Tag Archives: Blue Devil Nation Premium

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

2014 PG Tyus Jones leaves an impression on Duke staff

Class of 2014 PG Tyus Jones - BDN Photo

A young man caught my eye during the opening session of the Nike EYBL in Hampton, Virginia this season.  I watched on as he ran his Howard Pulley team with great precision from the point guard spot.  I later learned that Tyus Jones was in the class of 2014, yet here he was playing with the big boys and looking as if he were there classmates.  He impressed me with his ball handling skills and the kid has a seriously good offensive game to go with his multiple skills.

Jones also caught the eye of the Blue Devils staff and they will get involved early on with the Apple Valley, Minnesota product.  He dropped 30 in front of Coach Krzyzewski during this past weeks Nike EYBL Peach Jam and BDN Premium caught up with the budding talent in an effort to get to know him.  After our conversation it is fair to say that Jones is very mature for his age and he comes off as a really bright young man with great character.

Jones also played for Team USA and he turned heads there as well, so keep an eye out for this kid can play.

You've been playing very well the entire AAU season but you also played well for Team USA.  How was that experience?

It was definitely an honor to be selected to play for tour country and it's something I enjoyed participating in.  It was a great experience where we went 5-0 in Mexico City.

Do you have a list of schools? [private]

Iowa and Baylor offered.  Minnesota, Michigan State, Ohio State, Illinois, Arizona, USC and others making contact.

You mentioned earlier that a couple of other schools are starting to show keen interest.

The newer schools are Tennessee and Florida.

Have you heard from any ACC schools?

No, not really.  North Carolina sent me a questionnaire but that's about it.  I haven't talked to the coaches yet.

Would you be open to ACC schools like Duke or UNC?

Yes, definitely, definitely. (emphatic)

What do you think of Duke?

Duke is a great program.  I mean they have Coach K and great tradition.

Did you have a dream school growing up?

Not really.  I watched all the big name schools but had no real favorite.  I guess I followed Michigan State the most growing up and they recruited my brother, so I kind of rooted for them but they are not necessarily a favorite in the recruiting process.

How would you describe your own game?

Probably just a complete point guard who likes to distribute the ball and set up my teammates to give them an opportunity to score.  But if I am given the opportunity to score or someone plays off of me, I'll take the shot.

Do  you have a timetable with concern to when you would like to commit in the future and who will help you make your decision?

Definitely no time table and I will probably not commit until late but you never know.  My mom and Dad are the people who will be most involved.  They were the people who raised me and made me the person that I am.  My older brother will play a big part in it as well.  Maybe my high school coach and Antwan Harris my AAU coach,

Will distance be a problem?

Right now we are looking at everything, so I am not really sure yet, but probably not.

How do you feel about education?

Ever since I was little it was important, so I was raised taking my education seriously

What are you looking for in a school?

Just a goof fit.  It will be a combination of a lot of things.

How do you feel you played here (Peach Jam)?

I think I played pretty well and as a team I think we had some success as well.

You're a young man with a lot of time before you have to get serious about schools, yet you seem mature beyond your years.  Do you feel that you are?

Yes, I guess so.  I have always been comfortable playing with older players, so I have grown into it.  It is nothing new to me.

Do you try an emulate anybody on the court or do you have a favorite player?

Probably LeBron James.  I watched a whole lot of basketball growing up.  I want to be successful like him.

Born and raised in Minnesota?

Yes. I was born and raised there.

With all these coaches watching, do you ever in awe of say Izzo, Coach K or Williams see you play?

Definitely the big name coaches.  You see them on TV but not so much in person and the three you named are all pretty ... it's a cool thing.

When did you first know you had it?

Ever since I was little I was playing up. (with older kids)  I talked to my parents when I was in the 7th grade about playing varsity and I was successful and I knew I would get recruited.

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

Only the U of M, Minnesota.  I might take a couple in August but I am not sure where yet.

What style best fits your game at the college level?

I definitely like to push the tempo so an up tempo team.  I will be looking into things a lot.  The location and coaching style and campus, players, just all have to fit.  You want to have a good team bond like my AAU team, it is important and I will have to see where I can fit in.

Do you want to play for a team which has a shot at the national title in college?

Definitely.  A national championship as a college athlete would be a great accomplishment.

Thanks for your time and good luck the rest of the way.

Thank you.

Discuss this article on the BDN Premium Message Board.  A side note - members must sign up for the board separately in order to gain access.  Once you've done so, you will be approved in short time. [/private]

 

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Mitch McGary: Energy and Effort Personified

Mitch McGary, BDN Photo

Each year, there is, at least, one fresh face that demands attention be paid to him through unexpectedly good play in the AAU season. A player will seemingly come out of nowhere and vault to the front of his class. Some attribute this novelty to being a "late bloomer," an improved work ethic, coming from an underreported community, fruits finally being born from the labor of hard work, or a late growth spurt. Two years ago, the player was Kyrie Irving. Anthony Davis was last year's primary example. This year, Mitch McGary of Brewster Academy is on the short list of everybody's favorite player in 2012. The Chesterton, Indiana native has transformed his body, his low-post game, and his commitment to academics to such a degree that he's now capable of being recruited by all of the major college basketball powers.

McGary has become the poster child for the benefits of New England prep school basketball. It's rustic locations, small college-quality facilities, low teacher-to-student ratios, high-caliber coaching, and the most talent-rich leagues in the country have caused players to gravitate to these New England powers from around the country.

These past four months, the social big man has enjoyed both individual success, including at the NBA 100 Camp and LeBron James Skills Academy, and, while playing for SYF AAU program, team success, including winning the recent NY2LA Summer Jam in suburban Milwaukee.

Recently, Mitch received new offers, including one from Duke University. He spoke again with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of topics, including the influence of sneaker companies, his metamorphosis at Brewster from vocally supportive sixth man to being one of the most sought after recruits in the country, and whether he's looking for more of a buddy or an adult figure in his college head coach.

How do you feel your summer's going?
It's going good. I'm honored to be here and all of the other camps, like the Amar'e camp. I feel like I'm going against the best of the best between here and the NBA Top 100 camp, so it's been good so far.

Can you talk about going from being a Big Ten prospect...highly regarded, but maybe not on this level...to being considered arguably the most dominant big guy in your class? You're sort of in the middle of it, but what's going through your mind about that right now
It's been pretty cool. I mean, my overall improvement on and off the court, making me more mature and responsible, I think the transition to Brewster. It's been 100% percent improvement.

[private]
You're like the poster child for the Brewster program.
(laughs) Yeah, just moving out there really helped me a lot. I mean, that's all I've got to say, pretty much. Coach Jason Smith does a great job with us out there. From an academic standpoint, the teachers do a great job out there, too. 

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Have you been home for a while?
I've been home for a month on-and-off, between the camps and stuff.

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Have your old high school buddies noticed any changes?
Um, yeah, but I haven't really played with them yet. When I come home, I usually play, but this time they noticed I was a little bit taller, a little bit more cut, a little more defined, they noticed my body. They said it's incredible, the transition. (laughs)

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Are you talking about guys or girls?
Both (laughs). I love it when we're playing together and they say I'm a lot stronger than I used to be. Girls like it, I guess, too. 

Has this been a fun process or stressful?
Yeah, it's been fun overall. I mean I'm honored that I went to Brewster and, even though I had to leave my hometown high school, which was tragic for me and stuff... You know growing up there and giving up all of my friends and family. I thought it was something I had to do. I had to make a choice. I had some consequences before that and I just had to turn my life around, I guess, start being mature. 

How did your trip to Michigan go the other day?
Oh, it went great. I liked the coaches. I see Coach Meyer over there with that yellow and blue jumpsuit. It's cool. I like him. He's a great big man coach. I talked to all of the coaches there and they really want me. There's a rumor that it's between me and Gary Harris, whoever commits first, but we may have to wait and see and see how everything plays out. 

In terms of a timeline, if this were a baseball game, how far along do you think you are in your recruitment?
You mean before I commit? I mean I'll probably commit before the season starts.. so whatever that is (laughs)

Whatever that is.. It seems like you're tied in with Gary Harris for some schools. Have you guys talked about that?
Yeah, I mean, a little bit. I mean, he knows what's up. How's it going, G? (shakes hands with Gary Harris)

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) Purdue and Indiana, where do they stand?
I mean, a little bit, right now. I mean, everyone wants to go hometown state, but I mean, I won't say they're out of the picture, but they're kind of on the bottom part of my list. I'm wide open to everybody, but they're just kind of on the bottom of it. Just because they haven't been talking to me lately and stuff. I mean, they're still in contact. I just don't think that they're going to be right there.

Can you talk about that list that you're going to be coming out with? 
Yeah, I'm coming out with a list next month with my AAU coach.

How big will this list be? 5 schools? 10?
It'll probably be about 10. 

How has this camp gone and what have you learned about yourself?
It's gone good. Pretty much every top player from every AAU team is here. It helps you measure out your strengths and weaknesses and how well you're matching up against the other big-time players.

What kind of guy is toughest for you to defend?
Jarnell Stokes. He's like a Coke machine with legs. (laughs)

You did well against him tonight, you got him on a few plays.
Yeah, I felt happy with it. I mean I probably have a little weight on him. I may not look it cause I'm a little leaner, but I'm about 260 and he's probably about 250.
Yeah, he only had that one fadeaway over you.
Yeah, he only had that one, but he's tough. I mean, overall, I think Julius Randle would've been the hardest guy for me to defend here, but he's on my team, fortunately.

(Mike "Peegs" Pegram) What's going on for you in July after this?
The Super Showcase in Kansas City.

Did you talk to any of the college guys at all?
Yeah, I talked to Thomas Robinson, T-Rob, he's kind of like a big brother to me. He went to Brewster. I talk to him a lot, not just about Kansas, but about the whole recruiting process. He wants me to go to Kansas and stuff, and that worked for him, but it's just like he taught me a lot about the recruiting process..who to trust and stuff like that. And so he's been good to me, I like him. 

Can you talk about keeping the passionate mentality and always being supportive of your teammates, as you were on the bench at Brewster, while now being the team's resident star? Staying vocal out here...I frankly wondered if you'd change.
Yeah, I mean once you make it to the collegiate level… let alone whoever makes it to the NBA, you're going to have to talk. Like we were watching LeBron play and he was non-stop talking. I mean, if you want to be the best that you can be for you and your team, being vocal out there is a key.

Touch on the importance of being vocal, in terms of leadership.
Yeah, absolutely, it is. It's really good for leadership. I guess I wasn't really like the talkative kid growing up. I was just the goofy kid, but I had a loud mouth so, you know, it just stayed with me I guess.

Well, I mean you've got a lot of energy..
Yeah, yeah, absolutely

Not just here... At Brewster and with SYF too
Yeah, yeah..I mean also wear the arm sleeve and the headband too. I mean I could probably break it out (laughs) next weekend or something

No, no, that's all right. (laughs)
I can do it next week if that's something that you want (laughs)

No, no, that's okay.
No, but I think it really just rolled over. I like being the real leader, even if I'm probably the biggest dude on the court. I mean I guess I've always grown up as the biggest kid and being the real leader among all of my friends and family.

Beats having to learn how to fight because you're not 6'10"
(laughs) Yeah, well, My parents wanted me to be a good leader and I guess it just carried over. I mean, we just beat the number one team, so that was great. I guess that means it's a good day.

Talk about being a good teammate. I had talked to some of your teammates both at Brewster and SYF. They both really raved about you, but what do you hope your teammates say about you when you walk away?
I hope that they think that I play really hard and with a lot of heart and passion. I hope they like playing with me and that I have a lot of heart, like I said. Overall, that I'm just a worker and that I'm just the hardest worker on the floor.

Some of them have said that, you don't have to worry.
(laughs)

What are you looking for on your visits?
Mostly, first of all, I want to find a great head coach that'll take me in like his own son.

That was one thing I wanted to touch on. Are you looking for more of a buddy-coach or an adult figure? Because some guys are looking for one or the other...
Oh, definitely an adult.
Because some guys were just looking for a friend or something.
Oh, yeah, I know, but I just want someone who's going to encourage me and teach me. I'm willing to learn, so... The greatest players are always going to need a coach and be able and willing to learn.

Back to the visits, what else are you looking for?
Basically, some colleges most guys that are there like the names and stuff. And the schools I've already been to, I already knew the players there. I'm always interested in speaking to the players because the coaches don't necessarily always speak the truth, but the players are going to speak the truth to you. They'll tell you things that you wouldn't otherwise find out til you get there. There are things that the coaches might not tell you before you get there. I want to actually know some of the players that go there. You know, like with Michigan, one of my good friends Zack Novak..

He's from your hometown.
Yeah, he is. I'm really good friends with him and he speaks the truth about coaches at Michigan and like truthfully, how the coaches are to deal with.

In terms of that list that you were mentioning before, who's going to help you make it more manageable? Your dad?
Yeah, my AAU coach and my dad.

This is a sort of Kyrie Irving type question, but you've sort of come out of nowhere and you sort of moved up the rankings steadily and ultimately came up very high. Do you think you were always this good and nobody noticed or do you think you've gotten considerably better in an extremely short period of time or a mixture?
(laughs) It might have been a mixture, I mean, everybody on my AAU team is one of the best players on their high school team, but at Brewster I wasn't the best player. I guess that encouraged me to get a lot better.

I mean, you guys were stacked though.
Yeah, I know. I just had to transform my body and stuff and work on my skills. I guess everything turned good. That's a good question.

This is one I've never asked a player on the record before, but I've always been curious about-- what kind of impact do the sneaker companies have over you and do you honestly care what sneaker of the program that you ultimately choose is?
I mean I don't care. I've always worn Nike growing up, but, at Brewster, I'm Adidas and my AAU team just got signed with Under Armor. I don't really care.

That's exactly why I was asking because you're with all three of the major sneaker companies.
Yeah, I don't really care, as long as the shoe fits and supports me, I'll run with it. I don't care how it looks.

Who are some of the assistants or head coaches that you've enjoyed talking to?
Rick Pitino, when he was at Florida... I should say Richard Pitino. Now that he's at Louisville, I've lost touch with him. I like him a lot. And I like Coach Book.

Yeah, he's from my area. He used to be with the Gauchos and now he's at Arizona.
Yeah, exactly. And I also like Coach Ogden of Texas. Those three are probably my favorite and Coach Meyer from Michigan too.

Have you seen any ACC schools? Do you have any visits planned?
Hopefully, Duke and North Carolina. I'm not really sure when, though.

Will that come after July probably?
Yeah, probably. Yeah, after the AAU thing. North Carolina offered me so I probably have to go down for an unofficial.

Has Duke offered you?
I'm not sure quite yet, Coach K called.

They're clearly watching you.
Oh, yeah, I noticed.

Thank you very much, Mitch.
Oh, no problem.
[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Matt Jones is very high on Duke University

BDN has two interviews with Matt Jones, a kid who is blowing up on the AAU circuit. Here is the first of two and video is coming as well. BDN Photo

From the suburban Dallas city of DeSoto, there hails one of the best shooters in high school basketball, 6'4" Matt Jones. During the recent Nike EYBL fifteen game season, the polite marksman finished fourth in overall scoring, while averaging 18.2 points per game. Jones, a rising junior, has formed one of the best inside-outside tandems on the AAU circuit with the heralded forward Julius Randle for the Texas Titans, a Dallas-area AAU program which strives to fuse basketball and spiritual training.

At the LeBron James Skills Academy, Matt spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a myriad of topics, including his close friend Randle, Duke's recent interest in the shooting guard, and Jones' shooting prowess.

How's your recruiting going lately?

Oh, recruiting's fun. Just getting all kinds of calls from all kinds of area codes. It's just fun. The coaches have been great. I just like hearing about the history and tradition of each one.

So, it's exciting for you?

Yes, sir.

In terms of interest and offers, where are you receiving them from, respectively?

I have a lot of offers like [private] from Memphis, Kansas, Baylor…teams like that. I've gotten interest from a lot more, but, in the end, I just want to go somewhere that fits my game and makes me more of a complete player.

Well, for the audience that hasn't seen you play yet, how would you describe your game right now? What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses?

Sure, my strengths are my shooting and playing defense. My weaknesses are probably ball-handling a little bit and also being more vocal.

In terms of shooting, do you feel you're better off of the catch or off of the dribble?

(laughs) Well, I can do both, but..

Alright, what do you prefer?

I prefer to just catch and shoot.

So, five seconds left, you'd rather have someone penetrate and kick it to you on the wing.

Yes, sir, definitely.

Your partner, Julius Randle, compared your game to Ray Allen's. He basically said you may not be quite at that level of shooting, but you had more of diverse offensive game than you were given credit for. Is he on the right track and is Allen a player that you try to model your game after?

Yeah, well, I like to compare my game to him and just get there and shoot like him.

You were mentioning defense before, how would you assess your defense right now?

My defense is pretty good, but it could get better..

You know that sometimes high-level shooters have a reputation for not necessarily being the toughest defenders.

(laughs) Yes, I know, but, like on my high school team, it's made me a better defender because, if you don't play defense, you won't play. My coach is very strict about that and we've all gotten better.

Why don't you tell the audience how you did this past season at DeSoto?

Oh, man, we were one game away from winning the state. It was tough to take.

Well, next year, you should be strong again.

Yes, sir, we should. We bring back a lot of seniors and I'll try my best again, sir. We should be strong.

Attending this event and others similar to this, what do you take out of it? This is your first big one, right?

Oh, yes, sir. It is. By playing against these other guys, I've learned that I've got to be more vocal and keep working on my ball-handling. I've got to make those my priorities and keep working on my shot too. I need to be more of a leader than I have been too and just getting guys where they're supposed to be. Yes, sir.

Then, it's been a valuable use of your time.

Yes, sir.

I hate to touch on Randle again, but you two are inseparable at all of these camps and tournaments. What's it been like playing alongside him and enjoying the spacing that he's provided? You guys have formed one of the best inside-outside tandems around.

(laughs) Absolutely, it's been good and fun, sir. He just demands so much attention that it helps me.

You guys have a nice rhythm.

Yes, sir. We've been playing together since, like fifth grade. He just demands so much attention that when they have to, like, double team him, it just makes my job more easier to shoot it. It's just pure catch-and-shoot. Yes, sir.

They say that you're a good student. Does it come relatively easy to you or do you have to work at it? Is it true first of all?

(laughs) It is true and I do work at it. My parents just keep me on my toes. They're always on me and, if they're ever slipping, they both always are just cracking down on me. You never have to worry about that.

That's good to hear. What are your goals for this summer?

My goals for this summer are, well, first to win the Peach Jam, just do really good and help my team to succeed.

Do you feel you have a strong shot at the Peach Jam? I've seen you guys play in Dallas and LA, when you got Julius back.

Yes, sir, I think we do. Me and Julius and just the rest of my team are pretty solid. I mean, on the one hand, we're a young bunch, but you can't count us out and we know how to play. We'll fight.

That's the kind of attitude that I like to hear and, in the end, it becomes about performing in one game at a time at the Peach Jam. In terms of visits, where have you visited recently and what do you have planned?

I've been to Missouri and Baylor and I'm trying to get to Kansas and Florida and then some more.

Are those last two this summer?

Yes, sir, those last two are this summer and then I'd like to take some more visits in the fall, sir. Yes, sir.

Who will you turn to for guidance whenever you do make a decision on a college program?

Sure, sir, my big brother, Antonio, my parents, and probably my AAU coaches.

Do you view yourself as a pure two or can you play other positions?

As a pure two, sir.

Will distance be a factor in your decision?

No, I'll go wherever I feel is best, sir.

You were sort of, well, laughing about it before, but have you and Julius seriously discussed the possibility of going to the same school? Is it sort of a half-serious thing?

Oh, no, we're both pretty serious about it. I mean it's definitely something we've talked about and a few schools are interested in us both. It'd be great to be able to play with him in college. Like you said, we've got a great chemistry out there.

Has Duke expressed interest in you?

Oh, yes, sir. The coaches called. I hope they keep staying interested, sir.

So, if they continue to express interest in you, you'd be interested in them?

Oh, yes, definitely. If they're serious, I'd like to go out there and visit with my family. I feel that they're a program that could be a good fit. They've got great coaches and a great program. It's definitely a program that I'm interested in. I hope they keep recruiting me. Yes, sir.

What do you know about the program and the university?

I know they just got Coach Capel and they've always had great guards and shooters. Obviously, Coach K is a legend. Just a great coach. It's a great school with a winning tradition and history. Great players and everything. Yes, sir.

Can you talk about the rise of Texas basketball on a national scale and how competitive it is on the high school level? How do you account for it?

Well, it's been great to be a part of, sir. We're a huge state with a lot of people and a lot of the young kids are playing basketball. Football is still big, but maybe more people are going into basketball sir. It's been great to see some of the success from all the different parts of the state. In high school, it's definitely tough to win a championship, sir…because you've got to go through all of these talented players and teams.

Who's been the toughest opponent that you've had to defend?

Oh, that's a tough one. I think I'd have to go with BABC or All-Ohio Red. They were the hardest.

I apologize, Matt. That's my fault. I actually mean which individual player was the toughest for you to defend.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir…Probably J.P. Tokoto. He was real tough for me because he's big and athletic.

Are those the type of guys that give you problems, the big and athletic guards?

Oh, yes, sir.

Physically, how are you trying to improve your body?

Oh, I'm trying to get a little stronger, but mostly I want to work on my flexibility. I think I need to keep improving that area. I need to get more flexible.

I know Julius had said that he was trying to work on his flexibility as well. Working with a trainer.

Oh, yes, sir.

You've got the reputation as an excellent shooter. One veteran scout said he thought you were the best in your class and it wasn't even close. How do you continue to strive and fight the temptation to rest on your laurels? Julius before was talking about how you were looking to develop beyond being "just a shooter." How have you tried to balance growing your game, while not losing your bread and butter, your shooting?

Oh, I've got to try to do both and I'm never resting, sir. I know that I've got to keep pushing myself. I've got to improve my shooting off of the dribble. I want it to be as good as when I catch-and-shoot. I want to be comfortable at both, sir. I'm not satisfied. I still push myself hard. Yes, sir.

What would you say is your range? How far out do you feel comfortable shooting the ball?

Oh, yes, sir, I'd say the three-point line. I'm very comfortable out there. I like to shoot it out there.

What are your goals for the next high school year at DeSoto?

I'd like to win the state and keep improving. I think we'll be pretty good and I'm going to keep pushing myself.

Lastly, what would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

Well, most people wouldn't know, but I actually love to bowl. I'm pretty good at bowling. (laughs)

Are you really? What's like your all-time high score?

Oh, I'm not exactly sure, but I've broken two hundred. I'm not sure exactly what it was.

Oh, wow, I guess you are really good. Well, thank you very much for your time, Matt. It's been really nice to talk with you.

Thanks. [/private]

 

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Showing Interest in 2013 Prospect Beejay Anya

Beejay Anya opens up to BDN's Andrew Slater - Photo, Mark Watson of BDN

Hailing from DeMatha, the highly successful Hyattsville, MD school which has produced Duke All-American Danny Ferry and freshman Quinn Cook, 6'7" 275 lb. Beejay Anya is able to create large shadows of his own. Five years after picking up a basketball, the slimmed down sophomore was arguably the best big man in Washington's competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference this year and earned a place on the WCAC's First-team All-Conference.

The gregarious big man, nicknamed "Big Baby," became a full-time starter this year for the Stags and immediately delivered, averaging more than a double-double with just over six blocks per game. The team, which got got off to a 10-0 start, including winning the Les Schwab Tournament in Oregon over Shabazz Muhammad's Bishop Gorman team 58-52, went through some rough patches, notably a loss to fifty point loss to St. Anthony's at the HoopHall Classic. Ultimately, however, Coach Mike Jones, who recently helped coach the USA U-16 team to a Gold Medal in Mexico at the FIBA Americas, was able to refocus his troops and the suburban D.C. Catholic school went on to defeat Gonzaga, which included Duke recruit Nate Britt, 51-48 for the program's third consecutive WCAC Title. The Stags followed that up by defeating Roosevelt 52-50 for their third consecutive D.C. City Title. In their biggest game, Anya rose to the occasion, scoring fourteen points, swatting six of the team's nine blocks, and grabbing another six rebounds.

This spring, playing up an age level, Anya has been the center for the Team Takeover 17s, Mike Gbinije's former AAU program. Immediately, the wide-body made his presence felt by nearly taking down the basket on a missed "tip dunk" at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest. He helped lead the Nike-affiliated team to the Pitt Jam Fest Championship and earned an All-Tournament selection. The rising junior has continued to be solid throughout providing interior toughness and rebounding for Team Takeover, which is the only program to have an unblemished record throughout Nike's EYBL season (15-0).

In early June, Beejay, born Chukwunonso Beejay Nduka-Anya and the son of a Nigerian immigrant, was among the twenty-seven young men helping the 2011-12 USA Developmental National Team prepare in Colorado for the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. Afterwards, he was invited to compete at the NBA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, VA.

While there, BeeJay spoke most recently with Blue Devil Nation.

Who's recruiting you at this point?

UCLA, Pitt, St. John's, Rutgers, West Virginia, Virginia, Seton Hall, Florida, Florida State, UConn, Maryland, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, Georgia Tech, Texas, and Duke called me. [private]

Now, which of these schools has offered you?

All of them have offered. Yes, sir.

There's quite a bit of diversity there. Will distance be a factor for you at all?

No, not really. I just want to go to a school that will fit my personnel…a school that I'll be at home at and a school that'll show me some love and things.

In terms of position, are they mostly recruiting you as a four?

Yeah, mostly as a four, but a four or five doesn't matter to me. I just think I'm a Jared Sullinger or DeJuan Blair kind of player. I'm not as tall as most big men in the NBA or something like that…so I just want to be like them.

What's your current size?

I'm about 6'8" and 275 pounds.

How much taller does your doctor project you to grow?

I don't know. I didn't even ask him.

Do you have a timeframe in mind for when you'd like to decide by?

Oh, no, I'm totally open right now. I have nothing in mind and just keeping it open.

Did you have a "dream school" when you were growing up or a favorite team?

Nah, but, when I was younger, I used to like to watch Syracuse and Texas I think because of how they used to use their big men, but now I like a lot of schools. Right now, I see a lot schools coming on TV and then they're showing me a lot of love..so I like that.

Do you watch both college and the NBA?

Oh, yeah, I watch all of them.

Who do you try to model your game after?

Right now, since I'm not as tall, Jared Sullinger…most  definitely. I think he's one of the most dominant players in college basketball Next year, with him staying, they're going to be unbelievable .

I saw you play with DeMatha up at the HoopHall Classic against St. Anthony's (75-25 St. Anthony's), which had to be the low point for the year, but then you guys rebounded and won the City title for D.C.  How would you asses your season?

Oh, yeah, well, it was an up and down season, but, you know, we came out well and won the championship and everything. I feel like it left things off on a good note, you know. We've won a lot of championships over the past few years.

Who are some coaches that have stood out to you so far? Any names stand out?

Oh, man, I can't remember all of the coaches names right now. There's been a lot that came out to DeMatha and watched us workout. You know how it is.

And do you have any visits planned?

Oh, no, I don't have anything set up right now.

Have you seen any schools?

Oh, yeah, me and my coach and James Robinson went up to VCU during Boo Williams to check them out. I saw the coaches and they seemed like really good guys.

You're close to Georgetown and Maryland too.

Oh, yeah, I mean I've visited Maryland, but it was nothing serious.

Are you a good student or a solid student?

Oh, yeah, I'm a very solid student. I take my schoolwork seriously.

That's good to hear. By the way, did you ever play football? I know DeMatha's turned out some good players and you look like a great D-line candidate.

Oh, no, I haven't, but they call me every day to ask me if I want to change my mind. (laughs) They're always wanting me to play on the line for them.
Just out of curiosity, what was your reaction when Duke called and what do you know about the program?

I didn't take the call. My mother and my father did. My mom sent me a text saying that Duke had called. I like Duke. Duke is a storied program and I feel that it is one of those schools which has a great tradition and hopefully they'll recruit me more. If they recruit me a little bit harder, that are definitely one of the schools that will be in the running next year, my senior year.

Do you know Quinn at all? I know he was at your last game.

Oh, yeah, I know Quinn definitely. He's a good guy and he's gonna do big things.

What would you like the audience to know about you away from the court?

Oh, I'm a fun guy. I like to have fun away the court too. They call me "Big Baby" because they think I'm like him. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Amile Jefferson Interview

Pictured here is Amile Jefferson while on his visit to a game in Cameron Indoor Stadium last season. Copyright BDN Photo

Jefferson was the leading scorer of the NBAPA Top 100 event this past weekend and BDN caught up to him for his thoughts on his play and the recruiting process. Talk about this BDN Video interview with other Duke fans on BDN' s private message board by becoming a member today. We have lots of new information and interviews to share with those who want to go behind the scenes.[private]

More to come ... [/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

BDN Checks in with 2013 Prospect Nerlens Noel

Despite the fact that he will not graduate until 2013, Nerlens Noel was clearly the best defender on the floor at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Virginia.  While Noel needs polish and a go to move on the offensive end, his defense in the post is way ahead of the curve at his early age.  No matter which game he played in this weekend he came away with multiple blocks.  Many list Noel as a center, but with some natural maturity in the area of building muscle, he can easily play the power forward spot as well as he can man the middle.  Noel is quite springy and his lift is quick and effective.  Some of the nations top rated players watched as their shots were slapped away by a young man a year younger.  Noel made a bit of name for himself in a match up earlier this AAU season at the Nike Boo Williams Camp by outplaying Tony Parker.  The two faced each other again this weekend and the result was the same until late in the game when Parker started to adjust.  Noel plays for Tilton High School in New Hampshire and stands 6-9 to 6-10 with a slender frame but once the ball is in play he is a flat out defensive demon.  BDN has already told you about everything you need to know about Noel in past interviews, but we followed up with the rising junior just the same.

Coaches were able to start calling guys earlier this week.  Did you get a lot of calls?

Yeah, I heard from Florida, Providence, Texas Tech, Syracuse, Kentucky and I had several missed calls when I was play here yesterday, so I have yet to get to them.

Any ACC schools on you yet, like Duke, UNC or [private] Maryland?

No, none of them called me.

Are you interested in ACC Schools?

Yes, I am very interested.  I like a lot of the ACC schools and whoever starts to show genuine interest, I'll look into them.

What are your goals for the camp?

I'm just trying to build up a strong reputation as being a dominant player, offensively and dfensively and just play basketball and do what I do.

Yep, you're really active down on the blocks on defense and quite springy.

Yeah, whatever I need to do to win is what I'm willing to do.  I like to win and help my team to advance.

Any unofficial visits of late?

No, not really.  It's been a busy summer of late and I will be going to some camps.

Which camps?

The Amare Stoudemire Camp and LeBron James Camp.

Okay, just wanted to check in with you.  Take care and good luck the rest of the way.

Thanks. [/private]