concerned with other players your list of schools are recruiting?

Not really. I just want to see whats best for me. They're not recruiting just me but other people to build a championship caliber team. I want to win a championship before I leave college.

College or Pro basketball. Which do you watch most?

Pro, I like the NBA. I was pulling for the Celtics because I don't pull for Kobe Brynat, but it's good he got another championship, so ... they had a lot of character coming back and Kobe resalized he needed his team to win, he couldn't do it on his own and he made adjustments.

Five second left down by one. Are you the kind of player that wants the ball in his hands?

I am, but if I'm going to the hoop with two seconds left and I see an open man with a higher percentage shot I'm going to get it to him. It's all about trust.

When will you get serious about deciding where you will play your college ball?

At the end of July toward the end of Peach Jam. I expect to make a decision shortly after that before my high school season.

Where does Anthony Davis go from here?

I go to the Kevin Durrant Camp and the LeBron camp, a Nike Camp and then the Peach Jam.

Thanks for your time and good luck with the recruiting process.

Ahem, thank you. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

Michael Gbinije’s shows off his improved game at the NBAPA Camp

June 21, 2010 Mark Watson

RIC_8328 — Future Duke player Michael Gbinije was the NBAPA Camp's 6th leading scorer and he is constantly improving his skill set. Gbinije talks about Josh Hairston and Kyrie Irving and more in yet another BDN Premium interview from the NBAPA Top 100 Camp. Why not try our trial offer and then decide if full site access is for you. There is still a lot more coming your way for we have just scratched the surface with concerns to this past weekend's coverage. Photo by Rick Crank for the Blue Devil Nation is copyrighted

CHARLOTTESVILLE - One player that showed off his skills at the NBAPA Camp was future Duke player Michael Gbinije. The first thing I noticed was how much better his on ball defense was but more importantly he didn't have those little quiet stretches he had been previously known for. The words "stay aggressive," have been pounded into the rising senior by the Duke coach staff and Gbinije is adhering to their advice. Gbinije is a silent killer, not particularly flashy but brilliantly effective while on the court. In fact, he finished as the camps 6th leading scorer and he did that playing withing his teams system and his coached concepts. This is the first of two chats with Gbinije that we are bringing premium members and you are sure to love his comments on Kyrie Irving, his development and his maturity due to a frenetic summer.

How has the camp gone for you thus far?

I missed yesterday due to the Team USA Trials but this morning has gone great. There has been a lot of good drills and coaching by previous NBA players.

What did you take away from the USA tryouts?

I experienced different things like maturity. A lot of the players were already in college, so seeing where I fit in and knowing what I need to work on as far as my individual game helps me prepare.

You looked good in transition in your first game, can you speak to that?

The half court sets are pretty much a slow and developed for the bigs but for the guards you're supposed to run out. That's like the best thing we can do in getting the bigs away from the game and pretty much like put the pressure on the defense which is very important.

Can you talk a bit about the USA tryouts?

It was a three day tryout and[private] on the third day we had a practice in the morning and after that they pretty much picked the team. It was like 21 people trying out and they kept like 14.

Were you disappointed with not making the squad?

Yeah, I was disappointed but it's alright.

Why did you choose Duke and how do you feel like you'll fit in there?

I think I'm a good fit because they are perimeter oriented and they use a whole bunch of guards and versatile players where Coach K gives them a lot of freedom on the court. Another reason is becaue of Coach K. I just think he's the best coach now and he knows how to put players in a situation to win.

Have you talked to anyone from the Duke staff of late?

I talked to Coach K on the phone before going out to San Antonio. He told me just to play hard and play my best.

What are your goals the rest of the way at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp?

Try not to lose anymore games but at the same time play aggressive and my best.

You played with future Duke players Kyrie Irving and Josh Hairston. What was that like?

Kyrie is going to be one of the best point guards and he knows how to get everybody involved and he can do it for his size to.

That was a broad smile when you spoke of Irving.

Yeah. I can't forget about Josh. He knows the game and sets a lot of screens, his IQ is very good.

What do you like about Irving?

There is nothing like an unselfish point guard. He knows where you're going to be when he drives and can kick out to create easy buckets for people.

We will have another Q & A session coming with Gbinije. [/private]

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BDN checks in with Duke commitment Tyler Adams

June 17, 2010 Mark Watson

CHARLOTTESVILLE - BDN is on the scene at the NBAPA Top 100 player developmental camp in Charlottesville, Virginia and we're hear to cover all of the true Duke prospects and commitments. We caught up with future Blue Devil Tyler Adams who is playing for a very talented Celtics team. After a slow start where he committed two turnovers, Adams controlled the boards and showed off a slimmed down figure.

You had a bit of a slow start before really turning it on in your first game on the Celtics team. What is it like to play against good competition in the NBAPA type setting?

It's good, pretty good. You get to see how you stack up against players you'll play against in college. I feel pretty comfortable.

You told me one time that "I love to bang," and that stuck with me and fans even mention that quote when talking about you. You were getting a little physical out there with some elbow posturing. Do you feel like you have to establish yourself out there?

Yeah, yeah. Especially a guy like me[private] that doesn't have a whole lot of athleticism. You have to take advantage of what you have and a lot of guys don't like to bang so I take advantage of that.

Since you've committed to Duke do a lot of guys come at you harder?

Yeah, yeah, yeah and it's like a lot of people give me a hard time and wonder why I'm going to Duke because not everybody likes them. So there are a lot of guys coming at me harder.

But you like Duke just fine?

Yeah! [smiling] I love Duke!

Have you talked with any of the coaches of late?

Coach K called me a little over a week ago and I talked with Coach James a couple of weeks ago. Coach K told me some things to work on and said he liked what he heard of my progress.

You've developed a good relationship with them ..

Yeah, yeah. Especially Coach James. I call him a lot on my own.

He's a good guy.

Yeah, he is.

Have you ever called him Dogg?

[Tyler looking puzzled]

They called him Nate "Dogg," at Duke and that's with two g's. Call him that he'll like it. [jesting and setting Tyler up]

Oh, okay. [utters] Dogg ... [laughs], okay.

What does Coach James talk to you about. What does he have you working on?

Well, he has me working on my offense and my face up game. Today I took a couple of guys off the dribble and hit a little step back. I've always had decent offense just not the aggressive attitude and that's what he wants me to work on.

You're on a pretty good team with J.P. Tokoto and Isiah Austin ...

I think were a pretty decent team with Perry Ellis and those guys. Another thing I am working on is toning up my body. I've lost a bit of weight and I'm lifting weights. I like to run a lot to work on my endurance. Sometimes when I am sitting around home, I'll get up and just run more than I used to. I do some jump rope too.

What do you do when you chill in Mississippi?

I like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes it's at the gym but if I'm not with them I hang out with some of my girls.

Girls as in plural huh?

[laughs] Well, well, one girl, one girl.

Are you participating in any of the skills development here?

Yeah, I am a member of the breakfast club. During our workout, I learned how to create space to where I can get a step back. We get up real early and workout before the sessions start.

Tyler, it was good catching up to you and we'll talk again soon.

Alright, thanks man. [/private]