Archive for December, 2007

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Crazies Kick Off K-Ville 2008

December 13, 2007

Posted by Brady Akers under Courtside Q&A

Interviewees: 
Anders Campbell (Junior) 
Victoria Castells (Junior) 
Maddie Burke (Freshman) 
Barry Wright (Junior) 
 
BP: How does it feel to be the first out for tenting? 
Anders: With the weather being so nice, it feels pretty good. 
 
Maddie: This is my first time doing this so I am kind of nervous about it.  My friend got me into it and being the second tent is pretty cool. 
 
Barry: I have been out here for eight days in a row and it has been beautiful so I am pretty happy. 
 
BP: The upperclassmen, have you tented before? 
Anders: I was Tent 15 my freshman year and Tent 8 last year. 
 
Victoria: I was Tent 13 freshman year and Tent 3 last year. 
 
Barry: I didn’t tent my freshman year and I was Tent 34 last year. 
 
BP: Today it is December 13th…  86 days away… Do you plan on being here every day or can you make it home for the holidays? 
Anders: I will be home for Christmas.  I live in Vermont so I am not close enough to stay here for break. 
 
Victoria: I am going home next week because I live in Miami, but I will come back a little early for pre-tenting…  Probably the fourth.   
 
Maddie: I am from Chattanooga, TN so I am going home for the holidays and I’ll be back on the fifth. 
 
Barry: I am from Maryland and I am also going home and coming back the fifth. 
 
BP: Since it is so early, how do the regulations work right now? 
Anders: Right now, it is pretty much an honor system.  We stay out here from 8 to 5 with two people from each group.  We don’t try to cheat it.  We like being out here so it works out. 
 
Barry: We are just kind of following the rules as they are stated, doing it ourselves.  
 
Victoria: Barry does a good job.  He emails us when we need someone there.  We just sign up for a spot and get over here. 
 
BP: So each group is pretty organized? 
Barry: Tent 1 is far more organized, I am just going to put that out there. 
 
Anders: I don’t know what your organization is, but ours is set up pretty well.   
 
Maddie: You can study though.  If you want to be outside, you bring your books, you bring your laptop… 
 
Anders: The library is actually very packed this week (exam week) so it is easier to study out here. 
 
Victoria: It is quiet, the ambience is good. 
 
BP: Since you are tenting for the UNC game, do you get first spot for all the other games as well? 
Anders: No, that is a separate line but I do my best to get first spot for those games as well. 
 
Victoria: Yeah, I plan to be front row every game next semester. 
 
Maddie: We are here anyway, we live here.  It is not really that far to step onto the concrete [in line in front of Cameron]. 
 
Barry: Yeah, same idea. 
 
BP: Have you been in the front row for all of the games this season? 
Anders: Front row, every game, every year. 
 
Victoria: I’ve missed games because I forgot to validate.  Last semester I was front row every game but my streak has been broken. 
 
Maddie: Second row?  I am a freshman, I am still learning. 
 
Barry: I had to TA a class until game time once so that game I was not in the front row but most of the other times, yeah. 
 
BP: What are your thoughts on being members of Tent 1 and Tent 2? 
Anders: Being Tent 1 is pretty awesome.  It is a little ridiculous how early we started, we know that.  We like doing it, so it is great.  I love it. 
 
Victoria: I feel like it’s a natural progression.  I was Tent 3 last year, I don’t want to peak at sophomore year.  You have to get better. 
 
Maddie: I was really nervous because I am a freshman and I don’t know how to do this, but every time I get nervous about the 86 days/nights thing, I think about myself being in the front row painted completely blue on ESPN for the game most people would kill to get into.  My parents,  my friends at home, they are like “No way, I can’t believe you are going to be there.”  If you are going to be there, go big or go home. 
 
Barry: It is all about being front row and giving our guys as much support as we can.   
 
BP: Have you had any contact with the players at all yet? 
Anders: They walk by everyday and wave and say a few words.  Coach K goes by every day going to Wilson [Recreation Center] so we talk to him a little bit.  Nothing too out of the ordinary… 
 
BP: How do your roommates feel? 
Anders: Probably enjoying having a single… 
 
Victoria: I have the same roommate since freshman year so she’s used to it by now. 
 
Maddie: My roommate is going to be here too! 
 
Barry: My roommate is going abroad so my room is going to empty for awhile. 
 
BP: How many people are in each tent group?
Barry: 12 
 
Maddie: I think there’s going to be a sign-in because a lot of people are going to be here in K-Ville.  There are so many people.  It is not like you are sitting outside by yourself.  It is part of the Duke experience.  You have to do it before you graduate.  It is a famous thing, it is tradition, it is what Duke does. 
 
BP: Any predictions for the rest of the season? 
Anders: I don’t want to jinx anything right now. 
 
Victoria: We can go far, you never know how far.  It can happen. 
 
Maddie: One step at a time…
 
Barry: We will be there.   
 
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12/10/07 Duke in the NBA

December 10, 2007

Posted by Dave McSwain under NBA Devils

Boozer named Western Conference Player of the Month
Blue Planet has been keeping a close eye on Carlos Boozer’s terrific performances throughout the NBA season, so it comes as no surprise that he was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for November.  Carlos currently ranks fifth in the NBA and leads all frontcourt players in scoring at 25.0 PPG.  He is also third in the league in efficiency at a remarkable 29.6, fourth in rebounding at 11.4, and second in double-doubles with 15 on the season.  The Jazz are currently tied for the lead in their division with a 13-8 record.

Top Performer
Chris Duhon had a great week on and off the basketball court.  With the Bulls’ other perimeter players struggling this season, Coach Scott Skiles has gotten into the habit of playing Duhon for most of the second half, and Chris has responded very well to the increased responsibility.  Through Friday, Duhon has played 26 or more minutes in four out of the last five games, averaging 11.8 points and 5.5 assists in those four games, which included three wins and one close loss to the Mavericks.

Off the court, Duhon was recognized for his outstanding community service efforts, winning the NBA’s Community Assist Award for the month of November.  Chris has done a remarkable job helping to rebuild and revitalize his hometown of Slidell, LA, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  He founded the Stand Tall Foundation, which has raised more than $450,000 dollars for hurricane victims in Slidell.  He has also teamed up with Feed the Children to provide food and other essentials to more than 400 families in his community, and most recently, he has launched “Operation 21,” a project aimed at rebuilding 21 outdoor basketball courts in Slidell and New Orleans.  You can donate to Operation 21 from the linked website — Duhon donated $100,000 of his own money to get the project started.

Line of the Week
After five years of dealing with ankle injuries and surgeries, Grant Hill is fully healthy and loving his new role in the run-and-gun offense of the Phoenix Suns.  The seven-time NBA All-Star has started every game to date for the Suns (ranking second on the squad in minutes per game), and last Friday he brought back memories of his Detroit days.  Hill’s stat line approached a triple-double with 28 points on 13-of-17 (.765) shooting, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.

Injury Update
Elton Brand’s recovery from a torn Achilles tendon is proceeding well, according to this report from the Orange County Register.  Since having the protective boot removed in October, Elton has been participating in weight training and cardiovascular work, as well as limited skills work on the court, including ball-handling, form shooting, and passing.  He has a planned visit this week with his physician to determine whether he can intensify his rehabilitation, and he still aims to return to the court in February.

Shavlik Finally Back on the Court
The recovery process has been a long and difficult following a badly broken ankle suffered over a year ago, but Shavlik Randolph finally got back into an NBA game Friday.  Shav was starting for the Sixers last year before the injury and looks to reclaim some of his playing time as he works his way back into game shape.  For now, he has played a total of four minutes in the last two games for Philly, pulling down a rebound in his limited time Saturday night.

Duke Blue Planet NBA Fantasy League Update
The Blue Devils continue to close in on the leaders after falling behind a couple of weeks ago due to injuries to Maggette and Deng.

1.    North Carolina Tar Heels:  4537.7
2.    Connecticut Huskies:  4524.2
3.     Duke Blue Devils:  4235.4
4.    Arizona Wildcats:  3668.3
5.    Florida Gators:  3453.1
6.    Kentucky Wildcats:  3052.9
7.    Kansas Jayhawks:  2559.4

Scoring summary:  one point for each point scored, 1.5 point for each rebound, two points for each assist, steal or block, 0.5 points for each 3-pointer made, and -1.2 points for each turnover.  Field-goal percentage is included by subtracting 0.2 points for each field goal attempt and adding 0.5 points for each field goal made, which would mean you break even by shooting 40% from the field.

Several readers have asked how Duke would be doing in the fantasy league with a healthy Elton Brand.  It’s a good question.  Brand has been one of the top fantasy players in the NBA for years now, and his contribution to Duke’s fantasy team would undoubtedly put the Devils at the top of the standings.  Carlos Boozer currently leads the entire fantasy league with 998.7 total points, which is more than three times the amount Duke would need to take over the top spot.  Last year, Elton averaged 44.7 fantasy points per game, which means he would only have had to play in seven games so far this season to put Duke in the lead.  With a projected return in February, and the Devils still hanging around the top of the leader board even without Brand, don’t count Duke out.

Quote of the Week
“Shane [Battier] just doesn’t get the credit for the type player he is, because what he does doesn’t always show up in the box scores…  The bottom line is he comes to play night in and night out…  Shane is such a versatile defender.  He’s guarded the 2-3-4 position.  He was denying Kevin Garnett like crazy.  You should see Battier practice — he puts in a full day’s work and has such energy.  You know what he brings to us?  An amazing IQ on the court, and you know where he got it don’t you?  At Duke.”
-Tony Barone (Barone was Director of Player Personnel for the Memphis Grizzlies when Battier played in Memphis)

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Dream, Do, Believe

December 4, 2007

Posted by Jamie Spatola under Jamie Spatola

In the midst of media innuendo that perhaps Coach K has lost a little something, I have been spending time at a place where the values he has held dear throughout his life and career remain abundantly relevant.  While working on a writing project with the Emily Krzyzewski Center’s Pioneer Scholars, I learned that daring to dream, embracing fundamental values in the development of character, and seeking to make the most of potential through the power of belief are producing inspirational results in the lives of some amazing kids.
 
I suppose this is not going to be your typical “article.”  This time, I’d just like to tell you about an experience I feel tremendously lucky to have had.  I suppose that the spirit of the holiday season has prompted me to write about something that is just plain good, perhaps as a reminder that there is more than just quality basketball happening around here.
 
Upon moving back to the Durham area this year, I knew that one of the first things I wanted to do was get involved at the Emily K Center.  I have watched admiringly as Marleah Rogers and staff have made the Center a dynamic reality and I have been eager to volunteer.  Originally, I was uncertain as to what that involvement may be, but after a couple of brainstorming meetings with Education Director Adam Eignerauch and Education Program Director Amy Cummings, we developed an idea.
 
As Coach K’s daughter and sometimes co-author, Adam and Amy invited me to speak to the kids about writing and to work with them, collectively and individually, on their own book which would be based on the work my dad and I did in Beyond Basketball: Coach K’s Keywords for Success.
 
I came to my first visit feeling nervous and under-qualified, but the kids at the Center put me immediately at ease asking numerous questions and making me laugh before I could even begin my presentation.  I spoke to them briefly about how I got into writing, focusing on the Dream-Do-Achieve pathway that led me here.  The concept of dreaming, doing, and achieving is a pathway that has served as the basis for all of the Emily K’s programs — encouraging big dreams, granting opportunities to do, and, thus, setting them on the path to achieve.  
 
One thing that I wanted to emphasize to the kids about dreaming is that it is not necessary, as a youngster, to dream with singularity.  Dreams do not have to be so specific.  Some children may grow up knowing that they want to be a doctor and have a single-track mind that will guide them down that pathway to success.  But, I had one young man that told me he wanted to be either a boxer, a doctor, or a dog-walker.  Why can’t he believe that he could be all three?
 
My other message to them was that they didn’t have to go it alone.  To go from dreaming to doing to achieving is not always easy and it is important to let people help them along the way.  I said to them that we were all lucky because someone believes in us.  For me, I would have never had the guts to try writing if it weren’t for my dad.  I was surprised and honored the day he told me that he wanted me to be his co-author on his next book.  I am not sure why, but he believed in me, and that fueled me throughout the project.  I told the Pioneer Scholars that I know for a fact that someone believes in them.  Maybe it’s a parent, a teacher, or a sibling.  Maybe it’s an aunt, or a grandfather, or a tutor.  But I know that each of them has someone who believes.  And the reason I knew is because they were sitting there at the Emily K.
 
I proceeded to talk to them a bit about the writing process.  Since the kids are familiar with the concept of Dream-Do-Achieve, I tried to discuss writing using a similar framework, taking them from brainstorming, through multiple drafts and edits, and ending with the achievement of a final product.
 
After discussing the writing process, I informed the kids that, when this was all said and done, they will have contributed to a book of their own.  Beyond Dream-Do-Achieve will be a collection of essays written by the Emily K’s Pioneer Scholars.  The fundamental pillars on which the 63 Pioneer Scholars build their character are Heart, High Expectations, Hard Work, Integrity, Honesty and Respect.  Each student selected one of the six pillars and wrote a composition about what that word means to them and a time in their lives in which they were able to show that particular trait.  As discussed in Beyond Basketball, the kids were able to identify with the concept that you can look up all the definitions of words you want, but you don’t own them until you can define them with a story from your own life.
 
Each student was also presented with their own signed copy ofBeyond Basketball.  One of the students mentioned in the parking lot afterward that it was the first time anyone had given her a book.
 
As I read through the rough drafts, I became truly impressed by the complex understanding these youngsters had of some difficult concepts and I truly feel as if their takes on the pillar words enhanced my own comprehension of the concepts — I do believe that anyone who reads the final product will feel the same.
 
On my subsequent visit to the Center, I was able to meet individually with each of the students to discuss my notes on their final draft.  I think this was my favorite afternoon spent at the Emily K, having the opportunity to meet with each of the kids one-on-one, look them in the eye, and talk to them about their composition.
 
We also selected four girls to work together after normal Center hours one evening on a foreword for their book.  Jadiya Oates (Grade Six, Pearson Middle School), LaTosha Ruffin (Grade Six, Carrington Middle School), Leona Vareene (Grade Five, Eno Valley Elementary School), Alyzia McAlmon (Grade Six, Brogden Middle School) and I had dinner together at the Center one evening as we outlined the elements essential to their book’s introduction.  Each girl was given the task of completing one paragraph of the foreword in addition to their composition.  They accepted this with smiles and I could tell they thought of it as an opportunity rather than an assignment.
 
On one more visit, I met individually with Alyzia McAlmon.  I am so impressed with Alyzia’s writing but, even more, with her presence.  She is a confident young woman with genuine eyes.  When you converse with her, she truly listens.  On top of that, she is impressively intelligent.  After Alyzia interviewed me for a school project, I asked if she would take the time to help me with a project of my own.  Alyzia graciously accepted and wrote up a reflection of the Beyond Dream-Do-Achieve project forBlue Planet.
 
Anyone who has read the Emily K Center Annual Report knows that the Center is producing some amazing results.  Standardized tests conducted upon program entry showed 66% of the students reading below grade level.  Follow-up tests have 62% now reading above grade level.  Now, Marleah, Adam, Amy and the Emily K Center staff plan to extend the Pioneer Scholars program (K-8th) into a Scholars to College program that will continue to work with the youngsters in high school and support them through matriculation.  The Center hopes to establish meaningful, decade-or-longer, relationships with kids who lack the means, but not the talent, to do it on their own.
 
My experience over the past few months with the students at the Emily K has been a reminder to me of what winning means and how it happens.  It can be a reminder to all of us that we are not being naïve to think that “old school” values still produce results, that belief still works, and that dreams come true.  It happens.  It happens at the Emily K Center.  It happens on the basketball court.  It happens at Duke.  If you are willing to believe, you could see it too. 

ALYZIA McALMON ON THE EMILY K CENTER & THE PIONEER SCHOLARS PROGRAM

I enjoy the Emily K Center.  It is a wonderful place to get work done.  Ever since I started the Pioneer Scholars program I’ve been doing even better at school.  The Emily K Center is like a fun place to get homework done.  At the Emily K Center every week we have students from Duke University volunteer to help us with our work.  Each group has their own Lead Tutor.  My Lead Tutor is Ms. Heather.  She is an excellent Lead Tutor.

Earlier this year, the students in the Pioneer Scholars program began a project called “Beyond Dream-Do-Achieve.”  This project was for each student to write about a time that they used one of the pillars and learned from it.  The pillars we follow at the EKC are:  Heart, High Expectations, Hard Work, Integrity, Honesty, and Respect.

My contribution to this project was a story about a time when I was younger and I learned the positive effects of demonstrating Heart.  I learned a lot from writing this story.  By writing this story I learned a lot more about the pillars and what they truly are about.

Personally, I thought the best part of this project was brainstorming something to write about.  The brainstorming process was tough because there have been so many points in my life where I have showed one of the six pillars.  I was also honored to have the opportunity to meet Jamie Spatola and work with her on other projects.  That was very special to me.

Having this learning opportunity has inspired me to become a writer.  It has also helped me to develop the skills necessary to be successful in my future.  I will definitively put this on my college resume.  It is an honor to be chosen to participate in this program.

-Alyzia McAlmon, Grade 6

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12/2/07 Duke in the NBA

December 2, 2007

Posted by Dave McSwain under NBA Devils

Line of the Week
There were numerous great performances this week from Blue Devil alumni, but Mike Dunleavy, Jr. gets the nod for coming within a basket of his career high Tuesday while leading the Pacers to a dramatic victory over the Denver Nuggets, 112-110.  Dunleavy totaled 30 points on 12-of-19 (.632) from the floor and 2-of-5 (.400) from long range, plus 4 rebounds and 3 assists.  He followed that up the next night with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals in another win against Portland.  There’s more on Mike’s contribution to Indiana’s success below.

Top Performer
Carlos Boozer sat out Friday’s game against the Lakers with a sprained ankle (he is listed as day-to-day), but in the three games prior, he had been playing like an MVP frontrunner, averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting a ridiculous 74.5% from the field.  The power forward ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring right now (behind only LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady) and is one of just two big men among the NBA’s top 10 in scoring (Dwight Howard ranks ninth).

Redick Healthy and Contributing for Magic
It was reminiscent of last season, except that this year J.J. Redick was actually able to show the NBA what he could do with a breakout performance in the NBA summer league and a strong preseason before being sidelined with back trouble.  Finally, sixteen games into the 2007-08 season, J.J. got significant minutes and, not surprisingly, made a significant contribution with 11 points on 4-for-5 (.800) shooting and 2-for-2 from 3-point land.  He received double-figure minutes the following game as well and produced again, with 8 points on 3-for-5 from the field and 2-for-3 from distance.  A two-game average of 9.5 points on 80% shooting from long range in only 15 minutes per game might earn him more playing time.

Deng Healthy and Regaining Form
Like the rest of the Bulls, Luol Deng didn’t have the best start to his season.  After a less-than-spectacular first five games of the season, Deng seemed to turn it around with a 23-point, 9-rebound performance on November 10th, but he injured his back in the next game, and the Bulls went on to lose their next three in a row while Luol sat out.  But since his return to the lineup, his production has been consistently solid, notching 21, 22 and 29 points in three games back.  In those last three full games, Deng is averaging 24.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Maggette Also Back
Luol isn’t the only Blue Devil to come back strong from injury last week.  After sitting out four games with an injured hamstring, Corey Maggette has returned for the Clippers and is once again doing his part to make up for the absence of injured All-Star Elton Brand.  Corey is averaging 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in two games back while shooting over 50% from the field.

Dunleavy Key to Pacers’ Success
The Indiana Pacers have been an up-and-down team this season.  Interestingly, the Pacers’ record seems to depend on Mike Dunleavy, Jr.’s involvement in the offense, or more specifically his shot attempts.  When Mike takes more than 15 shots in a game, regardless of his shooting percentage, Indiana is 5-0.  When he takes 15 or fewer shots, they are 1-9.  Here’s more from IndyStar.com.

Duke Blue Planet NBA Fantasy League Update
Even with the Fantasy League’s top overall performer, Carlos Boozer, missing Friday’s game with a sprained ankle (and of course Elton Brand out for most of the season), the Blue Devils have managed to close in on the top spot almost every day since the healthy return of Luol Deng and Corey Maggette last week.  There’s a new leader in the standings, but the Blue Devils are poised to make a move at the top spot.

1.    Connecticut Huskies:  3516.5
2.    North Carolina Tarheels:  3515.6
3.     Duke Blue Devils:  3179.4
4.    Arizona Wildcats:  2894.4
5.    Florida Gators:  2610.5
6.    Kentucky Wildcats:  2428.4
7.    Kansas Jayhawks:  2059.9
Scoring summary:  one point for each point scored, 1.5 point for each rebound, two points for each assist, steal or block, 0.5 points for each 3-pointer made, and -1.2 points for each turnover.  Field-goal percentage is included by subtracting 0.2 points for each field goal attempt and adding 0.5 points for each field goal made, which would mean you break even by shooting 40% from the field.

Article of the Week

 
Quote of the Week
“If you have such a thing as a Duke guy, [Grant Hill and Shane Battier] both epitomize that.  They’re very talented players, very versatile guys on the floor.  But they’re also extremely high-character guys, two of the better leaders in the history of the Duke program, both by example and words.” 
-Jeff Capel, former Duke guard and current head coach at the University of Oklahoma, in an article in last week’s Arizona Republic about Battier and Hill when Houston visited Phoenix
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