We have a new format for our BDN Premium Locker Room Report and to start it off we have audio interviews from Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and Mason Plumlee to go with game and team analysis and a few tidbits.  We go out of our way to bring you as many one-on-one and joint chats with the players as possible, fresh after every home game.

While we'll continue to have a lot of free audio clips, the majority of them will remain in the new format.  In order to gain full site access to our private members-only message board and read all the latest on the team and recruiting, join BDN Premium and start the new year off getting inside the goings on around Duke Athletics.

The Blue Devils had little time to celebrate their walk in the park victory over Pennsylvania, for the ACC season has taken center stage in the teams thoughts.  No matter which player I chatted with after their 11th win of the season, no one said they would have a big New Year and many mentioned that they had been practicing really hard.

In fact, one Duke Assistant Coach said, "They better not be," despite hearing me say that all of the players claimed it would be a calm New Year's Eve, which echoed the businesslike nature of the team.

Coach Krzyzewski made it clear in his press conference that it was time to see how Duke measured up in the ACC for teams would expose any weaknesses.  That's why the players and staff are more than just a little focused for their Sunday visitor.

[private] The Devils used games with Long Beach State and Penn to prep for an athletic Clemson Tiger team that will be looking to pull off the upset and prove they're an upper level ACC team.

Jon Scheyer is now on everybody's list as one of the ACC's best players, many saying he is the best to date which includes myself.  The thing about Scheyer is that he has embraced his role where his assist-to-turnover ratio is incredible.  That stat will go down a bit after his four turnovers against Penn, er ... actually with 11 assists maybe not so much.  Watching Scheyer has become more popular than watching preseason All ACC pick, Kyle Singler, of late.  Of course, Singler is still adjusting to his role on the team this year and is still putting up good numbers.  Here is a one on one with Jon from last evening -

Nolan Smith had a great shooting night, going 8 of 11 from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc on his way to 23 points.  Smith seemed a bit gassed after the game and mentioned tough practices in preparation for the ACC season.  Smith will need to be at his best to help Duke win their conference opener.  Here is what Nolan had to say -

Mason Plumlee realized that anyone could have had a good night against Penn, but he was still elated to be swarmed by the media.  Mason had career highs in points with 18 and rebounds with 7 in 21 minutes of action.  Even though the competition was weak, just seeing the ball drop in the basket had to help Mason.  I asked him about letting the game come to him after he finished his Duke Radio interview with Bob Harris, which enabled me to get him away from the media swarm.

We hope you enjoyed the BDN Locker Room Report. [/private]