Tag Archives: Blue Devil Nation Premium

john-wall John Wall was just hours removed from a meeting with Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski and, if you are a member, you know it went very well. One would think the nation's top point guard prospect could soak that in for 24 hours before an interruption, but that was not the case on Monday evening when reports indicated Memphis Coach John Calipari was about to leave Memphis.

It could be just hours before Calipari signs a 35.5 million dollar contract that will make him the nation's highest paid college basketball coach. A ripple effect is now in play with some of the nation's top recruits with Calipari being Kentucky bound. Already, Memphis prospects are taking the necessary measures to get out of their verbal commitments.

But the player Duke fans are concerned about is John Wall, who had Memphis listed as his favorite. Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up with Wall just before he watched former D-One teammate Ryan Kelly win the three-point shooting contest, and another Dukie, Mason Plumlee, threw down some sweet dunks in the McDonald's game.

There was a time when Wall dreamed of playing in the McDonald's All Star game, but a new rule change had a dire effect on schools with fifth year players. It was America which lost out on its chance to see the point guard who goes east to west or north to south quicker than anybody in the country. But while somewhat upset about it, John has focused in on the big picture.

"I'm kind of upset I'm not playing, but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm just happy to have what I've got. I'm happy for the guys that made it, but I'm not mad at anyone because I didn't make it. It's tough that I have seen so many fifth year seniors play in the game, but they just made that new rule this year."

The news on John Calipari caught Wall off guard today, but he is now processing what is likely to soon happen, "I haven't [private] talked to him (Calipari) yet, I guess it's just part of business. He has to do what is best for him." As this goes to press, the announcement is not official, but sources say Calipari is meeting with boosters to push a former Memphis assistant. Others think Memphis is making one last push, but I will trust my source on this one.

There has already been a lot of scuttlebutt in the Big Blue Nation concerning Wall. Many feel that Kentucky may now be a player for his services, "I was considering them a long time ago. I will look into it if he (Calipari) gets the job."

But what effect has all this had on the Blue Devils' hopes of signing the point guard they covet? When asked if this pending announcement would help Duke, Wall calmly stated, "It helps Duke a lot."

While that sounds pretty good in the ears of Duke fans, it would still be wise to just let this situation play out. Today's events prompted him to mention that he had another meeting scheduled with Krzyzewski this week.

"I learned some good things on my visit to Durham. He told me some things I didn't already know. He felt like I could come in and help the team right away and that he could make me a better player," said Wall.

Krzyzewski showed Wall highlights of Jason Williams and Chris Duhon and told Wall that he could help the team be better. " He told me that he could make me a player so I could be one and done and that he wasn't going to try to hold me back."

When asked how Memphis told him he would be used, Wall said, "Let me play my game, basically just let me be John Wall. Duke said the same thing, that they just wanted me to be me."

"Memphis was the favorite, but we'll just have to see all that goes down and stuff," said Wall. When asked if Calipari stays would he still feel good about them, he said "Yeah, I'd feel pretty good about them."

I think it's somewhat safe to say that Duke has made up a lot of ground with Wall, especially if Calipari goes to Kentucky. But one of the more telling quotes came when I asked him to talk about Baylor and N.C. State. Wall said, "Um, naw ... I just talk to them sometimes and still consider them a little bit."

That comment could assure one that Duke is in a very good position, one which many couldn't fathom just a month ago. Duke missed on Kenny Boynton, who they remained faithful to after offering. After that offer Boynton expected them to keep a spot open, but that sidetracked the Devils' effort in the end.

Once that happened, Duke started to track Wall, a player they had kept an eye on throughout the process. Wall now has a chance to take the keys to the machine that is Duke Basketball. It's seems to be a pretty good match, but only time will tell. Unlike the Boynton ordeal, Duke will know the answer within a few weeks.

My call - There have been many who have questioned John Wall from unfounded rumors, but I can tell you that this young man handles himself in a polite manner every time I've seen him. One has to remember that this is a player who has been crowned the best and it took a bit of growth along the way, but it all came to fruition.

My analysis is that Duke is in better shape than they have ever been with John Wall and reports I'm getting say that Brian Clifton was impressed by the visit. Clifton already has one player in a Duke uniform, that being Ryan Kelly. "Kelly and Wall made each other! They both made each other better while playing for D-One," said Clifton during the Carolina Challenge.

It certainly doesn't hurt Duke if a door opens up with D-One, for there are other talented players coming down the pike. That group includes Bishop Daniels and Deuce Bello who BDN interviewed over the weekend. We have a backlog of information which we will get out as time allows. One thing to watch out for is Kentucky making a heavy play for Wall, though they will be decimated by departures and have few offers available. But, knowing the Cats, they will somehow make some additional room.

Wall will leave for the Nike Hoop Summit on April the 8th and the game will take place on the 11tth. Once that is done, he will participate in the Jordan Brand All Star Game and will likely make his decision at that time.

It's a busy time around here and BDN Premium is red hot! New members now know what others have for a good while -- we truly stay ahead of the curve. This site will never be outworked in bringing you accurate and timely information. So, tell your pals about us a for this site is growing daily and is second to none in a very short time. The best is yet to come. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN talks to John Wall about his visit with Coach K, “It was great!”

March 29, 2009 Mark Watson

Wall posed for BDN at last years TOC event

John Wall was able to sit down with Coach Mike Krzyzewski on Sunday evening. Wall is the nation's top point guard prospect, and he will be making one of the biggest decisions in his young life by April 30th. Blue Devil Nation Premium spoke to Wall about his visit and the first thing said was, "It was great," when questioned about the visit. [private]

Wall visited with his Mom and AAU Coach Brian Clifton of D-One Sports. The three of them arrived around 6:00 and he talked to Coach K just over an hour. "A lot of people have told me a lot of things about him (Coach K) and he wasn't exactly what I expected, but I got to see for myself," said Wall of Krzyzewski. Wall continued, "He told me how he would use me in his system and I like what I heard."

When asked if he could see himself in a Duke uniform running the show, Wall exclaimed, "Yes, I can see that." The visit was a long time coming and many were starting to wonder if it would ever take place. Wall said that he was able to tour the basketball facilities and that they were really nice. "I felt comfortable and really liked what I saw," said Wall.

I asked if Wall had discussed the visit with his Mom and Clifton and he replied, "I really haven't had a chance to sit down and discuss it yet." Wall did say that Clifton thought it was a great place. He mentioned that he would be concentrating on the Nike Hoop Summit and that he may have taken all of his visits, which pretty much means Miami is out. "Right now, my list is still the same," said Wall.

Wall was very upbeat during the conversation, but stopped short of saying he was offered. "Well, not really, but I think it's there. I know it's there if I wanted to come. I'm pretty sure it's there." It was clear that John was still processing the visit, but for all those who think he is not taking the Blue Devil's seriously, think again. "The visit definitely helped, I feel better about them after talking with Coach K."

When asked what was the best part of the visit, Wall stated, "Just being able to sit down and talk to Coach K."

The Blue Devil Nation was the first to report of the pending visit and you can bet we'll keep you informed. With the Curry addition and good vibes coming from Wall's visit, this has been a good day for Duke. I will have more on this article on the message board. NEW MEMBERS - Be sure to register for the members only message board. If you are not up and running within 8 hours, drop us a line. If you use a different e-mail address than on your paypal account, it may not stand out. We have to manualy check off members as they join for we cannot keep non-members from registering at this time. I will have more on the visit by noon tomorrow. We will also bring you some news and quotes on from 2011 kids on the radar. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

John Wall Report Part II

March 28, 2009 Mark Watson

Blue Devil Nation Premium is heating up and the news continues to roll in. We are hitting our stride with recruiting earlier than ever this season, so now is the time to join! I talked with Brian Clifton this afternoon and he acknowledged that [private] Memphis would be an emotional choice and that Wall's Mom would prefer he stay near home. When a trusted friend of mine who backs NCSU asked if he needed to be worried, Clifton replied no. That adds even more mystery for many I had talked to said the Pack was out of it. Rumors continue that certain alumni want Lowe replaced, but this likely will nor would it likely one and done Wall.

Memphis is still supposedly the leader and Wall will tell you that. But just how much of a leader? As I said earlier when asked about the departure of Tyreke Evans, Wall alluded to the fact that Henderson leaving Duke would make them more attractive due to the situation.

I still get the impression that Clifton is just going along for the ride for he just doesn't seem too enthused about the situation. However, a source close to an incoming freshman, said he would be alright with it, should John end up at Duke.

Despite my perceived vibes from Clifton, he did state that Wall playing with Ryan Kelly for D-One Sports was a positive and that Kelly wanted someone to get him the ball.

Wall also mentioned that he talked on occasion with Nolan Smith and Elliot Williams. He seemed upbeat when talking of Duke and excited about the pending visit. The mere fact that Duke is stillon the list and he will have a face to face with Krzyzewski is encouraging, but reading too much into this on going drama may set one up for a let down.

The Pack desperately need Wall as a hometown hero, but with C.J. Leslie bailing, well, that can't be too good. But again, don't read but so much into that for Lesle said NCSU was still a possibility when questioned today. FWIW, Leslie was rumored by trusted Pack sources that he would test the water last July during the NBAPA Camp. It took a whole, but that speculation proved to be true.

Memphis is trying to sell Wall on the fact that they are the perfect one and done school, but with a loaded freshman class and some returnees, just how many shots could Wall get there.

While Miami and Kansas were previously listed, I hear that they are both out. I am almost certain Miami is toast for they may not even retain their coach. D-One Sports has played in tournaments in the Kansas region this past year.

Baylor is the enigma here. How much pull does Clifton have? For that matter, where does his high school coach Levi Beckwith come into play? Beckwith attended the Carolina Challenge and it is said that he prefers the Pack, but likes Duke as well. It makes sense that he would want Wall to stay local in that he will remain the coach of Word of God. Still, he seems to be more on the outside looking in of late.

So, the soapy recruitment will continue, but time is running out on Wall and he has to make a move by April 30th . He has said that the Jordan Brand All Star Classic would be a possibility, but he's also said a week after. We plan on following up withWall after his meeting with Krzyzewski and will keep you posted on any breaking news.

We interviews with some of the state of North Carolina's best prospects coming, and yes, some of them mentioned Duke. I will also have the actual quotes from Wall up by tomorrow.

And Curry will be on campus tomorrow. Duke has wasted no time in attacking their needs with recruiting. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Breaking News – John Wall set to cut his list to three, will visit Duke

March 28, 2009 Mark Watson

The race for the services of John Wall is still on and the Blue Devil Nation talked to the country's top unsigned point guard to get the latest scoop. Wall will [private] trim his list to three schools by next Wednesday and maybe sooner. Wall told the Blue Devil Nation that he is set to visit Mike Krzyzewski and Duke tomorrow. He will be accompanied by his Mom and Brian Clifton. He also told BDN that he would sit down with his mom and mentor on Sunday evening to discuss trimming the list. When questioned whether Tyreke Evans' imminent departure from Memphis would be attractive, Wall said that players leaving would have an influence on his decision. He then mentioned that if Gerald Henderson left, Duke would be attractive. When asked if Duke was still in it, he nodded. As for the decision itself, he is still leaning towards the Jordan Brand All Star Game. BDN Premium will have more on this later. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball

BDN Premium Q & A – Kyle Singler talks about the tournament

March 23, 2009 Mark Watson

Kyle Singler sat down and answered a few questions just after Monday's practice. The Blue Devils will soon head to Boston for their Sweet 16 match up with Villanova.

Are you still running on adrenaline from the last game or is that behind you now?

Shoot! I'm still kind of running on it. I'm still running on it from a couple of weeks ago - the ACC Tournament. We're in a good place as a team and we're having a lot of fun. [private]

Was there a time this season when you didn't think this Duke team would make it this far?

Afraid is not the word, but throughout a season you're going to go through your highs and lows as a team. It's the time where you bond as a team and I think this team has a good chemistry. And, um, it's tough to break up this team, we've gone through tough times, we've gone through good times. We know what both sides are like. There really was no time in the season when we felt like the season was going in the tank.

What's it like to play these late games which end after midnight?

We're kind used to them by now. You try to break up the day by taking naps so it really doesn't seem like a midnight game. I think the one thing that happens is the game isn't over until 2:00 or so after interviews. It's tough to go to bed after those games. You're looking at a 3:30 or 4:00 bedtime.

You're a west coast guy, so you should be used to it ...

(smiling) Yeah, well I changed my clock. It's the best time of the year so it really doesn't matter when you play.

Do you think the change in the line up played a big role in turning the season around?

I felt like that was the right change that needed to be made. Our personnel, we have the right people just to mold a great team together. It was just time and I think it turned out to be for the better.

Duke has played in many sweet 16's, but what does it feel like for you to play in your first one?

For me? It's very special. I'm very excited, my family is excited and fans especially are excited. It's just an exciting time at Duke because we haven't been there for a while. It's a good accomplishment, but we can't be satisfied with the Sweet 16. It's kind of a benchmark that we got to. Now, we have to stay hungry like we have throughout these last couple of weeks. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball

ACC Tournament Week – One on One with Elliot Williams

March 11, 2009 Mark Watson

Elliot Williams has been asked to defend some of the best guards in the ACC

I was able to sit down with Duke freshman Elliot Williams and get his thoughts on the UNC game, his season and his future, team health and more.

So, whats this (pointing to an ice bag on his knee)

Aw, it's nothing

So this is not a Ty Lawson thing (joking)?

Naw, not at all. I'm alright. (laughing)

That was a tough loss ... (UNC)

Yeah. Tough loss. I thought we played pretty well, just couldn't get the stops at the right moments. We were down one or two three possessions in the game to go ahead and we just have to hit our open shots, but we'll be alright. [private]

Does it bother you a little bit that you missed those open shots from the three point stripe?

Not really! It doesn't bother me.

Just keep shooting?

Just keep shooting and hit my open shots. I really ... this is one of the first times I'm learning to be an off ball player. Usually the ball has always been in my hand ...

It's a learning experience ...

Yeah, it's a learning experience all the way around. I want to knock those shots down. I've got to just keep shooting them and keep working.

What's the atmosphere around the team at this point? I mean you guys have just picked yourselves up and it seems obvious you are not going to let yourselves be down.

Naw, naw (emphatically shaking his head). We are feeling good going into the ACC Tournament, NCAA Tournament. I've talked to some of the guys and they've said this is the best they've felt. There all healthy, our best players are playing well and we're ready to go at this.

What is the general health of the team? I know Lance and Jon have been hobbled ... Nolan? (Scoop;))

Going into the ACC Tournament, we should be completely healthy. Nolan is feeling good. Today he did some stuff and he is feeling well. Lance? He's a soldier. And you know Scheyer, he's doing good, he's practicing, so we're getting healthy.

Your spirits have obviously been totally uplifted - you're starting now ...

Yeah.

... what does that mean to you. Does this kind of thing help you forget time on the bench?

No. (smiling) You can never forget that because it's the kind of thing that motivates me, but at the same time being on the bench helped me a lot.

How hard was that on you?

It was hard. But I used that as an advantage to keep working hard and get better. Because I didn't want to be there and I thought I could help the team with my play.

Tell me a little bit more about Nate James?

Nate James (said with obvious respect and admiration)... It's great to work with him. He relates to everything I do. We have a relationship on and off the court. He's a cool guy, straight up guy.

Have you met that mean dog of his? (Mastiff)

Yeah!

That's a bad dog. That's no poodle.

Yeah, (laughing)

Do you talk with your Dad a lot?

I talk to my whole family. They've been very supportive of me and what I've done. I talk to them every two or three days.

How is student life? Is it hard to balance everything in your first year?

I mean, we have a good academic advisor in Kenny King. Academically, it's difficult, but we are managing it pretty well.

Going into the ACC Tournament, what has been the message in practice of late?

We've been pretty intense and we've got to tighten up on a lot of offensive things. Learn to dig deep. Like I said at Carolina, we were down two or three times and they scored each time, so we have to dig deep and get those stops, because we are going to be in some situations like that in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.

At this time, I was joined by the local media, where the first question was about the play of Tony Douglass of all things;) I will print that part of the interview later today. [/private]