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The Stopper: Ishmail Wainright

6'6" Ishmail Wainright, Photo by Andrew Slater

Ishmail "Ish" Wainright is a physically imposing wing from Raytown, Missouri, a city less than twenty minutes away from Kansas City. One of eight brothers and sisters and blessed with the imposing presence of hungry pit bull, he has built his reputation on toughness at both ends of the court.

Defensively, Wainright has tried to establish himself as a "shutdown defender," a phrase more commonly associated with relatively diminutive cornerbacks in football. This past weekend, the 6'6" wing with a 7'2" wingspan, played in three games and held the exceptionally talented Andrew Wiggins, the MVP of the recent Nike Hoop Summit, to a far and away session-low eight points in twenty-six minutes. Ishmail followed that up by holding consensus top twenty-five 2014 player Paul White to two points in twenty-two minutes and ESPN's sixth-ranked 2013 player, Troy Williams, to six points and four turnovers.

As a scorer, Ishmail Wainright is more of an efficient grinder than a smooth shooting wing with perfect form. He uses positioning, strength, and explosion to score over taller competitors near the basket.

After leading the Kansas City 76ers to the Fab 48 Title at the end of last summer, Wainright won the MVP of the tournament. One of the standout performances was when he led an upset by outplaying Jabari Parker in the playoffs, scoring twenty-three points and holding Parker to seventeen tough points.

Soon after the summer, he left Raytown, Missouri and headed to Rockville, Maryland to play at Montrose Christian for veteran coach Stu Vetter. Wainright went to nearby George Washington and Howard for their versions of Midnight Madness. This year, Ishmail, a brief Missouri verbal commit, was teamed up with senior wing Justin Anderson (Virginia), senior forward Michael Carrera, and Canadian point guard, Kevin Zabo. Ishmail helped the perennial power reach the semi-finals of National High School Invitational and finish with a 22-3 record. Next year, the confident Wainright will take over the leadership reins of the program.

After catching a late plane, Wainright, the cousin of former Missouri shooting guard Marcus Denmon, immediately paid dividends for his new AAU program, Team Takeover. The Takeover coaches will pair him with the slimmed down 6'9" Beejay Anya and are looking for the talented wing to be even more aggressive on offense. Team Takeover finished the weekend on a high note, defeating archival Boo Williams, 51-50, on a last second tip-in of a free throw miss.

The next night, Ishmail Wainright, a friend of Duke recruit Julius Randle, received a phone call from Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who  In depth interview ahead BDN Premium style which means you will love it.  Join today for the best AAU coverage around. [private] watched Wainright and Team Takeover play throughout the weekend, offering a full scholarship to Duke University to the 2013 wing.

Right before catching a plane, Ish Wainright spoke with me about a plethora of topics, including Duke's interest, transferring to Montrose Christian, being a shutdown defender, writing, his short verbal commitment to Missouri, refining his physique, winning the MVP, and now feeling comfortable with his Team Takeover squad.

Let's start with the transfer to Montrose Christian. How did you come to the decision to head out there? How has the transition gone?

Really, me and my dad sat down and we talked about it and he thought that it was time for me to move on. He thought that it was time for me to become a better player and a better young man. He sent me off.

How has it worked out?

It's worked out. I mean playing with older guys that are little better than me and a little bigger than me, it's been great and really, like, helped me with everything. They're also like some of the best kids in school and so they help me out with, like, school work and stuff too.

What about the experience of living away from home?

Living away from home..

Was it tough for you?

Yeah, a little bit, I mean, I got homesick like probably three times during the year.

I don't blame you.

Yeah, because I'm out there by myself and, so, they really took me in as their like, little brother or as their older brother…and then, with Takeover, they also took me in as their, like little brother and I feel comfortable with them.

 

In terms of a position, I'm sure that you've heard people wonder where you would play at the next level. What do you think of yourself as?

I think I'm more of a slasher, but I can also post up smaller guards.

What about winning the MVP at the Fab 48 last summer? I was there for that one, but didn't talk to you afterwards. That was a big turning point for you.

Oh, yeah, that was a tough tournament, man. We was like a major underdog in that one. Nobody expected us to beat all of those teams.

I was shocked when you guys beat Mac (Irvin). I was surprised with the way that you took Jabari out of the game effectively. I mean he's one of my favorite players and a great kid, but I have to admit that you rattled him.

Yeah, I mean I don't know if I should admit this either, but he's one of my favorite players to watch too (laughs) and I've known him since fifth grade when he was like a chubby, wide body playing for the Chicago House. He had the same moves, though, and everything.

What about playing now with an actual big guy like (Beejay) Anya and switching teams? Was it natural or…I don't know if it's uncomfortable for you to talk because it can get political and even a little fierce. We can just skip it.

No, no, it's comfortable. It's comfortable now because, you know, you saw us, I mean, last year we didn't have any big men on our squad or AAU team and…

Let's be honest. You were the big man on the team..

(Laughs)

Or, at best, guarding the other team's big man. It was kind of ridiculous.

Yeah, I was guarding like 6'8," 6'9," 6'10," 6'11"

Yeah, but it may help you, long-term, defensively.

Yeah, I think so too. I think it'll help my game. You know I'm really more of a defensive player right now. Playing against those guys all the time makes it seem so much easier now to guard wings or whatever.

I was talking with one your Takeover coaches for a while and he said that they were so pleased with how you were just shutting down the other team's wing. It's just one less problem to have to worry about defensively.

Absolutely

I was saying that even if they get around you that it's a nice luxury for you to be able to have a shot-blocker like Anya behind you and makes the other team think twice about even trying to drive around a physical guy like you and that 7'2" wingspan.

It's more like I feel like that I'm on a mission. I want to shut that guy down. I want to just take that guy out.

There aren't too many really "shutdown defenders" right now.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, there's not a lot of shutdown defenders and I feel like, if I can become a truly shutdown defender (massive boom sound from a table collapsing), well, boom! It's something that I work at and am trying to take to the next level.

What was the thinking behind committing to Missouri as a sophomore and then opening it right back up about a month later? Did you rush it or get pressured?

(Laughs) I was actually comfortable at Missouri.

Well, your older brother went there.

Yeah, exactly, my older brother goes there and is graduating. My cousin goes there. He's Marcus Denmon (graduating shooting guard for Missouri) and then I have other friends that were there like Michael Dixon. We grew up like five minutes from each other and we always played pickup together and we worked out with the same players.

In Raytown?

Yeah, mostly Raytown and Lee's Summit.

In terms of style of play, for most guys, it's pretty obvious which way that they prefer to play, but, with you, it's like a good street baller, where you can play up-and-down or you can grind it out in the half-court. Which way do you actually prefer to play?

Really, I can get up-and-down the court, but I can adapt to anything. Whatever the coaches want to run, I'll do. I can grind too. It's really up to them. I'm just happy to be out there competing. Yeah, I'm up for anything.

What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses right now?

My strengths are getting to the basket and finishing, posting up, and passing the ball. My weaknesses right now is, well, I'd have to say that my shooting is right now, which obviously we're trying to work on.

Are you working on it at Montrose because I remember that Justin Anderson used to be terrible at outside shooting and now he's become so much better?

Yes, yes, definitely, we are working on that all of the time and you're right he's improved so much since he's been there.

What about the NHSI and playing on television?

Oh, that was a good experience, but it was a really tough loss.

What about Duke's interest in you?

Yeah, they're actually interested in me because they need a big wing that can stop people and one that can slash to the basket.

What have they talked to you about?

Oh, they've been actually talking to my parents and my high school coaches and everything.

And what's your interest level in them? They've been watching you all weekend.

It's really high right now because they've been watching me all weekend. I see Coach K every game (laughs). It's almost hard to take in that he's now actually, like, recruiting me.

Do you have any plans to visit yet?

I don't know, but I haven't made any plans to visit really any school yet. I'm just concentrating on school right now.

Generally, talk about being physical and loving to rebound.

Oh, I love to be physical and get in there and fight. I love to rebound too. I want to try to give my teammates and coaches at least ten rebounds in every game. That's my goal. I love to do it, man. Just get us more possessions or shots.

Is there a player or two that you try to model your game after?

Melo. Well, Melo and LeBron. Those are my guys.

What's your current size?

6'6," 225

You're one of eight brothers and sisters. Well, some are step brothers..

Oh, yes, it's a big family. You should check out my younger brother, Amaad (Wainright). He should be on the scene pretty soon.

I was reading your blog. You grew up actually as a Florida fan in Missouri. They're recruiting you now. Will that play a factor in your decision?

Yes, I did and I'd like to go down there for a visit.

Who will you turn to for guidance, whenever you do decide on a college?

My Uncle. I have an Uncle, who is like a mentor to me, Uncle Alex.

You've always played up, but now there's nowhere to go.

(laughs) It's hard. It's feels kinda weird. I'm now finally playing against guys my age and younger. It's definitely a different or strange feeling. (laughs)

I must say that the elephant in the room is that you just look huge close up. I'm in the gym a lot, but you look like you live there right now.

(laughs)

Are you trying to get bigger with your body? Leaner? What's the goal here? What are we doing?

I'm actually trying to get leaner. I feel like I'm a little too heavy when I'm going around the court. So, I'm actually trying to cut more body fat and weight. I want to try to get down to, at least, 220.

Have you worked on conditioning a lot at Montrose too?

Really, that's more of a "every once in a while" type of thing.

Growing up in Raytown, you were fifty miles from KU and one hundred and twenty miles from Missouri. It's less than twenty minutes south of Kansas City. I was there last October, but talk about growing up there. It's not a bad area.

Oh, well, it was a nice area to grow up in, but it's gotten a little less worse now. That's why I'm trying to work my butt off right now to get some options (laughs).

I thought it was funny that in your blog, you wrote about GW having a boring Midnight Madness, but you liked the Howard one.

Yes, yes.

I appreciated your honesty. By the way, how has the experience been with your writing and getting people to know about you through your blog?

I'm actually trying to work on the next one. I've got to do work on the next update and I'm going to try to do some stuff on the plane, but you're exactly right. It's a way for me as an athlete to get my words out there. It's a way for people to know me because I think, in the past, people thought that I was a little cocky guy or whatever.

That's it. I can see them waving that you have to run. Thanks for your time and good luck next week.

Yeah, I do. Thanks for doing this. I'll see you later.

[/private]

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Everybody’s All-American: Jabari Parker

Duke is involved with Habari Parker who gave BDN an in depth interview on the latest on the recruiting front. BDN Photo

Last year, we profiled 6'8," 220 lb Jabari Parker after a Nike AAU event in Dallas, Texas. In the time since, the young man from the South side of Chicago has continued to lead an ambitious and altruistic life.

In June, Jabari led the United States U-16 Team to a gold medal at the 2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Cancun, Mexico. For his considerable efforts, he won the tournament's MVP award and USA Basketball later named Parker their 2011 Male Athlete of the Year, joining such notables as Kevin Durant, Elton Brand, and Chris Paul. Afterwards, Parker helped his Mac Irvin AAU 17U squad to successful runs at Nike's Peach Jam and the Fab 48 in Las Vegas.

This past high school season, the junior small forward led his Simeon (HS) to a 33-1 record and its record-breaking third consecutive Class 4A Illinois state title with a 50-48 victory over previously undefeated Proviso East. In the state title game, Parker finished with fifteen points and five rebounds, while being the primary focus of the opposition.

6'8" Jabari Parker, Photo by Andrew Slater

Over the past two seasons, while playing a competitive national schedule, Jabari Parker, now 17, has led the Simeon Wolverines to a 63-3 record. This year, he became more assertive and, as an upperclassmen, took more of a leadership role on his Simeon team. As a result, his statistics all jumped across the board. The son of NBA veteran Robert "Sonny" Parker ended up averaging over twenty points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals per game, while achieving the primary goal of winning a third consecutive state title.

This month, Gatorade named him their National Player of the Year, becoming just the fourth junior to ever earn that distinction. This latest accolade came with the added recognition of his academic achievements (18th in a class of 377 students at Simeon) and community service (work with Salvation Army and Operation PUSH). For the first time in thirty-two years, a junior, Jabari Parker, won Illinois' Mr. Basketball, winning by a sizable margin (400-72) over the next closest runner-up. Jabari was Simeon's fourth Mr. Basketball, joining Derrick Rose, Nick Anderson, and Deon Thomas.

After a tough loss to a well-coached BABC team geared to shutting him down, Jabari sat down with me to talk about a variety of issues, including dealing with fame, recent accolades, the loss of Mac Irvin, winning a third consecutive state title, advising Jahlil Okafor, and embracing being a role model to Chicago's youth.

First things first, what was your reaction to the passing of Mac Irvin? Can you tell the audience the impact that he had on your life and the lives of other Chicago young men?

Sure, him passing took a toll on me.

I was sorry to hear that.

Yeah, I didn't really have a grandfather growing up. I really didn't know him and, so I would really look up to him as another father figure in my life and that was my dad's mentor growing up, when he was in the NBA, he had a chance to talk with him a little bit and so him not being here is like we're missing a piece of the puzzle. Without him, we don't have an inspirational guy. That means that everybody else needs to step up his role and get everybody involved.

Jahlil (Okafor) was saying that you guys have effectively dedicated this season to him, with the hope that you can win the whole EYBL in his memory.

Yeah, that's the hope. This was really probably the first trip that he wasn't able to come with us.

[private]

Mac was always very nice to me and I appreciated that.

Yeah, he was always a very respectful guy and it's a shame that he's not here.

On a more uplifting thought, you just won your third state title.

Yeah, that felt pretty good. You know being the first Chicago team to win three consecutive downstate titles. It really just makes us want it more. We don't want to get complacent or become satisfied. We just wanted to go out and execute.

Did this one differ from the first two, for you personally, as your roles and responsibilities have changed? Did you feel differently about this one in particular because you're more mature and had more of an impact?

Yeah, it was more different. The first two years, I was more humble, but, with this third one, I was a little bit satisfied. I had a big chip on my shoulder and the game caused me to humble myself. It reminded me that I've always got to be prepared that everybody will try to give their best game.

You had a few close victories against Proviso East in the title game and against Whitney Young (52-48) before that.

Yeah, they were real close, definitely.

You also had a huge honor recently when Gatorade named you their national player of the year. It's a significant one because, when I spoke with their guy who handles it, he said that they're always very cognizant of a player being well-rounded, in terms of being a high character person who balances athletics, academics, and charitable work. They basically want to try to make sure that the kids who win won't embarrass their brand off the court.

Yeah, that was a huge honor for me. It was a really special one in terms of giving us a lot of exposure.

There was an interview you and your brother Christian did and I think he said of you, "Basketball is what he does. It's not who he is."

Yeah, definitely, basketball is what I do, but I really just try to use it to be a role model to the kids. I'm just trying to be a role model in my community.

Let's quickly get back to basketball. Do you still train with your dad, brothers, and, from time to time, I think, Tim Grover?

Well, I haven't really trained with Tim Grover in a while, but I've just been going on my own…to my own school and getting a lot of shots up. With my dad, he really doesn't coach me anymore.

So, it's just mostly your brothers at this point.

Yeah, it's just mostly my brothers right now.

What about you and Rahm Emmanuel hanging out? It's sort of unusual for a kid your age to be hanging around with the Mayor of Chicago.

Well, yeah, it's been kind of special because my mom was assigned to show him around during the games and we've got a relationship for a while…, well, from last year, so meeting with him again this year, we all just felt a lot of support. He's a very big Simeon fan actually.

Oh, is he? Well, that's good for you guys.

Yeah, that's been good for us.We definitely feel the love.

Speaking of your mother, I saw that she said,paraphrasing, "We all struggle together. Fame is fleeting. We're no better or worse than anyone else."

Yeah, that's true. Fame is fleeting

I took it mean that effectively we're all in it together, so to speak.

Absolutely, we're all in it together and, with respect to fame, it can either bring you down or make you humble. With that, you can't let it get to you and think that you're bigger than anyone. You need to be there for everyone and be of service.

Has it been an adjustment for you as you've gotten older and people are obviously asking you for pictures and autographs?

I give them my time because I know that they're probably only going to see me once in lifetime. So, it's good and fantastic the things that I'm doing now so, you know, why not take a little time out to sign an autograph or take a picture.

There was a bit of controversy over you guys leaving your sneakers on the court after you won the state title, as a way of leaving your mark.

Oh, yeah, it was nothing really. We just thought that it was our way of leaving our mark on history. It wasn't meant as anything too egotistical, but people are going to take it out of perspective. They were going to build into something that was a little bit more than what it was.

Another issue that came up recently was Cory Dollins (his best friend) going to DePaul as a walk-on and your high school coach trying to get in the running for a job at Illinois. Do those specifically or similar things have a legitimate or serious impact on your ultimate recruitment?

Oh, no, not really. I've got to go through the process and just go to the program that suits me the best. I can't look at everybody and make everybody satisfied. Sometimes, I've got to be selfish on my own behalf.

What would you say that you've improved on most for fans that haven't seen you play in the past year?

Oh, working on my defense would probably be the most noticeable thing. Rebounding has also been something that I've tried to improve on, but really just trying to be a better overall player. Not taking anything for..well, playing every possession like it's my last. I'm starting to do that a little bit more than I used to. Looking back, I think that I used to take more plays off.

I think you're also a little bit more assertive this year, particularly offensively, than you were in the past.

Yeah, I think a little bit. That's a good word. I think I've become a little bit more aggressive on the offensive end.

Yeah, just a little bit.

Yeah, yeah, definitely

 

If you could target one aspect of your game, what would you like to tighten up most before you hit college?

Probably my body. I need to strengthen up. I've got to try to get, well, toning up. I've got to tone up my body.

Do you hit the weight room at all right now or not really?

No, not really.

You were mentioning before about being a role model, like the anti-Charles Barkley. I know you work with Operation Push, the Salvation Army, and prayer groups.

Oh, I don't look for any attention. It's just to help me out. It's what I do. It's part of my benefit. That's what makes me happy. A lot of people see that and it seems to bring them joy and hopefully inspires them too.

So, there will hopefully be some ten and thirteen year-old kids running around Chicago wanting to follow in the footsteps of Jabari Parker?

Yeah (laughs).

Do you have any visits planned and have you taken any visits recently?

No, I'm going to take my visits in the Fall time or possibly in the summer, but that's if I cut it down in the end.

Outside of that trip to Utah, have you taken any other visits recently?

Oh, no, not really.

Have you given any advice to Jahlil (Okafor), by the way?

Oh, yeah, I always try to get on him. (laughs) I tell that it's going to be different next year than it was as a sophomore. He's going to get a lot more attention. So, he's going to have to be a lot more responsible. He's going to have to choose his friends wisely and keep his inner circle tight. There's going to be a lot of people trying to get involved. I just try to be a big brother to him because he doesn't really have any siblings and, me, I don't really have any younger siblings. So, I, sort of, look at him as a younger one.

You're sort of going through some things now that he'll have to deal with in a year from now, in terms of his recruitment and the attention.

Yeah, yeah, I'm just sort of giving him some feedback that I think he needs to hear.

How about, in terms of him, physically getting in better shape or conditioning? You mentioned earlier how you wanted to tone up your body, but I thought a major turning point for you was when you lost all of that body fat during your sophomore year. It took your game to another level.

Yeah, that's a good point, but, with him, you know, it's just genetics. He's part Nigerian. So, you know, they're naturally big people.

Some of my best friends growing up were Nigerians.

Yeah, yeah, so, with him,  I just tell him that he's got to improve his wind. He's got to run even better and be able to keep it up. If he can run, at his size, he doesn't really need to worry about losing weight.

He's got a bright future as well.

Yeah, he does.

Where was that when you wrote "All of my guys eat like kings?" It looked like a nice place.

Oh, (laughs) that was after the Gatorade award. I just wanted to show my teammates my support and how thankful I was for their help in getting me that award. It was a really nice place. I just wanted to show them my appreciation.

That's it for me, Jabari

Oh, thank you very much for your time.

Absolutely, I'm just glad for all your successes. I was really happy for you.

Oh, thank you so much.[/private]

BDN Premium Articles, Duke Basketball Recruiting News

The Next Big Thing: 6’9″ Marcus Lee

6'9" Marcus Lee, Photo by Andrew Slater

Some talents are identified early, but every year there are a few players that blossom later in life. One young man, 6'9" Marcus Lee, used his unusual mix of speed, size, and jumping ability this weekend to catapult onto every major program's radar. [private]  Lee, who is a gregarious and fun-loving young man, is from Antioch, California, an East Bay city of more than one hundred thousand people.

 

An all-league volleyball player with a wingspan of 86", he's tried to carve out a niche as a superior shot-blocker and rebounder. This past season for his Deer Valley HS, he registered fifteen triple-doubles and averaged nearly fourteen rebounds, fourteen points, and just over nine blocks per game en route to being named co-MVP of the Bay Valley Athletic League. The Northern California big man helped the Deer Valley Wolverines win their first league title and make their first NCS title game. He ended the season on a tear registering a triple-double of twenty-one points, twelve rebounds, and eleven blocks in the NCS semi-finals and scoring twenty-two points in the title game before fouling out with with 3:54 in regulation. Offensively, he demonstrates good court vision for a big man, a trait which may be attributable to spending a little time playing some point guard for his high school team.

 

This past weekend, he helped the California Supreme and head coach Miles Simon, the former Arizona player and coach, go undefeated at the Minnesota leg of Nike's EYBL. Duke coaches Krzyzewski, Capel, and Wojciechowski all watched Lee, a B+ student, score twelve points, block four shots, and grab five rebounds in a win against the Louisiana Select in twenty-six minutes.

 

Marcus' older brother and mentor, Bryan Lee, was an all-Pacific West player at Grand Canyon University, a Division II program in Phoenix, and currently works as a technical recruiter for Google. Lee, who played last year for the Bay Area Hoosiers on the AAU circuit, credits his older brother for his development. When thinking about colleges, he's looking for a warm climate and a coach that makes him feel comfortable, in a similar manner to his AAU coach, Miles Simon.

 

After the last game was over, Marcus, spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of issues, including Duke's interest and Miles Simon.

 

Let's just start with a basic one. How do you feel that you and the team played this weekend?

Oh, I feel that I played great. I love playing in the national events and the team really played well together,  which helped us get wins and was probably unlike any other team here. We played really as a unit. It was just great.

Shot-blocking is obviously something that you're known for. Talk about that skill and your background in volleyball.

Oh, yeah, sure, volleyball is just a different type of jumping. It helps and I wish could explain it, but it just does.

Well, one guard that I know said that the plyometrics training in volleyball helped with his explosion for basketball.

Yeah, I think that's it.

How much of shot-blocking for you has been about improving your timing?

Yeah, well, that's been the key and volleyball has been great about that because it's all about timing. Now, that I think about volleyball also helps you to calm down and just concentrate on timing. It's very calming and you just block out other things.

 

So, you find it almost peaceful.

Oh, yeah, definitely.

 

I know that you've grown a little bit. What's your reach right now, if you happen to know?

Oh, yeah, it's 7'2."

 

I heard that you were trying to carve a niche as a shotblocker and rebounding specialist. Playing to your strengths to set yourself apart from some other guys.

Oh, yeah, well, I mean I started to think about blocking shots first and about how that was something that I was really good at and I'm 6'9"…So, I thought that I should first just concentrate on making myself the best at that and then the rest of my game would improve as well. It was just something that I thought I was good at and, you know, I thought why not concentrate on trying to make myself really good at that.

 

What position are most schools recruiting you as, a four or a five?

Dude, I just don't know.

Well, what position do prefer to play?

I just want to play. So, wherever they tell me to play, I'll go do it, man. I'm just happy to be out there.

 

How do you feel that your offense is coming along?

Oh, it's been great. I'm having fun. When you're having fun, you can't lose.

 

Let's move onto recruiting. What programs are recruiting you right now?

Everybody really. A lot of schools

 

What about a timeline? Do you have a time when you'd like to decide by or cut down on your list?

No, I'm in no real rush with that. I don't have any plans or anything like that.

 

Who will be some people that you will turn to for guidance, whenever you do decide?

Oh, yeah, my brother, Bryan, and my coach, I mean, my Uncle Mark.

 

I was reading that a school with warm weather is something that you were serious about. Is that accurate and will distance be a factor as well?

Oh, yeah, I've got to be in warm weather, but distance really doesn't matter or bother me.

 

Is there a player that you've tried to model your game after?

Actually, my brother. I've tried to model his game.

 

That's unique. Usually, guys will say a pro or hot college player. Were you a fan of any team growing up?

I've always been a North Carolina fan.

North Carolina?

Yeah.

Well, that may make the next question a bit rough.

(laughs) Oh, really.

What about Duke's interest in you? They watched you play a few times this weekend. How do you feel about their interest in you and would you be open to them, given your prior answer?

Oh, yeah, man, it was funny because we actually were talking them watching us for, like, the whole time while we were on the bench. It was amazing. We loved it.

 

Alright, well, then let me just ask if you personally would be open to them?

Oh, yeah, man, totally. I'd be way open to them. Way open!

 

Have you taken any visits recently and do you have any planned?

No, I haven't taken any visits recently and I actually don't have any really planned either.

 

Let's talk about Miles Simon and his coaching.

Oh, he's been amazing. He's very encouraging and he's a high energy guy. He's very supportive and encouraging to everybody on the team. He's always ready and prepared. He's an excellent motivator. Even when we're a bit sluggish or not ready, he'll be like, "Yeah, let's go! Let's go!" (laughs) He gets the guys energized and motivated. It's been fun to play for him.

 

What are you hoping to show coaches this AAU season?

I really don't know. I'm not sure.

 

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

That I'm just a really good, chill guy.

 

What's your current height?

Oh, 6'9"

 

How does AAU compare to the high school ball for you?

Oh, everybody's much bigger and the teams are just stacked at this level. Almost every player here will be college ball at some level. Everybody's huge too.

 

What are your goals, short and long-term?

Just to never really get big-headed. I don't want to become someone else or ever think that I'm too good for people. To always be approachable and grounded..

 

What style of play do you prefer to play?

A good, chill running gazelle type of play. (laughs) Just let's run. That's what I like. 

 

Do you actually watch a lot of basketball?

Actually, between school and basketball, I really have a hard time watching basketball. There's just not enough time.

 

Lastly, what will you be looking for in a college program, other than the weather?

I'll be looking for a coaching staff that's encouraging and supportive.

Like you were saying about Miles Simon?

Yeah, someone like him and a place that I can feel comfortable in and a fun place to play basketball and go to school.

 

By the way, where did your play basketball?

Oh, Grand Canyon University.

 

Thank you very much, Marcus. I know you guys are trying to catch a plane.

Oh, sure, no problem.[/private]

Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke offers Marcus Lee

Blue Devil Nation tipped off the masses that Duke came away enamored with California Supreme big man Marcus Lee (6-9, 210) after the Nike EYBL.  Coach Mike Krzyzewski called Lee today with an offer which makes the second the Blue Devils have handed out in two days.

We had BDN Recruiting Analyst Andrew Slater on the scene and we made sure he spoke to Lee and that interview is on the way for BDN Premium members.  We knew the call was coming and that he would likely earn a coveted offer to Duke and BDN just confirmed it via sources close to the team.

Lee told BDN's Andrew Slater yesterday that he credits volleyball, in terms of jumping, concentration, and being peaceful, with helping his shot blocking. "He's trying to carve out a niche as a shot blocker/rebounder. His brother and uncle will be the point men in his recruitment, " said Slater.

Lee told Slater that he grew up a Carolina fan, but said he's very open to Duke. He has a brother played college ball as well.  Distance will not be a factor in his recruitment, but he's looking for a coach that he's comfortable with, like Miles Simon (his AAU coach), and warm weather is a must.

We will have Slaters' complete interview up for BDN Premium members shortly, so check back in.

Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Prospect Austin Nichols picks up Duke offer

The Duke Men's Basketball staff has been on the road and the first offer of the AAU season came today, going to Austin Nichols of Briarcrest Christian High School in Memphis.  Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski gave the 6-9 Tennessee native a call just moments ago according to Nichols' twitter site and BDN has confirmed the offer is legitimate.

Coach K went to see Nichols play on Friday during a pit stop before the Nike EYBL in Minneapolis.  The head Duke man apparantely like what he saw thus the offer to Nichols who is in next seasons class of 2013.  Many scouts feel he can play the forward and center position at the next level.

Duke joins Memphis, Texas and Florida as teams that have offered or showed passionate interest and more schools are likely to come in.

Duke Basketball, Monday Musings

BDN Monday Musings – Duke Basketball Happenings

Duke is in hot pursuit of Amile Jefferson who will decide in the coming days and the staff will hit the recruiting trail hard starting this week. BDN Photo

It's been a while since I threw out an edition of Monday Musings so let's try an abbreviated version to hold you over -

Next stop for Rasheed Sulaimon ... Duke University

As you know already we covered the Nike Jordan Brand All Star game this past weekend and Sulaimon showed well for the Dukies earning praise along the way from many recruiting types. Sulaimon will be on the Duke campus in early July which is just over two months away and he will take the time in between to reflect on all that has happened to date and continue his workouts. Having seen Sulaimon play in person over 20 times now, I can tell you that Duke fans will love his ability to play good defense and his first step is as good as it gets. While not a total speed demon, Sulaimon has a way of being all over the place as an active player.

 

We hardly knew you ...

Word started to leak out yesterday that Michael Gbinije would transfer and this has long been floating around the rumor mill.  Well, it is all but a formality at this point and we should hear official word from the Duke Sports Information Department any time now.  Gbinije has a history of transferring from schools, several stops in high school and seems to be having trouble finding the right fit.  We wish Gbinije the best and it looks as if he will take a long look at Big East and Virginia are schools.   He is a talented young man and a great student, so he will do well.  Normally, the school handles official announcements but the rush for a scoop caused a lot of  issues.  The sad truth is any kid transferring is not newsworthy enough to have been handled in the way it was and bordered on being meddlesome but that is simply one mans opinion.

 

Amile Jefferson come on down ...

Duke still has a shot at Amile Jefferson who is still deciding between several schools making hard, late runs for his services.  I expect we'll know what the deal is as early as this week.  The general consensus is that he is the last prospect Duke has a shot at in 2012.

Unless ....

Unless, Tony Parker comes around at the midnight hour.  Sources have told Blue Devil Nation that he will make his selection known at his high school on Friday of this week.  Parker was rumored heavily to be UCLA bound this weekend, but he has been the center of many rumors and many national analyst washed their hands with him once he started being all over the place with his comments.  Parker shows little respect for most of the media and is a young kid funning about with the process.  In the end, do not be shocked if he stays in state and goes to Georgia,  His recruitment has frustrated many fans, especially those of Duke for there is a glaring obviousness that he has a spot at Duke where he would play.  I am think the parents who strongly favored Duke will settle for him staying near home.  Parker is a good kid with a nice skill set but looking back on his decision will be interesting.  Who knows, maybe he will have another last minute change of heart but I would not wager the house on it at this point.

Nike EYBL kicks off this week

The Nilke EYBL gets underway at Minneapolis, Minnesota this week and Duke will have a bevy of prospects there.  The coaches will be out in full force this week during an earlier open period than years past.  The bigger names they will watch are Jabari Parker and Julius Randle but several others are on the radar which members of the Blue Devil Nation know about.  For more on the recruiting front, join BDN Premium as we start our unmatched AAU coverage which has now become a site tradition.