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BDN Exclusive -One on one with Duke prospect Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams offered by Duke
"I like to bang," Tyler Adams

BDN told you last week that Duke offered BF Tyler Adams a physical prospect out of Mississippi.  Now, we allow you to get to know him in his own words via our most recent interview for our subscribers.  It's a great time to join Blue Devil Nation Premium for recruiting is red hot despite Duke concentrating on Purdue in their sweet 16 match up.  Join now and get all the behind the scenes action. Check out our in depth interview with Carrick Felix as well and then talk about the latest happenings with fellow members on our private message board which has the most rational discussion of any subscription site.  Follow the links to join and gain full site access, you'll be glad you did.  Back to Adams, who is quick to tell you that he loves physical play and that's his kind of game.  He also goes into how, well, read it for yourself -

Describe your game in your own words?

I'm a real physical post player, I like to bang and  I like to play with back to the basket but I stay with my limits around the blocks on offense.  And then, I think I'm a good rebounder.

Who has offered you to date?

Duke, Mississippi State, Alabama, Clemson and Michigan.

Who do you pattern your game after?

I try to play like Tim Duncan, but really there's not too many guys  I can pattern my game after now days because a lot of people don't like to bang.

What are you looking for in a school?

A school that really loves me and [private] a good program I can get into.

Will you play for the Jackson Tigers on the AAU circuit again this season?

Yeah, yeah.

When the time comes, who will help you make your decision?

My family and my AAU coaches ... Coach Wade  and Coach Stamps and my  high school coach,  Coach Boyles.

I understand that Duke offered you recently?

Yeah, Duke offered.

Who have you been talking with at Duke?

I talked to Coach James and Coach K.

What did you think of Coach K?

He's Coach K, you know.  He's one of the best.

What about Nate James?  Is he the assistant you talk to there?

He's a pretty good guy.  We're starting to develop a relationship.  I like him a lot.

Without telling too much or anything personal, what did Coach K have to say?

Well, he called to offer.  We just talked about what type of player I am and the things I need to work on and just life in general.  He's easy going, easy to talk to.

Has Coach K seen you play?

Coach James saw me on the circuit [AAU] last year at the Reebok All American Camp and he looked at me at the Peach Jam.  coach K has seen me on film and he wants to see me this summer.

When would you like to make a decision on where you'll play college basketball?

I kind of want to make a decision before the summer is over.

Were you surprised to hear from Coach K?

Yeah, yeah, yeah I was.  It kind of surprised me that a school like Duke offered me.

What other schools do you like?

I like Mississippi State, Alabama and Memphis you know.  But uh, they're not a school like Duke though.

Memphis?

I visited Memphis when Calipari was there.

Which schools have been recruiting you the longest?

Mississippi State and Alabama, Clemson too.

Have you developed any relationships with them?

Yeah, some, they're all pretty good.

Have you been on any unofficial visits?

Yeah, Calipari and Memphis and Alabama.

Where do you see yourself playing or fitting  in college?

I can see myself being a back to the basket five, but my game should be something like a forward, but probably a five in college.

What do you feel like you need to work on the most in order to improve your as a player?

My turnaround jumper and getting in better condition right now.

Are you watching the NCAA tournament?

Yeah, yeah, I'm still watching.  Since Duke is recruiting me, I kind of hope they make it far but I just like Tennessee though.  They're not recruiting me but I like the way they play.

Who is your favorite NBA player?

Amare Stoudamire. Yeah, yeah.  He's my favorite player

And when you're chilling of the court?

I just hang out with friends and go out to eat a lot, you know ... movies, games, things like that.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played football in the ninth grade, but football use to be my favorite sport but I stuck with basketball because I was being highly recruited.

Are schools trying to set up visits with you?

Yeah, yeah they have.  I'm starting to set up some stuff.

Anything with Duke yet?

They want me to come there in June.

Thanks for your time Tyler.  Good luck with your eventual decision and maybe I look forward to catching you play this summer.

Yeah, thank you. [/private]

Carrick Felix to Duke
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Duke’s latest addition Carrick Felix opens up about his decision and more

Carrick Felix to Duke
Carrick Felix is the newest Blue Devil
Duke might be in the thick of March Madness, but that isn't stopping them from continuing their recruiting efforts.  The Blue Devils made a rare reach for a JUCO player in Carrick Felix, but Felix isn't your garden type variety as you will see in this in-depth interview.  Felix opens up to BDN in a way that allows us to know more about how life's trail has landed him in Durham.  He talks about his relationship with Krzyzewski and how fate intervened when he got to know Duke Assistant Coach Nate James.  In short, it's another interview from Blue Devil Nation Premium, our subscription service that offers the most timely and factual recruiting information available. So, join today and talk about the latest happening and what to expect next on our active members-only message board and go behind the scenes on all things Duke.

What are your thoughts on being a Duke Blue Devil?

It's been a long journey, a long road with many ups and downs but Coach K and Nate James saw me and liked me and now I get the opportunity to be a Duke Basketball player and a part of their family.  I honestly worked for it.  I really worked for it, I worked real hard for it.  I'm excited and glad they're giving me the opportunity."

Tell me about the first time you met Coach K.

Well, it was Coach K so everybody is going to be kind of nervous and I was and didn't know what to say.  But he's kind of like another person in my family.  I felt like I could talk to him about anything from the start.  We just clicked like we knew each other for years and I felt very, very comfortable around him and he did around me, so we really clicked.

I understand, Coach James played a big role in your recruitment.  Can you talk a little bit about that?

(laughs)  What happened is he came up here to see the seven footer Aziz Nidiaye.  I actually met Coach Nate James a little before that in my coaches office.  Coach James walks by me and I didn't know who he was at first  [private]  and then heard he was a Duke Assistant so I introduced myself.  Then we get on the court and he's watching our center and I was just playing like I always play.  I play hard and practice hard and later that night he gave me a call and was excited about the way I played basketball.  Ever since then, he's followed me everyday and we've developed a wonderful, wonderful relationship.  He's actually playing like the big brother role right now.

Not too many people have seen you play yet including myself.  How would you describe your game?

My game is unique [said with emphasis].  I'm not like a lot of other players ... my best thing is my athleticism but I still kind of new to the game.  I need to dribble and shoot better, but I can kind of do it all, just unique.  You'll see that when you see me play, the way I run, the way I move the ball, it's not like anybody else.

Did the Duke Coaching Staff  or Coach K talk of what your role might be on the team?

They're going to use me as a defender.  On offense Coach K is excited and feels he can use me at any position because of my versatility.  He's excited knowing he can use me a multiple positions and that's what they need, so I'm excited about that and look forward to being the best player I can be.

Who was in on your decision?  Who did you turn to for help?

My family, my mom and they all said I deserved this and I worked my butt off.  [said with emphasis]  My family is proud of me and my coach is proud of me.  So yeah,  just family.

I understand that you're a solid student.  Are academics important to you?

Academics mean a lot to me because my mom didn't  even graduate from high school.  But I continued to progress with my grades and my education because I wasn't the best student when I was younger.  I didn't know what I wanted to be in life so I eventually sat down with my mom.  We had a talk and identified what was important and academics is part of that..  I just want to do the best I can, just like I do on the court?  I want to work that same way in the class room if not harder.  I'm a student athlete first not an athlete-student.

Where did you grow up?

That's kind of hard to say because I've moved around.  My Dad was military so we moved around a lot but if I were to name one place, probably Arizona because I played my high school ball there.

Have you been able to meet or bond with some of the players?

Yeah, yeah.  When I first got there I was just talking to the coaches, but then I met the guys.  I talked to Nolan, Kyle, Mason Plumlee and the older brother ... [pondering in brief silence]?

Miles.

Anyway, I hung out with him some and all of them welcomed me with open arms.  I really like that they made me feel comfortable.  I mean, I felt real comfortable, like a family and that right there ... that was a big part of my decision.  I've been sending texts back and forth with Seth Curry since I left and he's a pretty good guy and I think we can be really good friends.  I got along with all the guys , so I'm excited.

You mentioned playing high school ball in Arizona.  Wasn't Arizona Sate recruiting you?  And who were some of the schools were taking a look at you?

ASU, West Virginia, Clemson, Virginia, Maryland came in ... USC called, Miami, Utah State, Washington, Washington State, a lot of schools.

I'm hearing you'll be on campus on short time .. commitment

Yes, I'm looking into being there around May 18th getting my body ready for ACC Basketball.  It's going to be a big jump for me but I feel confident.  Some of the other players will be there and then they all come in sometime in June.

I bet you're pretty tired ...

Aw man ... I was up at 4:30 to get to the airport and with all the excitement I forgot the time had changed, so it was really 3:30 [laughs] so didn't get into to Durham until 9:00.  Then I left  Durham for Dallas around 9:00 today  and arrived at 1:00 then to Salt Lake.  I fell asleep and woke up in Salt Lake and it was 1:00 there as well, so yeah, I'm pretty tired.

Closing statement ...

It's been along journey for me and I'm happy.  I'm just ready to be a Duke Blue Devil and play for Coach K and win a national championship.  That's what I want to help them do so I have to work hard in order to give them the help they need to get the job done.

Thanks for your time and congratulations.  The Blue Devil Nation welcomes you aboard.

Thank you so much. (said with obvious sincerity and appreciation) [/private]

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Jon Scheyer talks about his big three vs Georgia Tech

Jon Scheyer hits big three vs Georgia Tech
Jon Scheyer nails a key three! Lance King

Greensboro, N.C. - Jon Scheyer was unafraid to take the big shot to seal Duke's win over Georgia Tech on Sunday, despite being cold from the field.  Check out the picture of that shot by my pal Lance King to your left and then listen to a tired but relaxed Jon Scheyer's thoughts on [/private] it.

Just press play -

Check out our other interviews. [/private]

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Michael Gbinije talks about his verbal to Duke

Michael Gbinije is the latest Blue Devil. Read about by joining Blue Devil Nation Premium

The Duke Blue Devils received a verbal commitment from Michael Gbinije, the 20th rated prospect in the Class of 2011 by Prep Stars.  Gbinije is a solid addition for Duke making him the first player in the 2011 class to commit.  Gbinije is a 6-6 WF who plays his high school basketball for Benedictine in Richmond, Virginia which is about 2.5 hours north of Durham and as you will read, proximity played a role.

The Blue Devil Nation caught up with Gbinije and got his thoughts on wanting to play his collegiate career for Coach K at Duke -

Duke fans got a present just before what they hope is another one, that being an  ACC Tournament Championship on Sunday.

"I decided early this morning that I was going to do it.  I was really excited and  called Coach K after practice to tell him the news," said a happy Gbinije.

That news would later [private] trickle out via a Quincy Miller tweet.  Miller of course is another 2011 target for Duke.  We quickly confirmed Millers tweet and we eluded to the fact that this one could close fast in our recent recruiting update.

Duke now has it's first verbal in the class of 2011 and Gbinije is good fit when one ponders future rosters.

BDN asked Gbinije to describe his game in his own words and he  was straight and to the point, "I'm kind of smooth, a team player and I can shoot."

That description and the fact that he is a 6-6 wing reminds one of a current Duke Coach named Nate James.  The Dogg as he is known to some, was the lead recruiter for Gbinije.  In fact, Gbinije is the first notch in James belt but certainly not the last, but more on that later.

"Just playing for Coach K and the competitiveness ...  going to a place where I can improve," said Gbinije when asked his reason for wanting to become the latest future Blue Devil.

Gbinije had left Duke feeling good about the Blue Devils after his weekend visit.  He mentioned the atmosphere in Cameron where Duke walloped North Carolina 82-50 this past Saturday.  Gbinije said it was a unique experience and then emphasized that it was very loud!

The 2011 prospect returned home and talked to his parents about the visit and mentioned that they were very impressed with Duke and Coach K.   "My parents liked Coach K and the campus environment and with it being close to home was a factor as well," said Gbinije.

I then asked how he would fit in at Duke and Gbinije answered, "Coach K said I would fit in perfect and he was very excited and  happy when we talked.  He is kind of in the focus mode of coaching right now and making sure they are prepared for their main goal is winning.  We had a good talk today."

When asked for a closing comment, Gbinije said  "Oh yeah, I'm  real excited but at the same time, I realize it is Duke and to come in and play right away I have to work on my game so I'll be ready when the time comes."

That sounds like a player who already gets the Duke system.

Sidebar- Gbinije mentioned that he would once again play for Team Takeover on the AAU circuit and you can bet the Bule Devil Nation will follow him at several events.  He likes to play video games, especially Call of Duty.  [/private]

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One on One with Future Blue Devil Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving talks basketball
Kyrie drives in Cameron - BDN Photo

BDN Premium -Since formally making the announcement that he was going to commit to Duke University on ESPNU, the nearly 6’3” point guard from West Orange, New Jersey has acted in a production of “High School Musical,” seen his aspiration of a mythical national championship vanish in a last second missed free throw against a fellow power, Findlay Prep, in a nationally televised game, had his hopes of a winning a second consecutive state title destroyed after his state association banned his team for conducting preseason basketball practices, and became the fifty-second McDonald’s All-American at Duke University. Over the course of a weekend at the Primetime Shootout in Union and Trenton, New Jersey, Kyrie Irving spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of topics, including his recent McDonald’s All-American distinction, whether he does any recruiting for Duke, his reaction to Adam Zagoria’s preemptive strike, and his desire to follow Nolan Smith’s example of being a normal student when he arrives in Durham, North Carolina.

Can you talk about today?

To lose by one point on national television is definitely hard to take, but we just have to regroup and come out ready to play tomorrow.

Talk about the honor of being selected McDonald’s All-American game? How far you’ve come from the kid playing in the back yard just trying to beat out your dad to being considered among the twenty-four best players your age?

It was definitely an honor to be selected for a game like that. We had another person playing out there tonight who was also selected for the game.

Doron.

Yeah, Doron Lamb. It was definitely an honor to be picked.

When did you initially find out and what was your reaction?

I was just really happy, you know. I just really wanted to play as soon as I found that I got accepted to the McDonald’s All-American game.

How did you find out?  By letter or a phone call?

They actually send a letter to your school to say that you’ve been accepted. It was definitely great. [private]

What was your father’s reaction?

He was really proud of me.

Dunk contest or the three-point contest?

I haven’t really decided yet.

(Taken after Saint Patrick’s victory over nationally ranked Rice on Saturday night)

Have you gotten used to playing in TV games or do you still have any pregame jitters?

(laughs) I think it’s pretty obvious that I’ve gotten used to them. I never really..

Well, I mean I was thinking about last year versus this year.

Oh my gosh.

Yeah, I mean I remember talking to you last year. I felt so badly because you were down after losing your only game of the year and they were turning the lights off in the arena here.

Oh, yeah. Last year’s game was so tough. On ESPN..I mean that was my first ESPN game. I was nervous the whole entire game, but now it’s just I’m playing with my brothers.

Yeah, you’re so much tighter with these guys.

Yeah, exactly, and I’m the leader on this team so I’m used to it now.

Alright, New York versus New Jersey bragging rights.

(laughs) Yeah, I mean there’s definitely bragging rights involved, but I know most of those guys on Rice so there is definitely bragging rights. I’d be hearing about it if we lost.

Josh [Hairston] had talked about noticing that there was a big target on his back after he committed to Duke. That kids were amped up to make a name off of him and more people started, well, commenting from the crowd. Have you noticed that as well?

Oh, yeah, I mean now that I have national attention and I mean I’m going to Duke. It just adds to it. Definitely, I can understand.

Have you done any recruiting since you’ve committed? Wings? Austin Rivers? Did they ask you to do any? Or just concentrate on basketball?

No, no, not really. I mean I talk to Austin, but, you know, it’s really similar to when I would talk to Harrison, you know, it really wasn‘t about Duke. It’s just..

Relationships or more general?

Yeah, yeah.

I know they’ve offered Gilchrist. Obviously, you guys talk all the time, but I’m sure the readers would like to know if you’ve talked at all about playing with him at Duke?

No, not really that much. I mean he has his own recruitment and way.

You let him do his thing and talk about other stuff.

Have you added some muscle? Your arms look much more defined and your calves too.

Yeah, I’ve been doing my circuit training. I’ve been really training hard to improve my body.

This is one people have wondered about. What was your initial reaction when Zagoria decided to run with that story two days before your announcement? Shock? Disappointment? Anger? Disloyalty? I was, well..

It definitely disappointed my surprise. You know a lot of people. There were a lot of rumors circulating around the internet. It was premature, but it was just more that I was just so, so happy to be signing with Duke. I was so happy to be coming to Duke. He couldn’t take that away.

That’s a healthy way, but, believe me, you weren’t the only one that was happy about you signing with Duke.(laughs)

Kyrie: (laughs)

Are you going to be able to make it to any upcoming games this season? Carolina?

March sixth, yep. I’m definitely coming March sixth. I can’t wait.

Having gotten some games under your belt, how does this team compare to last year? Is it closer?

Our camaraderie. You've seen how we’re always smiling and all that stuff.

A couple of fans wanted to know about Austin Colbert. I said I’d ask you about him. How good is this kid potentially? Break his game down a little for the audience. You see him all the time in practice.

His potential is beyond. I mean I’m a believer in him. You know he’s still a little raw right now, but once he hones his skills and just..

Do you think he’ll be a four or a five at the next level?

Um, as of right now, I think I see him as a four, you know, because he can shoot it. We don’t really allow him to do it here right now because of how are team is made up, but in practice he definitely shows it.

Well, he can run the court, but I mean you see him in practice.

Yeah, yeah.

How about this acting thing? Is it too early to say “move over, Denzel?”

(laughs) I plan on doing the same thing that Nolan did. Just being around campus and seeing what happens. You know I’m just a normal person and many people forget that.

Yeah, yeah. I know you are.

I know. I know, but some people don’t realize it.

Lastly, I thought you and Gilchrist had a good flow going with the interview in ESPN or Rise Magazine. Was that the first time you had ever actually interviewed someone for a publication? How’d you like it? I know you’ve thought about getting into journalism.

Yeah, that was my first interview, but, at the same time, I think the flow came from the fact that you know each other so well.  I’m so used to him. I mean I look at him as like my little brother, you know, so I felt comfortable asking him questions.

They seemed pleased with how it turned out.

Oh, yeah, definitely.

Thanks a lot, Kyrie.

Sure, no problem [/private]

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Duke Basketball is hitting recruiting trail during the break

Roscoe Smith is a player Duke is targeting - BDN Photo
Roscoe Smith is a player Duke is targeting - BDN Photo

The Duke Men's Basketball team will have been off for ten days before facing Gardner Webb but that doesn't mean the staff  hasn't been hard at work on the recruiting trail.  As I said in an earlier post Duke will attend Roscoe Smith's game [private] tomorrow evening.  Nothing has changed in that they are looking to get him on campus.  With him playing for Oak Hill, this may or may not happen soon in that their team plays a lot of games so at this time nothing is etched in stone.  Duke remains very much in the race for his services.

Duke also visited Trey Zeigler this past week and they have been keeping tabs on this kid for over a year now.  Think versatility when you talk about this swing player.  Michigan and Michigan State join UCLA and others who have offered this athletic product.

Staff members made it up to Josh Hairston's game this week and Josh has seemingly made the right choice of schools for his game is visibly improving.

The Devils also took in Tyler Thornton this week as well and you can hear of all these players latest news by following Bob Green's High School Hoops Report which is becoming a popular premium update for members.

While I fully expect no real action to take place on the Austin Rivers front for a while Duke also made sure they took in one of his games during the break and Rivers is making it no secret that the Blue Devils are firmly in the picture.  While he remains a UF commit, he will be visiting a Duke regular season contest.  That game has yet to be determined.

As for Tashawn Mabry from Rocky Mount High School he was of course at the St. John's game with his family and they seemed to have had a great time.  Coach K has never seen the kid play and Nate James is the lead assistant to date with Mabry.  Very, very early in the process.

BDN Premium will be on hand for some coming holiday tournament events and we'll finalize that schedule by next week.  More to come ... [/private]