Tag Archives: Vernon Carey

Duke Basketball

Vernon Carey, Tre Jones on Wooden POY Watch List

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (November 5, 2019) – The John R. Wooden Award® presented by Wendy’s® announced its Preseason Top 50 Watch List today on ESPN’s SportsCenter and on ESPN.com. Chosen by a preseason poll of national college basketball experts, the list is comprised of 50 student-athletes who are the early front-runners for the most prestigious honors in college basketball, the Wooden Award All American Team™ and Most Outstanding Player Award.

Several universities boast multiple players on the list: Florida (Kerry Blackshear Jr., Scottie Lewis, and Andwew Nembhard) leads all schools with three selections, while Davidson (Kellan Grady and Jon Axel Gudmundsson), Duke (Vernon Carey Jr. and Tre Jones), Kansas (Udoka Azubuike and Devon Dotson), Kentucky (Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey), Maryland (Anthony Cowan Jr. and Jalen Smith), Memphis (Precious Achiuwa and James Wiseman), Utah State (Sam Merrill and Neemias Queta), and Washington (Jaden McDaniels and Isaiah Stewart) each have two selections on the Preseason Top 50.

Of the 50 players on the preseason list, 34 are upperclassmen, including 22 seniors. The recent trend of recognizing outstanding freshmen continues with ten named to the list: Memphis’ Achiuwa and Wiseman, North Carolina’s Cole Anthony, Duke’s Carey Jr, Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, Florida’s Lewis, Airzona’s Nico Mannion, Kentucky’s Maxey, and Washington’s McDaniels and Stewart.

The Preseason Top 50 list represents 12 conferences. The Pac-12 leads all conferences with 8 selections, followed by the Big East and SEC with seven apiece, the Big Ten with six, the ACC with five, the Big 12 with four, the American and WCC with three apiece, the A-10 and Mountain West with two each, and the America East, Conference USA, and Horizon League with one selection apiece.

The players on the list are considered strong candidates for the 2020 John R. Wooden Award Men’s Player of the Year presented by Wendy’s. Players not chosen to the preseason list are still eligible for the Wooden Award™ midseason list, late season list, and the National Ballot. The National Ballot consists of 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they meet or exceed the qualifications of the Wooden Award. Nearly 1,000 voters will rank in order 10 of those 15 players when voting opens prior to the NCAA Tournament and will allow voters to take into consideration performance during early round games. The Wooden Award All American Team™ will be announced the week of the “Elite Eight” round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of the 2020 John R. Wooden Award will be presented by Wendy’s during the ESPN College Basketball Awards on Friday, April 10, 2020

About the John R. Wooden Award

Created in 1976, the John R. Wooden Award Program hosts the most prestigious honors in college basketball recognizing The Wooden Award Most Outstanding Player for men and women, The Wooden Award All American Teams for men and women and the annual selection of the Wooden Award Legend of Coaching recipient. Honorees have proven to their university that they meet or exceed the qualifications of the John R. Wooden Award as set forth by Coach Wooden and the Wooden Award Steering Committee, including making progress towards graduation and maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Previous winners include Larry Bird (’79), Michael Jordan (’84), Tim Duncan (’97), Kevin Durant (’07), Candace Parker (’07; ’08), Maya Moore (’09; ’11), Chiney Ogwumike (’14), and last year’s recipients, Sabrina Ionescu of Oregon and Zion Williamson of Duke.

Since its inception, the John R. Wooden Award has contributed nearly one million dollars to the universities’ general scholarship fund in the names of the Wooden Award All American recipients and has sent more than 1,000 underprivileged children to week-long college basketball camps. Additionally, the John R. Wooden Award partners with the Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) each year to host the Wooden Award Special Olympics Southern California Basketball Tournament. The day-long tournament brings together Special Olympics athletes and Wooden Award All Americans and coaches in attendance. It is hosted at the Los Angeles Athletic Club during the John R. Wooden Award Weekend.

For up-to-date information on the Wooden Award, please go to www.woodenaward.com and follow the Wooden Award on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodenaward and @WoodenAward on Twitter and Instagram.

Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Adds Three to Hoops Class

Vernon Carey, USABB

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke Basketball Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski announced the addition of three student-athletes to the Blue Devils’ incoming class, as the program closes in on the nation’s No. 1-ranked class.

Vernon Carey Jr., Matthew Hurt and Cassius Stanley will enter the Duke program for the 2019-20 season, and join Wendell Moore and Rejean “Boogie” Ellis, who were signed during the early signing period in November.

With the addition of Carey, Hurt and Stanley, the Blue Devils jumped to No. 1 in ESPN’s 2019 class rankings. Should Duke finish at No. 1, it would mark the third consecutive season, and fifth time in the last six years, that Coach K landed ESPN’s top-ranked class.

Vernon Carey Jr. – 6-10 – 275 – Center – Southwest Ranches, Fla. – University School

  • Five-star center
  • Ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the ESPN 100 and the No. 3 center
  • Top-ranked player in Florida
  • Two-time USA Basketball gold medalist for the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup.
  • Averaged 21.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game his senior year at the University School
  • 2019 McDonald’s All-American and played in the Jordan Brand Classic
  • 2018 MaxPreps Player of the Year as a junior
  • As a junior in 2017-18, averaged 26.1 points and 10.4 rebounds to help his high school team to a 36-2 record, a 5A state title, the City of Palms Classic title and the final game of the GEICO High School Nationals.
  • Chose Duke over ACC North Carolina, Miami, Michigan State and Kentucky

Matthew Hurt – 6-8 – 214 – Forward – Rochester, Minn. – John Marshall High School

  • Five-star recruit
  • Ranked No. 10 overall in the ESPN 100 and the No. 2 power forward
  • Top-ranked player in Minnesota
  • 2019 McDonald’s All-American
  • Averaged 37.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game as a senior
  • Earned Associated Press Player of the Year for the state of Minnesota
  • Finished with 3,550 career points and 1,451 career rebounds at John Marshall
  • Continues a recent trend of Duke players from the state of Minnesota with brothers Tyus and Tre Jones (Apple Valley) and Gary Trent Jr., who played at Apple Valley HS before transferring to Prolific Prep in California
  • Chose Duke over North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas

Cassius Stanley – 6-5 – 185 – Guard – Los Angeles, Calif. – Sierra Canyon High School

  • Four-star recruit
  • Ranked No. 29 overall in the ESPN 100 and the No. 6 shooting guard
  • Averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game for Nike’s 17U EBYL team this past season
  • Played in the Jordan Brand Classic
  • Led Sierra Canyon to the California Open Division Championship his senior year, scoring 20 points and recording seven rebounds in the championship contest
  • Recorded a team-best 17.7 points, grabbed 6.9 rebounds and registered 2.9 assists per game his senior year
  • Named 2019 Daily News Player of the Year and CIF Open Division Player of the Year, which is considered the highest level of high school basketball in the state of California
  • Second Duke player in three seasons from Sierra Canyon High, joining 2018 consensus first-team All-American and ACC Player of the Year Marvin Bagley III
  • Chose Duke over Kansas, Oregon and UCLA
Duke Basketball Recruiting News

Duke Basketball Recruiting Update (Public)

The Duke Men's Basketball staff is once again on the recruiting trail in full force as the open period begins.  The Blue Devils have been active with many players of late, extending new offers and setting a list for future prospects while trying to close on current ones.

The staff is busy in more ways than one.  With the Canadian trip fast approaching, this is a time when everyone must take their vitamins.  A demanding schedule means time management, yet that seems to be something a Mike Krzyzewski led program thrives on.

Duke is fortunate to have four assistant  coaches, if you count Nolan Smith that have all won national championships.  That knowledge combined with individual experiences offers them communication skills and knowing what kind of team they need to build for future success.

So far, Duke has yet to land a single player for next seasons class, but it is just a matter of time.  Duke is not hurt in the least by players waiting in that they can see firsthand starting in August of how they blend high school players into roles with the team.

With the one and done rule in effect, Duke is still looking at young men who can jump straight to the league.  The Blue Devils also realize that current players on the team will play a role in who comes next if they turn pro early.

That makes for a mixed bag in how to fill the roster, but it is an envious situation for the program.  Duke has zeroed in on several players, so we now have a good idea who will possibly fill the 2019-2020 roster.

It makes sense that Duke could lose all of their starters for a second year in a row, if the team has success and especially if they are lucky enough to win it all.  Many things play a role in when the best time for some players to go pro is at hand.   Others are destined to go already despite not dribbling a ball in an actual game in Duke uniform.

Duke will spend a lot of time in the many tournaments in Las Vegas this week.  While there, they will try to close on some guys in this class while hanging in with others who will make late or next Fall decisions.

Among the players which have standing offers are Cole Anthony (PSA Cardinals/Nike) who is hands down the best guard in his class and the son of former UNLV standout, Greg Anthony.  Anthony is on the cover of the latest Slam magazine and sure to garner more hype but he will not pick a team until the Fall of 2019 when all the fallout has occurred.

A player who will make an earlier selection which holds an offer is Bryan Antoine (Team Rio/Under Armor).  The shooting guard has long had Duke at the top of his list and will visit campus on September the 29th.  It helps that he is friends with current Duke freshman Joey Baker who continues to help the staff recruit.  He is also a very likable player on the shoe camp circuit who may players want to play with.

Vernon Carey (E1T1/Nike) has long been near the top of the high school rated players.  He is top three on every list and he has included Duke in his final teams.  Carey will visit Duke during Countdown to Craziness in October and he will likely have some company in the stands at that time.  Duke has been all in on Carey for some time now and he will be a center of focus for them this week.

Another player Duke is heavily recruiting is Wendell Moore (CP-3/Nike).  Duke most recently visited Greensboro to see him play where they had multiple staff members at all of his games.  Moore is their wing of choice but he is being heavily recruited by other schools as well.  He will visit the Duke campus on September the 21st and through the weekend.

A player Coach K loves for his non stop motor is big man Isaiah Stewart (City Rocks/Nike).  Stewart is the real deal and he is slated to visit Duke for the UNC game in Cameron but those plans could be changed and he may visit earlier.  Duke is considered one of the leaders for this young man and they've seen enough.  And it is good they've seen enough for Stewart has elected to sit out this week and will another Duke target in guard, Josiah James.  Duke has been on the 6-6 PG for a while now and they will likely seek a visit in the coming months.  The  guard situation is a bit more complicated which I speak openly about on the message board for members.  In fact, I go into much more than just the general list in this article for Blue Devil Nation members.  There will be an extended update tomorrow which goes into more details on the targets and new offers which will go out soon. So, consider joining Blue Devil Nation Premium where you can currently get two years for the price of one during our BOGO special.

Okay, back to subject at hand.  Duke loves Matthew Hurt (D-1 Minnesota).  Coach K himself is running front on this one and that is a good thing for Kansas and others covet this talented player and Self was able to recently coach him.    Duke will check him out this week and our members know the details from past updates.  Hurt is a Duke kind of player and one they will push for until the end.  It won't be an easy road for his service in that it is so competitive but it would be a rewarding one and a great match.

Say hello to Nico Mannion (West Coast Elite/Under Armor).  Okay, so you knew about him from past updates, but he has recently reclassified to the class of 2019 and Duke has an offer out and will scout him even heavier in the coming week.  For those who do not know, Mannion is a USA PG which is the kind of player a Krzyzewski coached team covets in that he loves those who have represented the country.  Of course, Mannion was not originally from the US which you can see in past updates, but he will continue his ascent to his dreams at a college in 2019-2020.

Duke has also done more than kick the wheels on Armando Bacot who was very impressive with his team in Nike play.  Duke wants three front court players and that could include him if two aforementioned players look elsewhere, so there remains consistent contact.

I expect we'll see another front court player offered once the evaluation period ends, if not two.  Duke has and will scout Jaden McDaniels, Jaiden Delaire and Drew Timme.  They also have some names in place if things get tight with Moore.

The players which Duke may get early from our last update has not changed.  BDN will cover that again tomorrow along with the new players which are becoming fixtures for the future.

 

BDN Premium Articles

Several Prospects Earning Coaches Attention at Nike Peach Jam

Isaiah Stewart

The Duke staff continues their quest to build next seasons recruiting class during today's Nike Peach Jam.

The staff visited UA (Under Armor) before coming to the Peach Jam in North Augusta, S.C.   While there, they took in top target Bryan Antoine.

As I stated in past updates there is good reason to think that Duke can close on him with only the timeline being in question.  He is great friends and talking to players who are considering making the Durham campus their home.  He is also friends with Joey Baker who continues to recruit while at Duke.

Duke and Coach K also took in the play of PG Nico Manion which they will recruit heavily moving forward.  His teammate Josh Green has their attention as well.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski  and Duke Assistants Nate James, Chris Carrawell and Jon Scheyer are all making the rounds at the Peach Jam.  They have been zeroing in on their main targets which includes Vernon Carey Jr.

Duke also took in the play of Josiah James which we spoke of in the last update.  Duke continues to recruit Cole Anthony which plays a role in how things will play out (see update before camps on message board.)

Coach K himself was front and center for Anthony and there is no let up in his recruitment despite some comments some are blowing up.  Duke is still firmly on his list and that has been made clear.

Duke has not exactly moved on from RJ Hampton but he has not had a lot of attention yet. Scheyer took in Jaden McDaniels fame.

Duke is also looking at 2020 and other players which is standard for this late in the season as they make future lists.

The staff will be out shortly and were able to get some good rest in due to scheduling where their prospects play at noon and beyond.

Several former Duke players have stopped by to talk to Coach K including Rodney Hood.

 

 

BDN Premium Articles

Catching Up to Duke Prospect Vernon Carey

Photo -SUN SENTINEL - Vernon Carey

One of the best sure-fire big man prospects in the nation is Vernon Carey.  The scary thing is that the young man is just starting to reach his potential.

Carey is considered a can't miss one and done prospect and he has the nations blue blood programs listed in his final five schools.

Duke has stayed in touch with the Florida prospect where he regularly talks to Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke assistant coaches.

While some believe Duke to be the leader for his services, other schools continue to push hard as well.

The Blue Devils will be in dire need of big men next season with the expected departure of Marques Bolden.  They continue to give maximum effort with concern to Carey and would like to team him with another bug man.

The last time I spoke to you was in Raleigh during the John Wall Invitational.  Talk about how your game has changed since that time.

I am just trying to be more aggressive over the high school season and then to this summer.  Just working on my game every week.

What do you do during the week and who do you train with?  

I do it with one of the NBA trainers, Stan Remy and I workout with Dwayne Wade and Brandon Knight.

Wow, that is impressive.  You have that down home Florida thing going on.

Yeah.

So, your final five per twitter is Duke,  Kentucky North Carolina, Miami (FL), and Michigan State.  Can you touch on who has been the most active of late in your recruitment?

Miami, they text me everyday and say I can bring a legacy to Miami.  Coach Nate James and Mike Krzyzewski (knows how to pronounce it) texts me everyday to and says that I am a guy who can help lead the Duke program.

How did Duke say that they can use you in their system?

Yeah, like one and done guys like Marvin Bagley and those guys who played this year and are going to the NBA.

You see the success of teams like Duke and Kentucky with one and dones...

Ahem.

Is that an attractive situation for you?

It is.

When you get down to making a decision, is there any timeline on that or is it still early?

It's early, but I am trying to do it before high school season next year.  I would like to make a decision by then, but I am not sure yet.

Vernon, being a highly rated player like you are guys will come after you hard.  Who are some of the toughest competitors you have face on the circuit?

Guys like Keion Brooks  (Mich. St. may lead IU and Kentucky) and really everybody.  They're all coming at me hard.

Do you have an unofficial visits planned?

Maybe Miami, but just because they are close to home.

Just how far are you from the Miami campus?

Maybe thirty or forty minutes.

Yeah, that is close.  Is that an advantage for them?

Some, but I will go where I feel like there is the best fit.

Who do you like in the NBA playoffs?

The Cav's.  (Interview was done before the first game)

Do you pattern your game after any particular NBA guys?

I would say DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.  I like to watch them and how they play.

What do you hope to accomplish during your coming high school season?

Hopefully win a state championship and compete and win a national championship

Will you be attending the same high school, University School this season?

Yes.

Okay.  Thanks for your time and good luck the rest of the summer and the upcoming Peach Jam.

Duke Basketball

Duke Basketball Sunday Happenings

The Duke men's basketball staff has been busy of late on the recruiting trail.  Today, Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff are visiting Vernon Carey Jr. in Florida.  The 2019 Power Forward is s sure thing prospect.  For more on who Duke has visited lately and some other interesting information on Carey, join Blue Devil Nation Premium during our two for one membership special.

Two future Blue Devils will also be on display today during the Jordan Brand Classic which tips off at 5:00 on ESPN.  Tre Jones and Cam Reddish will suit up for the moe squad in today's contest.  Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett were scheduled to play on the same squad but will sit out the event.  Williamson has his thumb in a cast for three weeks after injuring it at the McDonald's All American game.  Barrett has had an extraordinarily busy schedule and will sit out the event.  All of the current Duke signees have been select to play in the Nike Hoop Summit which starts  next week.  Blue Devil Nation expects Williamson to sit out that event as well but it is likely Barrett will play.

Duke lost Gary Trent Jr. to the NBA yesterday.  We dreamed of a rekindled backcourt of Tre Jones and Trent whom played together on the AAU circuit and in high school.  But Trent is a hard worker who is mature beyond his years and ready for the challenge.  Duke will miss his three-point accuracy and mental toughness.  He joins Marvin Bagely III and Trevon Duval as Blue Devils who will enter the draft.  We should hear news from Wendell Carter Jr. soon.  Carter is a projected lottery pick.  All of these players gave their hearts and soul to Duke which fell just short of the Final Four as Grayson Allen's shot rimmed out.  As for Allen, he is currently speaking with agents as are others.

The off-season is a busy time for Duke Basketball.  All Star games are winding down while recruiting is still going on.  Duke will soon start their exit interviews with players after class completes for the semester.  More on that and much else on the Blue Devil Nation message board.

In short, Duke Basketball never stops.