What’s up Duke fans… LT, Jon and I decided to pay a surprise visit to the Crazies to see how they’re doing and get an inside look at some of the tents out there. We checked in with Roberto (the Head Line Monitor) and he toured us around. Check out the video of our visit…
(Filmed by Kyle Singler)
BP: You are back at Duke today looking sharp in a suit. Lately I have seen you around playing ball with our guys and working out. What are you up to C-Well?
Chris Carrawell: I like to play ball with the guys to see how they’re doing and to stay in shape. Today, I have an interview for a Duke Athletics community-relations job. It might be time to make the transition, Dave. It could be time to make the transition [stop playing pro basketball]. I always wanted to work in the NBA after I was done playing pro so I would love to be a scout. I need to talk with Coach too to see what he thinks.
BP: What do you miss about not being here at Duke every day?
C-Well: I just miss the family atmosphere. One thing we had here at Duke was that it was all about the family. The teammates, the fans, the coaching staff, everything was just a family atmosphere. And then just playing in front of the Cameron Crazies was just the best experience I had in college during my four years. Playing in front of that crowd, playing in Cameron Indoor Stadium, the college students camping out… I miss those things.
BP: You played in quite a few gyms in your day. How does playing in Cameron stand out from the other gyms you have played in?
C-Well: It was definitely the best atmosphere, if not in all of sports then definitely in all of basketball — college or pro. I’m probably a little biased, but you ask anyone that has every played in Cameron Indoor Stadium and they say it’s just electrifying. I would say it doesn’t compare to anything else.
BP: What do you value most about being part of the Duke Basketball Family?
C-Well: Just being a part of greatness. Coming to the program, the thing that sold me on it was getting a chance to play for the best college team in the country and the best coach in the country, and one of the best of all time. He gets you in that back room and sells Duke to you and for me, I remember on that flight back to St. Louis just going like, “I’m going to Duke.” I just didn’t want to go anywhere else and think, “what if I would have gone to Duke.” All of the great players playing for Coach K, the great coaching staff, the Cameron Crazies, and then academically and socially it was great for me as well. I came from an inner city and for me to come to a place like Duke and fit right in, for me that was amazing, I can always tell my kids one day what Duke did for me. I had a great time.
BP: What is your best memory for playing for Coach and what has he meant to you as a mentor and a friend after your playing career concluded?
C-Well: Well, I go back to going into my senior year. The best memory I have of Coach is after just losing the national championship game to UConn and Will and Corey had just decided they were going to leave and Coach had just had hip replacement surgery. So myself, Shane, and Nate had decided we were going to see Coach at his house and I didn’t know what his feelings were at the time. I knew with all this stuff going on at the time and with his hip replacement surgery, we wanted to go in and check on him. We just went over there and talked to him a little bit. We said, “Look Coach, we lost a lot of guys and have a young team coming in, but we believe that we are going to be great. If you see it then we’ll believe it and we’ll have a great year.” And I just remember that conversation being the start of a two year run that ended in a national championship. Unfortunately for me I didn’t get the opportunity to win a national championship, but I think that year 2000 we had a great year even with guys leaving and going to the NBA. Shane had a great year. Nate played well. And then the freshmen played really well and then that next year was the end of a two-year run that ended in the national championship. The national championship that they won began that day that we went over to Coach’s house, in my opinion. Coach has been such a great father figure and a great role model. I didn’t grow up with a father in St. Louis and I had guys in my life fill that role and Coach K has definitely been one of those guys. I thank him for everything.
BP: If you had to name one single thing that stands out when you think, “I’m a Duke Basketball player,” and makes you most proud, what would that be?
C-Well: Just being a part of a winning program — a winning team — not just on the court but off the court as well. I played four years at Duke but I think the connections I made off the court have been even more overwhelming. For me, coming from St. Louis, you never imagine the things like Duke that you see on national TV. The chance to play every game on national TV in front of great fans, Madison Square Garden one night, LA one night, and traveling around the country is great. But the off-court friendships, the off-court connections, have definitely been the best thing for me.
BP: You mentioned you came from inner-city St. Louis and made it at Duke. To me, your story represents everything that is right about college athletics. What does it mean to you today to have graduated from Duke University?
C-Well: It’s very important. And I’m going to go a step further. I wasn’t a typical “Duke guy” or typical “Duke student.” I was a guy that came from a tough background in inner city St. Louis with a single-parent household. For me to come to Duke was a grand opportunity but it was different. I was different than some of the other guys that came into the program. What’s so special about Duke is that they accepted me. I dove right into it and I wasn’t afraid to come here and try to succeed. I was a guy who people might have thought wasn’t a “Duke guy,” but I made it here and showed that you can make it. That’s my message for anybody who wants to do anything in life. Definitely go after your dreams. At a place like Duke with the great hospital, the great professors here, the great students, and great sports atmosphere, you can come here and make it. I think if I wanted to give any type of message that would be the message that I’d want to give.
BP: When you made your decision to come to Duke, a tough decision as you said with your background, what were the main factors in your choice and how do you look back on that decision today?
C-Well: Like I said, on the plane ride going back home after my visit, I didn’t want to go anywhere else thinking, “Man, I should have gone to Duke.” And then Coach K and the program just speak for themselves basketball-wise. But for me it was more about whether I could handle it academically since it’s a tough academic school. Would I be able to graduate? And socially, being from a different background, how would that be? But when I came on campus I fell in love. The atmosphere was great and the people were nice. It was just different. For me, I couldn’t think of any other place in the country where I’d rather be. I took all five college recruiting visits and there was no comparison. For me it is definitely a decision that I look back on and I don’t regret. Sometimes you look back and think, “Ah, I should’ve done this” or “I should have done that,” but I can’t say that about my Duke experience. It was everything that I could have ever imagined.
BP: Over the last two decades, Duke has probably played more games on big stages than any other program. You yourself played in many games like that and had a big impact on those games. Talk about playing in games like that and how you felt about that exposure and how it helped you.
C-Well: It was great. Every game was a pressure-packed game for us. I can remember my freshmen year playing in Madison Square Garden going against Bobby Knight and Indiana. Playing in every top venue, in every NBA arena, getting ever other team’s best game is something that every kid dreams of. You want to be in the big-time games. Let’s be honest, I wanted to be on TV. I wanted to be on ESPN with Dick Vitale at the games and Jay Bilas announcing. It was great. And for me, playing in those type of atmospheres brings out the best in you. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re put in pressure-packed situations and at Duke every game for us was a pressure-packed situation. I think the cream rises to the top and if you’re able to do those things you have a great chance of being a great player at Duke University.
BP: What do you remember best about Coach K and his coaching style both offensively and defensively? What are your memories of that?
C-Well: I think the most important aspect that I can take from Coach is that he was a great motivator. Of course he was great at the X’s and O’s and offense, and he’s top three defensive coaches of all-time. But he was a great motivator. I think 90% of getting players to be their best is getting them to play at a high level every game whether you’re playing against the North Carolina’s or the Maryland’s. We played against the North Carolina A&Ts and the schools that weren’t as prominent as those other schools in the ACC and played at a high level every game out. And when I saw Coach give a speech before the game, I was ready to go put everything on the line for him. What he stood for and what the coaching staff stood for just sent chills down my body. It was great. I think anything — X’s and O’s, offensively, defensively — he was great. But motivation, there’s no one better. In my playing career playing overseas and in different leagues the last seven or eight years, I still haven’t had that coach to just bring it out of you every game and every situation. That’s the thing that impressed me the most about Coach K.
NBA.com Duke Stats
Line of the Week
For the first two months of this NBA season, Carlos Boozer played at an MVP level, scoring 30 or more points seven times and averaging 24 points and 11 rebounds per game. Through the first half of January, Carlos’ numbers have taken a slight dip, but Friday against the Kings Boozer asserted himself once again as one of the premier forwards in the NBA. Carlos made his first 13 shots and finished 15-of-19 (.789) for 33 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Utah has now won nine of their last eleven games and sit only a game and a half out of the Northwest division lead.
The coaches’ selections for the NBA All-Star game will be announced on Thursday, and Boozer is a virtual lock for his second straight All-Star selection. Expect to see plenty of articles about Carlos this week, but here’s one that examines not only how well he has battled on the court this season, but also at the battle his family has faced off the court, as his son recovered from a bone marrow transplant for sickle cell anemia.
Carlos Boozer powers to the hoop against the Clippers, January 21st.
Top Performer
Corey Maggette has been remarkably consistent this NBA season, filling in admirably for his former Duke and current Clipper teammate Elton Brand as the team’s leading scorer and go-to guy. Corey has taken his game to another level this month, averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in 11 games. Saturday night was his best game of the season, with an incredible 35 points on only 14 shots! He also tallied nine rebounds and two assists in that game and shot an impressive 16-of-18 from the foul line. This is the second time in eight days that Maggette has scored over 30 points in a game.
Corey Maggette has been remarkably consistent this NBA season, filling in admirably for his former Duke and current Clipper teammate Elton Brand as the team’s leading scorer and go-to guy. Corey has taken his game to another level this month, averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in 11 games. Saturday night was his best game of the season, with an incredible 35 points on only 14 shots! He also tallied nine rebounds and two assists in that game and shot an impressive 16-of-18 from the foul line. This is the second time in eight days that Maggette has scored over 30 points in a game.
Injury Update
There’s both good and bad news on the injury front for Duke fans this week. The good news is that Elton Brand was evaluated by his doctor last week and was cleared for increased activity, including running full speed and jumping off both feet. There is no target date as of right now for a return, but Elton appears to be on track for a possible return in late February or early March.
Chris Duhon has also returned from his knee injury to play in Chicago’s last two games (Friday and Sunday). The bad news is that Luol Deng’s sore Achilles tendon is going to keep him out of action longer than originally thought. Luol is out “indefinitely” while recovering from the nagging injury. Deng had put together some of his strongest performances of the season prior to the injury, and should be able to recover fully with a little extra rest.
Grant Hill’s recovery from surgery to remove his appendix was uneventful, but after returning to play on schedule last week, Grant was out of action again this week with back spasms. Hill’s Suns are currently leading the competitive Western Conference with 32 wins.
Duke Blue Planet NBA Fantasy League Update
Despite the terrific performances this week by Carlos Boozer and Corey Maggette, not to mention Mike Dunleavy’s continued excellence in Indiana (18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in January), all the injuries have kept the Blue Devils from making a move on the top spot. Duke will need healthy returns from Brand, Deng and Hill to have a shot at winning this year’s fantasy league.
1. Connecticut Huskies: 10,910.0
2. North Carolina Tar Heels: 10,497.1
3. Duke Blue Devils: 9178.2
4. Florida Gators: 7518.4
5. Arizona Wildcats: 7023.6
6. Kentucky Wildcats: 6513.8
7. Kansas Jayhawks: 5815.8
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.
Quote of the Week
“Even after four years, four surgeries and hundreds of missed games, Hill remains the most cherished player on the planet. He is as close as we have in sports to a national treasure. Unlike practically every other NBA superstar, we became infatuated with Hill in college at Duke University. Other basketball players may be just as known, but they aren’t nearly as loved.”
-Orlando Sentinel’s Mike Bianchi
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Duke Basketball “True Blue” Contest Results
Thanks to all of the Duke fans who submitted entries to our first annual “True Blue” contest. We enjoyed the many unique, supportive and fun entries, and seeing all of the love for Duke. After careful deliberation and a website staff vote, we are pleased to announce the winners…
1. Daniel Lewis’ “Blue Planet Room”
Prize: Team-signed 2008 “Old School” poster and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet magazine
 2. Brad Balevic’s Essay on Duke Passion
Prize: A team-signed Blue Planet magazine (Maui Invitational championship edition) and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
“When I read that I could only use 500 words or less about my passion for Duke, I didn’t think it was possible. The truth is, I dedicate a large portion of my life to Duke athletics and 500 words could never come close to enough room to share my passion. Since I was 5 years old, my uncle, a Duke graduate, introduced me to Duke Athletics. At that age, I didn’t understand the rules, but seeing my uncle and his passion for Duke always got me excited. When I was old enough, my parents sent me to the Duke Basketball Camp. I can truly say that it was the highlight of my life. Meeting Coach K and players such as Grant Hill and Christian Laettner was almost surreal and I knew I was in the presence of greatness. I can remember in particular one day at the camp sitting on the sideline frustrated that I wasn’t playing well and my favorite player to this day, Grant Hill, came by and said, “Be strong big man”. I was in shock. Here I am just one camper and Grant Hill comes over to me and gives me a few words of motivation. I remembered thinking I was the luckiest kid on earth. To this day, in whatever I do, I remember those words. I learned so much from that camp. Coach K was an incredible teacher and the players made you feel like you were part of the Blue Devil team.
Being from North Carolina, just about everyone I grew up with was a UNC fan. When Duke lost a game there were usually 50 people rubbing it in. This never fazed me. My uncle always told me that Duke is much more than just a basketball or football game, its about excellence, teamwork, and respect. No matter how bad others taunt you, you’re rooting for the real winner every time. I didn’t know exactly what to make of that as a kid, but after participating in the camp, it was crystal clear. Coach K and his players were like a family; you could see that in how they interacted. I left the camp not only with the fundamentals of Duke Basketball, but also lessons on life.
I am currently 26, married and have a child on the way. I can’t wait to introduce my son to the life of Duke Athletics. My hope is that he shares the same passion as I do and wants to learn about all Duke, past and present, that I have had the pleasure of watching throughout the years. I can’t wait to take him to the historic Cameron Indoor for the first time, the stadium I have watched games in over a dozen times. I want him to see the Cameron Crazies, the greatest fans ever. Duke is my life, my passion and I cherish every moment of every game. LETS GO DUKE!”
3. Alison Levine Supports Duke At the SOUTH POLE!
Prize: Blue Planet magazine signed by our three freshmen (who are pictured on the cover) and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 4. Larry Osborne/The Gorilla Support the Blue Devils!
Prize: An autographed picture of Coach K and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 5. (Tie) Great Candid Photo of Matt Feola at a Game
Prize: Hard-cover team yearbook and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 5. (Tie) Vanaya Henderson’s D.U.K.E.
Prize: Hard-cover team yearbook and a complimentary yearly subscription to Blue Planet
 *All entrants will receive a team photo, magnet schedule andBlue Planet issue…
Thanks again for all of the submissions and GO DUKE!
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25thJan
One of the All-Time Toughest Blue Devils Returns Home
Posted by DBradley under Courtside Q&A
Nate James’ five-year Duke career was defined by prolific winning and steadfast toughness. The 2001 national champion won the ACC regular-season championship five times, claimed the ACC Tournament three times, and reached a pair of Final Fours. Duke fans will always remember Nate’s selfless play and unwavering commitment. We caught up with Nate to discuss his latest career move (a huge positive for our program), the Krzyzewski Center, this year’s team, and the 2001 national championship run.BP: Talk about your new role with the team…
Nate: I am going to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach if I get the job. It is not official yet but I am hopeful it will be soon. When the guys are there, I would be overseeing things, helping Will (Stephens) out with whatever he needs me to do, whether it is showing guys different techniques, hanging folders — It can be a broad range of responsibilities. It is a great opportunity for me to be around the guys and share some of my experiences with them.
Nate: I am going to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach if I get the job. It is not official yet but I am hopeful it will be soon. When the guys are there, I would be overseeing things, helping Will (Stephens) out with whatever he needs me to do, whether it is showing guys different techniques, hanging folders — It can be a broad range of responsibilities. It is a great opportunity for me to be around the guys and share some of my experiences with them.
BP: How will you apply your experiences as a former player, great leader, and one of the all-time strongest and toughest Duke guys pound for pound to your new role both in the weight room and on the court?
Nate: Well, the weight room can help to promote a little more swagger. You use the weights to get that edge and that mentality of getting bigger, stronger, faster so when it is time to play, you will be that much more confident. You take that weight room type of attitude onto the court. On the court, since I played under Coach for five years, when the players are going through tough times I can relate, I have been through it. You may be in the dog house right now, but whatever is going on, don’t worry about it. He’s behind you, he wants to make you better, so listen to what he has to tell you, shake it off, and go out there and play the game. Having someone who has been in the trenches can really help our guys get over what they are going through a lot faster.
BP: Do you hope to become a basketball coach in the future?
Nate: Definitely, definitely, that is my goal to one day be a coach and share all the knowledge I have to help players improve and get everything they want out of the game.
BP: What do you think of our new training facility?
Nate: It is amazing. If we didn’t have the number one recruiting tool in Coach K, having that type of facility… You bring a recruit in and you show him that our facilities are better than some NBA teams and that will get him right there. It is has come so far from when I played here. We were sharing a small little weight room with all of Duke Athletics, so to see where they are now is a wonderful thing and I am happy for the young guys.
BP: What are your thoughts on this year’s team?
Nate: I think this year’s team has a lot of potential. I can honestly say this is one of the deepest teams we’ve had. This is a team where it is not just one or two guys really getting the job done. If everyone comes to play, it is 10 guys with the rotations, guys going in and out. We can really be a dominant team because we can come in waves and wear teams out.
BP: You and Shane Battier were the consummate Duke senior leaders in 2001 and the results spoke for themselves. What was your secret back then and is there anything in particular you have shared with DeMarcus?
Nate: Well, I think one of the secrets, if you call it a secret, is just living in the moment. Don’t worry about your future. Just soak it all in because four years here at Duke, in my case five years, they go by so quickly. If you focus on anything but the moment, you can lose out on something special. Constantly working on your game, developing relationships with your teammates, having that “us against the world” attitude, that can propel you to some wonderful things. When I was here, we worked hard every day, we enjoyed the battles, we enjoyed the camaraderie. I told DeMarcus, “You are a senior, this is the year you are going to be remembered. So, it is your responsibility to check your teammates, to be the captain, to be the senior and say ‘Hey this is my year, this is our year to do great things, and I want to keep it on track.’”
