Tag Archives: Duke Basketball Recruiting News

2010_0409fourfinal0160 — This Monday we feature three cheerleaders of the week.

If you failed to see or missed the ratings, the Duke-Butler National Championship game was a huge hit for CBS. It's been a decade since any game has garnered the ratings of this seasons title game, yet we are to think all of the folks who tuned in are Duke haters?

The answer to the above question is of course not. Much of the Duke hate spin has come from media types. Even after the Blue Devils won the title, local and national media types were still making excuses and or trying to explain with flawed reasoning why and or how Duke won it all. Do you think other schools would have faced such scrutiny?

2010_0409fourfinal0174 — Duke will continue their celebration fo their fourth National Championship on Thursday

Much of the national media has grabbed onto falsehoods past concerning the men's basketball program. As time passes some fans fall prey to this supposed hate train but, in reality, many fans around the country like Duke just fine. Heck, even Sports Illustrated did some research on the issue in their commemorative magazine. No matter who you were media wise, had you followed this team, you would have seen no sign of bad attitudes, pompous arrogance, entitlement or, well, the list is long as you well know. In short, this team was more than a little likable.

Speaking of the Sports Illustrated Commemorative, it is well worth the time to buy it and read it. I'm not quite as fond of the USA Today offering

2010_0409fourfinal0026 — How much would this stool bring on Ebay? BDN Photo

Yes, you could still hear some media .types whining after the game and I am talking about the national media room at Lucas Oil Arena. Objectivity was is short order in some circles but that is to be expected. One of those who constantly offers their opinion is a local radio host who ate enough crow this season to write a book on the subject of sticking ones foot in their mouth. Has this person mellowed? A little, but it is still painful to listen to one local loud mouth spout off opinions without an ounce of thought.

Everybody wants to know what Kyle Singler will do and I can't tell you, for it looks like it is too close to call. I can tell you that his answer could come before the ink dries on this article. Should the Blue Devils lose Singler, they will have lost four starters and that will be a rebuilding job despite the talent on hand. If he returns, Duke could well earn the nation's top spot going into the season. So yes, it is a big deal.

The Duke Men's Basketball Banquet on Thursday offers fans one last chance to say goodbye to Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek. Trust me, it will be one heck of a show. Let's hope the aforementioned Singler doesn't join the beloved departing senior class.

2010_0409fourfinal0220 — The Blue Devil and yours truly from Indianapolis

I doubt you'll see the men's basketball program appear on the television show Myth Busters. But let's just scratch the surface for a moment if you will on what the episode would look like. Duke plays their starters too much for an NCAA Tournament run. Well, Duke rode the legs of their famished players to grab the Sears Cup. Coach K stretched himself thin with Team USA and it has hurt Duke. Uh, tell that to the recruits coming in. Hey, Coach K! Please stretch yourself thinner than ever this season. Duke is too white, right? Where did this one come from? Duke is bringing in four athletes of color next season and just about everybody on the radar is of color, but look, Duke recruits kids not color. Duke can't develop big men. Well, Wojo should be standing atop a chair waving about a towel that would make Crazy Towel Guy envious. Me thinks that Brian Zoubek, Lance Thomas and the brothers Plumlee were collectively the bruise brothers. We could go on, but what's the use? Media hate for Duke is alive and well despite a team of extreme character players who epitomized togetherness.

Recruiting? It's that time of year around here. We will continue to cover the AAU and other tournaments this season. Andrew Slater and myself will be joined on occasion by some interns to bring you the best coverage available for our growing list of members. Patrick Cacchio and I will kick off our football recruiting coverage this week as well. The bottom line is that being a member of Blue Devil Nation Premium is to be a part of all the latest happenings often before they happen. Want to know who the next prospect to sign will be? Do you want coverage that set the bar last season? Would you like to participate in the most rational Duke related members-only message board on the web? Try us out, for we are certain that once you have, you'll be with us for a long time. At $100.00 per year, it's like having a daily Duke fix for about a quarter a day. And our members will be the first to tell you that this is the place to be for premium coverage.

Lastly, I would like to thank not only our members, but our followers for making the Blue Devil Nation such an awesome site. We loved tweeting from every game in Cameron as well as from the NCAA Tournament. We were there every step of the way in a magical season, for that is what we are about. We are hands on at BDN, wanting to be your eyes and we know what you want to see. We look forward to serving the Blue Devil Nation for a long time and we are constantly trying to make this site better.

Join BDN on twitter and Facebook for a complete fan experience. Join BDN Premium for full site access and be in the know on all things Duke.

BDN Premium Articles

Duke Basketball Recruiting focus on Amir Williams

April 15, 2010 Andrew Slater

amir williams mich ballers — Amir Williams - photo courtesy Michigan Ballers

Amir Williams is a 6’10,” 224lb junior from Detroit Country Day, the alma mater of Chris Webber and Shane Battier. Forming a formidable inside-outside duo with point guard Ray McCallum, Jr., Williams had a double-double in the title game to win a Michigan State Title, the eighth under Coach Kurt Keener. After a morning of taking the ACT, Williams competed for The Family AAU program at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. At the end of his long day, he spoke with Blue Devil Nation about the latest in his recruitment, winning a state title, playing at DCC, and a variety of other topics.

Can you talk about winning the state title?

It was a great experience. We came close to winning it the year before, but didn’t and we knew those guys would likely get there. It was great to be able to beat them and win a state championship.

How has it been playing alongside and learning from players like DaShonte Riley, Ray McCallum, Jr., Jordan Dumars, and Donnavan Kirk? What kind of advantage do you expect it to give you when you reach the next level?

It’s been a great learning experience, you know. Just going out there and banging against all of those big guys when I was a freshman and a sophomore.

I remember talking [private] to Donnavan and he said you were the “next big thing” at DCC.

Yeah, it was a great chance to be able to go up against guys like him that are playing D-I ball.

Out of all of the guys you’ve faced, who would you say was the best or the toughest to guard?

I couldn’t say any one guy. It’d be too tough.

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

Both really and I think I can play either.

Who are the schools recruiting you hardest now?

Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, UConn, Purdue and Duke recently offered me. Oh, and did I say LSU?

Can you give the audience a scouting report on you? What do you think opposing coaches say about you?

That I can step out and hit the face-up jumper, but I’m also stronger and like to do the dirty work inside now. I can rebound on both sides. I can also outrun most bigs too.

In terms of style of play, do you have a preference?

I definitely prefer to run, you know, go up-and-down.

Do you have a time frame in your mind for when you’d like to decide by?

Late in my senior year probably

What was your reaction when you were invited to try out for the USA Team?

Oh, I was very excited. It was a major honor. I was very proud to be invited.

What do you consider to be you r greatest strength right now on the court?

My strength, my rebounding and my shot- blocking

What’s your biggest weakness?

My ball-handling

Defensively, do you prefer to contain your man or take chances going for the shot block? Do you prefer to front your man or play behind him?

I’d rather just contain him. If the shot block is there, then I’ll take it. Oh, and I’d rather play behind my man, but, in this game, Coach sometimes wanted me to front him.

Where do you like to catch it?

Either in the low box or near the foul line

Do you prefer to face-up or play back-to-the- basket?

I can do either. It just depends on who I’m facing.

Back to recruiting, please tell the audience where you’ve visited so far?

Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Miami, and Kentucky

You mentioned before that Duke offered you, which Duke Coaches have you communicated with?

Coach James. He was the one who came up and has been recruiting me.

Have you spoken with Coach K at all?

No, not yet.

But they offered you?

Yes

You obviously go to a very challenging high school both academically and on the court. What’s your impression of Duke as a school and as a program from afar?

It’s a great program. They just won the National Title and it’s a tremendous university too.

Where are you going to camp this year?

I’ve been invited to the NBA 100 and Amare Stoudamire. They said if I played well at the Amare and the LeBron, then I’ll have a chance to go to the Nike Global Challenge.

Lastly, what are you looking for ideally in a college?

I'm looking for a good basketball coach that will help to develop me and a winning program. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

Nations elite including Duke looking at Houston PG L.J. Rose

April 14, 2010 Mark Watson

HAMPTON - One of the nations top point guard prospects in his class is L.J. Rose from Houston, Texas. Rose suited up for Houston Hoops in the Nike EYBL Session I in Hampton, Virginia this past weekend and his play did not disappoint.

Rose stands 6-2 and is close to 175 pounds and he attends Houston Second Baptist High School Rose is the son of former Houston Cougar Lynden Rose, who played with Akeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler on their 1982 Final Four team.

SUBSCRIBE TO BLUE DEVIL NATION PREMIUM AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE MISSING. [private]

Just press play -

Next up - Amile Jefferson [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

Hulking 2012 prospect Tony Parker talks recruiting

April 13, 2010 Andrew Slater

HAMPTON - Tony Parker is a 6’9,” 270 lb sophomore from Miller Grove high school in Lithonia, Georgia. He was selected last May to be a part of the twelve-member inaugural USA Basketball Men's Developmental National Team. Parker plays both center and power forward for the Georgia Stars AAU program. After a 21 point, 8 rebound game against the Charlotte Royals at the Boo Williams Sportsplex, he spoke with Blue Devil Nation about a variety of issues.

How was your season?

Well, it was good, but tough. I got injured at the end and basically missed the postseason. I had a couple of injuries, so that was tough.

You looked completely healed. Is everything cool for you, health wise?

Oh, yeah. Everything’s better now, but the timing was just bad. We won twenty-two straight and, with seven sophomores, we should be able to compete for a title in the future.

Can you talk about the experience of making and playing on the USA team?

Oh, that was a great experience. It was probably the best I’ve had so far. There was so much competition. I mean everybody could play and everybody went hard. My roommate, Johnny O’Bryant, is out here right now. He was playing so well. [private]

Yeah, he competes so hard, compared to some other bigs. I don’t know he sustains it sometimes. What was he like as a roommate?

He’s a funny dude, but, yeah, you’re right. He goes hard all the time. Some guys think they’re going hard or try to make it look like they are. We had so much fun out there competing and hanging out.

A kid I know a little bit from my area is Kyle Anderson. He was talking about how difficult the competition was.

Yeah, and it was especially tough for guys from the East to get used to the altitude. That altitude will make you feel like you’re choking a little bit up there. We were also some of the younger guys too.

Let’s talk about your recruitment. Do you have any timeframe for when you’d like to decide by?

Not really. Probably the end of next summer, but I’m not sure.

Are most programs recruiting you as a four or a five? Do you have any preference?

I’ll play either and they’re recruiting me for both. I just look at it as I’m a basketball player. Just roll the ball out there and I’ll play.

In this game, they put a seven footer on you and you played almost exclusively back-to-the-basket. Do you prefer to play back-to-the-basket or face-up?

I definitely need to work on my face-up game. Right now, I just like playing with my back-to-othe-basket and killing them with my drop-steps.

Do you consider that to be your go-to move right now?

That’s a good question. That’s a real good question. I guess my favorite move right now is drop-step middle.

You like to use that backboard, if need be.

Yeah, you get a more of a chance to see the basket and use that backboard, if you have to.

What kind of style of play are you looking for?

It doesn’t matter. I’ll play any way you want.

I would think with your ability to run the court that an up-tempo offense would take advantage of your strengths.

Yeah, I can definitely outrun most big guys, but I’m open to anything.

Where do you like to catch it?

The low box-either side, really

Have you taken any visits so far?

Just Tennessee, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Auburn

Who’s the best player you’ve faced so far?

In my freshman year, they put me on Derrick Favors. Oh, man, he was a beast to guard, especially as a freshman. That was, by far, my toughest match-up so far.

What do you think you can bring to a program?

I can run the court, rebound, score a lot around the basket, and just compete. I’ve got great hands too.

Yeah, you do.

You know what the trick is? It’s those grip balls. You can just be sitting on the couch and using those things and it really helps your hands and wrists and stuff.

If you were defending yourself, what’s your biggest weakness right now?

Oh, my ankle really. I want to work on my face-up game too.

What are you looking for ideally in a college?

Strong values in the coaches, a winning program, do they develop big men or do they just throw them out there because they have to, does every big man have at least one move, and do they get them the ball. I’m going to be looking for that. I want to see a track record. I mean that’s one thing about UConn is they have a track record of developing big guys. Their big men get better and play in the league too. So, I’ll be looking at a lot of things.

Do you have any player that you try to emulate?

Dwight Howard. He competes and he’s got so many moves and he’s from my area too.

Will location be a factor?

No, I’ll go anywhere.

How big are you now and what are you projected to grow to by the time you reach college?

Well, they say I’ll be about 6’10,” but I’m 6’9,” 270 right now. My dad’s actually only a normal sized guy, like, maybe, 5’ 8” or 5’10” or something.

Have you spoken with any of the Duke coaches?

Yeah, I have. I actually visited Duke with my friend Evan Nolte. He’s a player too. Do you know him?

Oh, yeah.

Well, we went up there and they took us around and I talked to Coach K for like twenty minutes.

What was your impression of Coach K?

He’s just a great coach. He’s a funny guy, too but serious too. I always think that meeting was the reason I made the USA team or at least it helped.

Well, the man has some power with the USA team. It couldn’t have hurt.

Definitely

So you got to see the facilities and his office. They say it has a finger-touch entrance or something.

(laughs) Yeah, well, it kind of looked like the President’s office. I knew Mason Plumlee a little bit from playing against him too.

Where’d you play against him?

At this event called the Chick-Fil-A

Now, you’re recovering from the injuries, but are you already planning on doing some strength and conditioning.

Yep, those are killers, man, but you’ve got to do them. I work out with about five guys. We do a lot of running.

Do you work on just speed or adding strength?

We do it all. That’s the time of year when you have to get after it. I’m trying to add some upper body strength.

Do you know where you’re going to camps this year?

I was planning on going to the NBA Camp, but, now, I was talking with some people about not going because of the USA team. There are time conflicts and I want to be in shape for the USA team. I don’t want to get worn out by the NBA Camp. The better competition is going to be out in Colorado.

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

That I look like a mean player on the court, but I’m a nice guy off of it. I’m a fun guy to hang around with off the court and laugh with, but I’m a nasty guy on that court. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

2011 prospect Quincy Miller pulled for Duke to win the title

April 13, 2010 Mark Watson

HAMPTON - Duke prospect Quincy Miller [6-9 Winston Salem, N.C., Quality Education, D-One Sports] was a scoring machine during the Nike EYBL Session I AAU event in Hampton, Virginia. Miller was finding various ways of scoring and he was clearly one of the most talented players at the camp. Miller showed steady improvement from a year ago and he is a consensus top ten pick in his class. Currently ranked 6th by Prep Stars, Miller took the time to talk with the Blue Devil Nation in the following interview. We also chatted with his AAU coach and got his thoughts on the budding star as well.

You look better than you did a year ago on the court and l...

I've just been working on my game, my jump shot and my handle and becoming a team player

Where do you stand on the recruiting front?

I'm [private] not close to making a decision and I don't think I will be until next year. Not sure of the time period, but next year.

Who will play a big role in your decision?

Really my mom. She will go on the visits with me and help me make my decision.

And your current list of schools?

Duke, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Memphis, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, uh, that's all I can think of.

A lot of people have said you are a Kentucky lean.

[smiling] Everybody thinks so because I took a couple of visits. You know, they seem to think I'm going thee or something.

Duke is on your list, did you watch them win the title?

Yeah, I was cheering for them

Do you have friends on their team?

Andre Dawkins and Nolan Smith.

What do you think of Coach K?

Greatest coach in the nation right now.

Do you have a relationship with him?

Yeah, were close, me and Coach K are real cool.

What do you feel like you can improve upon with your game?

I still can improve on everything. [said with emphasis] My game is not nearly where I want it to be.

What is it like to have so many people pulling at you being one of the top rated players inb your class?

I kind of have like a tight circle, so it's not a real problem.

You seem to love social networking?

Yeah, I just have a lot of fun. I'm a fun kid and just want it to be light. I'm just having fun and taking advantage of the hour.

Any official or unofficial visits set?

Not that I know of yet.

Will you be making any plans soon?

Yes sir. I'll probably set some up by the end of summer.

And your list of schools?

Duke, Wake Forest, Kentucky, South Carolina, N.C. State ... that's it.

Will you take all five official visits before deciding on a school?

Yeah, I will take all five. [nodding]

What are you looking for in a school?

A comfort level and if their style of play will fit my style and a coach. I want a coach that can take my game to a whole new level.

What kind of guys do you want to play with in college?

Team players. I'm a team player and I want to play with team players. I like to get up and go [run].

Thanks for your time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His AAU Coach -

Your thoughts on Quincy Miller ...

With his length size and athleticism he can get a lot done around the basket. I do think his future is a perimeter face up guy, so I have been working with him. He has a little more freedom. I have been working off him coming off screens and getting use to the dribble, drive and he should be able to show his strengths a little bit more.

What is it like coaching one of the best prospects in the nation?

It's not a problem, I've been with Tyreke Evans before, so it's nothing new. Brian Clifton has some years now in D-One sports and he is involved with his recruitment. When Brian is busy with John Wall now, I'm kind of walking around Quincy to know he's straight. He will sit down with Brian and his family and they'll make a decision.

Where can Miller improve?

Playing every possession. Learning to play every possession without taking one off.

How do you see Miller being used in college?

I think he will be a face up power forward. He's a leader and his teammates love him. He can be a Kevin Durant type. [/private]

BDN Premium Articles

2011 prospect Tyler Adams says “Duke is my leader”

April 12, 2010 Mark Watson

HAMPTON - BDN was on the scene at this weekends Boo Williams Invitational which is now known as the Nike EYBL Session I where we took in the nations top basketball prospects. We'll be churning out interviews and scouting reports as the week progresses and we'll start it off with Tyler Adams.

If you are a member you have already had an introduction to Adams, but we've yet to really concentrate on his play at AAU events. Adams is a back to the basket player, a true center if you will. That's the kind of player Duke has an opening for and Adams was offered about five weeks ago.

During the interview Adams [6-9 1/2 Brandon High School, Brandon Mississippi, AAU Jackson Tigers, Class of 2011] stated that Duke was his leader and that he would be visiting the campus soon. For his exact comments and a scouting report, check out our latest interview with the hulking star.

How do you feel you've played thus far in this event?

I feel like I played pretty good, physical and everything, better in the second half than the first half of this game.

Which schools are giving you looks?

Well Duke is recruiting me real hard, [private] Mississippi State, Alabama, Memphis and Clemson.

When did Duke start recruiting you?

About a month and a half ago and once they called me they came pretty hard.

Have you talked with Coach K [Krzyzewski] yet?

Yeah, yeah. I talked to him about two or three times. My Dad talks to him a lot.

Your Dad grew up a Duke fan, right?

He said he's been liking Duke ever since he was a little boy.

When do you plan on making a decision as to where you'll play in college?

Early this summer.

Are you planning any visits in the near future?

I'm probably going to visit Duke in June when I get out of school.

What can Tyler Adams work on to make his game better?

Right now I'm working on conditioning and I need to work on my jump shot to increase my range.

Three words which best describes you on the court would be?

[said without hesitation or pondering thoughts] Big, physical and strong

Three words which best fit you off the court?

[smiling] Nice, goofy and outgoing.

Did Duke say how they would use you if you chose to play there?

I'm a back to the basket guy and they don't have anyone big and physical like that.

Is Duke the favorite.

Right now? Yeah, yeah.

Are there any hold ups in the process with Duke?

Not really, no. I'm just trying to get my grades straight right now.

Who is the lead assistant at Duke for your services?

Coach James. [Nate James]

Did James or Krzyzewski say how they would use you if you picked them?

Being able to come in and be physical, play big and be a physical presence.

Thanks for your time and good luck in the rest of the weekend.

Yes sir. Thank you.

Synopsis - Adams needs some work on his grades but if they fall into place, Adams will pick the Blue Devils. The decision could come the moment the aforementioned matters are wrapped up.

My take on his game - Adams is a back to the basket player that has a quick first leap but needs work on the timing of his jump. He is a true center type or a player who could play two positions, that being the post or power forward. Needs work on his shooting mechanics, especially from the free throw stripe and has limited range at this stage of his development. He seems unselfish on the offensive end and can flush a dunk or take it to the paint. He can float out for the jumper but that is not his strength at this time. He alters shots and seems to want to be around the play, not taking too many plays off if any during my two views of his game. He is capable of controlling the glass, but needs some work on his footwork for positioning. He can clean up on misses with follow shots and had 3 blocks in one game albeit against a smaller team. We'll keep track of his progress and Andrew Slater and other will chime in on his game in the near future. [/private]