Nolan Smith returned to practice today, but is still listed as questionable at this time. "He's okay, he's back at practice," said a nodding Elliot Williams when questioned by the Blue Devil Nation. Smith suffered a concussion and bruised ribs when he ran into a nasty screen from David Neal during the Maryland game.
Check back in for a Kyle Singler interview later today. Also, premium members get a one on one exclusive with Elliot Williams.
Blue Devil Nation Premium caught up with Mason Plumlee who just helped lead his Christ School team to their third consecutive state championship. The following is an in depth and exclusive interview where he talks of that game. He also touches on playing against and with Ryan Kelly, his brothers Miles and Marshall Plumlee, the upcoming all star games and his plans for the future. Enjoy the interview -
Your Christ School team won another state championship game. Can you tell me about the game?
It was great. It was probably the most fulfilling out of the three (CS has won three consecutive state titles). It was the expectation all year for us and anything less than winning would have been a disappointment. There were a lot of mixed emotions but it was a relief. But it was more happiness than anything.
Have you thought about the fact that your high school career is over and that after some All Star games, you'll next dribble the ball in Durham?
[private] In terms of getting ready for Duke I am, but I want to enjoy the last semester with my teammates and the people I have been here with for three years. I'm just trying to enjoy the rest of the year here.
Can you look back and reflect on your Christ School experiences?
I've learned a ton of stuff on and off the court, but it's more just the people I've been with and the players I've been able to play with made it more fun and such an enjoyable experience.
When you first moved from Indiana to North Carolina, did you see yourself being as successful as you are today?
I really didn't . Especially my first year. I thought we had a really good team that wasn't expected to win the state. I could have never imagined we'd have won three championships in three years which is pretty awesome.
How often do you talk to Miles?
I talked to him after we won the state tournament. He was happy for us and congratulated us and everything.
What has Miles had to say about his experience at Duke thus far?
He just said there are ups and downs and that it's not always easy but overall he enjoys it.
You were named to the prestigious McDonald's All American team. While growing up, did you think you would attain that status?
Yeah, it would be easy to say now that's what I wanted but I didn't ... the first time I decided it was something I wanted to reach was when I went to watch the 2005 game in South Bend, Indiana. I think Josh McRoberts got the MVP in that game and that was the first time I saw one, so ...
Will it be odd not to go right into AAU ball this summer?
Yeah. It is kind of weird because I love AAU and I will miss it. Like you said earlier, I have got the McDonald's, the Jordan game and the Nike Hoop Summit, so I will be a little busy.
Tell me a little more about the Hoop Summit ...
It will be played April 18th and we'll go out there 3 or 4 days. It's in Portland. John Wall is on our team who Duke is recruiting.
When the McDonald's committee selects you, the Jordan and so on. How do they contact you? Or how do you find out you've been selected to play in those games?
Well, the McDonald's stuff came in the mail and once that happened a couple of people who are voters called me or called my coach. I think Bob Gibbons called my AAU coach. Then like the Jordan Classic, the Nike guy called my Dad and said I was invited. Then I got something in the mail later. The Hoop Summit? They called my coach.
Back to the championship game for a minute. You went up against your future teammate Ryan Kelly and beat those guys twice this year. Were they a little tougher this time out?
Yeah. I think they tried to slow it down a lot more and were more ready for us. I mean, the first ... we kind of knew as a team going in we weren't going to beat them by thirty plus again. We just played our game and came out on top.
What are the differences you see between Ryan Kelly's game and your game?
Well! I figure he's a pretty good shooter. I think we are more similar than different. I don't know ... on his team he has to do the majority of the scoring. I've been fortunate to play with people like Lakeem Jackson, Reggie and a little bit more of a balanced team.
Was there any type of rivalry that developed between you guys? I mean you both signed at Duke and that kind of thing. Did that add a little something extra when you guys met?
Yeah, I guess. From the outside looking in, it's kind of like that. But for us it was just our team against theirs. The most important thing was a championship.
Do you think you can play alongside Kelly?
Yeah.
Do you see Miles as a more inside oriented guy next season?
I've played with Miles my whole life and he can do a lot more than just play inside. I think with me coming in next year and Ryan and having more depth inside, he'll be able to go inside-out more. Right now, he is just down on the block.
Let's talk just a second about your younger brother Marshall. Do you think that Duke may recruit him?
Well, I don't know, it'll be interesting. Of course, as his brother I hope they do. I hope he improves his game enough to where they will recruit him. He's got a long way to go, just like I do before I get to Duke next year. I hope that we can all stay together like we did here at Christ School and hope Marshall keeps improving. He's working really hard. If he just grows into his body I think he'll be pretty good.
Do you know where Marshall will play his AAU ball for this summer?
Yeah, he's going to play for Indiana Elite. He'll go to the Carolina Challenge. I know AAU will be different this year because they have an open period in the Spring. I think the tournaments are more regional up until July.
How long do you have left in high school?
We have until May which will not be that long.
You guys take a pretty good academic load and study a lot ...
We have study hall every week night from Sunday to Thursday which lasts from 7:30 to 9:15.
Good deal, that'll help prepare you for college. When you finish school will you go to Indiana to be with your parents ... Durham ... where will you be hanging out?
I will go home for the first month or so to be home with my family and work out there. I will go to Duke for the second session of summer school which I think starts July 1st.
Thanks for your time and good luck with the All Star games. Enjoy yourself, stay healthy and be a kid.
I will. Thanks Mr. Watson.
Thank You. [/private]
I wasted little time in asking Jon about starting at the PG spot. Scheyer was patient as always answering questions.
So, let’s get right to the point, pardon the pun. What’s it like to run the point?
You know, I feel comfortable with it. It’s something I have done in practice a lot and through out the year. I think that it gives some advantages to the offense on our team and I feel comfortable doing it. I 
think some of it has to do with match ups. Also a big thing is guarding the ball and Elliot has been doing a good job of that of late, guarding a point guard. And Nolan is really our best guy doing that. In practice recently he’s done a better job in trying to get back to where he was guarding the ball. I think for myself I can create mismatches bring the ball up. I can work off the ball … it’s not like I need to bring the ball up.
Did you sense Elliot was a little bit more under control?
He was. That’s as strong of moves he’s made all year in a game. He’s done it in practice, but in games … for being a freshman in that situation starting a pretty big game, he had a lot of poise in that game.
Can you talk of the defense which was so good all season? What has been going in in the last few games?
I think the biggest thing is us determining what the offense is going to do. They just played their offense and we just followed them around the court. We’re at our best when we are attacking people offensively and defensively. I think that’s what we lost during that stretch. Even though we had some losses, those games were learning experiences for us.
After the Boston College loss Duke seemed to pull close together and little was heard until now. Was that K’s way of saying …
I think he … the main thing was we need to have toughness on the court, we need to play defense and whatever the lineup was going to be, Coach wanted to put a line up out there that could do that. Going into the St. John’s game we were to be tough, play defense and not be scared. Moving forward that’s the things we have to do.
When did you first know you be starting at point?
The day after the game he told me. That’s something I was excited about because for me I felt it would be kind of a way to play a new position a little bit. Just trying to think of the season from the St. John’s game on is kind of like a new season in a way.
Do you feel like the line-up will stay in place?
I don’t know. Coach seems really serious. All the guys like the way it’s going right now. So we are probably going to stay with it, but I can’t really predict how long or if the next game we’ll switch it up. But right now, I feel like this is something that can help our team. The season is so long that it’s almost like a fresh feel to it, especially for me, but the team in general sometimes needs something different in the middle of the year. Also, someone like Elliot - he’s having some great minutes for us in practice and that’s exciting.
How about Gerald Henderson, whats he like at home?
Aw, he just like sleeps on the couch all day. (smiling) I’ll say one nice thing about him and that’s it. He really loves basketball and he really studies the game as well as anybody I know. As much as I make fun of him for watching Kobe Bryant all the time. He studies Kobe and tries to do some of his moves and gets yelled at in practice for doing them. He’s always watching our games and opposing teams plays. Pretty much anytime he hears Kobe, he just stops everything and switches the TV.
Do you have anybody you watch?
You know, I like a bunch of players, but I’m not (laughing) obsessed with one person like he is with Kobe. God forbid what would happen if he played him in a year or two. I don’t what would happen if he was guarding him, he might ask him for his autograph on the court.
In the last couple of seasons there has been a late year slide. Is that what’s sort of going on here?
I think we got into the same thing. This is the point in the season where we can either change it or have it be the same thing. In my freshman year I didn’t have too much control. The upperclassmen that are going through it … it’s up to us. That’s something we feel we’re in control and we can change it. We just have to take it game by game and not put too much pressure on ourselves.
Duke is looking at two more 2009 Point Guards - If you have been reading our premium message board you already know this, but the Blue Devils decided to look into two more point guards in the class of 2009. Duke Assistant Coach Nate James will take in Eric Bledsoe's game at Parker High School today. James has been in ... for an extensive report on this situation and a team update from today's interviews, join BDN Premium! [private]contact with Bledsoe and Coach Krzyzewski has also talked to the 6-0, 162 Birmingham, Alabama product. Bledsoe played his AAU ball for
Birmingham Ice this past summer. With concerns to questions on the message board of whether I have seen him play, the answer is yes, but I was not focusing on him at that time. Bledsoe will not back down as a defender and takes the ball aggressively into the teeth of the defense in an effort to find teammates. He is a pass first PG who many praise for his toughness. He holds offers from Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, South Florida, Alabama and Ole Miss in a list which is growing. Bledsoe really likes that Duke has entered the picture.
The other kid garnering the Blue Devils attention is Darius Smith, a 6-2 athletic senior who plays in Krzyewski's hometown of Chicago. Smith is more of a tweener, but most project him as a point. He is very aggressive on the offensive end. Duke has been in contact with Smith. Duke has yet to see Smith but they have set a visit date to check him out next week.
Despite what you are hearing on other sites, Duke is still optimistic of getting John Wall over. Of course, it would help if he was allowed more access by his entourage of controlling figures. It remains to be seen if John can or will break free and make his own decision. N.C. State and Baylor are IMO the two favorites. Final developments should occur with this situation sooner rather than later.
Duke does not consider Bledsoe and Smith backups to Wall at this point. Duke is in the beginning stages of getting to
know them, but they'll waste little time. As always, Coach K has to see a player play in person before an offer is put on the table.
So, the bottom line is that Duke is looking for an athletic, quick point guard. If they feel one of these kids can help them next year, they will offer them. Duke is not looking just to fill a scholarship. And yes, there is a possibility two offers may go out. Duke will evaluate them and if the kids are good enough and they like them as people, there are spots available.
Kyle Singler is ready to go- Kyle Singler particpated hard in today's afternoon practice and is showing no effects from a late game injury.
Dave McClure - Is starting to feel better and should be available against Wake as well.
No starting lineup set yet - Coach K has not told his team who is starting against Wake yet.
Nate James getting acclimated - Duke is breaking in Nate James who will be doing a lot of work on the AAU circuit this spring and summer. James will remain active throughout the season.
Expect Duke to - Come out with a similar lineup against Wake but then substitute freely. I think nine players or more will see some action. Look for Duke to defend their home floor with a fervor for they are well aware that they have just two more home games and some tough road contests coming up.
Elliot Williams - There is no doubt that Elliot has been a bit frustrated, but he seems to understand the process was for the best. Williams talked with several family members after the game. Williams was lauded by his teammates, especially Gerald Henderson who said he really shuts down some of the lanes going to the basket. Henderson seems to have taken him under his wing. All of the freshman room together. [/private]
Andrew Slater took in the Prime Time Shootout this past week and here is his first report which covers the Hotchkiss-St, Anthony game which includes an interview with Jason Morris -
Facing his toughest opponent to date, Jason Morris, the 6'4" junior from the Hotchkiss School, struggled against longtime New Jersey and national power St. Anthony's of Jersey City.
Coming in averaging eighty points per game, the Bearcats of Hotchkiss implemented the unorthodox strategy of pressing St. Anthony's to begin the game to relative success, only trailing the Friars 18-16 at the conclusion of the first quarter. The legendary Coach Hurley and his staff did an excellent job of mixing up defenses, varying from diamond presses to switching zones and playing man at times. If they didn't scout Morris, they did an excellent job of quickly picking up on his tendencies. When playing man, they opted for the longer Dominic Cheek and [private] only doubled when Morris tried to get into the lane. They forced and dared him into long shots and contested him in his favorite areas to shoot the ball.
On defense, he had a difficult first half trying to stick with the offensively gifted Cheek. The Friar utilized the high ball screen and constant movement to gain the
necessary separation from the athletic junior Morris. Cheek scored seventeen first half points and the Jersey City program took a commanding 39-24 halftime lead.
In the second half, Morris tried to force more shots against the Friars' zone, but was completely unsuccessful, finishing 0 for 5 from the field in the quarter. Perhaps, it was a matter of recovering from a prior rib injury, but, despite being in excellent physical shape, Morris rapidly tired out as the game wore on, clanking even a pair of free throws in the third quarter.
His only basket of the second half was to hit a three-pointer from the right wing to open the fourth quarter. Morris' most noteworthy miss of the final quarter was a missed reverse alley-oop that excited the crowd to his potential athleticism. Jason Morris finished with eight points on an eye-popping 3 for 18 from the field (2 for 5 from beyond the arc), three turnovers, one assist, a block, and a steal. After the game, the Augusta, Georgia native gave the Blue Devils Nation a quick update and post-game comments.
Blue Devil Nation: Last time we spoke you had played in just a few games because you were recovering from a virus and yours knees were giving you trouble. Are you back to normal?
Jason Morris: I'm in pain, but I've just got to suck it up. My knees are fine. They're fine.
BDN: How have you played since Springfield?
JM: This is like my first game back in two weeks. I had a cracked rib.
BDN: Playing a team of the historical nature of St.Anthony's, how much more "amped" up did you get for this game than a league game?
JM: Yeah, we were definitely amped up for this game. We got a little helter-skelter there for a while.
BDN: You managed to keep it close for the first quarter.
JM: Yeah, we did, but then we lost the lead and we could never rebound from that.
BDN: Talk briefly about facing Dom Cheek.
JM: It was fine. You now we went at each other, but we got switched up at times.
BDN: They used the high pick on you quite a few times.
JM: Yeah, yeah. They did it whacked me pretty hard on the left side there. It was kind of hard to stay with him.
Blue Devil Nation: Heading into the playoffs, do you feel your team is rounding into shape?
Jason Morris: We're rounding into shape, but some guys are battling injuries. We should be fine, though.
BDN: Talk about Derrick Wilson. Any chance the two of you wind up at the same college? Have you talked about it?
JM: I'm not sure, but there's a slight chance.
BDN: Last time you mentioned that WF had recently offered, has there been any material change or new entrant in the past few weeks?
JM: Off the top of my head, I'd say "no."
Blue Devil Nation: Any planned unofficial visits for the Spring?
Jason Morris: I've visited pretty much every one that offered me, but I haven't had a chance to look at Wake Forest's campus or Stanford's campus. Everyone else I've seen unofficially.
BDN: What are you looking for now in a program?
JM: A team that is disciplined, but a coach that lets his guys play. He doesn't really have them on a tight leash. I'd like a close knit family setting, after playing with a lot of teams where there is a lot of disarray between the coaches or players. I'd like a disciplined school.
Other guy: Has Duke offered you?
JM: They've shown interest, but, no, they have not officially offered.
Blue Devil Nation: I know your father's family was from NY. Did any of them make it down for the game?
Jason Morris: All of my aunts and uncles are here.
BDN: Was that who you were waving to?
JM: Yeah, yeah. My parents were too busy to make it.
BDN: I'm sorry to hear that. What was it like playing in your first nationally televised game?
JM: It felt really good, but I just wish we had a better result.
BDN: I know, but, if nothing else, it should good preparation for Oak Hill.
JM: Yeah, it should. A lot of guys played really raw tonight for some reason. It was maybe their first time facing this level of competition.
BDN: You mentioned that you were switching to the Gauchos, do you have any other summer plans locked in at this time? Camps or trips to Brazil?
JM: So far, I'm just going to stick with LeBron and the Paul Pierce camp. [/private]
Quinn Cook is a pure point guard prospect in the class of 2011 who plays for Dematha H.S. He has started to catch the eyes of some various schools with his
play of late. Cook is recovering from a knee injury which cut short his AAU season and is still regaining his mobility. Cook pushed the ball up the floor and found his teammates in two games that the BDN covered this past month.
Here is yet another interview with a top notch prospect from Blue Devil Nation Premium.
If you have been sitting on the curb wondering whether you should subscribe, all you have to do is take a look at the premium content we provide on a consistent basis.
How are you? I'm Mark Watson with Sports Nation Network.
Good! Quinn Cook (Shaking hands) [private]
What happened to your knee? (He was wearing a brace after getting dressed and coming out to talk)
I tore my meniscus in May in an AAU tournament, so I had surgery in June and I was forced to miss the whole summer.
You're moving pretty good considering that ...
Oh yeah. Oh yeah. (smiling) We have a great training system at our school (DeMatha), so I go in the weight room and do leg extensions, squats ... I get in the pool sometimes or on a bike.
They were rotating you a lot late in the game, was that something to do with the game plan?
Yes. It's all about offensive and defensive matchups. We have a deep bench.
If somebody had never seen you play, how would you describe your game?
I'm a pass first point guard. I try to get everybody involved and make sure they get their shots.
What is it like playing for a program like DeMatha? Do you feel it prepares you for the college level?
Coach Jones, if you look at his history, he's put good players in the next level. That's who I want to be, a player that goes to the next level.
Who is your favorite NBA player?
Kobe Bryant. Yeah that's my man.
Did you follow any college programs growing up?
I never (paused for thought) I never was a die hard fan for any college team. I was just ... I always liked basketball.
Speaking of colleges, are they starting to show interest?
Mainly letters so far. If I see a coach I will talk to them.
I noticed Oliver Purnell of Clemson and Duke assistant Nate James in the crowd tonight. Would you have any interest in those kind of schools?
Yeah! Duke ... Duke, Clemson, that's the best conference in the nation.
You're a young man who obviously has a long way to go ... how old are you?
Sixteen
Any idea when you will start to take the process seriously?
This spring and this summer. but I'm not going to commit early.
So, you want to make the right choice?
Right. I have a couple of more years.
What kind of coach are you looking to play for?
One that likes to get up and down and has the resources to get me to the pros one day. A coach I can get along with too -- a people person.
How tall are you now?
6-0
Do you feel like you are still growing?
Yeah, I got some big feet. (holding up his sneakers)
Oh yeah, you still have some sprout left ... so, do you want to play at a big school?
Big school, small school, it doesn't matter. I want to cut down the nets at a school. That's what I want to do.
What kind of grades do you have?
I have good grades, but I can always do better.
What three words best describes you as a person?
Kind, smart, caring.
What do you like off the court?
Computers and video games.
Have any schools been aggressive thus far?
Georgetown, Maryland, N.C. State, Florida State, Kansas, Syracuse ...
Are you still open to other schools?
Yes.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
To win a state championship. We fell short last year by a game, so, you know ... that's still in my mind.
What do you feel like you need to work on?
Everything. Mostly on my footwork due to the injury.
And you'll play AAU ball for ...
D.C. Assault We have a new coach, Mike McGee. He was a coach at Bishop O'Connell.
I appreciate your time and good luck the rest of the season.
Thanks a lot. [/private]
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