Austin Rivers

[dukelion]

Sorry in advance mods if this is inappropriate.

Scout.com has a link to the forum on their homepage that says....."Big time Florida commit to visit Duke???"

Boynton back in play?????

Hate to start rumors but it is the middle of summer.


http://scouthoops.scout.com/

[JasonEvans]

I do not subscribe to Scout so saying this is not divulging confidential info...

They are talking about Austin Rivers, one of the top players in the class of 2011 and Doc Rivers son. He committed to Florida very early. There is talk he is re-opening his recruitment and wants to take a look at Duke.

-Jason

[Bluedog]

I do not subscribe to Scout so saying this is not divulging confidential info...

They are talking about Austin Rivers, one of the top players in the class of 2011 and Doc Rivers son. He committed to Florida very early. There is talk he is re-opening his recruitment and wants to take a look at Duke.

-Jason

Thanks for the information Jason. He's a 6'3" PG ranked as the #1 PG and #3 overall by scout (behind only Michael Gilchrist and 6'8" Duke-target James McAdoo). Intriguing...

[Turk]

Austin Rivers, International Man of Mystery. Shagadelic, baby!!

[airowe]

Wow, two positive recruiting stories (rumors) in one day. First this and then the Nate Lubick thing.

Andre Dawkins must be working hard!

[SupaDave]

Evaluation
May, 2009: Rivers showed why he is one of the top players in the Class of 2011 (Nike Memorial Day Classic). He was out of sync playing with Brandon Knight in the first couple of games, during which it seemed both players were trying to assert themselves as the alpha dog. Once everything settled down, Rivers began to dominate the opposition with his scoring and playmaking ability. When he started looking to set up his teammates, his unselfishness became contagious and the team got on a roll. He still settled for the 21-foot jumper, which he can make at times, too often without any passes when the defense sagged. He has a great in-between game -- as good as any prospect in the nation -- shooting floaters over the big guys. Rivers can get to the rim, draw contact and finish. He is impatient, at times, on defense and gambles, which gets him into foul trouble. He understands the game -- as you would expect from Doc Rivers' son -- loves to compete and is fearless in tight situations.

This could get interesting. Doc Rivers is a big time NBA guy and Austin's commitment is only verbal right now...

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

This could get interesting. Doc Rivers is a big time NBA guy and Austin's commitment is only verbal right now...

How great would it be to have Austin Rivers i don't know but i also don't think he is a one and done due to his father and he is a great player so that would be great if we can get him

[roywhite]

This could get interesting. Doc Rivers is a big time NBA guy and Austin's commitment is only verbal right now...

An instance where Coach K's Olympic involvement and good reputation with NBA players and coaches is a big plus?

[Indoor66]

How great would it be to have Austin Rivers i don't know but i also don't think he is a one and done due to his father and he is a great player so that would be great if we can get him

If all the kids that are called "one and done" actually go pro after 1 year in college, the NBA draft will be all 19-20 year olds and that ain't gonna happen.

Some may go, but how many went this year, last year? How many rising sophomores have been drafted into the NBA? Not a lot...in the big scheme of things.

In reality, very few of these guys will be ready for pro ball after one year. Many may well not be ready to significantly contribute in college as freshmen. Expectations are usually way over the top.

[cspan37421]

An instance where Coach K's Olympic involvement and good reputation with NBA players and coaches is a big plus?

Today on the Dan Patrick Show Dwayne Wade was interviewed - much of the talk centered on the free agent signings that are going on all around. He was asked about whether he'd like to play with LeBron and multiple times said he had never played with him and it would be crazy/amazing to do so.

Were they not on the same team winning gold in Beijing just a year ago? Read into it what you like, but it left me thinking that Olympic competition just doesn't have the same importance attached to it as it used to back when everyone was an amateur (or when Western countries fielded true amateurs against the pros-in-all-but-name of the Eastern bloc).

I kept hoping to hear DWade mention something about having played with LeBron under Coach K, but it never came up.

[mo.st.dukie]

Today on the Dan Patrick Show Dwayne Wade was interviewed - much of the talk centered on the free agent signings that are going on all around. He was asked about whether he'd like to play with LeBron and multiple times said he had never played with him and it would be crazy/amazing to do so.

Were they not on the same team winning gold in Beijing just a year ago? Read into it what you like, but it left me thinking that Olympic competition just doesn't have the same importance attached to it as it used to back when everyone was an amateur (or when Western countries fielded true amateurs against the pros-in-all-but-name of the Eastern bloc).

I kept hoping to hear DWade mention something about having played with LeBron under Coach K, but it never came up.

I don't know why Wade said that, but I don't think too many people would argue with you if you said the Olympics are not as important as they used to be, both in basketball and in general. For one, there are numerous international basketball events taking place, heck they just had an U-16 international competition, there is the U-19 and World University Games plus a host of others. Not to mention, the NBA and college basketball both have high numbers of international players. The Olympics, while still an honor, are not viewed as important as it used to be.

[roywhite]

I don't know why Wade said that, but I don't think too many people would argue with you if you said the Olympics are not as important as they used to be, both in basketball and in general. For one, there are numerous international basketball events taking place, heck they just had an U-16 international competition, there is the U-19 and World University Games plus a host of others. Not to mention, the NBA and college basketball both have high numbers of international players. The Olympics, while still an honor, are not viewed as important as it used to be.

I can't remember an Olympic basketball competition that was any bigger than Beijing 2008, other than perhaps the original Dream Team in 1992.

Huge audiences, huge interest in the host country, and the big story about whether the USA could reclaim the top spot.

The US players and coaches made a major commitment to this event.

Didn't hear the Dwayne Wade interview; it would be interesting to ask him directly about the Olympic experience and how it ranks in his basketball experience.

But the Olympics sure looked important to the US players leading up to and during the event.

[SupaDave]

I'm sure Wade is simply referring to playing with Lebron in an NBA sense. I wouldn't read too much into that.

However, Austin's name has been popping up a lot this summer...

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Yea idk what Dwade is talking about because he played with lebron in allstar games as well as olympics but hey whatever.

And yea Austin would make duke a even better team if he came in 2011

Picture this:
Barnes
Dawkins
Thorton
Hairston
Rivers
Plumlee's(even Marshall)
Kelly
and
Curry

That seems like a great team i would just say i would like to see one more big man, maybe a Josh Smith or James McAdoo

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Yea idk what Dwade is talking about because he played with lebron in allstar games as well as olympics but hey whatever.

And yea Austin would make duke a even better team if he came in 2011

Picture this:
Barnes
Dawkins
Thorton
Hairston
Rivers
Plumlee's(even Marshall)
Kelly
and
Curry

That seems like a great team i would just say i would like to see one more big man, maybe a Josh Smith or James McAdoo

Please don't start this because we all know it is not going to end up this way. People were doing the "picture this roster" with Wall, Henderson, Williams, and co. and look where were at now. Just saying.
Anyway, this is a great for Austin Rivers. This kid can flat out ball and I have been wondering why he would commit to Florida SO early when Billy Donovan's name is swirling around coaching vacancies every year. Take your time Austin, come to Duke and play some ball with Seth and co. You'll like it.

[mr shadow 008]

just watched a few highlight videos of the kid and he has a very very good all around game. he has very quick hands on defense and seems to be very good on offense too. i would love to see him in duke blue!!!!

[SupaDave]

Please don't start this because we all know it is not going to end up this way. People were doing the "picture this roster" with Wall, Henderson, Williams, and co. and look where were at now. Just saying.
Anyway, this is a great for Austin Rivers. This kid can flat out ball and I have been wondering why he would commit to Florida SO early when Billy Donovan's name is swirling around coaching vacancies every year. Take your time Austin, come to Duke and play some ball with Seth and co. You'll like it.

It's fine to ponder the possibilities, just don't get your hopes up b/c a lot has to happen. At this point it makes more sense to concentrate on Austin as a player with a great pedigree - something were used to at Duke.

[BlueintheFace]

So I am hearing that a visit might be on the horizon. Is this just a rumor or has anybody found confirmation of this (link?)?

[OZZIE4DUKE]

So I am hearing that a visit might be on the horizon. Is this just a rumor or has anybody found confirmation of this (link?)?
I've heard the same rumor from a very impeachable source ;)

I'll believe it when he signs a LOI and then actually shows up on campus to begin classes (for summer school).

[6th Man]

So would Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers both agree to play at Duke? Maybe this will encourage one of them to hurry up and commit. I've been pretty excited about the prospects of Irving. I hope this development will not impede Irving's apparent excitement. I am a firm believer that a huge PG committment is our most important need right now.

[FireOgilvie]

So would Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers both agree to play at Duke? Maybe this will encourage one of them to hurry up and commit. I've been pretty excited about the prospects of Irving. I hope this development will not impede Irving's apparent excitement. I am a firm believer that a huge PG committment is our most important need right now.

Rivers is in the Class of 2011 and plays SG. It doesn't really affect Kyrie.

[BlueintheFace]

I've heard the same rumor from a very impeachable source ;)

I'll believe it when he signs a LOI and then actually shows up on campus to begin classes (for summer school).

Ozzie, have you also heard that this visit would be taking place very soon this month? I may or may not have heard that...

[roywhite]

Ozzie, have you also heard that this visit would be taking place very soon this month? I may or may not have heard that...

http://duke.scout.com/2/898254.html

Rivers and his parents will visit Duke next week per this (premium) article from John Watson at TDD.

[ACCBBallFan]

I don't have premium but not much of a tease in this link that directly states Rivers is visiting Duke next weekend

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=898254&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fscouthoops.scout.com%2fa .z%3fs%3d75%26p%3d2%26c%3d898254

I started reading after exercising link in OP from page 1 not realizing it was old, and it is on front page of scout site.

[BlueintheFace]

...looks like the secret is out. Good stuff. You got it K.

[Greg_Newton]

I hope the various premium subscribers and those with more inside connections than I know more than I... but as an "outsider", I'm a little confused about the respective chatter around the Rivers and Beal situations. I'll save my Beal confusion for his thread, but is there a reason (secret or non-secret) to think we're in good shape with Rivers?

The only specifics I've heard are that he's committed to Florida but he's visiting some other high-profile schools (possibly at his father's urging), he was at once point recruiting Beal to join him at UF, and that Duke is one of these high-profile schools he is visiting. Is there reason beyond that to think he has a particularly strong interest in Duke? Because to me, as someone with no inside knowledge of the situation, Duke just seems like an obligatory, big-name recruiting stop for a kid who's trying to reassure himself he committed to the right place. Hopefully I'm wrong?

[lilblue]

Isn't Austin on campus this weekend? Anybody hearing anything?

[Greg_Newton]

Subscription... but sounds like it went "awesome": http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=2&c=900785&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fduke.scout.com%2f2%2f900 785.html

[airowe]

Subscription... but sounds like it went "awesome": http://duke.scout.com/a.z?s=167&p=2&c=900785&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fduke.scout.com%2f2%2f900 785.html

Sure does ;)

[houstondukie]

Isn't Austin on campus this weekend? Anybody hearing anything?

I've read both the Rivals and Scout articles and now see why people have been optimistic about landing this kid. He sounds in love with Duke. The quotes from those articles make me want to bet on Rivers to Duke. The visit couldn't have gone better.

Is there any way Rivers could be a recruited non-scholarship player as a freshman (a la Melchionni)?

The reason I ask is that I would love for Duke to land Rivers, Q. Miller, B. Beal, and Marshall Plumnee, but there would only be 3 scholarships available if Duke lands Barnes/Roscoe Smith and Irving. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but the dominoes are about to fall.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I've read both the Rivals and Scout articles and now see why people have been optimistic about landing this kid. He sounds in love with Duke. The quotes from those articles make me want to bet on Rivers to Duke. The visit couldn't have gone better.

Is there any way Rivers could be a recruited non-scholarship player as a freshman (a la Melchionni)?

The reason I ask is that I would love for Duke to land Rivers, Q. Miller, B. Beal, and Marshall Plumnee, but there would only be 3 scholarships available if Duke lands Barnes/Roscoe Smith and Irving. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but the dominoes are about to fall.
I'm sure typing Plumnee instead of Plumlee was a typo.

I wouldn't worry about not having enough scholarships if everyone signs - that always seems to work itself out, one way or another.

[FireOgilvie]

I've read both the Rivals and Scout articles and now see why people have been optimistic about landing this kid. He sounds in love with Duke. The quotes from those articles make me want to bet on Rivers to Duke. The visit couldn't have gone better.

Is there any way Rivers could be a recruited non-scholarship player as a freshman (a la Melchionni)?

The reason I ask is that I would love for Duke to land Rivers, Q. Miller, B. Beal, and Marshall Plumnee, but there would only be 3 scholarships available if Duke lands Barnes/Roscoe Smith and Irving. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but the dominoes are about to fall.


There's no way Rivers would do that. Why would he? We're not going to land all of those guys. I don't see Beal and Rivers playing together with the other SGs we'll have (Dawkins, Curry...).

[airowe]

There's no way Rivers would do that. Why would he? We're not going to land all of those guys. I don't see Beal and Rivers playing together with the other SGs we'll have (Dawkins, Curry...).

I'd love to.

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/19/b/AAAAC1-kfRoAAAAAABm4Hg.jpg

[houstondukie]

There's no way Rivers would do that. Why would he? We're not going to land all of those guys. I don't see Beal and Rivers playing together with the other SGs we'll have (Dawkins, Curry...).

You say we won't get all those guys, but most would say we are at the top of all those players' lists. Also Rivers and Beal are good friends and there were rumors that they wanted to play together. And I don't think paying Duke's tuition for one year is a financial problem for the Rivers' family.

[FireOgilvie]

You say we won't get all those guys, but most would say we are at the top of all those players' lists. Also Rivers and Beal are good friends and there were rumors that they wanted to play together. And I don't think paying Duke's tuition for one year is a financial problem for the Rivers' family.

Okay, well as soon as we land all of them except Rivers and have no available scholarships, we can worry about that.

Edit: I want to land all of these guys just as much as the rest of you, but I just don't see it happening in that exact scenario.

[G man]

I just read the article on Rivals it was great! I would not be surprised if he decided to come to Duke. On the flip side of that I would not be surprised if he stayed committed to Florida. He sounds excited about the school and the direction the program is going. I think the recruiting momentum is helping.

[lilblue]

You say we won't get all those guys, but most would say we are at the top of all those players' lists. Also Rivers and Beal are good friends and there were rumors that they wanted to play together. And I don't think paying Duke's tuition for one year is a financial problem for the Rivers' family.

Totally agree. Why wouldn't they pay his way to be part of a very special and deep, may I prognosticate National Championship team!

[ricks68]

Because paying upwards of about 50 grand, as opposed to having a free ride somewhere else, is not so appealing. Duh.

ricks

[airowe]

Because paying upwards of about 50 grand, as opposed to having a free ride somewhere else, is not so appealing. Duh.

ricks

None of this matters. There will be a scholarship open if Rivers wants it...

[msdukie]

Because paying upwards of about 50 grand, as opposed to having a free ride somewhere else, is not so appealing. Duh.

ricks

I don't think Doc Rivers' son really needs to be concerned about the cost of attending college....

[ricks68]

After the new boards started up about 2 1/2 years ago, and way over 10 years of devoted daily (if not minute-by-minute) lurking and occasionally posting, I am determined to hit a measly 200 posts.:p

ricks

[lilblue]

Because paying upwards of about 50 grand, as opposed to having a free ride somewhere else, is not so appealing. Duh.

ricks

Especially for the coach of the Boston Celtics! If Melcionni could do it...

[ricks68]

I just needed a reason to post, and I want to thank some of you for helping me out. Just because one has the means to pay the bucks, doesn't mean they want to part with it if they do not have to. I think that if a coach came to visit my family and told me that I was wanted, but not enough to get the same offer as a possibly "lesser" player, I might just feel that maybe I wasn't wanted enough for me to consider going there.

I have had that kind of a personal experience on a constant level for many years now, as I work for the "state". Legislators determine my school's budget, and even after being employed at my institution of higher learning for 23 years, and having received numerous teaching awards, etc., new "rookie" lower level professors get salaried postions that are just about the same or even more than I receive. While I really enjoy my job, and feel greatly appreciated by the students and other faculty, if there was another school in the area that would pay me more to do the same thing, I would be gone in a flash.

Lee was the exception. Remember, his father is a member of the Duke bball family, also.

ricks

[ricks68]

Here's #200. Finally. This is the kind of discussion that has caused me to just lurk for so many years. See Throaty's sticky to learn more about what I am talking about. I am soooooooooooooooooo glad that we are lucky enough to have DBR. Please contribute to it. I have. And to hell with IC.:D

ricks

[ACCBBallFan]

Today's sermon notes in Florida had something for everybody in the Austin Rivers sweepstakes

Ephesians 4:14 "Let us no longer be like children, changing our minds about what we believe because someone else told us something different or has cleverly lied to us and made a lie sound like the truth"

on one extreme

Jon 8:32 "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

on the other extreme.

[roywhite]

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/duke-close-to-shaking-up-high-school-recruiting-world/

Austin apparently had a great visit.

He also talks about connections to other Duke recruiting targets. Very encouraging.

[airowe]

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/duke-close-to-shaking-up-high-school-recruiting-world/

Austin apparently had a great visit.

He also talks about connections to other Duke recruiting targets. Very encouraging.

I'd say so.


HSH: What did you and Kyrie talk about?
AR: We’re friends from the circuit and we were talking about Duke because I heard he was going to be visiting them. He said he likes Duke a lot. Then we started talking about playing together there. We were both like, “Oh man! We would be REAL good together!” So we just ended the conversation talking about that.


HSH: To be honest, it seems rather obvious what the next move will be…
AR: Well, to tell you the truth those are the only two schools that I’ve visited and right now I’m loving them kind of the same. I’ve got strong points with both of them. With Duke you’ve got the tradition, the history, you play on TV every game and it’s Duke basketball who wouldn’t want to play there. Then you’ve got strong points with Florida, it’s near home, the weather’s great, my sister went there, I know a lot of people there… I’m really liking them both the same.

Everything he liked about Duke was regarding basketball. He likes the weather, the fact that he knows a lot of people at UF, and the fact that his sister went there!?!

This shouldn't take very long...

[BlueintheFace]

WOW!!!

[BlueintheFace]

This one is even more glowing about Duke:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/thread/17256038

[bigj4194]

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/duke-close-to-shaking-up-high-school-recruiting-world/

Austin apparently had a great visit.

He also talks about connections to other Duke recruiting targets. Very encouraging.

Best quote of the article IMO

HSH: Is it safe to assume that if you were to open things back up Duke is the school you would go to?
AR: Well, if I do de-commit it would be because of Duke, yes.

[airowe]

This one is even more glowing about Duke:

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/thread/17256038

That one is a re-posting of a Premium Rivals article. Not good...

[sagegrouse]

You know what would affect me if I were Doc Rivers? I remember the Florida championship in 2006 and Joakim Noah. Here is a kid who grew up in what we imagine is a highly cultured situation in France, the son of a legendary French tennis star and a Swedish model.

He was interviewed on TV, and he did not talk like a cultured European. (Yeah, I know, Europe and France has the same percentage of rubes as the US of A, and I have met more than one.) He talked like a rap performer from Compton, CA. Totally hip-hop. What's that all about? What kind of influences are there in the program? How does your kid end up speaking French on day one and hip-hop after two years?

Doc Rivers is a class act and deserves to be mentioned in the other thread on "most admired." I met him only once, at a charity golf tournament in Atlanta years ago, when he was still an active player. He presided over the festivities and did a great job, and he was still in his twenties.

I think he might prefer his child go to a university that will develop the whole person.

sagegrouse

[flyingdutchdevil]

You know what would affect me if I were Doc Rivers? I remember the Florida championship in 2006 and Joakim Noah. Here is a kid who grew up in what we imagine is a highly cultured situation in France, the son of a legendary French tennis star and a Swedish model.

He was interviewed on TV, and he did not talk like a cultured European. (Yeah, I know, Europe and France has the same percentage of rubes as the US of A, and I have met more than one.) He talked like a rap performer from Compton, CA. Totally hip-hop. What's that all about? What kind of influences are there in the program? How does your kid end up speaking French on day one and hip-hop after two years?

Doc Rivers is a class act and deserves to be mentioned in the other thread on "most admired." I met him only once, at a charity golf tournament in Atlanta years ago, when he was still an active player. He presided over the festivities and did a great job, and he was still in his twenties.

I think he might prefer his child go to a university that will develop the whole person.

sagegrouse

That's a little inaccurate. Firstly, while Joakim Noah is indeed the son of a famous tennis player, Yannick Noah is known more in France for his rapping than he is for his tennis (I lived in Paris when Yannick came out with his albums and many of my French friends were surprised to learn that he had a former tennis career). Thus, Joakim was most likely exposed to the rap culture early in his life. On top of that, Joakim spent his high school years in the US and played a lot of street ball.

Florida is a good school. You aren't going to become act like "a rap performer from Compton, CA" in the span of 3 years. I have nothing against Billy D and Florida and don't understand why so many do. It's a good school with a fantastic athletics program. As for Austin, I have no idea what he or his father are thinking. That said, I sure would like to see him in a Duke jersey.

[BlueintheFace]

That one is a re-posting of a Premium Rivals article. Not good...

Uh oh, sorry. I don't have premium and so was unaware. Somebody feel free to report this so a Mod can take it down.

[airowe]

Uh oh, sorry. I don't have premium and so was unaware. Somebody feel free to report this so a Mod can take it down.

It's out there for the taking now. You didn't take it from a pay site...

[roywhite]

Uh oh, sorry. I don't have premium and so was unaware. Somebody feel free to report this so a Mod can take it down.

CBS may have lifted some premium info from Rivals, but I think it's now on a free site and okay to post. It is similar to what the Indy Star did recently and that was posted on the front page.

Information is like water; it tends to get out.

At any rate, all accounts that I have read are very positive about Austin's visit to Duke.

[sagegrouse]

That one is a re-posting of a Premium Rivals article. Not good...

No problem.. It's in the public domain via CBS. We have no further responsibility.

Much have what I have read about premium content here (not picking on airowe) is a an over-reaction. Once it's out, it's out. Also, there is the fair use doctrine, which the legal eagles here can go into.

sagegrouse

[airowe]

It's out there for the taking now. You didn't take it from a pay site...


No problem.. It's in the public domain via CBS. We have no further responsibility.

Much have what I have read about premium content here (not picking on airowe) is a an over-reaction. Once it's out, it's out. Also, there is the fair use doctrine, which the legal eagles here can go into.

sagegrouse

I agree.

[sagegrouse]

That's a little inaccurate. Firstly, while Joakim Noah is indeed the son of a famous tennis player, Yannick Noah is known more in France for his rapping than he is for his tennis (I lived in Paris when Yannick came out with his albums and many of my French friends were surprised to learn that he had a former tennis career). Thus, Joakim was most likely exposed to the rap culture early in his life. On top of that, Joakim spent his high school years in the US and played a lot of street ball.

Florida is a good school. You aren't going to become act like "a rap performer from Compton, CA" in the span of 3 years. I have nothing against Billy D and Florida and don't understand why so many do. It's a good school with a fantastic athletics program. As for Austin, I have no idea what he or his father are thinking. That said, I sure would like to see him in a Duke jersey.

From what you say, I was more than a little inaccurate. I still think that, as a Dad, I would prefer my son to play for and be molded by Mike Krzyzewski than anyone else.


I remember the story about the recruitment of Grant Hill, when K asked Tommy Amaker and Billy King to take Grant and his Dad on a campus tour. Calvin was blown away by those young men and how poised and professional they had become after time at Duke and with Coach K. Didn't hurt the recruiting either.

sagegrouse

[Devil's Advocate]

That's really good news. One thing that stands out to me is that this is a kid with a father who played in the NBA and continues to coach there. It's not like he hasn't been exposed to impressive things related to basketball (and probably other areas, given his opportunities). Still, Duke makes this kind of impression on him. It really says something about the experience. It makes me wonder if Duke is doing something different not only in their approach to recruiting recently, but also in how they pull out the stops when the kids are here. Maybe not, but either way good things seem to be happening.

[bigj4194]

One of the big things to keep in mind is that Rivers will have to decommit from UF before K will do anything (i.e. offering). So while I am being cautiously optimistic and saying this is great news there are some major steps that Rivers needs to take before anything can happen.

[flyingdutchdevil]

From what you say, I was more than a little inaccurate. I still think that, as a Dad, I would prefer my son to play for and be molded by Mike Krzyzewski than anyone else.


I remember the story about the recruitment of Grant Hill, when K asked Tommy Amaker and Billy King to take Grant and his Dad on a campus tour. Calvin was blown away by those young men and how poised and professional they had become after time at Duke and with Coach K. Didn't hurt the recruiting either.

sagegrouse

Completely agree with you - I would love to have a future kid of mine be taught by K or someone of equal moral standards / upbringing.

I know this is really cheesy (I'll be the first to point that out), but your post made me associate Coach K with Special K. I haven't been around DBR for too long, but I'm surprised that in my time here not many people have brought up the comparison. The parallels between the two are staggering - they are both good for you, both look out after your well-being, and having two helpings a day will make you more fit. You think Sean May would be a fatty had he been playing for Coach "Special" K? I think not....

[BlueintheFace]

Let's not forget that Shelden Williams might be helping Coach K's cause on a daily basis...

[airowe]

I like how the title of this thread has been edited to remove the "rumor?????"

;)

[G man]

It is crazy how fast recruiting momentum can pick up! It seems like just the other day the sky was falling now there is so much to be excited about! This has been a good month lets hope this carries on.

[crote]

The Rivers interview linked on the main page is one of the most encouraging Duke basketball related things I have ever read.

[johaad]

Just a thought......Would you start these two together? IMO the speed of our game would be very tempting to do so, but in the end I would have to go with a little more height on our perimeter.

Irving
Smith
Dawkins
Singler
MPII

Bench:
Curry
Rivers
MPI
Kelly
Hairston
Thornton
Olek


I am going to leave HB out of this. We would have the deepest team in the country...hands down. This makes me think about PT. But I would assume that K has advertised to all these recruits...and eventually could to Austin Rivers if he decides to de-commit...that all statistical categories aside, you could be part of a National Championship team next year.

Rivers is class of 2011. Both Nolan and Kyle would have graduated by then.

[Duke of Nashville]

Rivers is class of 2011. Both Nolan and Kyle would have graduated by then.

Ya I just caught that one. Know wonder we would have been the deepest team in the country....haha

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

It is crazy how fast recruiting momentum can pick up! It seems like just the other day the sky was falling now there is so much to be excited about! This has been a good month lets hope this carries on.

That is so true. I am very excited about the future of Duke Basketball. Seeing all these great recruits we could land. keyword Could

[Bluedevil114]

All Doc or Austin have to do is ask Shelden Williams who is now a Celtic how great his experiences were at Duke and how great Coach K was to play for.

I believe he de-commits to Florida after Kyrie commits this weekend to Duke.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

I loved the interview. Especially when he compared Duke and Florida. It seems like a no brainer that basketball wise he is better off here.

[chrisheery]

unable to believe the turn recruiting has taken in the last few days. Are we now a hot spot again? Does anyone have insight into what changed the minds of these guys? I mean, Duke, Coach K, the facilities, etc haven't changed in the last 2-3 years. Why the sudden shift.


(by the way, I don't care what it is, I just hope it continues)

[Duvall]

unable to believe the turn recruiting has taken in the last few days. Are we now a hot spot again? Does anyone have insight into what changed the minds of these guys? I mean, Duke, Coach K, the facilities, etc haven't changed in the last 2-3 years. Why the sudden shift.


WWJ - World Wide Jumbo.

[Mike Corey]

unable to believe the turn recruiting has taken in the last few days. Are we now a hot spot again? Does anyone have insight into what changed the minds of these guys? I mean, Duke, Coach K, the facilities, etc haven't changed in the last 2-3 years. Why the sudden shift.


(by the way, I don't care what it is, I just hope it continues)

We got our Kavorka back.

(And Nate James and Chris Carrawell are new, too.)

[airowe]

unable to believe the turn recruiting has taken in the last few days. Are we now a hot spot again? Does anyone have insight into what changed the minds of these guys? I mean, Duke, Coach K, the facilities, etc haven't changed in the last 2-3 years. Why the sudden shift.


(by the way, I don't care what it is, I just hope it continues)

I'll agree that Nate and C-Well certainly have given the staff some added youth and connectivity to a lot of these guys. I'd also venture that K's selfiprofessed renewed enthusiasm following the Olympics has certainly contributed (Remember K at the Wake game in Cameron this year? Imagine that kind of enthusiasm on the recruiting trail!). Also, there are a lot of "Duke kids" in these two classes. Kyrie, Harrison, Austin Rivers, they all seem like the classic guys that are used to recruiting.

Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't stop for a long, long time...

[speedevil2001]

That is so true. I am very excited about the future of Duke Basketball. Seeing all these great recruits we could land. keyword Could

its great to be excited about the possiblities of players duke could have...im going to be excited once they commit to play at duke!

[FireOgilvie]

unable to believe the turn recruiting has taken in the last few days. Are we now a hot spot again? Does anyone have insight into what changed the minds of these guys? I mean, Duke, Coach K, the facilities, etc haven't changed in the last 2-3 years. Why the sudden shift.


(by the way, I don't care what it is, I just hope it continues)

We did add the practice facility, right? That's kind of a big deal. Throw in Nate James and Carrawell. It also seems like Coach K has changed his recruiting strategy and is also putting more energy into it than he was previously. Plus, I think you have to look at a guy like Andre Dawkins that makes Duke look cool again to other recruits (which brings in other people like Thornton and Hairston). When other recruits start to notice that Duke is getting attention and positive comments from guys like John Wall and others that wouldn't previously have considered Duke, it all gives Duke a lot of momentum.

[ACCBBallFan]

I'll agree that Nate and C-Well certainly have given the staff some added youth and connectivity to a lot of these guys. I'd also venture that K's selfiprofessed renewed enthusiasm following the Olympics has certainly contributed (Remember K at the Wake game in Cameron this year? Imagine that kind of enthusiasm on the recruiting trail!). Also, there are a lot of "Duke kids" in these two classes. Kyrie, Harrison, Austin Rivers, they all seem like the classic guys that are used to recruiting.

Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't stop for a long, long time...Actually Irving said in the live webcast last night that he mostly talks with coach Collins.

[ACCBBallFan]

I loved the interview. Especially when he compared Duke and Florida. It seems like a no brainer that basketball wise he is better off here.There were actually two Austin Rivers articles on that link site

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/duke-close-to-shaking-up-high-school-recruiting-world/

"When asked if he had a timetable for a decision, Rivers said, “I don’t know to be honest. I just want to be able to relax and I’m just concentrating on Florida and Duke. I could possibly get it over with right away. I could possibly say that Florida is the place for me or I could say that I want to go to Duke. One big thing is that I want to see who commits where so I can see who I’ll be playing with. That will weigh heavy.”"

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/exclusive-austin-rivers-stays-committed-to-florida-but-is-loving-duke/

[airowe]

Actually Irving said in the live webcast last night that he mostly talks with coach Collins.

I was talking big picture.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

This is an exciting time. All of this talk with Austin Rivers is crazy! I love it! I hate to get my hopes up while it is so early, but when you have all these All Americans talking so positively of us, you can't help but think what could be. UNC has to be shaking in their boots! I think it's only a matter of time before Rivers decommits. Let's have a good in home with Roscoe tomorrow and keep it rolling!

In regards to the sudden shift, I don't know if it was so much the players that didn't feel like coming here, I do think it is Coach K and his staff more so that has changed their thinking on all of this and who they approach. Remember, these kids all know eachother from AAU, Nationals, summer camps and you know they have to play some kind of influence in eachother's decision. All it takes is one good kid to get the ball rolling. In our case, I think it was clutch for Coach K to grab someone like Andre Dawkins so early.

[rotogod00]

its great to be excited about the possiblities of players duke could have...im going to be excited once they commit to play at duke!

yeah, this

[ice-9]

I feel giddy and excited about the recent news too but...

...we should all take a deep breath and calm down.

We're in the top 2 for three exciting prospects in Kyrie, Barnes and Rivers. And possibly Roscoe, Beal and MP3 too.

HOWEVER.

For the class of 2010, we've currenly only secured Hairson and Thornton, none of whom are in the top 30. So until we get some commitments like our ugly stepsisters at UNC have done, we should temper our expectatons and wait for the chips to fall where they may.

[Greg_Newton]

Well, commitments aren't everything. Also included in the link from a few posts down (http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/exclusive-austin-rivers-stays-committed-to-florida-but-is-loving-duke/) is a little update on Austin's situation.


Rivers contacted us today and told us, ”I’m gonna stay committed to Florida, but I’m gonna let Duke officially start to recruit me. Because I like Duke a lot.

This is getting more and more confusing, but keeps sounding better and better for Duke...

[houstondukie]

Well, commitments aren't everything. Also included in the link from a few posts down (http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/exclusive-austin-rivers-stays-committed-to-florida-but-is-loving-duke/) is a little update on Austin's situation.



This is getting more and more confusing, but keeps sounding better and better for Duke...

"One big thing is that I want to see who commits where so I can see who I’ll be playing with. That will weigh heavy.”

Maybe he's just waiting to see what happens with Kyrie Irving?

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Very confusing, so what this update means to me is, he'll see how everything plays out. I like that Coach K and the staff can put on the "full court press" because they obviously have a lot to offer. The way I see it, why would he let them recruit him if he was still 100% committed to Florida? That just wouldn't make sense, you might as well de-commit becasue it's esentially the same thing. I think that whatever happens with Irving and Barnes will be important in Rivers decision. Whew, seems like a lot of news and updates in the last 24 hours.

[jesus_hurley]

Something else to consider is by not de-committing and just allowing FL and Duke recruit him it cuts back on the number of calls, texts, letters he would receive if he officially put himself back in play.

[ice-9]

It makes a difference, because if Rivers does end up going to Florida after de-committing, it looks ridiculous. I.e. you decommit, shop around, and then commit again.

But if you maintain that you're committed while looking around and end up there, you can always say you never really changed your mind.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Something else to consider is by not de-committing and just allowing FL and Duke recruit him it cuts back on the number of calls, texts, letters he would receive if he officially put himself back in play.


This is true.

[ACCBBallFan]

Something else to consider is by not de-committing and just allowing FL and Duke recruit him it cuts back on the number of calls, texts, letters he would receive if he officially put himself back in play.Good point, like having a spam blocker.


It makes a difference, because if Rivers does end up going to Florida after de-committing, it looks ridiculous. I.e. you decommit, shop around, and then commit again.

But if you maintain that you're committed while looking around and end up there, you can always say you never really changed your mind.

Agree with this hedging his bets strategy too. and that was before he talks to Doc and his HS coach, who will helpAustin think through the pros and cons and ramifications.

[slower]

UNC has to be shaking in their boots!

Considering their recent recruiting hauls and tournament success, not very likely. I don't think anything Duke basketball has done lately has UNC "shaking in their boots". Ten years ago, maybe. But, at least since Roy arrived, they have had the upper hand.

Now if Irving and Barnes commit and/or Duke has some major (NCAA) tournament success, THEN getting commitments from Rivers and others may once again cause our actions and successes to engender "shaking in their boots".

[rotogod00]

Well, commitments aren't everything. Also included in the link from a few posts down (http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/exclusive-austin-rivers-stays-committed-to-florida-but-is-loving-duke/) is a little update on Austin's situation.



This is getting more and more confusing, but keeps sounding better and better for Duke...

Please remember this if things don't go our way with Barnes/Irving/Rivers.

[NSDukeFan]

Considering their recent recruiting hauls and tournament success, not very likely. I don't think anything Duke basketball has done lately has UNC "shaking in their boots". Ten years ago, maybe. But, at least since Roy arrived, they have had the upper hand.

Now if Irving and Barnes commit and/or Duke has some major (NCAA) tournament success, THEN getting commitments from Rivers and others may once again cause our actions and successes to engender "shaking in their boots".

I agree that it is very unlikely that UNC (at least the staff and players, who knows about the fans) is shaking in their boots at the prospects of Duke signing a couple of players. They have one of the top recruiting classes for 2010 already locked up, are likely in the top 3 for Mr. Barnes and already have one of the top recruits for 2011.

Things appear to be going well for Duke at this point, but again being in the top 2 or 3 or 5 gives us a great chance of getting some guys but, as some posters have alluded to, "I'll be happy when they put on a Duke uniform."

As to what has caused this massive positive turnaround for Duke recruiting? I wonder if the largest factor might be that these things go in cycles. If you run a great program at a great university with great facilities, great fans, are one of the best coaches in the country, a great leader of men, coach of the Olympic team, send many players to successful careers, have a 25 year track record second to none, can almost guarantee you will be in the tournament every year and be nationally competitive, there will be some periods when lots of the top ranked 16-18 year old kids will be interested in your program at once. Unfortunately, there are some periods when, for whatever reason, the top-ranked high school players will not be academically inclined, find another school trendier, or will pick other schools for some other reason and Duke will have to settle for top 10 recruiting classes.

[Ultrarunner]

As to what has caused this massive positive turnaround for Duke recruiting? I wonder if the largest factor might be that these things go in cycles. If you run a great program at a great university with great facilities, great fans, are one of the best coaches in the country, a great leader of men, coach of the Olympic team, send many players to successful careers, have a 25 year track record second to none, can almost guarantee you will be in the tournament every year and be nationally competitive, there will be some periods when lots of the top ranked 16-18 year old kids will be interested in your program at once. Unfortunately, there are some periods when, for whatever reason, the top-ranked high school players will not be academically inclined, find another school trendier, or will pick other schools for some other reason and Duke will have to settle for top 10 recruiting classes.

What interests me is the sudden profusion (okay, it's only two) of sons of NBA players with interest. It can be presumed that these gentlemen stay in touch with friends attached to the NBA (or still are active in some capacity). Do the experiences of the US Olympic Team members influence the dads to recommend Duke for their sons for seasoning to the league? The dads will have the base to appreciate the skills improvement that comes from working with the Duke staff and players.

[mr. synellinden]

We got our Kavorka back.

(And Nate James and Chris Carrawell are new, too.)

Others have referenced this, but this is the most encouraging, exciting piece of the Austin Rivers comments to me (and something that also comes across in Irving's comments about Duke:

With Duke you’ve got the tradition, the history, you play on TV every game and it’s Duke basketball who wouldn’t want to play there.

I had been getting the feeling the last couple of years that Duke was starting to be seen by elite recruits as an undesirable, or uncool place to play. Whether it was all the media backlash and fan hatred, or a combination of factors, I had the feeling the players didn't want to come to Duke and be subject to all that negativity.

But now we are hearing what all us fans have felt all along - the school, the education, the campus, the tradition, the hall of fame, gold medal and three time national championship winning coach, the family atmosphere, playing on TV every game, a chance to win a NC every year, the weather, the premier conference, ... who wouldn't want to play at Duke? There's plenty of space in the rafters for more retired jerseys and national championship banners. Come to Duke and help fill that space.

I like what I'm hearing.

[InSpades]

As to what has caused this massive positive turnaround for Duke recruiting? I wonder if the largest factor might be that these things go in cycles.

I would go a step further on the whole "cycles" thing. For Duke specifically (and maybe a few other schools) I think that possibly having a "down year" or 2 will actually help recruiting. Duke has missed out on some point guard recruits in the past few years and along comes a kid like Kyrie Irving and he's bound to think "I can step in and start at point guard and play on national TV every week? How can I pass that up!". From there it can somewhat have a domino effect. If you get 1 big recruit then you might get another who wants to play with him. There's a certain allure to being the team that brings a program back to dominance. Hopefully Duke is on the upswing. I think it's just a great thing that a "down year" at Duke is an ACC championship and a Sweet 16 appearance.

[miramar]

I can see why Rivers would be interested in Florida since he lives near the school, but knowing both universities, I can also see why he would be impressed by his visit to Duke. The UF campus is nice, much better than FSU for example, but it can't compare to Duke, Cameron, etc.

It sounds like Dad is subtly trying to get his son to expand his horizons, which sounds like a good strategy no matter where he ends up.

Now that I think of it, Duke and UF have probably had more "sons of" than any other programs, so both schools seem to make sense.

[BlueintheFace]

I can see why Rivers would be interested in Florida since he lives near the school, but knowing both universities, I can also see why he would be impressed by his visit to Duke. The UF campus is nice, much better than FSU for example, but it can't compare to Duke, Cameron, etc.

It sounds like Dad is subtly trying to get his son to expand his horizons, which sounds like a good strategy no matter where he ends up.

Now that I think of it, Duke and UF have probably had more "sons of" than any other programs, so both schools seem to make sense.

I'd toss in georgetown too...

[smklin]

There were actually two Austin Rivers articles on that link site

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/duke-close-to-shaking-up-high-school-recruiting-world/

"When asked if he had a timetable for a decision, Rivers said, “I don’t know to be honest. I just want to be able to relax and I’m just concentrating on Florida and Duke. I could possibly get it over with right away. I could possibly say that Florida is the place for me or I could say that I want to go to Duke. One big thing is that I want to see who commits where so I can see who I’ll be playing with. That will weigh heavy.”"

http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2009/09/exclusive-austin-rivers-stays-committed-to-florida-but-is-loving-duke/

I can't help but think that so much rides on which way Irving decides to go. If he commits early (ie- this weekend) then i think that could lead to a LOT of great recruits for Duke down the road.

[jimsumner]

"Now that I think of it, Duke and UF have probably had more "sons of" than any other programs"

Danny Ferry
Quin Snyder
Clay Buckley
Bobby Hurley
Thomas Hill
Grant Hill
Chris Collins
Jeff Capel
Mike Dunleavy
Shavlik Randolph (grandson)
Lee Melchionni
Gerald Henderson
Kyle Singer
Nolan Smith


And that doesn't include players like Robert Brickey, Crawford Palmer, Billy McCaffrey, Andre Buckner, even Greg Paulus who had brothers play big-time sports. Don't know what we do with the Plumlee brothers.

Have I left out anybody?

[airowe]

"Now that I think of it, Duke and UF have probably had more "sons of" than any other programs"

Danny Ferry
Quin Snyder
Clay Buckley
Bobby Hurley
Thomas Hill
Grant Hill
Chris Collins
Jeff Capel
Mike Dunleavy
Shavlik Randolph (grandson)
Lee Melchionni
Gerald Henderson
Kyle Singer
Nolan Smith


And that doesn't include players like Robert Brickey, Crawford Palmer, Billy McCaffrey, Andre Buckner, even Greg Paulus who had brothers play big-time sports. Don't know what we do with the Plumlee brothers.

Have I left out anybody?

Seth Curry.

[roywhite]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh9WayN7R-s

Aus-tin Rivers
Dat Aus-tin Rivers
He must know somethin'
But don't say nothin'
He just keep rollin'
He keeps on rollin' our way

[jimsumner]

Yep, Seth qualifies under the son category and the brother category. A two-for-one special.

Thanks.

[stickdog]

http://www.platinumcostumes.com/images/products/Gogo300BabyBlueLg.jpg

Lotta Hole Quakin' Goin' On

[Indoor66]

http://www.platinumcostumes.com/images/products/Gogo300BabyBlueLg.jpg

Lotta Hole Quakin' Goin' On

Got a COD problem? :eek:

[ACCBBallFan]

I can see why Rivers would be interested in Florida since he lives near the school, but knowing both universities, I can also see why he would be impressed by his visit to Duke. The UF campus is nice, much better than FSU for example, but it can't compare to Duke, Cameron, etc.

It sounds like Dad is subtly trying to get his son to expand his horizons, which sounds like a good strategy no matter where he ends up.

Now that I think of it, Duke and UF have probably had more "sons of" than any other programs, so both schools seem to make sense.Like everything else, UNC has gotten its share of sons of" and relatives of lately too with Drew II, McAdoo, and Davis.