Gbinije took in a game at Cameron and then chose Duke - BDN Photo
HAMPTON - The Blue Devil Nation caught up to Michael Gbinije who recently committed to Duke during the Nike EYBL session I which is the first event to kick of the AAU season. BDN will be following Duke prospects and those who have signed with the same vigor we do the football and basketball teams. In fact, our coverage set the standard for Duke sites last season and we promise you that will continue. We'll have a scouting report up [private] on Gbinije on our premium message board shortly.
Just press play -
Next up Tyler Adams says Duke is his leader. [/private]
First of all, Blue Devil Nation will be celebrating Duke's national championship for some time to come, but there is little rest when you want to bring fans the best Duke coverage available. Blue Devil Nation Premium will kick off its AAU coverage this weekend as we cover the Nike EYBL Session I, also known as the Boo Williams Invitational in Hampton, Virginia.
There we will cover the likes of Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers and more names you can learn about as a member. In fact, the spring and summer is one of the busiest times at BDN in that we bring you lots of information during the off season.
We'll once again bring our top notch coverage of AAU events where Andre Slater and myself will interview and analyze the prospects at the various camps. Last season, BDN Premium was the only Duke site to cover all the major events, setting a new standard of Duke subscription site coverage. Furthermore, we were there in person to cover the kids you really want to hear about and not some brief banter and fodder from national corporate site types.
Not that the national guys aren't good mind you, just that they certainly are not there to concentrate on true Duke targets as we do.
Austin Rivers is still committed to Florida, but he has shown interest in a Duke team that just won the national title. Current Flordia player Kenny Boynton Jr. spurnned Duke for the Gators saying he felt like he could play for a national championship there. Well, he would have won one had he been on the Duke roster this season. There are many stories on the recruiting trail and that's what we cover better than any other site hers at BDN. Join Blue Devil Nation Premium and follow us on the recruiting trail as we cover fuure Blue Devils and coveted prospects like Austin Rivers. Our coverage starts this weekend at the Nile Boo Williams Invitational, don't delay in joining so you get stay in the loop.
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BDN told you last week that Duke offered BF Tyler Adams a physical prospect out of Mississippi. Now, we allow you to get to know him in his own words via our most recent interview for our subscribers. It's a great time to join Blue Devil Nation Premium for recruiting is red hot despite Duke concentrating on Purdue in their sweet 16 match up. Join now and get all the behind the scenes action. Check out our in depth interview with Carrick Felix as well and then talk about the latest happenings with fellow members on our private message board which has the most rational discussion of any subscription site. Follow the links to join and gain full site access, you'll be glad you did. Back to Adams, who is quick to tell you that he loves physical play and that's his kind of game. He also goes into how, well, read it for yourself -
Describe your game in your own words?
I'm a real physical post player, I like to bang and I like to play with back to the basket but I stay with my limits around the blocks on offense. And then, I think I'm a good rebounder.
Who has offered you to date?
Duke, Mississippi State, Alabama, Clemson and Michigan.
Who do you pattern your game after?
I try to play like Tim Duncan, but really there's not too many guys I can pattern my game after now days because a lot of people don't like to bang.
What are you looking for in a school?
A school that really loves me and [private] a good program I can get into.
Will you play for the Jackson Tigers on the AAU circuit again this season?
Yeah, yeah.
When the time comes, who will help you make your decision?
My family and my AAU coaches ... Coach Wade and Coach Stamps and my high school coach, Coach Boyles.
I understand that Duke offered you recently?
Yeah, Duke offered.
Who have you been talking with at Duke?
I talked to Coach James and Coach K.
What did you think of Coach K?
He's Coach K, you know. He's one of the best.
What about Nate James? Is he the assistant you talk to there?
He's a pretty good guy. We're starting to develop a relationship. I like him a lot.
Without telling too much or anything personal, what did Coach K have to say?
Well, he called to offer. We just talked about what type of player I am and the things I need to work on and just life in general. He's easy going, easy to talk to.
Has Coach K seen you play?
Coach James saw me on the circuit [AAU] last year at the Reebok All American Camp and he looked at me at the Peach Jam. coach K has seen me on film and he wants to see me this summer.
When would you like to make a decision on where you'll play college basketball?
I kind of want to make a decision before the summer is over.
Were you surprised to hear from Coach K?
Yeah, yeah, yeah I was. It kind of surprised me that a school like Duke offered me.
What other schools do you like?
I like Mississippi State, Alabama and Memphis you know. But uh, they're not a school like Duke though.
Memphis?
I visited Memphis when Calipari was there.
Which schools have been recruiting you the longest?
Mississippi State and Alabama, Clemson too.
Have you developed any relationships with them?
Yeah, some, they're all pretty good.
Have you been on any unofficial visits?
Yeah, Calipari and Memphis and Alabama.
Where do you see yourself playing or fitting in college?
I can see myself being a back to the basket five, but my game should be something like a forward, but probably a five in college.
What do you feel like you need to work on the most in order to improve your as a player?
My turnaround jumper and getting in better condition right now.
Are you watching the NCAA tournament?
Yeah, yeah, I'm still watching. Since Duke is recruiting me, I kind of hope they make it far but I just like Tennessee though. They're not recruiting me but I like the way they play.
Who is your favorite NBA player?
Amare Stoudamire. Yeah, yeah. He's my favorite player
And when you're chilling of the court?
I just hang out with friends and go out to eat a lot, you know ... movies, games, things like that.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played football in the ninth grade, but football use to be my favorite sport but I stuck with basketball because I was being highly recruited.
Are schools trying to set up visits with you?
Yeah, yeah they have. I'm starting to set up some stuff.
Anything with Duke yet?
They want me to come there in June.
Thanks for your time Tyler. Good luck with your eventual decision and maybe I look forward to catching you play this summer.
Josh Hairston and Tyler Thornton named Gatorade Players of the Year in their state - copyright BDN Photo
The 2010 Duke Recruiting class currently consists of three players and all were named Gatorade players of the year in their state. Josh Hairston [6-8 forward] was voted the top player in Maryland. Hairston transferred to Montrosse Christian Academy from Courtland HS in Virginia and enjoyed a very successful year.
Kyrie Irving was named the top player in the state of New Jersey where he played for St. Patrick's and he of course will run the point guard spot at Duke next season. Irving was also named to the McDonald's All American team.
Tyler Thornton [6-2 guard] led his Gonzaga Prep school to the title and was named Gatorade player of the year District of Columbia.
Blue Devil Nation congratulates the three incoming Blue Devils for their success on the hardwood this season.
Well, one would think that not a lot is going on in recruiting while Duke is in the NCAA Tournament, but think again! Duke extended an offer to 6-9 Tyler Adams of Brandon Mississippi. The Blue Devils ... Don't you think it's time to join BDN Premium? Read the rest of this article and discuss the happenings with other members or visit the chat room which is open at all times and get the skinny on the NCAA and AAU trail. [private] are actively seeking a power forward center type and Adams fits the bill. At 235 pounds, he is able to muscle players around and he is still filling out according to his coach. Adams holds offers or has strong interest from Florida, Kentucky, Memphis and Oklahoma. Duke feels that they need a player like Adams who likes to mix it up down low. His strength is one of his major assets, but he needs to work on a go-to move on offense. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski called an offered him last evening. More to come at the place for recruiting and Duke coverage. [/private]
It is now official that Carrick Felix is the newest Duke Blue Devil. Felix is a 6-6 athletic swing man from Southern Idaho Junior College. Felix visited Duke Sunday until early this morning, meeting with admissions who accepted him into Duke. Felix will have three years of eligibility left. Felix excels in the classroom and he looks forward to expanding that education while in Durham. Nate James was the lead assistant in the newest Blue Devils' recruitment. In fact, James assisted Duke as the lead recruiter with Michael Gbinije as well. Join BDN Premium and talk about this latest news on our members only message board. This announcement came as no surprise to our members which is one of the many benefits for full site access.
Just added to BDN Premium - How Duke discovered Carrick Felix and how they plan to use him in their system. Get the real deal inside.
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