Duke Offers Johnny O'Bryant

[flyingdutchdevil]

Apparently, Duke offered another 2011 recruit:

http://bluedevilinsider.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/duke-offers-center-johnny-obryant/

And they said Coach K isn't casting a wide enough net...

[Cockabeau]

This guy is a beast....gotta love our recruiting

[BlueintheFace]

I don't believe that is accurate.

[GODUKEGO]

It just keeps rolling, ESPN has him ranked sixth in the class of 2011. Benefits of a year like we are having!!!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/

[NashvilleDevil]

I don't believe that is accurate.

Why do you say that?

[JohnGalt]

It just keeps rolling, ESPN has him ranked sixth in the class of 2011. Benefits of a year like we are having!!!

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/

I don't understand this. These are just offers.

[CameronBornAndBred]

So he was offered "a couple of weeks ago" and this is the first we've heard of it? Why the silence?

[CameronBornAndBred]

At 6'9", he's a short center. The article calls him a forward, except for the title. I guess someone assumes he's still growing.

[AlaskanAssassin]

K is definitely determined to get that NC within the next couple of years. I'm happy to see this.

[JohnGalt]

At 6'9", he's a short center. The article calls him a forward, except for the title. I guess someone assumes he's still growing.

Back in November he said his 3 favorites were:
1. Ole Miss
2. Memphis

And...


3. Harvard?


...weird...well it wouldn't be the first time K snatched a big man from one of his former player's programs...

[SCMatt33]

At 6'9", he's a short center. The article calls him a forward, except for the title. I guess someone assumes he's still growing.

At the NBA level maybe. Brand and Shelden are both 6'9" and so is Hansblah. You can still dominate the middle at the college level at 6'9". It doesn't really matter what they call you.

[UrinalCake]

Interesting; the article says that he and Tyler Adams are in touch with each other and even talked about the possibility of playing together. Can you imagine two guys totalling 500lbs patrolling the lane? That would be awesome. Not to get ahead of ourselves or anything 8-)

[GODUKEGO]

The description attached sound excatly what we need to pick up any of the few misses of Andre, Seth or Kyrie. He sounds like Zoub since the last 10 games.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=58503&season=2011&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d585 03%26season%3d2011

[Turtleboy]

Interesting; the article says that he and Tyler Adams are in touch with each other and even talked about the possibility of playing together. Can you imagine two guys totalling 500lbs patrolling the lane? That would be awesome. Like Brian and Miles, for example?

[Hectors Grease Fire]

"ICan you imagine two guys totalling 500lbs patrolling the lane? That would be awesome."

Didn't do much for my JCC team

[OldPhiKap]

"Can you imagine two guys totalling 500lbs patrolling the lane?"

Sounds like my bowling league.

[airowe]

I'm fairly sure he doesn't have an offer, FWIW...

[bluedevil2012]

Interesting; the article says that he and Tyler Adams are in touch with each other and even talked about the possibility of playing together.

I think their mutually offered schools are Memphis, Mississippi, Mississippi St, Florida, Alabama, and Duke (if we really did offer him). But he also said they talked about competing for a national championship together. Not to read to far into that, but if I wanted to compete for an NC, I would be leaning towards Duke (of those schools).

[cspan37421]

It's a particularly good moment to be going after tomorrow's big men. Ours are still playing, and playing really well. Zoubs was in this week's SI - again! And Scheyer is next to him - with another awkward expression.

All that said, to me, there's only one Johnny from Duke. So far - perhaps he'll be Brand-like and I'll have to admit another.

[BD80]

... Can you imagine two guys totalling 500lbs patrolling the lane? ...

Like Sean May and Christopher Mintz-Plasse?

http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Columbia+Pictures+Presents+World+Premiere+RrQJDXFp tbXl.jpg

[Jderf]

I'm fairly sure he doesn't have an offer, FWIW...

How do you know?

[CameronBornAndBred]

I'm fairly sure he doesn't have an offer, FWIW...
I agree. Like I posted earlier, if he was offered weeks ago, according to him, why are we just learning it now? Scout doesn't have Duke listed as an offer on their profile.
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3725630

He also shrunk an inch on Scout's profile...6'8".

[airowe]

How do you know?

According to Duke, he doesn't have an offer. I still can't find where that quote actually came from. I saw it posted on here in the Tyler Adams thread but the post was deleted I believe and then I traced it back to a Mississippi State ESPN Message board where someone posted it with no link. It's not in any online article in the Clarion Ledger or whatever that paper it was supposed to be in.

Also, on that MSU ESPN Message Board, someone asked if they could post the quote on here. I'm still trying to find that message board to find out who brought it over here.

Regardless, according to Duke. He doesn't have an offer.

ETA: It was actually an LSU site.

http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=18559044&pg=1

Anyone know KEYS OPEN DOORS?

This was the first time this quote was ever posted online as far as I can tell.

[watzone]

Darn rumors. Duke has bit offered this kid and that is from an impeccable source.

[DevilHorns]

Darn rumors. Duke has bit offered this kid and that is from an impeccable source.

by "bit" do you mean "not"?

[brevity]

by "bit" do you mean "not"?

Gotta be "not." Look at your keyboard: B is next to N, I is next to O.

[DevilHorns]

Gotta be "not." Look at your keyboard: B is next to N, I is next to O.

Yea, thats what i was thinking....

[watzone]

by "bit" do you mean "not"?
Yes, typo's. Here is the problem with the internet and Duke hates inaccuracies. Here is the site which reported O'Briant was offered - http://bluedevilinsider.wordpress.com/about/

No name is signed to the work, no contact information, no about information, nothing but article on Duke recruits that come from where? These sites pop up every other day and there is no credibility to them. Anyone can take recruiting info and make it their own.

If this is your site, own up to it and use your name, please.

[airowe]

Yes, typo's. Here is the problem with the internet and Duke hates inaccuracies. Here is the site which reported O'Briant was offered - http://bluedevilinsider.wordpress.com/about/

No name is signed to the work, no contact information, no about information, nothing but article on Duke recruits that come from where? These sites pop up every other day and there is no credibility to them. Anyone can take recruiting info and make it their own.

If this is your site, own up to it and use your name, please.

This has to be great for sites like yours though watzone. This guy had been running out some ok info lately, but it's obviously second-hand info and/or not fact-checked very well.

If you want real Duke Basketball Recruiting info, you're not going to get it for free...

[JG Nothing]

Yes, typo's. Here is the problem with the internet and Duke hates inaccuracies. Here is the site which reported O'Briant was offered - http://bluedevilinsider.wordpress.com/about/

No name is signed to the work, no contact information, no about information, nothing but article on Duke recruits that come from where? These sites pop up every other day and there is no credibility to them. Anyone can take recruiting info and make it their own.

If this is your site, own up to it and use your name, please.

No, if you read more carefully, here is the site that reported O'Bryant's offer.
http://memphisroar.com/2010/03/obryant-grabs-another-offer/#more-6647
The article directly quotes O'Bryant as claiming he has an offer from Duke.

[airowe]

No, if you read more carefully, here is the site that reported O'Bryant's offer.
http://memphisroar.com/2010/03/obryant-grabs-another-offer/#more-6647
The article directly quotes O'Bryant as claiming he has an offer from Duke.

The article on MemphisRoar.com actually directly quotes a message board post. Find me the article from The Clarion Ledger.

Regardless, he doesn't have a Duke offer.

[Greg_Newton]

The article on MemphisRoar.com actually directly quotes a message board post. Find me the article from The Clarion Ledger.

Regardless, he doesn't have a Duke offer.

I'm not disputing that O'Bryant hasn't been offered, but I think you're misreading that passage. The Clarion Ledger reference reads "...Dandy Dozen member (via The Clarion Ledger)...", which I believe means he was selected to some "Dandy Dozen" all-prep team by the Clarion Ledger... not that the preceding quote was via the Clarion Ledger.

[JG Nothing]

The article on MemphisRoar.com actually directly quotes a message board post. Find me the article from The Clarion Ledger.

Regardless, he doesn't have a Duke offer.

Once again, no. The Clarion Ledger is referenced because it publishes the "Dandy Dozen." At the end of the article it states:
"This article features quotes and portions of an article by Paul Jones of the Mississippi State ESPN Affilliate, BulldawgJunction. Jones is the Senior Writer for BullDawgJunction.com."

So, if O'Bryant does not have an offer, then Jones misquoted O'Bryant, O'Bryant misspoke or misunderstood his conversation with Duke, or your sources are wrong.

[airowe]

I'm not disputing that O'Bryant hasn't been offered, but I think you're misreading that passage. The Clarion Ledger reference reads "...Dandy Dozen member (via The Clarion Ledger)...", which I believe means he was selected to some "Dandy Dozen" all-prep team by the Clarion Ledger... not that the preceding quote was via the Clarion Ledger.

Gotcha.

Here's the link for that article, which is Premium:

http://bulldawgjunction.com/news/story.php?article=3971

Still, O'Bryant does not currently have an offer from Duke.

[BD80]

does Tyler Adams officially have an offer?

[airowe]

does Tyler Adams officially have an offer?

Yes.

[watzone]

No, if you read more carefully, here is the site that reported O'Bryant's offer.
http://memphisroar.com/2010/03/obryant-grabs-another-offer/#more-6647
The article directly quotes O'Bryant as claiming he has an offer from Duke.

My bad then. I was a bit brutal but I am a big believer that if you are going to cover sensitive issues like recruiting and you want to be taken seriously, you should drop a hint at sources or a name or something. Texas sun got to me;)

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Kool, sounds like a great ball player.

[JG Nothing]

My bad then. I was a bit brutal but I am a big believer that if you are going to cover sensitive issues like recruiting and you want to be taken seriously, you should drop a hint at sources or a name or something. Texas sun got to me;)

Fair enough and, for what it's worth, I agree with you. Let's go Duke!

[flyingdutchdevil]

My bad for initially posting. That Blue Devil Insider has been fairly right in the past. I now know better than to post info from them ;)

[Cisco]

I would Love having both of these guys :D

How would you know if Duke hasnt offered O'Bryant yet if your not a part of the recruiting staff anyway? especially if O'Bryant believes he's been offered?

[Coballs]

According to this site, Duke has offered 2011 PF Johnny O'Bryant and may be receiving a committment from Tyler Adams. If this information is accurate, it seems to suggest that we might be backing off Quincy Miller. This is probably the right approach if the coaching staff gets the sense that Miller is earmarked for Kentucky.

http://www.coast2coastrecruiting.net/2010/03/duke-offers-johnny-o-bryant.html

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Kool he's rated #6 overall in espn rankings.

http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=58503&season=2011&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb %2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d585 03%26season%3d2011

[airowe]

Unfortunately, we haven't offered O'Bryant. He may get an offer at some point down the line, but it's simply early evaluation at this point...

There's another thread on just this topic.

[FireOgilvie]

If this information is accurate, it seems to suggest that we might be backing off Quincy Miller. This is probably the right approach if the coaching staff gets the sense that Miller is earmarked for Kentucky.

I don't think Quincy Miller and O'Bryant would be mutually exclusive.

[Greg_Newton]

I'm not sure how thrilled I am to hear Tyler Adams may be committing soon. IF (knock on wood) Rivers picks the good guys, we'd have room for 2 of Miller, O'Bryant, Plumlee and Adams. I'd be thrilled with either Miller or O'Bryant, who are top 10 gamechanging recruits. If Plumlee continues to develop, he'd be a nice 3-4 year guy. Adams, however, seems like a much bigger risk - only a borderline top 100 recruit with questions about work ethic (posted earlier, I don't remember where).

Diamonds in the rough like Felix are great... in moderation. We've got some great role player-types coming in in Felix, Hairston, Thornton, and Gbinije, and now I would really like to focus on snagging a couple big-time recruits in 2011.

[DevilHorns]

We've got some great role player-types coming in in Felix, Hairston, Thornton, and Gbinije, and now I would really like to focus on snagging a couple big-time recruits in 2011.

Is Hairston a role-player?

He has a 97 on ESPN. I think more is expected of him than that.

[Spam Filter]

Adams is going to move up the recruiting rankings, and Gbinije is a top 20 player, Hairston is top 30, I don't think we're just recruiting role players.

[Dukeknights]

I'm not sure how thrilled I am to hear Tyler Adams may be committing soon. IF (knock on wood) Rivers picks the good guys, we'd have room for 2 of Miller, O'Bryant, Plumlee and Adams. I'd be thrilled with either Miller or O'Bryant, who are top 10 gamechanging recruits. If Plumlee continues to develop, he'd be a nice 3-4 year guy. Adams, however, seems like a much bigger risk - only a borderline top 100 recruit with questions about work ethic (posted earlier, I don't remember where).

Diamonds in the rough like Felix are great... in moderation. We've got some great role player-types coming in in Felix, Hairston, Thornton, and Gbinije, and now I would really like to focus on snagging a couple big-time recruits in 2011.

Gbinije is NOT a role player. Kid is a stud.

[BlueintheFace]

For my Money O'Bryant is not coming.

I think we will see Adams on campus.

[JohnGalt]

Diamonds in the rough like Felix are great... in moderation. We've got some great role player-types coming in in Felix, Hairston, Thornton, and Gbinije, and now I would really like to focus on snagging a couple big-time recruits in 2011.

Hairston and Gbinije are consenus top 30 while considered by a few to be top 20 recruits...What's your definition of a role player?

...or a diamond in the rough?

[Bo_Spice]

Dream 2011 Recruiting Class
- Austin Rivers 6'4 190 SG, Winter Park H.S. (#2 Overall)
- Johnny O'Bryant 6'9 230 C, East Side H.S. (#6 Overall)
- Michael Gbinije 6'6 195 SG, Benedictine H.S (#24 Overall)
- Tyler Adams 6'9 260 C, Brandon H.S. (#12 C)

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Dream 2011 Recruiting Class
- Austin Rivers 6'4 190 SG, Winter Park H.S. (#2 Overall)
- Johnny O'Bryant 6'9 230 C, East Side H.S. (#6 Overall)
- Michael Gbinije 6'6 195 SG, Benedictine H.S (#24 Overall)
- Tyler Adams 6'9 260 C, Brandon H.S. (#12 C)

Quincy Miller?

and are we no longer recruiting Marshall?

[JohnGalt]

Quincy Miller?

and are we no longer recruiting Marshall?

there are rumors of such...I'm not sure how founded in truth they are

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Well in all honesty, I would rather have Quincy Miller than anyone else in the 2011 class, except for maybe Mike Gilchrist, but duke isn't going after him.

[BlueintheFace]

Given everything I have read over the last few months, Marshall Plumlee is headed to UVA or Wiscy.

QM is still in the mix, but you have to consider the competition

[Greg_Newton]

I see Hairston and Gbinije as very solid 3-4 year players... Wayne Ellington/Danny Green types. If they become stars, they will do so as upperclassmen, IMO. They are both well built and very skilled, but not above average athletically for their position. I see them as players you need to have on a championship team, but not the All-Americans on the team that coaches formulate game plans to stop.

Guys like Kyrie Irving, Austin Rivers, Quincy Miller, and from what little I've seen, Johnny O'Bryant, are what I consider gamechanging talents. It would be great to grab one or two of these type talents in 2011 to complement the solid guys we'll already have. (btw, I've heard the same re: O'Bryant... disappointing to hear.)

Hopefully that's a little more clear.

[JohnGalt]

Well in all honesty, I would rather have Quincy Miller than anyone else in the 2011 class, except for maybe Mike Gilchrist, but duke isn't going after him.

We really should bring in a big 4 or 5 though. Miles will be a senior and Mason will be a junior. Personally, I think Mason will be around 4 years, but there is a large contingent on here that thinks he'll have a blow up year and go pro after one of his next two seasons. Regardless, if we don't line up a big man from the 2011 class that means we will have to rely on a young frontcourt for the 2012 season.

In 2012, we'll have Kelly who may or not have developed his strength enough to guard the post and Mason, assuming he's around as our experienced frontline. It would be nice to add some athletic freshman to the mix in order to get experience and if nothing else, add some depth. This is why it might be important for us to pick up Adams and MP3.

QM is supposed to be sensational, but the 1 and the 4/5 generally win national titles, not the 2/3 (unless your name is Carmelo)

[JohnGalt]

Pardon me, I forgot Hairston. Mason, Hairston, and Kelly will be in the paint...

[Greg_Newton]

Pardon me, I forgot Hairston. Mason, Hairston, and Kelly will be in the paint...

When the class of 2011 matriculates for the 2011-2012, Miles will still be a senior. So, we'll likely have senior Miles at C and junior Kelly/soph Hairston at the 4, and if we're lucky, a junior Mason that can play either. I think it's important to get a solid post player or two in the 2011 class, but not necessarily because we need them in 2011-2012 season.

Also Q is a long 6-10 and likely a college 4.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

We really should bring in a big 4 or 5 though. Miles will be a senior and Mason will be a junior. Personally, I think Mason will be around 4 years, but there is a large contingent on here that thinks he'll have a blow up year and go pro after one of his next two seasons. Regardless, if we don't line up a big man from the 2011 class that means we will have to rely on a young frontcourt for the 2012 season.

In 2012, we'll have Kelly who may or not have developed his strength enough to guard the post and Mason, assuming he's around as our experienced frontline. It would be nice to add some athletic freshman to the mix in order to get experience and if nothing else, add some depth. This is why it might be important for us to pick up Adams and MP3.

QM is supposed to be sensational, but the 1 and the 4/5 generally win national titles, not the 2/3 (unless your name is Carmelo)

Quincy is a very athletic 3/4.

[Huh?]

Quincy Miller?

and are we no longer recruiting Marshall?

Q Miller will be in a Kentucky uniform.

Plumlee 3 seems like he is looking elsewhere. I'm hearing IU, UVA, Michigan, and yes, UNC.

Could Adams and O'Bryant be a package deal?

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

Q Miller will be in a Kentucky uniform.

Not really, this is just pure speculation

[Big Pappa]

Q Miller will be in a Kentucky uniform.


I'm not sure what basis you have for this statement.

In regard to Johnny O'Bryant: I don't mean to question a kid's character when I don't know him personally but O'Bryan's Bio on twitter says, "H.O.D fuuuuuggggg u if u ain't...." His posts also are very profanity laced for the most part. Many of them bring up his "H.O.D brothers". After following Duke for as long as I have he just doesn't come off as a guy Coach K would go after.

[Clipsfan]

I'm not sure what basis you have for this statement.

In regard to Johnny O'Bryant: I don't mean to question a kid's character when I don't know him personally but O'Bryan's Bio on twitter says, "H.O.D fuuuuuggggg u if u ain't...." His posts also are very profanity laced for the most part. Many of them bring up his "H.O.D brothers". After following Duke for as long as I have he just doesn't come off as a guy Coach K would go after.

It used to be that I retired phrases when I heard older people use them - now I guess I'm one of those older people. I had to look up H.O.D.

[Welcome2DaSlopes]

What does H.O.D mean?

[Starter]

It's not like we haven't had good kids who have said questionable stuff on UStreams and such. I wouldn't judge him too much on this. Besides, it's not like every Duke player has unassailable character before and/or after they come. I do tend to think being at Duke helps smooth out the rough edges.

[Saratoga2]

Next year we will lose Singler, Smith and possibly one or two of our highly regarded underclassmen. A transfer might also occur. The clear needs will be to replace a shooting guard (Rivers?), a wing forward (Gjibni) and possible a big in one of the Plumlee's go (another Plumlee or?). If we got Miller would he be considered that big?)

[wilko]

Hand of Doom?
I have no idea either.

[Channing]

What does H.O.D mean?

Hebrew Order of David? (http://hodinternational.tripod.com/)

[BD80]

... In regard to Johnny O'Bryant: I don't mean to question a kid's character when I don't know him personally but O'Bryan's Bio on twitter says, "H.O.D fuuuuuggggg u if u ain't...." His posts also are very profanity laced for the most part. Many of them bring up his "H.O.D brothers". After following Duke for as long as I have he just doesn't come off as a guy Coach K would go after.

You probably shouldn't read Ty Thornton's Tweets. Granted much of the profanity comes from other Tweeters, but it can get bad, including variations of the "N" word.

H.O.D. would be "high on drugs?"

[SupaDave]

You probably shouldn't read Ty Thornton's Tweets. Granted much of the profanity comes from other Tweeters, but it can get bad, including variations of the "N" word.

H.O.D. would be "high on drugs?"

THIS is why you should stay off kid's twitter pages. Just a simple query of his name tells you what it means.

HOOP OR DIE...

Watch what you say b/c it may reveal more about yourself than those you are trying to figure out...

[Big Pappa]

THIS is why you should stay off kid's twitter pages. Just a simple query of his name tells you what it means.

HOOP OR DIE...

Watch what you say b/c it may reveal more about yourself than those you are trying to figure out...

I'm not sure why you are telling people to stay off kids twitter pages. The whole reason that people have twitter is to publicly express opinions to the world and interact with others. Kyle, Nolan, Seth, Dre, Ryan, Lance, Jon, Wojo and Collins all have them and use them to interact with fans. That is the whole point. When the reporters asked Kyle and Nolan about it in an ncaa tourney press conference (I believe before the Baylor game) they both said that it was a fun way to stay in touch with fans, Kyle even announced that he was staying on his twitter.

Telling people to stay off of a public website, when one of its main purposes is to help fans interact with public figures, doesn't make any sense.

[soccerstud2210]

I'm not sure why you are telling people to stay off kids twitter pages. The whole reason that people have twitter is to publicly express opinions to the world and interact with others. Kyle, Nolan, Seth, Dre, Ryan, Lance, Jon, Wojo and Collins all have them and use them to interact with fans. That is the whole point. When the reporters asked Kyle and Nolan about it in an ncaa tourney press conference (I believe before the Baylor game) they both said that it was a fun way to stay in touch with fans, Kyle even announced that he was staying on his twitter.

Telling people to stay off of a public website, when one of its main purposes is to help fans interact with public figures, doesn't make any sense.

i agree with you. that is the purpose of twitter, linkedin, facebook, myspace. i think more of what he was saying was not to read to much into what they say, but who knows, now i'm just speculating on what he said on a public social site :)

[SupaDave]

I'm not sure why you are telling people to stay off kids twitter pages. The whole reason that people have twitter is to publicly express opinions to the world and interact with others. Kyle, Nolan, Seth, Dre, Ryan, Lance, Jon, Wojo and Collins all have them and use them to interact with fans. That is the whole point. When the reporters asked Kyle and Nolan about it in an ncaa tourney press conference (I believe before the Baylor game) they both said that it was a fun way to stay in touch with fans, Kyle even announced that he was staying on his twitter.

Telling people to stay off of a public website, when one of its main purposes is to help fans interact with public figures, doesn't make any sense.

First - those social sites are for social interaction - not social stalking. It's great to hear some of those things from the horse's mouth but when you start assuming and speculating it becomes something totally different. This has been discussed in length on this site and I suggest you search for the thread.

[SupaDave]

i agree with you. that is the purpose of twitter, linkedin, facebook, myspace. i think more of what he was saying was not to read to much into what they say, but who knows, now i'm just speculating on what he said on a public social site :)

My point exactly. :)

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17219

[Big Pappa]

My point exactly. :)

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17219

Thanks for posting that thread but after reading it I don't feel that I crossed any of those lines. I simply reported what he has posted for anyone in the world to see and asked what people thought.

Did I cross a line or were you just saying that we shouldn't read much into what kids post publicly on websites like twitter?

[MCFinARL]

THIS is why you should stay off kid's twitter pages. Just a simple query of his name tells you what it means.

HOOP OR DIE...

Watch what you say b/c it may reveal more about yourself than those you are trying to figure out...

So true. I also think those of us who are older need to be careful about judging kids by the language they use. Whether we like it or not, standards are a lot different, and words we think are controversial don't carry the same charge for the young. My 23 year old daughter--very smart, well-rounded, nice, polite to her elders, a Duke grad with a good job (yes--I know how lucky I am) is an upstanding citizen--but the way she and her friends talked to each other in high school and college could curl a parent's hair.

[SupaDave]

Did I cross a line or were you just saying that we shouldn't read much into what kids post publicly on websites like twitter?

You got it! I just thank God it wasn't around when I was in high school. Very few teenagers have the mental buffers that come with age and experience...

[bluedevil2012]

Ok I agree with Super Dave that reading too much into kids' twitter pages isn't usually a good idea. But in fairness, Big Pappa did preface his statement with the fact that he doesn't know the kid personally, and that this wasn't an indictment of his character, just an observation. That being said, the kid's page does use a lot of language that doesn't seem to be used on the pages of current Duke players or other recruits. The only thing you can take from that is that there might be some maturity issues. But we certainly can't say anything about his character from that.

Anyway, its irrelevant to whether or not we should be going after this kid.

EDIT:


You got it! I just thank God it wasn't around when I was in high school. Very few teenagers have the mental buffers that come with age and experience...

Exactly

[Big Pappa]

You got it! I just thank God it wasn't around when I was in high school. Very few teenagers have the mental buffers that come with age and experience...

Me too my friend. If he can help our team win without causing off the court distractions then I am all for it. The great thing is that I know Coach K monitors all of these things (like I said Wojo and Collins have twitter accounts) and I know that he would never take a chance on bringing a kid in that would tarnish the Duke name.

I know it seems like we always come back to this but I am very thankful for Coach K and having him in charge to make all of these decisions, whether it's recruitment, strategy, scheduling, discipline, or any other of a number of things.

[Leck]

getting away from the tweets, facebook status', and forumspring answers. i read in another thread that o'bryant may not have as much interest in duke as we might think (although his buddy tyler adams does). i've also read they might be a "package deal".

yall's thoughts?

[chrisheery]

I am not an insider, but I do know that "package deals" are not something that ever really happens. Adams has said about 10 times in interviews that he loves Duke and Coach K. O'Bryant and Adams play on the same AAU team and have said things about "talking about" playing together in college.

We all thought KI and HB would be a package. That didn't happen. The only two guys I see really wanting to stick together in that class is Q Miller and Deuce Bello. Again, I only get that from tweets and whatnot from QM, but it almost seems like he is trying to use his high-major status to get Deuce Bellow a high major scholly. Knowing Calipari, he'll do it if he has to and he'll have room because all of his players only play 1 season at a time.

[SupaDave]

I am not an insider, but I do know that "package deals" are not something that ever really happens. Adams has said about 10 times in interviews that he loves Duke and Coach K. O'Bryant and Adams play on the same AAU team and have said things about "talking about" playing together in college.

We all thought KI and HB would be a package. That didn't happen. The only two guys I see really wanting to stick together in that class is Q Miller and Deuce Bello. Again, I only get that from tweets and whatnot from QM, but it almost seems like he is trying to use his high-major status to get Deuce Bellow a high major scholly. Knowing Calipari, he'll do it if he has to and he'll have room because all of his players only play 1 season at a time.

Duece Bello needs very little help getting a high major scholly...

[soccerstud2210]

I am not an insider, but I do know that "package deals" are not something that ever really happens. Adams has said about 10 times in interviews that he loves Duke and Coach K. O'Bryant and Adams play on the same AAU team and have said things about "talking about" playing together in college.

We all thought KI and HB would be a package. That didn't happen. The only two guys I see really wanting to stick together in that class is Q Miller and Deuce Bello. Again, I only get that from tweets and whatnot from QM, but it almost seems like he is trying to use his high-major status to get Deuce Bellow a high major scholly. Knowing Calipari, he'll do it if he has to and he'll have room because all of his players only play 1 season at a time.

isn't DB a top 25-35 prospect???

[chrisheery]

I don't know. I have heard that he is an amazing athlete with questionable skills. Not a good shooter, handle is a bit loose, and not a great passer. He is undersized to play 2 guard and not skilled enough to play point.

Just my general sense, never seen the kid play. I would be a bit surprised if he is a top 25 or 30 player, though, from what people tell me who have seen him play.

[chrisheery]

Just checked. Deuce Bello's rankings are as follows:

Rivals #102 overall
Scout #17 SF, counldn't find the overall rank (he's only 6'3", sorta what I was talking about)
ESPN #94 overal, also listed him as SF

I just don't see a high major school needing a 6'3" guy who has skills of a SF. He might keep getting better and become a very good guard. He has all the tools, but right now, he isn't at that level. Westchester isn't a basketball academy. It is a private school in a golf course community. If he tranferred to a school that has a reputation for turning out and improving players, he might improve his chances of being ranked higher or being a better player.

[SupaDave]

Just checked. Deuce Bello's rankings are as follows:

Rivals #102 overall
Scout #17 SF, counldn't find the overall rank (he's only 6'3", sorta what I was talking about)
ESPN #94 overal, also listed him as SF

I just don't see a high major school needing a 6'3" guy who has skills of a SF. He might keep getting better and become a very good guard. He has all the tools, but right now, he isn't at that level. Westchester isn't a basketball academy. It is a private school in a golf course community. If he tranferred to a school that has a reputation for turning out and improving players, he might improve his chances of being ranked higher or being a better player.

Bello is starting to become one of the nation’s most coveted 2011 recruits, listing interest in Baylor, Clemson, Duke, High Point University, Maryland, Memphis, NC State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Wake Forest, UNC, UNC-Charlotte, and USC, according to various recruiting services.

http://www.zimbio.com/Deuce+Bello/articles/a9feArGxr5Y/Deuce+Bello+High+School+Forward+Makes+ESPN

http://www.goodsportsworld.com/good/archives/740

And he's also down with D-One Sports. Guess who owns that and who else has been down with that program...

Lastly, since when are high major programs NOT interested in 4-star recruits?
http://bluedevilnation.net/2009/04/2011-prospect-deuce-bello-already-holds-three-offers-and-says-he-getting-some-interest-from-duke/

[chrisheery]

My bad. Didn't mean high major. Meant elite programs. Define them how you see fit. Buy I'm think consistently top 10 type teams. There aren't a lot of them so 4 star guys are usually reserves or "upside" guys for programs like that.

[Greg_Newton]

He's a borderline top-100 recruit with three offers, so "one of the nations most coveted 2011 recruits" is a little much. However, he might be the longest 6'3" I've ever seen - think Demarcus Nelson (except actually 6'3") with better hops but less strength and polish. He's got huge upside, but I think it's yet to be seen whether he can consistently hold his own at an elite level of play.

So, I think the compromise is that he'll definitely end up at a high-major somewhere, but it's not necessarily a given that he'll end up at a blueblood like Duke/UNC/KU/UK unless he really proves himself this year or is perceived as a package deal with Q.

[verga]

i think you may find that O'Bryant has no interest in Duke.

[chrisheery]

Who cares? There are plenty of other fish and I don't think anyone has spent a lot of thought or effort on this kid.

Plus, he is one of the few players I have ever seen whose mixed tape I was completely unimpressed with. If you can't even look cool on your own mix tape, you might not be that great.

[gotham devil]

Who cares? There are plenty of other fish and I don't think anyone has spent a lot of thought or effort on this kid.

Plus, he is one of the few players I have ever seen whose mixed tape I was completely unimpressed with. If you can't even look cool on your own mix tape, you might not be that great.
Please. He's an elite player.
Those mixed tapes are visual pablum for morons.

[chrisheery]

He's an elite player based on rankings or your own assessment of his game?

And your point should only add to mine. If you can't create a mixed (or recruiting tape) where you look good, it is evidence that you don't have exceptional skills. He looks like he walks on every play. He plays hard, rebounds well, but he is bigger and stronger than almost everyone he plays against. I'm looking forward to seeing him play in college. Might be a Casey Saunders situation.

[gotham devil]

He's an elite player based on rankings or your own assessment of his game?

And your point should only add to mine. If you can't create a mixed (or recruiting tape) where you look good, it is evidence that you don't have exceptional skills. He looks like he walks on every play. He plays hard, rebounds well, but he is bigger and stronger than almost everyone he plays against. I'm looking forward to seeing him play in college. Might be a Casey Saunders situation.
My assessment. Although he now tries to shoot the perimeter shot too much, he's a vastly superior player to Sanders. I have no idea who shot or edited the videos that you are reliant upon nor why they chose to show video of him walking. If you make it to any event, you'll see that he gives as much effort on the court as virtually any big in his class--whether you will feel the same about his fellow Jackson Tiger, Adams, is another thing.

[chrisheery]

Alright, I'll take your word for it. These are the ESPN recruiting videos and a few I have seen on youtube. They aren't obvious traveling violations, but little foot shuffles that I think would be called in college and are not in AAU. But, like I said, if you have seen him play, I have no dog in this fight.

Its kind of a bummer that you think Adams doesn't play hard, though. That stings, actually.

[GODUKEGO]

I just did not see him fitting in here. When you watch the video and listen to the schools that he was considering, you know what emphasis that he places on academics. Plus I know the acoustics were not the best but I could not understand most of what he said.

http://msn.foxsports.com/video/college-basketball?vid=2de28d83-b1f8-46c1-9d3a-2424e76fd039&from=foxsports/college-basketball/stories