Men's Basketball Banquet

[rthomas]

Any of you go to the banquet? Any word on awards?

[Jumbo]

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=3727457

[geraldsneighbor]

Thanks Jumbo. These awards were given to highly deserving players. Thanks for a great season.

[1999ballboy]

Hmm, it's odd that Elliot received the Ted Mann award, since he wasn't technically a reserve by the end of the season.

[Kewlswim]

Hi,

I have never gone. Is it worth it, if one has the opportunity to be in Durham, to attend? It seems, well, sort of a sad occasion. I am always sad when students are going to leave. I still miss G, no not that one, I mean Mike Giminsky. It sort of seems like a wake, but maybe I am totally missing what goes on and it is festive, super fun, and a really positive experience. I imagine rubber chicken on a plate and a bunch of players who wish they were anywhere else but in front of us old timers. Any insight?

GO DUKE!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I go to the program and not the banquet. Last night's was good. Paulus gave a nice speech. When G got his first award, TillyGalore started a "please don't go" chant that was picked up by a few. G heard it but obviously didn't listen to her :(.

If you have the chance to go next year, it is well worth the $15 for the program. Not so worth the $65 for the dinner and program. We went to Neo China for about $15/person before the program.

[CameronBornAndBred]

TillyGalore started a "please don't go" chant that was picked up by a few. G heard it but obviously didn't listen to her :(.
Thanks very much for trying Tilly!

[CathyCA]

Getting to hear the senior speeches and to see the senior videos was a highlight for me.

Tilly cried all through Greg Paulus' speech. I think she's going to miss him next year.

[weezie]

It seemed that this year's banquet was much more of a family event than in years past. Obviously, winning the ACC tournament was a big, happy influence on the tone of the evening.
Listening to Marty and Dave was a poignant reminder of how much they physically went through in their careers. Both so grateful and humble and honest. There were many tears in the audience; it's always an emotional night. Greg was simply the epitome of grace and maturity. I couldn't help but think back on how he was taunted and derided during his years at Duke and to see what kind of young man he has grown into was wonderful indeed.
I felt very lucky to see the connection that has grown between all our players. Maybe it's the same in other locker rooms across the country, but somehow I doubt it is. Our Duke team is really a brotherhood, it isn't just a promotional tag line.
It's hard to say good-bye to our seniors and to Gerald but they'll always carry a little part of us with them, even if we are just sitting in the stands. Our guys!!!

[weezie]

I go to the program and not the banquet. Last night's was good. Paulus gave a nice speech. When G got his first award, TillyGalore started a "please don't go" chant that was picked up by a few. G heard it but obviously didn't listen to her :(.

If you have the chance to go next year, it is well worth the $15 for the program. Not so worth the $65 for the dinner and program. We went to Neo China for about $15/person before the program.

Not so Ozzie! I think the dinner is a nice way to meet other Iron Dukes, I always have a great time and it makes for great contacts throughout the year. I just wish they could serve wine ;).
And Tilly, I was happy to hear your cheer for G. Good for you. I was misty-eyed during Greg's speech, too. I think he should have stopped and given both you and me a hug!

[godukerocks]

Did anyone just happen to record any speeches?

[Raleighfan]

Not so Ozzie! I think the dinner is a nice way to meet other Iron Dukes, I always have a great time and it makes for great contacts throughout the year. I just wish they could serve wine ;).
And Tilly, I was happy to hear your cheer for G. Good for you. I was misty-eyed during Greg's speech, too. I think he should have stopped and given both you and me a hug!

I won't reveal his identity (a true Blue fan!) but one of our dining companions brought a mini-bottle to use in flavoring his ice water. We've gone to 19 out of the last 20 MBB banquets and I don't recall wine being served, but Mini-bottle Guy insisted that wine was served a few times in the past. Weezie is right---the banquet is a nice opportunity to meet other ID's. Over the years, I've met many people who traveled some distance to be at the banquet; it's not just locals who attend. Last night we had caesar salad, filet mignon w/ mashed taters and asparagus, muffins & rolls, and some kind of fudgy chocolate torte for dessert...not too shabby.

[Edouble]

Hmm, it's odd that Elliot received the Ted Mann award, since he wasn't technically a reserve by the end of the season.

That's how good of a reserve he was!

I get your point and was totally thinking the same thing though.

[watzone]

http://bluedevilnation.net/?page_id=2154 A few pics from the banquet.

[merry]

Hmm, it's odd that Elliot received the Ted Mann award, since he wasn't technically a reserve by the end of the season.

I had the same thought, but then think how many different guys were starters vs reserves at various points in the season.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Hmm, it's odd that Elliot received the Ted Mann award, since he wasn't technically a reserve by the end of the season.


That's how good of a reserve he was!

I get your point and was totally thinking the same thing though.

I expected Greg Paulus to get that award.

[DukeCO2009]

Random question, but was Seth there? I wouldn't expect his involvement with the team to begin until this summer's pickup games, but then again the banquet would have been a nice way for him to get a sense the familial atmosphere of Duke basketball. Not sure if he coud have come without stepping on the toes of anyone at Liberty, though.

[Edouble]

Random question, but was Seth there? I wouldn't expect his involvement with the team to begin until this summer's pickup games, but then again the banquet would have been a nice way for him to get a sense the familial atmosphere of Duke basketball. Not sure if he coud have come without stepping on the toes of anyone at Liberty, though.

It may have been an ordeal to make the trip if he has exams coming up.

[Kewlswim]

Hi,

I wish I had attended. I miss being closer to my Duke "family." :(

GO DUKE!
LOVE DUKE!

[livehead16]

I went for the first time this year, and I had a great time. For someone like me, who lives far from Durham, it was a really nice way to feel like part of the "family". Rather than a wake, it seemed like a nice sense of closure to the season. I would love to go again next year, if I'm able.


Did anyone just happen to record any speeches?
As a matter of fact, I did. They were a lot longer than I expected, so I had memory-card space issues with my camera. Also, I was recording the big screen, because I didn't exactly have a prime seat. But I got all of Jordan's (if I remember correctly), most of Dave's and most of Greg's. I haven't gotten those online yet, but I'd be happy to share the links when I do.

I also recorded most of the awards presentations and the videos. Still working on the editing, but here's what's available so far:

Compilation of Jon's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBjR39aVaPQ)
Compilation of G's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1AERKPVBHU)
Team Tribute Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWenbuz7_I)
Team ACC Champs Highlight Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLIr8ibP2B4)

Also, here are my pictures (http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/livehead16/duke/2009%20banquet%20trip/), if anyone is interested. The album has more of the Hall Of Fame in it than the banquet, but the last ten shots are from Friday night.

[FireOgilvie]

I went for the first time this year, and I had a great time. For someone like me, who lives far from Durham, it was a really nice way to feel like part of the "family". Rather than a wake, it seemed like a nice sense of closure to the season. I would love to go again next year, if I'm able.


As a matter of fact, I did. They were a lot longer than I expected, so I had memory-card space issues with my camera. Also, I was recording the big screen, because I didn't exactly have a prime seat. But I got all of Jordan's (if I remember correctly), most of Dave's and most of Greg's. I haven't gotten those online yet, but I'd be happy to share the links when I do.

I also recorded most of the awards presentations and the videos. Still working on the editing, but here's what's available so far:

Compilation of Jon's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBjR39aVaPQ)
Compilation of G's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1AERKPVBHU)
Team Tribute Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWenbuz7_I)
Team ACC Champs Highlight Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLIr8ibP2B4)

Also, here are my pictures (http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/livehead16/duke/2009%20banquet%20trip/), if anyone is interested. The album has more of the Hall Of Fame in it than the banquet, but the last ten shots are from Friday night.


Was there something for Pocius? I know he's graduating... I also wasn't aware that Jordan was leaving.

[K-Duke]

Was there something for Pocius? I know he's graduating... I also wasn't aware that Jordan was leaving.

I'm thinking he must have mixed up Jordan and Marty.

[livehead16]

I'm thinking he must have mixed up Jordan and Marty.

No, Jordan is leaving. He's giving up his last year of eligibility. I didn't realize that news hadn't hit around here until I just saw another thread that seemed unaware of it.

Yes, Marty also had a speech and a video. I just didn't record his speech. Got the video, though.

And I'm a "she". ;)

[K-Duke]

No, Jordan is leaving. He's giving up his last year of eligibility. I didn't realize that news hadn't hit around here until I just saw another thread that seemed unaware of it.

Yes, Marty also had a speech and a video. I just didn't record his speech. Got the video, though.

And I'm a "she". ;)

my bad on the he/she...

hmm, well I think that certainly would be news around here if Davidson isn't coming back.

[FireOgilvie]

No, Jordan is leaving. He's giving up his last year of eligibility. I didn't realize that news hadn't hit around here until I just saw another thread that seemed unaware of it.

Yes, Marty also had a speech and a video. I just didn't record his speech. Got the video, though.

And I'm a "she". ;)

I think you're the first person to say anything. It's too bad, I was hoping to see him get a few minutes. I also thought he was going to be on scholarship, but I guess maybe Curry could have put an end to that (plus Wall/Bledsoe/hopefully someone now).

[livehead16]

I think that certainly would be news around here if Davidson isn't coming back.
I thought so, too. That's why I'm amazed that no one shared the information before I got here.

[zingit]

I went for the first time this year, and I had a great time. For someone like me, who lives far from Durham, it was a really nice way to feel like part of the "family". Rather than a wake, it seemed like a nice sense of closure to the season. I would love to go again next year, if I'm able.


As a matter of fact, I did. They were a lot longer than I expected, so I had memory-card space issues with my camera. Also, I was recording the big screen, because I didn't exactly have a prime seat. But I got all of Jordan's (if I remember correctly), most of Dave's and most of Greg's. I haven't gotten those online yet, but I'd be happy to share the links when I do.

I also recorded most of the awards presentations and the videos. Still working on the editing, but here's what's available so far:

Compilation of Jon's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBjR39aVaPQ)
Compilation of G's Awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1AERKPVBHU)
Team Tribute Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWenbuz7_I)
Team ACC Champs Highlight Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLIr8ibP2B4)

Also, here are my pictures (http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/livehead16/duke/2009%20banquet%20trip/), if anyone is interested. The album has more of the Hall Of Fame in it than the banquet, but the last ten shots are from Friday night.

Ahhh, thanks, livehead! I would have loved to have gone, and I could have, but I didn't realized they were selling tickets to the public until it was too late. So I'm glad you could share those videos with us. Almost as good as being there! Would love to see the senior speeches when you get them up.

[WiJoe]

Hi,

I have never gone. Is it worth it, if one has the opportunity to be in Durham, to attend? It seems, well, sort of a sad occasion. I am always sad when students are going to leave. I still miss G, no not that one, I mean Mike Giminsky. It sort of seems like a wake, but maybe I am totally missing what goes on and it is festive, super fun, and a really positive experience. I imagine rubber chicken on a plate and a bunch of players who wish they were anywhere else but in front of us old timers. Any insight?

GO DUKE!

Oh, it ABSOLUTELY is. I went when JJ was a senior. Bring a hanky. AWESOME!

[Raleighfan]

Hi,

I have never gone. Is it worth it, if one has the opportunity to be in Durham, to attend? It seems, well, sort of a sad occasion. I am always sad when students are going to leave. I still miss G, no not that one, I mean Mike Giminsky. It sort of seems like a wake, but maybe I am totally missing what goes on and it is festive, super fun, and a really positive experience. I imagine rubber chicken on a plate and a bunch of players who wish they were anywhere else but in front of us old timers. Any insight?

GO DUKE!

To answer your question(s), this memory just popped into my head....at the 1989 Final Four in Seattle, we had seats directly in front of Quin Snyder's family (best seats we've ever had at a FF). Mrs. Snyder---a chatty, outgoing woman---told me that they could make one trip to Durham that spring and had to choose between coming for the BB banquet OR graduation (Q's sr. year) and that they had chosen the banquet, which was to be held a couple weeks afterward. She said they figured Quin would be spotlighted at the banquet whereas he would be "one of the crowd" at graduation.

And another thought, just my opinion....you see K in a different light at the banquet. At the podium, he just seems to be a "regular guy" speaking fondly about people close to him (family, team, staff, etc.), not as a BB icon that many love to hate.

[Wander]

But I thought Scheyer was clearly the best perimeter/wing defender on the team?!?!?!

[livehead16]

you see K in a different light at the banquet. At the podium, he just seems to be a "regular guy" speaking fondly about people close to him (family, team, staff, etc.), not as a BB icon that many love to hate.
i agree with this. and not only up at the podium - i watched him talking to jon scheyer and his table for a good ten minutes as dinner was being served. i was too far away to hear, but it was clearly a very warm and humorous conversation.

also, i've finished editing my videos...

YouTube Links:
greg, kyle, elliot & lance's awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLEbNCroQ1w)
jordan's tribute video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJLBK8Czb-M)
marty's tribute video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qal5G-_moCA)
dave's tribute video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mNaY5A9who)
greg's tribute video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG20TiPVfvA)

and then i set up a folder for the downloadable versions of everything that's up on youtube, plus jordan, dave and greg's speeches. jordan's speech is fairly complete, but greg's and dave's are missing the last parts. they were just so long that i couldn't get the entire things.

anyway, folder with downloadables is here (http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=bf68e1a1cf4f08e67069484bded33bcde2ceff9a e06dabac). enjoy.

[UrinalCake]

A few pics from the banquet.

Why was Wojo on crutches?

[crimsonandblue]

Why was Wojo on crutches?

Lengthening his legs by three inches so he can coach better.

[Truth]

Apologies for posting this two weeks after the event, but I've been working behind the scenes trying to get a new blogging site together. Regardless, I figured a few DBR readers would still be interested in seeing more pictures and videos from the Banquet. Enjoy!

http://www.truthbegins.com/ (http://www.truthbegins.com/blog/2009/05/03/when-the-season-ends-truth-begins/)

P.S. The site is relatively new, but you may find another article about a certain one-and-done recruit worth a read as well.

Feel free to leave me your comments...

[ACCBBallFan]

I can't remember whch board I had read it on but do recall reading a week or two ago that Jordan Davidson had a pretty severe injury and might not return after redshirting last year.

So between him and Marty and G and Greg all leaving, real shortage since Curry can practice but not play next year. So in effect Seth Curry is Jon Scheyer's replacement, and not the replacement of any of these 4.

So two guard set it is or in practice Curry is lone ranger with a bunch of forwards, unless Wall comes to Duke and then the three guard set is also an option.

With so many forwards, probably makes sensde to play 2 guards and 3 forwards anyway but fouls or injury leave little contingency at guard slot

[ACCBBallFan]

Just saw there is another thrad that mentions back surgery for Jordan Davidson

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15896

[Kimist]

Thanks to everyone for the pictures and videos.

No one answered what was going on with Wojo and the crutches...

Also, the picture of the 2009 ACC Champs banner had the word "tournament" on it. Is this something new? I thought, by definition, the only champion WAS the tournament winner.....end of story. Does this mean there is now official recognition of the so-called regular season (tough to be legit without home/home for everyone!) champion? Perhaps Duke needs to add a few more banners for their recent ACC non-tournament seasons??

k

[Raleighfan]

"No one answered what was going on with Wojo and the crutches..."

At first, K said that Mrs. Wojo was responsible for Wojo being on crutches; later on, another speaker said Wojo had had ACL surgery. I was at the banquet and this was what I understood, but as others have said, sometimes it was difficult to understand everything because of the lousy acoustics....so jump right in and correct me if I'm wrong.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Thanks to everyone for the pictures and videos.

No one answered what was going on with Wojo and the crutches...

Also, the picture of the 2009 ACC Champs banner had the word "tournament" on it. Is this something new? I thought, by definition, the only champion WAS the tournament winner.....end of story. Does this mean there is now official recognition of the so-called regular season (tough to be legit without home/home for everyone!) champion? Perhaps Duke needs to add a few more banners for their recent ACC non-tournament seasons??

k


"No one answered what was going on with Wojo and the crutches..."

At first, K said that Mrs. Wojo was responsible for Wojo being on crutches; later on, another speaker said Wojo had had ACL surgery. I was at the banquet and this was what I understood, but as others have said, sometimes it was difficult to understand everything because of the lousy acoustics....so jump right in and correct me if I'm wrong.
All the banners in Cameron now specify "Regular Season" and/or "Tournament", which means we added banners for "Regular Season" championship seasons only. The conference made this change tow or three years ago, although only the tournament champion gets the automatic entry into the NCAA tournament.

Did Wojo have ACL surgery or surgery on his Achilles Heal? That's what I remember being said.

[weezie]

I thought I heard ACL during K's speech.

[Raleighfan]

Weezie and I heard "ACL"; Ozzie heard "Achilles Heel"....what does that tell you about the acoustics in Cameron?

At the WBB banquet (night before the MBB banquet), we'd catch a word/name here and there but most of the time what we heard coming from the podium sounded like Yaddayaddayadda.