Duke Blue Planet BLOG

Message from LA: Hello Duke fans!  We recently caught up with two-time NCAA champ Tony Lang.  Tony was inducted in the Mobile, AL Sports Hall of Fame earlier in April after a state title at LeFlore High School followed by four great years at Duke, six years in the NBA and several more pro seasons in the Philippines and Japan.  About a year ago, Tony was named head coach of the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins of the Japan Basketball League.

What are your best Duke memories?
I had so many memorable memories at Duke my four years.  Three memories stick out the most.  These memories are winning the national championship in 1991, winning the national championship again in 1992, and graduating in 1994.  Those championship years will always be special.  The friendships that formed those years will always be sacred to me.  It was an honor to be part of something that special.  I don’t think it can be matched.  My graduation is something special also.  I really had the best of both worlds as a student-athlete.  Duke challenged me both on the basketball court and in the classroom.

Which former players do you stay in touch with the most and do you have any funny college stories to share?
I still stay in touch with Grant Hill, Jeff Capel, Stan Brunson, Quin Snyder, Wojo, Chris Carrawell, Nate James and Chris Collins.  Grant, Chris, Jeff, and Stan may still remember my stylish car when we were at Duke — A 1980 Blue Grand Prix.  We called it the Blue Ghost. All of those guys had the privilege of riding in the Ghost.  The Blue Ghost had a few problems though.  For instance, The Ghost could only be driven by me.  There was a special way to start it and drive it.  Once it got started, there was a special way to drive it.  Once you drove it, it needed oil at least once a week.  When I would take The Ghost to a drive-through restaurant, I had to open the door to order because my window was broken and it couldn’t be rolled down.  One day, Stan needed to use my car.  I tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen.  Stan got stuck on an accelerating lane on 15-501.  After I graduated from Duke, The Ghost was handed down to my brother Andre.  A year later, the Ghost was stolen!!!!!

Best advice from Coach K?
Coach K gave me a lot of advice and still gives me advice.  The best advice Coach gave me was to be myself.  He told me to bring out the good qualities inside of me.  He felt that I should come out of my shell and let people know my personality.  He taught me to be more vocal and more passionate.  When Coach named me tri-captain my senior year, he gave me responsibility.  He gave me a chance to be a leader.  Before the 1994 season, Coach invited me to his house and told me that my leadership was the key to our team being successful.  I didn’t have the chance before that to lead because we had great leaders like Bobby, Christian and Brian in the years before.  We also had the best player in the country on our team, Grant Hill.  Coach told me to believe in myself.  He saw something in me that I didn’t.  I didn’t want to let him or my team down.  That year, we were one possession away from winning our third championship in four years.  Those experiences helped me to become successful in my career.

Favorite in-game memory at Duke?
My favorite game memory was “The Shot.”  We all know what “The Shot” was — the shot Christian made against Kentucky was one of the most clutch plays ever.  I was under the basket when the shot went in.  All I could do was fall.  My second favorite moment was winning back-to-back championships in 1992.  Beating Michigan made the victory even sweeter.  We know why it was sweet, but we won’t go there.  LOL!

Was there something in particular at Duke that has helped you during your career playing and coaching professionally in Japan?
Duke is a melting pot of different cultures.  While at Duke I met different people from different countries with different customs, and I learned to respect different ways of thinking.  That prepared me for my experience in Japan.

How have your Duke experience and time with Coach K impacted the teams and players you have coached since entering the coaching ranks?
Coach K taught me the importance of communication and teamwork.  He taught us that with communication and teamwork you can build a strong defensive team.  He taught me that defense is the key to winning championships.  Coach K continues to teach me by giving me advice and helping me with things such as preparation, practice and game situations.  I continue to confide in Coach and ask for advice.

Your first season as a head coach was cut short this year due to the earthquake.  We were glad to hear you are okay…
I’ve experienced numerous earthquakes while living in Japan, but nothing like this last one.  Fortunately we were 400 miles away from the epicenter.  Although we were that far away, we still felt the earthquake.  The city of Nagoya — where I live — had a 6.0 quake that shook for three minutes.  By the grace of God my family and I were safe.  Hopefully the country will continue to recover.

When you’re back in your hometown of Mobile after the basketball season ends in Japan, what do you do to relax?  Any special summer plans?
When I return home from Japan, I spend as much time as possible with my family — my beautiful wife Lekeshia, and my sons T.J. (15) and Alan (11).  The majority of our time is spent in baseball parks or basketball gyms and that is very important to me.  We also run various camps and charity events as a family for those in need.

Here’s a recent interview with Tony from a local news station in Mobile…

WKRG.com News

Kenny Blakeney launches Sportin’ Scarves while coaching at Harvard

Message from LA: Hello Duke fans!  This month we headed to Beantown for LA’s Corner and checked in with former Duke player Kenny Blakeney (1995 graduate).  It seems like just yesterday Kenny was riding his scooter around campus and winning national titles!  Now, Kenny is doing great things at Harvard with several other Blue Devils and also started his own business.  Check it out!  Thanks for reading!

At Duke you were a part of something very special — back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. What are your memories of those experiences?
That’s one of the reasons I chose Duke — to become a champion at the college level. I’ve been very lucky and fortunate to have been on championship teams throughout my life (#8 Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club, DC Recreation League at Rabaut Junior High School, AAU with Executive 3, and then in high school at DeMatha). Winning championships is all I know. To be a part of history and win one national championship is truly special and unique. But, to win two — and to do it back to back — was just extraordinary. We were the first team to win back-to-back national championships since 1973 when John Wooden’s UCLA team did it. People still talk about our 1992 team as arguably one of the best teams ever in ANY sport.

We all get busy in our lives. Have you been able to stay in touch with former teammates?
Absolutely. All of them. My teammates and I have a very special bond, a life-long one. I think that’s why we were so good — us being so close. And because of that, everyone was invested in one common goal: winning. Being on a team where nobody cared who scored the ball and everyone embraced their role, well that’s very unique.

You are now with Harvard Basketball with former Duke player Tommy Amaker. What did you guys learn from your experiences at Duke that you incorporate into your coaching style at Harvard?
Commitment. Preparation. Hard work. Selflessness. I have been incredibly fortunate to have been coached by some of the best coaches in the history of the game. Obviously, Coach K, I’m not here without him. I’ve never been around a coach who earns more respect from his players. That respect comes from the love his players have for him. Coach K truly defines the player-coach relationship. Those values that he has instilled in Duke Basketball can be seen every day here at Harvard. Obviously, in a lot of ways Coach Amaker is an extension of Coach K. They both have such an amazing presence. When they talk, the room listens.

You have started a business called Sportin’ Scarves. What is it all about?
Sportin’ Scarves (S’S) is the perfect fashionable accessory crafted from quality fabrics that feels good to the hand and designed for today’s young and trendy consumers. These scarves can be worn by both men and women who are passionate about representing and expressing their support for their favorite sport teams in a stylish, versatile and yet affordable manner.

That’s great! How’d you come up with this concept?
The idea was born out of my love for sports and fashion. I wanted to find a way to harmonize the two in a market that had a void. This vision was born while I was in Ireland during the 2009 NBA playoffs, as I found myself only able to access soccer games on television. While watching a soccer crowd of 60,000 people on TV, I noticed that they were all waving soccer scarves in support of their team. Amazed at the showing of support from spectators beyond a typical sports jersey, hat or t-shirt, I began to vigorously research if other major sports leagues had a similar concept and found there was a void in this market. Wanting to create something that could be worn professionally to reflect a sense of style and show choice in sports teams, the S’S brand brought to life the design of the perfect “go-to” accessory with an authentic and global appeal.

Where can we get these scarves?
Currently, through a deal with the NBA, S’S is offering fashionable scarves for the six most popular teams in the NBA for merchandising sales for the 2010-11 NBA season. Additional NBA teams will be available at the start of the 2011-12 season. And, if basketball isn’t your sport, no worries. S’S is currently working with the other major professional sport leagues and college sports to bring these fashionable and versatile scarves to keep all of us who love sports wrapped up in style.

Check us out on the web…
*Official website: sportinscarves.com
*Facebook fan page: Sportin’ Scarves
*Twitter: @sportinscarves

S’S is currently available at the following retailers and online as well…
NBA Store in NYC on 5th Avenue, Boston Garden arena shop, Staples Center arena shop, Store.NBA.com, Espnshop.com, Modells.com, DicksSportingGoods.com

You have a daughter, Nona. Does she have any of dad’s basketball moves or is she pursuing other interests at this point???
(Laugh). She’s the best thing in my life. It’s amazing how many different interests she has. She has such an abundant energy about her and a smile that lights up a room. Between her learning Chinese and Spanish, playing sports, and her excitement for school everyday, it’s hard for me to keep up with her sometimes (laugh). She’s just an amazing little girl. The love of my life.

Thanks for your time, Kenny. Good luck with the rest of the season and please say hello to our Duke family at Harvard… Hey TA, Brian and Kirsten!

ABOUT LA’S CORNER… Laura Ann Howard is now in her 20th season as staff assistant in the Duke Basketball office.  She works closely with our assistant coaches, coordinates player autographing, keeps tabs on former players, staff and managers, and delivers smiles at our offices on the fifth floor of the Schwartz-Butters Center.  The Roxboro, NC native shares one of her updates in LA’s Corner as part of every issue of Blue Planet magazine.

An interview with Lindsay Wojciechowski

Message from LA: The biggest perk of my job is the friendships I’ve been able to develop with some of the amazing people who are a part of the Duke Basketball program.  One of these people – Lindsay Wojo – is right at the top of my list of amazing and she is a true inspiration.  Lindsay is married to Coach Wojo and is the mother of their two handsome young boys, Jack and Charlie.  Thanks Linds for taking on my questions in the latest LA’s Corner!

How do you handle the job of being a coach’s wife?
I think a key to this is flexibility.  Over the years I have learned to be more understanding of the required job demands and last-minute schedule changes.  This is easier to do now because I more fully appreciate the incredible rewards that come along with the job.  When I agreed to induce our second child during the 72-hour break between the end of the ACC and the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, I think I earned my A+ in flexibility!

What is something about the Wojo family that would surprise the fans?
I bet most would be surprised to know that Steve does most of the cooking at home.  He never uses a recipe and his meals are always fantastic.  He’s an incredible chef!

What is the most bizarre encounter/story you’ve had in public being married to Coach Wojo?
For our first Valentine’s dinner as a couple, we went out to dinner at a restaurant in southern Durham.  Our waiter brought our check out on a platter with “Go NC State!” written across it in ketchup.  Luckily, this was before we left the tip. 

How does the Wojo family “relax” when you finally have time in the off-season?
We have become pretty good at post-season relaxation.  It generally involves a trip to Bald Head Island where we can hunker down in a house on the beach, play with our kids in the sand, eat meals that Steve whips up, and go to bed early.  The rest of the off-season revolves around BBQs with our neighbors and visiting family.

In March you gave birth to your second son, Charlie, right in the middle of March Madness.  Shortly after, you discovered something was wrong.  Can you explain and tell me how that has impacted you?  I’ve really admired how strong you have been and am so happy you are feeling better.
I had a health scare shortly after Charlie was born that changed a lot of things for us as a family.  I resigned from work to spend more time with Steve and our boys.  I was reminded how important it is to “be in the moment” with my children.  It also gave me an even deeper appreciation for the Duke Basketball family.  The support of everyone on staff was incredible.  As Steve told me, we had an “army” of supporters that successfully helped me get healthy again.

How does a Utah girl and a Maryland boy combine worlds…I hear Coach Wojo tried fly fishing one time????
When I first met Steve, I drove a huge 1989 Chevy pickup that filled his driveway with smoke every time I left his house.  He must’ve thought I was a complete redneck.  I’m proud to tell you that during our eight years together, Steve has become quite good at road biking, hiking, skeet shooting and appreciating the outdoors (however fly fishing may test his patience a bit too much!).  A few years ago, a trekking guide told us that Steve had the “spirit of the deer.”   Ha, he’s come a long way but that one was a bit of a stretch!

ABOUT LA’S CORNER… Laura Ann Howard is now in her 20th season as administrative assistant in the Duke Basketball office.  She works closely with our assistant coaches, coordinates player autographing, keeps tabs on former players, staff and managers, and delivers smiles at our offices on the fifth floor of the Schwartz-Butters Center.  The Roxboro, NC native shares one of her updates in LA’s Corner as part of every issue of Blue Planet magazine.

Three of our biggest fans spread the Blue Devil spirit in Europe

About 10 years ago I met a huge Duke fan, Renato Calvi, who was visiting Duke all the way from Italy!  We have stayed in touch throughout the years and Renato and friends have made their way to many a Duke game.   Italy to Durham is quite the “road trip” I would say, and he even named his baby boy J.J.  So, for this round of LA’s Corner, I thought it would great to introduce the Cameron Crazies to the Italian Crazies!

Italy is a long distance from Durham.  How did you first become a Duke fan?

I live in Latina, just 40 miles south of Rome and my passion for Duke started when Danny Ferry signed for the “Messaggero Virtus Roma” in July 1989.  As I am a big fan of Virtus Roma, in order to show support to Danny Boy, I used to go to the games wearing Duke stuff.   That was the beginning of my craziness.

You have gone to great lengths to make it to Duke games.  Tell us some of your “Italian Crazie” stories!

I have seen Duke playing in London, in NYC, in Boston (twice) and in Cameron (three times).   As for the tickets in CIS I really want to thank Laura Ann Howard and Gerry Brown who made my dreams come true, providing tickets for three home games (Georgia Tech in 2004, Princeton 2005 and Georgia Tech 2010).  Craziest thing was holding my little son Gianmarco/J.J. (he was 15 months) for the entire second half of the Princeton game because he was sleeping regardless Cameron Crazies noise.  Now he is six and on the way to become crazier than me.

How did your group of three Italian Crazies form?

I travel with some Crazies, Marco Vanzulli, Corrado Palumbi and Carlo Perotti.  They live near the lake of Como and Milan, far away from my town.  As we share the same passion for Duke we got to know in London (with Marco and Corrado) and in Boston (with Carlo).  In 2004 I organized the travel to Duke for the Georgia Tech game with Marco and Corrado.  I met Carlo in Boston for the BC game last year.  In 2010, Carlo, Marco and I were at Duke for the G-Tech game and in Boston for the BC game.   I am not going to forget my wife who was with me at MSG in 2003 for the St John’s game and in 2005 at Duke, with our children Francesca Romana and Gianmarco, for the Princeton game.  We organize all the travels using Internet.

Does your wife think you are crazy?

My wife thinks that I am really crazie and she’s worried our little son can become crazier than me.  I think she is happy if I am happy and she just let go my passion for Duke.

Is it tough to follow the team from all the way in Italy?

The hardest part for a crazie like me, who lives in Europe, is waking up in the middle of the night to watch Duke playing on TV or just listening to the voice of Bob Harris on web radio.  Due to jet lag, when a game is scheduled at 7 PM/9 PM, in Italy is 1 AM/3 AM, I never miss a game but it’s hard then to wake up and go to work.  Besides games, I have been to Durham during the summer several times.   Just to stroll around the Duke campus, walk inside Cameron and be, in a different way, part of a tradition that will last forever.  Anyway, even without games, I was lucky enough to meet former players like Trajan Langdon, Chris Carrawell and Christian Laettner.

The Italian Crazies at the Georgia Tech game!

Laura Ann Howard is now in her 19th season as administrative assistant in the Duke Basketball office.  She works closely with our assistant coaches, coordinates player autographing, keeps tabs on former players, staff and managers, and delivers smiles at our offices on the fifth floor of the Schwartz-Butters Center.   The Roxboro, NC native shares one of her updates in LA’s Corner as part of every issue of Blue Planet.