Our team officially closed the book on the 2008-09 season at the annual team banquet in Cameron held last night. The festive evening celebrated a team that won 30 games for the 10th time in school history, claimed the 17th ACC Tournament title in school history, won the 2K Sports Classic in New York, and earned the final No. 1 ranking in the RPI.
The evening began with our team taking the floor of Cameron, huddling up, and then heading to a circular stage. After each player was introduced, dinner was served and awards presentations by our staff followed. Gerald Henderson, Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer were named co-MVPs, Greg Paulus was named the team’s top scholar-athlete, and Lance Thomas was given the Coach’s Award as the player best exemplifying the commitment and values of Duke Basketball.
After the awards, Coach K introduced the four seniors — Jordan Davidson, Marty Pocius, Dave McClure and Greg Paulus — and each spoke to the crowd. Jordan talked about the three values he thought best represented Duke Basketball — dedication, family, and pride. Marty talked about his growth on and off the court and all of the educational experiences he has had that have made him a stronger player and person. Dave reflected on a five-year career that included great memories and also overcoming serious adversity highlighted by injuries that left doctors giving him only a 50-50 chance to resume his career. Greg closed with memories of his four years, his teammates along the way, and how the program changed his limits and his outlook on preparation. The two-time team captain stressed the honor and pride he felt representing Duke University and getting the chance to play for Coach K.
The traditional senior speeches by those four soon-to-be Duke graduates were followed by highlight videos of each senior. Coach K then presented a highlight video of the whole 2008-09 team with footage from throughout the year leading up to the ACC championship.
The evening closed with the team back on the circular, rotating stage in the center of Cameron. The 2008-09 Blue Devils then departed Coach K Court together as a team for the final time. The Duke fight song blared as the players received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance in Our House.
2008-09 Duke Men’s Basketball Award Winners
Swett-Baylin Award (MVP): Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler
Dr. Deryl Hart Award (Top Scholar-Athlete): Greg Paulus
Glenn E. “Ted” Mann, Jr., Award (Reserve Contributing Most to Team Morale): Elliot Williams
Coach’s Award (Player Exemplifying the Commitment and Values of Duke Basketball): Lance Thomas
Iron Dukes Award (Most Minutes Played): Jon Scheyer
Bill Krzyzewski Captains’ Awards: Gerald Henderson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer
Best Field Goal Percentage Award: Gerald Henderson
Best Rebounding Average Award: Kyle Singler
Best Free Throw Percentage Award: Jon Scheyer
Most Assists Award: Jon Scheyer
Best Defensive Player Award: Gerald Henderson
Gopal Varadhan Senior Manager Award: Joey McMahon, Griffin Tormey
Harry Rainey Spirit Award: Elise Rose
Charles Hogan Memorial Band Award: John Roelofs
Tags: banquet
