WBB New Signees

[wandalee]

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22760&SPID=1846&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209316249&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Coach P signed the #2 class of recruits for next season. Looks like she keeps bringing them in!

[jimsumner]

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22760&SPID=1846&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209316249&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Coach P signed the #2 class of recruits for next season. Looks like she keeps bringing them in!

Calhoun is supposed to be the difference-maker in this class. Duke loses Gray, Liston, Peters, Jackson and Wells, so they need someone who can come in and play right away. She projects as that player.

Note that she has a brother who plays for UConn. So getting her was a real coup.

[Gargoyle]

It's interesting to note that McCallie expects the 6'4" Stevens to play the three. BTW, Stevens has had a fair start on the season. She had 45 and 11 vs Garner and 34 and 18 against Wakefield.

[DevilWearsPrada]

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22760&SPID=1846&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209316249&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Coach P signed the #2 class of recruits for next season. Looks like she keeps bringing them in!

I read about the New Recruits on GoDuke earlier!!! Coach P and staff are doing a wonderful job with recruiting. The team will lose alot of girls at the end of the season!!! Need girls that will be ready to play next season!! Recruit Recruit!!!

And hopefully, the men's team will get Justice this afternoon, when he makes his announcement!! Go DUKE!

[Gargoyle]

Azura Stevens has had a decent start this year. After 11 games she is averaging 31.5 ppg, 19.9 rpg and 3.5 bpg.

Azura made the all tourney team in a recent holiday tournament (http://www.highschoolot.com/stevens-breaks-rebounding-mark-as-cary-downs-dudley-for-5th/13252440/) where she averaged 28.0 ppg, 25.3 rpg and 4.7 bpg over 3 games. I wonder if McCallie still sees her as a peimeter player.

[uh_no]

Calhoun is supposed to be the difference-maker in this class. Duke loses Gray, Liston, Peters, Jackson and Wells, so they need someone who can come in and play right away. She projects as that player.

Note that she has a brother who plays for UConn. So getting her was a real coup.

for sure. good for her. sounds like playing time was a concern of hers. Especially since at connecticut, she'd be sitting behind kalena mosqueda-lewis next year, as well as the fact that uconn has already signed 5'11 gabby williams, 6'0 courtney Ekmark, and 5'11 kia nurse


Coach McCallie's vision for me is being an impact freshman as soon as I step on campus at Duke.

go to a good program where you're guaranteed to make an impact immediately? or go to another program where you're pretty much second class for a year and then have to fight the rest of your class for playing time at your position the year following...I for sure don't blame her and wish her the best at duke (except, of course, when they're playing uconn!) should be fun to watch over the next few years

with the calhouns split, maybe they can arrange a mens/womens duke/uconn doubleheader at a neutral location (the garden anyone???) I'd be all for that!

[burnspbesq]

It's interesting to note that McCallie expects the 6'4" Stevens to play the three. BTW, Stevens has had a fair start on the season. She had 45 and 11 vs Garner and 34 and 18 against Wakefield.

Thinking about Stevens playing the top of the 1-2-2 matchup zone makes me smile.

[Gargoyle]

I was skeptical that, at 6'4 or 6'5, Azura would be able to play on the perimeter. However, I am willing to reconsider based on this highlights tape:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNVBw3d5KU0

[Gargoyle]

Here is an article from the N&O about Azura:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/01/15/3535902/carys-azura-stevens-on-a-roll.html

[killerleft]

That was impressive! She is very fluid, apparently much stronger than she looks. She has been coached extremely well. Love how she already knows how to catch and keep the ball up high without doing the "lower and gather" thing that causes so many tall players problems.

[devildeac]

Here is an article from the N&O about Azura:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/01/15/3535902/carys-azura-stevens-on-a-roll.html


That was impressive! She is very fluid, apparently much stronger than she looks. She has been coached extremely well. Love how she already knows how to catch and keep the ball up high without doing the "lower and gather" thing that causes so many tall players problems.

Gotta love her work ethic, attitude, approach to the game and the amazing season she's having. She is quite thin however. She's gonna have to talk to Amile before she enrolls and find his "secrets" for adding muscle/weight;) .

[wandalee]

Looks like Coach P needs to keep recruiting for next year as Katie Heckman has decided to leave the team; she will stay at Duke to complete her education but she is no longer with the team.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22760&SPID=1846&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209373296&DB_OEM_ID=4200

[CameronBornAndBred]

Looks like Coach P needs to keep recruiting for next year as Katie Heckman has decided to leave the team; she will stay at Duke to complete her education but she is no longer with the team.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22760&SPID=1846&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209373296&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Ouch...that is tough on her, but it's nice to know she will stay on to graduate. Obviously she won't be playing with the team, but will she work with the team in any capacity? Basketball is obviously a big part of her life, and she must love being at Duke.

[Gargoyle]

Here is an article on another Duke signee, Sierra Calhoun, whose Christ the King team played in the Hoophall Classic. McCallie was there to observe Sierra and Katie Lou Samuelson, a 2015 prospect from CA who is being heavily recruited by all the the big time programs (CT, Stanford, ND etc).

http://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/index.ssf/2014/01/2014_hoophall_classic_duke_com.html#incart_river

[DavidBenAkiva]

One of the top freshmen on this year's team is Becca Greenwell, a 6'1" guard from Kentucky. If I remember correctly, she was among the top 5-10 players in the country last year. After suffering an ACL tear in the spring, she has sat out most of this year. Adding Greenwell to this strong recruiting class will certainly help with the impending loss of the senior class.

If we play Azura Stevens at the 3 and Greenwell at the 2, we can run out a very tall and long team next year at times.

Has anyone heard any updates on Greenwell's rehabilitation?

[burnspbesq]

One of the top freshmen on this year's team is Becca Greenwell, a 6'1" guard from Kentucky. If I remember correctly, she was among the top 5-10 players in the country last year. After suffering an ACL tear in the spring, she has sat out most of this year. Adding Greenwell to this strong recruiting class will certainly help with the impending loss of the senior class.

If we play Azura Stevens at the 3 and Greenwell at the 2, we can run out a very tall and long team next year at times.

Has anyone heard any updates on Greenwell's rehabilitation?

She was cleared to practice in mid-December. The plan appears to be to redshirt her; doesn't make a lot of sense to burn a year of eligibility to get her limited minutes in 15-20 games. Expect her to slide seamlessly into Liston's role next year.

[Kedsy]

She was cleared to practice in mid-December. The plan appears to be to redshirt her; doesn't make a lot of sense to burn a year of eligibility to get her limited minutes in 15-20 games. Expect her to slide seamlessly into Liston's role next year.

Speaking of injuries, is Amber Henson hurt again? Far as I can tell, she hasn't played a minute against Virginia Tech today.

[Gargoyle]

Lynee' Belton, another Duke signee, returned to action after missing 12 games with a concussion. She did well in her return:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/recruiting-insider/wp/2014/01/20/bullis-center-lynee-belton-returns-after-missing-12-games/

ETA that I believe the Isabella Alarie mentioned in the article is Mark's daughter.

[Gargoyle]

Here is a WTVD video clip on Azura Stevens:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/video?id=9406864

[Indoor66]

Here is a WTVD video clip on Azura Stevens:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/video?id=9406864

WOW! I love her already. What a great addition to the Duke community AND she plays basketball.

[Gargoyle]

Another article about Azura. Her goal for next year?

"With whatever minutes I do get, I want to be an asset to this team and be helpful," she said. "I know I'm not going to go out there and be the leading scorer, but going out and helping us win a National Championship is what I'm going there to do."

http://www.highschoolot.com/a-current-imp-and-future-blue-devil-stevens-thriving-in-spotlight/13329086/

[CameronBornAndBred]

Another article about Azura. Her goal for next year?

"With whatever minutes I do get, I want to be an asset to this team and be helpful," she said. "I know I'm not going to go out there and be the leading scorer, but going out and helping us win a National Championship is what I'm going there to do."

http://www.highschoolot.com/a-current-imp-and-future-blue-devil-stevens-thriving-in-spotlight/13329086/

Wow, I love that attitude! Unselfish from the start. That will make her an amazing teammate.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Speaking of injuries, is Amber Henson hurt again? Far as I can tell, she hasn't played a minute against Virginia Tech today.
Just a quick FYI...
Amber Henson added a career-high 13 points, Oderah Chidom had 12 and Alexis Jones had 11 for the Blue Devils.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncw/recap?gameId=400508833
Nice to see her get the points and the court time.

[Kedsy]

Just a quick FYI...
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncw/recap?gameId=400508833
Nice to see her get the points and the court time.

Yeah, thanks, I watched the game. She was draining threes like she switched uniforms with Tricia or something. The announcers were going on and on about her potential for the future.

[Duvall]

Lynee Belton and Sierra Calhoun named McDonald's All-Americans. (http://socialhub.usatodayhss.com/blogs-main/staffblogs/item/1421-2014-mcdonalds-all-american-game-rosters-announced)

[Gargoyle]

Belton and Calhoun named to the McDonalds All America team.

Sorry, redundant post but I can't seem to delete it.

[Gargoyle]

Three of the Duke signees make the ALL Star Girl's Report All America Teams. Calhoun on the fourth team and Stevens and Belton on the sixth team. CT, UCLA and ND are big winners. In the women's game, you don't play for the Championship without top ten players. You almost have to have at least 2 top 5 players in the program to be in the mix for the Championship.

http://www.asgrevents.com/asgr-announces-2014-all-americans/

[Gargoyle]

Cary won the SWAC championship with an OT win against Athens Drive. Azura had 24 points, 32 rebounds and 6 blocks. I'm not sure how strong the competition is, but 32 is a lot of rebounds!

http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/02/19/3638066/cary-girls-win-swac-basketball.html

[Gargoyle]

Calhoun named to the WBCA All American Team. Stevens and Mathias made Honorable Mention.

http://www.wbca.org/blog/index.cfm/2014/2/26/Player-of-the-Year-Aja-Wilson-headlines-2014-WBCA-High-School-AllAmerica-Team/

[Gargoyle]

Here is an article from the Pittsburgh Gazette on Erin Mathias:

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-basketball/2014/02/27/Devils-may-care/stories/201402270073

Cary lost to Riverside last night 70-62 to end Azura Stevens' high school career. Her last game was pretty good as she had 47 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. For the season, she averaged 29.6 ppg, 18.1 rpg and 3.3 bpg. Stats from Max Preps.

[aswewere]

Good way to leave Azura until next fall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNVBw3d5KU0

[Gargoyle]

Erin Mathias named PA Gatorade Player of the Year
http://www.usatodayhss.com/article/pennsylvania-girls-basketball-poy-erin-mathias

Sierra Calhoun named NY Gatorade Player of the Year
http://www.usatodayhss.com/article/new-york-girls-basketball-poy-sierra-calhoun

[Gargoyle]

Calhoun and Stevens named Parade All Americans.

On the men's side Okafor and Winslow are recognized.

http://parade.condenast.com/270852/brianmclaughlin/meet-parades-2014-all-america-basketball-teams/

[Gargoyle]

Erin Mathias is looking forward to playing in the Cager Classic.

http://triblive.com/sports/hssports/basketball/5762837-74/game-mathias-cager#axzz2wY7AHCQ0

[Gargoyle]

Faced with having no real point guard for the first half of next season and possibly longer, Duke has signed a juco point guard.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209483931&DB_OEM_ID=4200

[CameronBornAndBred]

Faced with having no real point guard for the first half of next season and possibly longer, Duke has signed a juco point guard.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209483931&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Very interesting. Has Coach P taken in a transfer before? Welcome to Duke, Mercedes!

[Kedsy]

Faced with having no real point guard for the first half of next season and possibly longer, Duke has signed a juco point guard.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209483931&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Wait, Alexis won't be ready until when? When was this announced?

[CameronBornAndBred]

Wait, Alexis won't be ready until when? When was this announced?
Even if Alexis is ready on day one (which hopefully she will be), this is a smart move. Who else do we have that is a true point guard?

[DU82]

Very interesting. Has Coach P taken in a transfer before? Welcome to Duke, Mercedes!

I don't recall a WBB transfer since Van Gorp and Erickson fled Purdue after their coaching change in '98.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I don't recall a WBB transfer since Van Gorp and Erickson fled Purdue after their coaching change in '98.
Yup. And they came from a big time program. (Still cringe at thoughts of Purdue..sigh.) Even though she is coming from a juco, I like that we are getting a point guard. Cutcliffe had success with a juco guy, too. ;)

[jimsumner]

Technically, I'm not sure a Juco is a transfer in the same sense that a transfer from a four-year school is a transfer. She had two years of eligibility there, used them up, is going to graduate. Apples and oranges, methinks.

Of course, we have so little experience in Jucos, who really knows?

But Duke did need some insurance at the point and the pickings are going to be slim in the spring. Remember Kianna Holland transferred, while Gray and Wells used up their eligibility. Worst case scenario, she splits time at the point with Johnson until Jones gets healthy; best case, Jones gets healthy real quick, the new kid on the block backs up Jones while enabling KJ to move back to the wing, where she belongs.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Technically, I'm not sure a Juco is a transfer in the same sense that a transfer from a four-year school is a transfer.
The bright side about a juco transfer is that she does not have to sit a year, or try to claim hardship to do otherwise. The downside is that we have no way of really knowing how she will do against much better competition. Beyond that, she is still a transfer, at least in my mind.