Ozzie- it is a fact that they are taught to lose the "you knows" and the "um's and uh's". They have been for years. Ever since taking one of my most intense, difficult, yet rewarding classes at Duke
(I will be impressed with whoever can figure out the class and professor), I have been peeved by the use of "like" and other fillers associated with lazy speech. It was brought to our attention that Duke makes sure that players are prepared to speak with the media in an educated manner. To this day I look for the differences between the average NBA post-game interview and a Duke alum's.
It's all part of Coach K's main draw to recruits. It's not just about basketball.