Not only is Amile a bigtime talent (the 21st ranked player in his class according to Scout.com), but he also fills a need in the post that will be relatively empty after both Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly graduate a year from now. In a class top-heavy with bigs, Amile Jefferson is regarded as the 3rd best power forward. His game might not be that of a traditional big man but Amile’s game certainly is more suited to playing in the post than it is on the perimeter.

With Mason and his younger brother Marshall manning the post and Ryan Kelly playing the “stretch four” position that Duke is so well known for, the Blue Devils won’t have to rely on Jefferson to make an immediate impact this coming season. This should allow the 6’9″ 200 pound freshman to spend time in the weight room bulking up his frame to get ready to battle other, bigger power forwards on the college level.

I was under the assumption that Amile would pick NC State up until the time of his announcement, from various sources. From those same sources, Duke was just as surprised as most of the fans following along with the online stream of his press conference. What a welcome surprise it is!

Duke will now await a visit from Mississippi State transfer Rodney Hood sometime this summer before closing the books on their 2012 season and moving on to 2013.

By @CLykinsBlog – The 2012 Nike EYBL started back up this past weekend as session #2 was held in one of the most storied areas of the country at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia. Forty of the premier AAU programs in the country gathered for session #2 with 3-4 games already played thus far.

The Duke coaching staff was out in full force as they continued to evaluate their top prospects from the 2013 and 2014 classes. A couple of new prospects have popped up on the Duke radar which include, BeeJay Anya, Wayne Selden, and Semilore Ojeleye. Anya is a 2013 6’8, 265 lbs. C prospect (Team Takeover – ESPN ranking: #15) out of DeMatha High School. Anya, who holds the largest wingspan in high school basketball at an outstanding 7-feet, 9-inches across, Anya holds offers from some of the top programs in the country, UCLA, Indiana (the assumed favorite), Georgetown, and Syracuse to name a few. Selden is a 2014 6’5 SG (BABC – ESPN Ranking: #6) out of The Tilton School. Coach Krzyzewski was front and center checking out Selden over the weekend. He is a powerful player and is as strong as anyone in his class. He goes strong to the rim and is able to get to the free throw line in high volume. Selden currently holds offers from Kentucky, Connecticut, Floria, Syracuse, UCLA, and Missouri. Ojeleye is a 6’6 SF (Mokan Elite – ESPN ranking: #39) out of Ottawa High School. Ojeleye is a tremendous scorer with great size. He currently holds offers from UCLA, Missouri, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State to just name some of the top programs involved. Ojeleye is also the younger brother of Victor Ojeleye who played for the Kansas State Wildcats under Frank Martin.

With Coach Krzyzewski currently in Las Vegas, Nevada with Team USA responsibilites to prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games, Duke was dishing out offers left-and-right last week after session #1. With these three prospects suddenly on the radar for Duke, it’ll be interesting to see how Duke will approach each player’s recruitment.

The statistics for each player from the Nike EYBL is posted below, with their current ESPN ranking. Regarding Anya, Selden, and Ojeleye, I have also embedded highlights below for each of the three players.

Mac Irvin Fire (6-3)

Jabari Parker (2013 #1)
DNP in Session #2
EYBL Averages – 16.0 ppg, 47% FG, 27% 3FG, 64% FT, 8.0 rpg

Jahlil Okafor (2014 #2)
4/27 vs. Team United – 54-59 L – 13 pts. 6-10 FG, 1-3 FT, 6 rebs.
4/28 vs. Arkansas Wings – 63-73 L – 8 pts. 4-6 FG, 4 rebs.
4/28 vs. Texas Pro – 75-62 W – 11 pts. 5-7 FG, 1-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/29 vs. STL Eagles – 74-48 W – 12 pts. 5-7 FG, 2-4 FT, 5 rebs.
4/29 vs. Georgia Stars – 65-51 W – 19 pts. 9-12 FG, 1-2 FT, 7 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 12.6 ppg, 69% FG, 38% FT, 5.6 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 11.1 ppg, 70% FG, 46% FT, 4.6 rpg

Team Texas Titans (8-1)

Matt Jones (2013 #22 – Duke commit)
4/27 vs. Texas Pro – 92-59 W – 20 pts. 8-11 FG, 3-4 3FG, 1-2 FT, 4 rebs.
4/28 vs. STL Eagles – 67-63 W – 9 pts. 3-12 FG, 2-5 3FG, 1-3 FT, 6 rebs.
4/28 vs. Georgia Stars – 70-60 W – 24 pts. 9-14 FG, 3-5 3FG, 3-3 FT, 5 rebs.
4/29 vs. Louisiana Select – 67-48 W – 19 pts. 6-12 FG, 5-9 3FG, 2-4 FT, 2 rebs.
4/29 vs. Metro Hawks – 76-39 W – 20 pts. 8-11 FG, 4-4 3FG, 4 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 18.4 ppg, 56% FG, 62% 3FG, 58% FT, 4.2 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 17.7 ppg, 50% FG, 48% 3FG, 66% FT, 4.3 rpg

Julius Randle (2013 #2)
4/27 vs. Texas Pro – 92-59 W – 15 pts. 5-6 FG, 5-6 FT, 5 rebs.
4/28 vs. STL Eagles – 67-63 W – 21 pts. 8-15 FG, 5-9 FT, 11 rebs.
4/28 vs. Georgia Stars – 70-60 W – 14 pts. 5-10 FG, 4-6 FT, 14 rebs.
4/29 vs. Louisiana Select – 67-48 W – 23 pts. 7-9 FG, 9-13 FT, 10 rebs.
4/29 vs. Metro Hawks – 76-39 W – 10 pts. 4-10 FG, 2-3 FT, 13 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 16.6 ppg, 58% FG, 67% FT, 10.6 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 16.3 ppg, 53% FG, 0% 3FG, 69% FT, 9.4 rpg

CP3 All-Stars (5-4)

Theo Pinson (2014 #9)
4/27 vs. Arkansas Wings – 53-64 L – 15 pts. 6-12 FG, 2-7 3FG, 1-1 FT, 1 reb.
4/28 vs. Texas Pro – 66-74 L – 12 pts. 2-5 FG, 1-3 3FG, 7-9 FT, 5 rebs.
4/28 vs. STL Eagles – 75-61 W – 18 pts. 5-14 FG, 2-4 3FG, 6-6 FT, 8 rebs.
4/29 vs. Georgia Stars – 74-60 W – 29 pts. 7-11 FG, 1-4 3FG, 14-15 FT, 10 rebs.
4/29 vs. Louisiana Select – 83-52 W – 5 pts. 2-5 FG, 1-2 3FG, 0-1 FT, 1 reb.
Session #2 Averages – 15.8 ppg, 46% FG, 35% 3FG, 87% FT, 5.0 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 16.0 ppg, 43% FG, 35% 3FG, 88% FT, 4.8 rpg

JaQuel Richmond (2014 #24)
4/27 vs. Arkansas Wings – 53-64 L – 19 pts. 9-19 FG, 1-7 3FG, 0-2 FT, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. Texas Pro – 66-74 L – 10 pts. 5-12 FG, 0-1 3FG, 0-3 FT, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. STL Eagles – 75-61 W – 3 pts. 1-5 FG, 1-2 FT, 3 rebs.
4/29 vs. Georgia Stars – 74-60 W – 7 pts. 3-11 FG, 1-2 3FG, 0-1 FT, 0 rebs.
4/29 vs. Louisiana Select – 83-52 W – 5 pts. 2-4 FG, 1-2 3FG, 1 reb.
Session #2 Averages – 8.8 ppg, 39% FG, 25% 3FG, 12% FT, 2.0 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 7.9 ppg, 35% FG, 27% 3FG, 47% FT, 2.3 rpg

Boo Williams (4-5)

Allerik Freeman (2013 #13)
4/27 vs. Bluff City Legends – 77-84 L – 19 pts. 6-19 FG, 2-11 3FG, 5-6 FT, 8 rebs.
4/28 vs. King James – 67-65 W – 5 pts. 2-9 FG, 1-5 3FG, 1 reb.
4/28 vs. Mokan Elite – 55-65 L – 13 pts. 5-13 FG, 3-8 3FG, 0 rebs.
4/29 vs. Albany City Rocks – 62-58 W – 2 pts. 1-7 FG, 0-2 3FG, 2 rebs.
4/29 vs. Jackson Tigers – 61-46 W – 6 pts. 2-6 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1 reb.
Session #2 Averages – 9.0 ppg, 29% FG, 27% 3FG, 83% FT, 1.8 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 10.9 ppg, 34% FG, 34% 3FG, 81% FT, 3.3 rpg

Anthony Barber (2013 #24)
4/27 vs. Bluff City Legends – 77-84 L – 11 pts. 2-8 FG, 0-1 3FG, 7-9 FT, 5 rebs.
4/28 vs. King James – 67-65 W – 13 pts. 5-13 FG, 0-1 3FG, 3-3 FT, 2 rebs.
4/28 vs. Mokan Elite – 55-65 L – 12 pts. 1-6 FG, 10-12 FT, 3 rebs.
4/29 vs. Albany City Rocks – 62-58 W – 17 pts. 6-14 FG, 1-2 3FG, 4-4 FT, 4 rebs.
4/29 vs. Jackson Tigers – 61-46 W – 7 pts. 3-7 FG, 1-1 3FG, 2 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 12.6 ppg, 35% FG, 40% 3FG, 85% FT, 3.2 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 12.3 ppg, 36% FG, 46% 3FG, 79% FT, 4.1 rpg

Team Takeover (4-5)

Ishmail Wainright (2013 #27)
4/27 vs. Southern Stampede – 58-59 L – 8 pts. 4-10 FG, 9 rebs.
4/28 vs. Baltimore Elite – 51-54 L – 4 pts. 2-3 FG, 4 rebs.
4/28 vs. Houston Hoops – 65-64 W – 15 pts. 6-9 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-2 FT, 13 rebs.
4/29 vs. Howard Pulley – 61-54 W – 13 pts. 4-6 FG, 5-6 FT, 10 rebs.
4/29 vs. All Iowa Attack – 63-49 W – 4 pts. 2-3 FG, 4 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 8.8 ppg, 58% FG, 50% 3FG, 87% FT, 8.0 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 9.4 ppg, 57% FG, 33% 3FG, 63% FT, 7.9 rpg

BeeJay Anya (2013 #15)
4/27 vs. Southern Stampede – 58-59 L – 6 pts. 3-7 FG, 7 rebs.
4/28 vs. Baltimore Elite – 51-54 L – 9 pts. 3-8 FG, 3-5 FT, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. Houston Hoops – 65-64 W – 2 pts. 1-6 FG, 0-2 FT, 1 reb.
4/29 vs. Howard Pulley – 61-54 W – 8 pts. 4-4 FG, 0-2 FT, 2 rebs.
4/29 vs. All Iowa Attack – 63-49 W – 11 pts. 4-4 FG, 3-6 FT, 6 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 7.2 ppg, 51% FG, 40% FT, 3.8 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 8.6 ppg, 47% FG, 53% FT, 4.1 rpg

CIA Bounce (9-0)

Andrew Wiggins (2014 #1)
4/27 vs. Mokan Elite – 76-71 W – 20 pts. 7-12 FG, 1-3 3FG, 5-7 FT, 6 rebs.
4/28 vs. Albany City Rocks – 82-60 W – 24 pts. 10-15 FG, 1-4 3FG, 3-4 FT, 7 rebs.
4/28 vs. Jackson Tigers – 64-49 W – 19 pts. 7-12 FG, 2-2 3FG, 3-6 FT, 7 rebs.
4/29 vs. NJ Playaz – 69-55 W – 17 pts. 6-9 FG, 0-2 3FG, 5-8 FT, 8 rebs.
4/29 vs. The Family – 89-62 W – 13 pts. 5-8 FG, 1-3 3FG, 2-2 FT, 4 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 18.6 ppg, 62% FG, 35% 3FG, 66% FT, 6.4 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 17.9 ppg, 62% FG, 40% 3FG, 70% FT, 5.3 rpg

Howard Pulley (5-4)

Tyus Jones (2014 #3)
4/27 vs. The Family – 59-78 L – 24 pts. 8-15 FG, 1-2 3FG, 7-9 FT, 6 asts. 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. Athlete First – 61-73 L – 21 pts. 8-15 FG, 1-5 3FG, 4-4 FT, 6 asts. 5 rebs.
4/28 vs. Indy Spiece – 86-80 W – 18 pts. 7-15 FG, 1-6 3FG, 3-4 FT, 10 asts. 4 rebs.
4/29 vs. Team Takeover – 54-61 L – 15 pts. 6-12 FG, 0-2 3FG, 3-6 FT, 6 asts. 2 rebs.
4/29 vs. Bluff City Legends – 76-71 W – 37 pts. 13-21 FG, 2-6 3FG, 9-11 FT, 8 asts. 5 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 23.0 ppg, 53% FG, 23% 3FG, 76% FT, 7.2 apg, 3.8 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 20.8 ppg, 51% FG, 24% 3FG, 76% FT, 6.6 apg, 3.8 rpg

California Supreme (8-1)

Marcus Lee (2013 UR)
4/27 vs. Metro Hawks – 80-56 W – 2 pts. 1-1 FG, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. BABC – 59-46 W – 16 pts. 7-9 FG, 2-2 FT, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. Team Final – 79-55 W – 9 pts. 2-2 FG, 5-7 FT, 7 rebs.
4/29 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 74-67 W – 11 pts. 4-7 FG, 3-7 FT, 7 rebs.
4/29 vs. Team United – 57-66 L – 5 pts. 1-6 FG, 3-7 FT, 4 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 8.6 ppg, 60% FG, 56% FT, 4.8 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 9.1 ppg, 62% FG, 0% 3FG, 56% FT, 5.0 rpg

BABC (5-4)

Wayne Selden (2014 #6)
4/27 vs. NY Lightning – 74-53 W – 9 pts. 4-9 FG, 0-1 3FG, 1-2 FT, 5 rebs.
4/28 vs. California Supreme – 46-59 L – 12 pts. 3-9 FG, 1-4 3FG, 5-6 FT, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. All Ohio Red – 41-61 L – 6 pts. 2-9 FG, 2-5 3FG, 1 reb.
4/29 vs. Alabama Challenge – 67-51 W – 16 pts. 7-9 FG, 2-3 3FG, 5 rebs.
4/29 vs. E1T1 – 60-58 W – 19 pts. 9-15 FG, 1-3 3FG, 6 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 12.4 ppg, 49% FG, 37% 3FG, 75% FT, 4.0 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 13.3 ppg, 45% FG, 37% 3FG, 65% FT, 3.4 rpg

Mokan Elite (4-5)

Semilore Ojeleye (2013 #39)
4/27 vs. CIA Bounce – 71-76 L – 27 pts. 10-15 FG, 7-9 3FG, 3 rebs.
4/28 vs. Mean Streets – 50-58 L – 13 pts. 4-15 FG, 3-9 3FG, 2-3 FT, 4 rebs.
4/28 vs. Boo Williams – 65-55 W – 22 pts. 7-16 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-8 FT, 4 rebs.
4/29 vs. Southern Stampede – 45-50 L – 12 pts. 3-11 FG, 3-7 3FG, 3-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/29 vs. Baltimore Elite – 52-59 L – 15 pts. 6-14 FG, 3-7 3FG, 9 rebs.
Session #2 Averages – 17.8 ppg, 42% FG, 48% 3FG, 73% FT, 5.2 rpg
Nike EYBL Averages – 16.3 ppg, 40% FG, 36% 3FG, 83% FT, 6.4 rpg

Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com

By @CLykinsBlog – Week two of the Nike EYBL kicks off this weekend as it will be played at one of the most storied areas in the country when it comes to high school basketball in Hampton, Virginia at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. All forty AAU teams that are participating at the 2012 Nike EYBL all have played in 3-4 games already, so this is a crucial weekend.

The Duke staff was on hand for the entirety of session #1 last weekend as they were watching a bevy of top recruits showcase their skills and talents. Among the 2013 & 2014 prospects, the Duke staff were most interested in seeing the likes of Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, their lone 2013 commitment Matt Jones, Julius Randle, Theo Pinson, JaQuel Richmond, Tyus Jones, Anthony Barber, Allerik Freeman, and Andrew Wiggins, as well as recent high-interest in 2013 prospects Ishmail Wainright of Team Takeover and Marcus Lee of California Supreme.

Freeman, Wainright, and Lee were all offered scholarships by Duke last weekend off of their great play during session #1.

All 12 recruits impressed the Duke staff as each player put on great individual performances. With session #2 kicking off tomorrow evening, it will be a huge step for these playes to build off of the first weekend.

#1 player in the 2013 class, Jabari Parker, will not be participating in session #2 as he is still recovering from an ankle injury that also kept him out of the fourth game for his AAU team, Mac Irvin Fire (3-1), last weekend. Parker averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds per game during session #1.

The full schedule for session #2 is linked below as well as the standings and statistics from session #1. Dates and times for session #2 are also included.

Nike EYBL Session #2

Nike EYBL Standings

Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com

By @CLykinsBlog – Rising 2013 power forward Austin Nichols and his AAU squad M33M Elite (Memphis, TN) will be participating at Real Deal in the Rock in Little Rock, Arkansas this weekend. Nichols is coming off of one of the biggest weeks of his young career as a basketball player as he was extended a scholarship offer from Coach Mike Krzyzewski after an outstanding showing in a camplike setting at the Jack Jones Shootout.

The 6’9″ Nichols, who grew up as a fan of the Blue Devils, is currently ranked #51 in Scout’s 2013 rankings. Nichols holds high-interest with a number of the top division I teams in the country, including Kentucky, Florida, Kansas, Tennessee, and Memphis. The assumption though, was that if Duke got in the race for Nichols, that his recruitment would end rather quickly with Duke winning out. Only time will tell.

The Real Deal in the Rock will be played between April 27-29. The full schedule is linked below.

Real Deal in the Rock Schedule,

By @CLykinsBlog – Upcoming seniors Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly have been chosen as team captains for the 2012-13 season, head coach Mike Krzyzewski announced on Thursday afternoon. Kelly was named a team captain along with Miles Plumlee and Seth Curry a year, while Plumlee is a first-time team captain.

Kelly averaged 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game during his junior season while playing in 31 games. He missed the final three games of the season due to a right foot injury. Kelly scored in double figures for Duke 18 different times on the year with a career-best 23 points against Wake Forest. A native of Raleigh, NC, Kelly earned MVP honors at the 2011 EA Sports Maui Invitational while averaging 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks as Duke defeated Tennessee, Michigan, and eventual NCAA Tournament runner-up Kansas to earn their fifth Maui Invitational title in school history.

Shortly after Duke was upset in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament by the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, Kelly underwent successful surgery to repair damage in his right foot. He enters his senior season at Duke 653 points and has raised his scoring average by at least five points per game in each of the last two seasons. Kelly also ranks 17th on Duke’s all-time shot blocking list with 96 career blocks. While at Duke, Kelly has helped the Blue Devils to a 90-13 (.874) record in the 103 games he has played in, including a 39-7 mark in 46 career starts.

While there has been no shortage of Plumlees at Duke in the last few years, middle Plumlee brother Mason will enter his senior season with a lot of high expectations. Withdrawing his name from the 2012 NBA Draft on April 10, Plumlee returns to Duke off of a solid junior campaign averaging 11.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game as he was named to the All-ACC third team. Plumlee ranked second on the team in field-goal percentage (.572), while registering a Duke single-season record 60 dunks during the 11-12 season. Plumlee was one of four players in the nation to average at least 10.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game and also finished third in the ACC in rebounding, double-doubles (12) and double-figure rebounding games (16).

Plumlee is 231 points shy of 1,000 for his career, as well as 275 rebounds shy of grabbing 1,000 rebounds. The Blue Devils are 88-17 (.838) while Plumlee has been at Duke, including a 54-10 (.844) mark with him as a starter.

“Ryan and Mason have done a terrific job on and off the court at Duke,” said Krzyzewski. “Both men have grown steadily within our program and have put themselves in position to lead our team next season. We look forward to watching their continued development as leaders on the court, in the locker room and in the Duke community.”

Kelly and Plumlee are currently part of a junior class that also includes Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins, though there lies some uncertainty as to the status of Dawkins for the 12-13 season. Dawkins is currently under the option of taking next season off to work through the lingering grief from the death of his sister. Lacey Dawkins was killed in a car accident on December 5, 2009 while driving to watch Dawkins play for the very first time at Duke.

While Dawkins’ status for next year is in question, Curry’s is not. Coach Krzyzewski and the rest of the Duke coaching staff made quite the interesting choice of not naming Curry a team captain for next season along with Kelly and Plumlee.

Curry was named a captain last season on October 28, along with then senior Miles Plumlee and junior Kelly. Curry earned that after showing tremendous leadership in practices prior to the 11-12 season. Who’s to say the same won’t happen again later on in the year?

Curry will enter his senior season at Duke coming off of being named to third team All-ACC, as well as the teams returning scorer (13.2 ppg) and third in three-point field goal percentage (.383). The announcement that Curry was not named a captain for back-to-back seasons surprised many Duke fans, including this one. Though, this could also be used as a great motivational tool for Curry.

Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com

By @CLykinsBlog – The 2012 Nike EYBL kicked off over the weekend as session #1 was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 40 of the top AAU teams from around the United States and Canada gathered at the High Performance Academy to showcase their skills and talents in front of college coaches nationwide.

The Duke coaching staff was on hand for the entire weekend evaluating some of their top prospects in the 2013 & 2014 recruiting classes. Those prospects consist of: Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, Matt Jones (2013 verbal commit), Julius Randle, Theo Pinson, JaQuel Richmond, Allerik Freeman, Anthony Barber, Tyus Jones, and Andrew Wiggins.

**Update** The Duke staff had also kept close eyes on 2013 prospects Ishmail Wainright of Team Takeover and Marcus Lee of California Supreme. Wainright is the #27 ranked player through ESPN’s basketball recruiting rankings while at the current moment Marcus Lee is unranked. Lee, though, made quite an impression over the weekend that saw him receive various offers from some of the top programs in the country. He was also offered a scholarship by Duke today. Their stats are now included below. **Update**

Those particular players will be followed here at DukeHoopBlog.com as statistics from each session will be made available to you, the reader. Included below are game-by-game statistics from session #1, as well as each player’s class and ESPN ranking, and their session #1 averages.

This stat-tracker will be updated regularly through each session at the Nike EYBL.

Mac Irvin Fire (3-1)

Jabari Parker (2013 #1)
4/20 vs. Bluff City Legends – 73-67 W – 20 pts. 7-12 FG, 1-3 3FG, 5-7 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. BABC – 59-66 L – 22 pts. 9-15 FG, 1-4 3FG, 3-4 FT, 8 rebs.
4/21 vs. Team Final – 57-45 W – 6 pts. 1-9 FG, 1-4 3FG, 3-6 FT, 9 rebs.
4/22 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 83-52 W – DNP (Ankle)
Session #1 Averages – 16.0 ppg, 47% FG, 27% 3FG, 64% FT, 7.0 rpg

Jahlil Okafor (2014 #2)
4/20 vs. Bluff City Legends – 73-67 W – 9 pts. 4-6 FG, 1-3 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. BABC – 59-66 L – 2 pts. 1-2 FG, 0 rebs.
4/21 vs. Team Final – 57-45 W – 11 pts. 4-5 FG, 3-4 FT, 3 rebs.
4/22 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 83-52 W – 15 pts. 5-6 FG, 5-10 FT, 6 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 9.3 ppg, 73% FG, 52% FT, 3.3 rpg

Team Texas Titans (3-1)

Matt Jones (2013 #22, Duke Commit)
4/20 vs. Indy Spiece – 66-52 W – 18 pts. 5-10 FG, 2-5 3FG, 6-8 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 53-42 W – 18 pts. 5-17 FG, 1-7 3FG, 7-8 FT, 6 rebs.
4/22 vs. Team United – 66-64 W – 18 pts. 6-14 FG, 5-12 3FG, 1-2 FT, 2 rebs.
4/22 vs. Arkansas Wings – 57-58 L – 13 pts. 6-10 FG, 1-3 3FG, 6 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 16.8 ppg, 43% FG, 33% 3FG, 77% FT, 4.5 rpg

Julius Randle (2013 #2)
4/20 vs. Indy Spiece – 66-52 W – 13 pts. 6-11 FG, 1-2 FT, 9 rebs.
4/21 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 53-42 W – 9 pts. 1-5 FG, 7-9 FT, 8 rebs.
4/21 vs. Team United – 66-64 W – 16 pts. 3-11 FG, 0-1 3FG, 10-14 FT, 8 rebs.
4/22 vs. Arkansas Wings – 57-58 L – 26 pts. 9-13 FG, 8-11 FT, 7 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 16.0 ppg, 47% FG, 0% 3FG, 72% FT, 8.0 rpg

CP3 All Stars (2-2)

Theo Pinson (2014 #9)
4/20 vs. Team Takeover – 60-57 W – 23 pts. 6-11 FG, 2-6 3FG, 9-9 FT, 8 rebs.
4/21 vs. Team Final – 62-73 L – 9 pts. 4-13 FG, 0-7 3FG, 1-3 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 71-75 L – 19 pts. 6-10 FG, 4-5 3FG, 3-3 FT, 3 rebs.
4/22 vs. Team United – 61-58 W – 14 pts. 1-8 FG, 1-2 3FG, 11-12 FT, 3 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 16.3 ppg, 40% FG, 35% 3FG, 88% FT, 4.5 rpg

JaQuel Richmond (2014 #24)
4/20 vs. Team Takeover – 60-57 W – 9 pts. 1-6 FG, 0-1 3FG, 7-9 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. Team Final – 62-73 L – 12 pts. 5-11 FG, 2-3 3FG, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. Wisconsin Playground – 71-75 L – 4 pts. 2-8 FG, 0-2 3FG, 1 reb.
4/22 vs. Team United – 61-58 W – 2 pts. 0-2 FG, 0-1 3FG, 2-4 FT, 2 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 6.8 ppg, 29% FG, 28% 3FG, 69% FT, 2.8 rpg

Boo Williams (1-3)

Allerik Freeman (2013 #13)
4/20 vs. Team United – 50-69 L – 20 pts. 8-20 FG, 3-6 3FG, 1-1 FT, 6 rebs.
4/21 vs. Athlete First – 45-47 L – 12 pts. 5-9 FG, 2-4 3FG, 6 rebs.
4/21 vs. Indy Spiece – 42-40 W – 8 pts. 2-9 FG, 1-3 3FG, 3-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/22 vs. Team Takeover – 50-51 L – 13 pts. 5-13 FG, 3-7 3FG, 3 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 13.3 ppg, 39% FG, 45% 3FG, 80% FT, 5.3 rpg

Anthony Barber (2013 #24)
4/20 vs. Team United – 50-69 L – 12 pts. 3-10 FG, 1-3 3FG, 5-6 FT, 4 rebs.
4/21 vs. Athlete First – 45-47 L – 7 pts. 3-9 FG, 1-2 3FG, 6 rebs.
4/21 vs. Indy Spiece – 42-40 W – 13 pts. 6-15 FG, 1-1 3FG, 6 rebs.
4/22 vs. Team Takeover – 50-51 L – 19 pts. 6-14 FG, 1-2 3FG, 6-10 FT, 5 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 12.8 ppg, 37% FG, 50% 3FG, 68% FT, 5.3 rpg

CIA Bounce (4-0)

Andrew Wiggins (2014 #1)
4/20 vs. Team Final – 86-66 W – 17 pts. 7-11 FG, 1-3 3FG, 2-4 FT, 1 reb.
4/21 vs. Team Takeover – 54-51 W – 8 pts. 2-6 FG, 0-1 3FG, 4-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/21 vs. Bluff City Legends – 80-55 W – 24 pts. 9-14 FG, 1-3 3FG, 5-5 FT, 5 rebs.
4/22 vs. King James – 65-60 W – 19 pts. 7-9 FG, 3-4 3FG, 2-4 FT, 4 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 17.0 ppg, 62% FG, 45% 3FG, 76% FT, 4.0 rpg

Howard Pulley (3-1)

Tyus Jones (2014 #3)
4/20 vs. Georgia Stars – 88-77 W – 23 pts. 6-13 FG, 0-3 3FG, 11-14 FT, 2 rebs. 8 asts.
4/21 vs. Albany City Rocks – 59-61 L – 19 pts. 7-13 FG, 1-4 3FG, 4-6 FT, 3 rebs. 3 asts.
4/21 vs. Jackson Tigers – 71-51 W – 12 pts. 5-10 FG, 1-3 3FG, 1-2 FT, 6 rebs. 5 asts.
4/22 vs. NJ Playaz – 75-65 W – 18 pts. 4-11 FG, 1-2 3FG, 9-11 FT, 4 rebs. 7 asts.
Session #1 Averages – 18.0 ppg, 46% FG, 25% 3FG, 75% FT, 3.8 rpg, 5.8 apg

Team Takeover (1-3)

Ishmail Wainright (2013 #27)
4/20 vs. CP3 All Stars – 57-60 L – DNP
4/21 vs. CIA Bounce – 51-54 L – 11 pts. 3-6 FG, 5-6 FT, 8 rebs. 4 asts.
4/21 vs. Mean Streets – 60-68 L – 14 pts. 7-9 FG, 0-1 3FG, 0-4 FT, 8 rebs. 2 asts.
4/22 vs. Boo Williams – 51-50 W – 6 pts. 2-6 FG, 2-4 FT, 7 rebs. 2 asts.
Session #1 Averages – 10.3 ppg, 57% FG, 0% 3FG, 50% FT, 7.7 rpg, 2.7 apg

California Supreme (4-0)

Marcus Lee (2013 UR)
4/21 vs. Saint Louis Eagles – 60-50 W – 6 pts. 2-4 FG, 2-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/21 vs. Georgia Stars – 64-36 W – 17 pts. 7-9 FG, 0-1 3FG, 3-4 FT, 6 rebs.
4/22 vs. Louisiana Select – 73-45 W – 12 pts. 6-10 FG, 0-1 3FG, 0-1 FT, 5 rebs.
4/22 vs. Jackson Tigers – 69-51 W – 4 pts. 2-3 FG, 4 rebs.
Session #1 Averages – 9.8 ppg, 65% FG, 0% 3FG, 55% FT, 5.3 rpg

Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com

The event was held at Nichols’ own high school (Briarcrest Christian School) and the comfortable setting clearly allowed the rising senior big man to impress Duke’s head coach. By all reports, Nichols had an outstanding showing and two days later, he received a phone call from Krzyzewski extending a scholarship offer. Nichols becomes the fourth player to receive a scholarship offer from the Blue Devils in the 2013 class, and like their lone commitment from that class Matt Jones, he grew up as a Blue Devil fan.

In an interview with Clint Jackson from DevilsIllustrated.com, Nichols spilled the beans about his affinity for the Blue Devil program.

Nichols is being pursued by a number of bigtime programs including Kentucky, Florida, Kansas, Tennessee and Memphis but it was thought that the race could be over quickly if Duke were to extend a scholarship offer. The opportunity to earn playing time will be there for Nichols should he choose to come to Duke with both Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee graduating this spring.

While Karnowski is seemingly close to making a decision, Duke is hoping to make inroads late in the game as he would bolster front court depth immediately. Last April, he helped lead Poland to a silver medal at the U-17 World championships in Germany. Quinn Cook was a part of the team that beat Poland in the finals to win the gold, and Special Assistant Nate James was on hand to watch the action.

At 7’1″ and 279 pounds, Karnowski would make an immediate impact on the court for the Blue Devils, who could possibly go into the 2013 season with only 9 scholarship players available following the losses of Michael Gbinije to transfer, Miles Plumlee to graduation, Austin Rivers to early NBA entry and Andre Dawkins potentially taking a redshirt for personal reasons.

**UPDATE — Karnowski will visit Marquette after leaving his Gonzaga visit this weekend. He is being heavily recruited by Kansas, as well as a number of PAC-10 schools. Duke just recently made initial contact and will continue to pursue the big man. A quick decision to Gonzaga is rumored, but not true, according to sources.

By @CLykinsBlog – The AAU season officially started a couple of weeks ago, but it really begins to pick up for the next few weekends. The 2012 Nike EYBL tournament kicks off Friday night as a bevy of the top high school talents around the country will showcase their skills in front of roughly 200 college coaches. The Nike EYBL will jumpstart the AAU spring season and the time during which college coaches can evaluate players.

The EYBL tournament will be played in four different sessions in four different locations, eventually leading to the EYBL Finals in July: Session #1 Minneapolis, MN – Session #2 Hampton, VA – Session #3 Dallas, TX – Session #4 Oakland, CA – EYBL Finals North Augusta, SC

The Duke staff will be in attendance evaluating most of their main targets in the 2013 and 2014 recruiting classes. Those players playing in the EYBL tournament include the following as well as their ESPN recruiting ranking:

Jabari Parker (2013 – #1), Jahlil Okafor (2014 – #2) – Mac Irvin Fire
Matt Jones (Duke commit, 2013 – #22), Julius Randle (2013 – #2) – Team Texas
Theo Pinson (2014 – #9), JaQuel Richmond (2014 – #24) – CP3 All Stars
Tyus Jones (2014 – #3) – Howard Pulley
Andrew Wiggins (2014 – #1) – CIA Bounce
Allerick Freeman (2013 – #13), Anthony Barber (2013 – #24) – Boo Williams

Linked below will be the session schedule information for each of the four sessions. Dates and times are included in links.

Nike EYBL Session #1

Nike EYBL Session #2

Nike EYBL Session #3

Nike EYBL Session #4

Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com

By Chad Lykins
Lykins41@hotmail.com
@CLykinsBlog

Reports out of Durham, North Carolina have surfaced that 6’7 wing forward freshman, Michael Gbinije, will transfer out of Duke University. Brian McLawhorn of DevilsIllustrated.com tweeted out the news early Sunday evening. Villanova and Georgetown are among the teams that have indicated serious interest in Gbinije.

Gbinije was a player out of Benedictine College Prep (Richmond, VA) that came to Duke as a guy that could be a consistent scorer on the offensive end, as well as a lockdown defender on the other. He played in 19 of the team’s 34 total games in the 2011-12 season while averaging only 1.7 points on only 5.8 minutes per game.

Gbinije was the first commit from the 2011 Duke recruiting class that consisted of fellow freshmen Austin Rivers, Quinn Cook, Marshall Plumlee, and Alex Murphy. Rivers announced his intentions to forego the remainder of his time at Duke to place his name in the 2012 NBA Draft. Plumlee and Murphy were redshirt’s this past season, who figure to make good contributions for the Blue Devils in their sophomore years. For right now, Duke has only 6’4 shooting guard Rasheed Sulaimon committed from the 2012 recruiting class.

The Blue Devils are on the short lists of 2012 high school seniors Tony Parker and Amile Jefferson. Parker is reportedly set to end his recruitment on Friday while Jefferson has yet to set a date. Duke has expressed serious interest in both players for some time now.

Duke has also expressed interest in 6’8 F Rodney Hood who is transferring out of Mississippi State. As a freshman, Hood averaged 10.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field, 66 percent from the free throw line, and 36 percent from three point range. Hood has stated in a 2009 interview that he grew up as a Duke fan.