The NBA's Pre-Draft Camp starts today and Dan Wiederer, of the Fayetteville Observer, asks whether participating ACC players are ready for the NBA. Wiederer states NBA teams like DeMarcus Nelson's athleticism and defense, but they are scared because he doesn't have a great jump shot. The article also discusses J.J. Hickson, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green. Robbi Pickeral, of the News & Observer, has an article up that discusses the long wait between a college player declaring for the draft and the deadline for removing their name. Is the timeline good for college basketball?

Dan Wiederer lists five odds and ends from the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Number one on his list is the play of Kenny Boynton and Brandon Knight of Florida Team Breakdown. He also discusses Ryan Kelly, John Wall and Nolan Dennis. Adam Zagoria names Derrick Favors and John Wall the TOC's big winners, while Jody Demling discusses Daniel Orton's dominating performance at the Nike Memorial Day Classic in Nashville.

In Men's Lacrosse, Duke's Matt Danowski has been named Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Duke golfer Amanda Blumenhurst has been named Player of the Year by the National Golf Coaches Association. John Hopkins University handed Duke a 10-9 loss in Lacrosse, at the Final Four. This is the second consecutive year JHU has ended Duke's season. Last season JHU defeated Duke in the National Championship game. JHU will face Syracuse in the championship game on Monday. Mason Plumlee, Kenny Boynton and Brandon Knight's play at the Bob Gibbons TOC is discussed in this article with video clips. At the Nike Memorial Day Classic, in Nashville, Leslie McDonald and Memphis YOMCA won their two games on Saturday. Nike MDC coverage is available from Jody Demling at the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Indiana Elite One defeated the Atlanta Celtics and advanced in the tournament.  Here is an updated bracket (see page 4 of pdf).  A complete rundown of Day One scores is available here and the Lawrence Journal-World has written an article on Derrick Favors.

The Jayhawk Invitational is a big event in AAU basketball this weekend. Future Blue Devil Mason Plumlee and the Indiana Elite One are participating as well as Derrick Favors and the Atlanta Celtics. The Celtics also feature talented 6'6" Lance Stephenson who will check out Kansas unofficially after the tournament ends. The Lawrence Journal-World has an event preview posted, with Duke being mentioned several times; and collegecoaches.net has tournament brackets, team rosters, and updates available.

Mason Plumlee and Indiana Elite One lost their Friday night game, 72 - 67, to Howard Pulley Black, last year's runner-up.  Indiana Elite will play two games on Saturday.  The Blue Devil Nation will keep you abreast of tournament results as they become available.

Elliot Williams' season came to an end on Wednesday evening as Harding defeated St. George's 49 - 44 in the semi-finals of the Tennessee Division 2-A state championship. Williams scored 22 points in his last game for the Gryphons, but it wasn't enough to advance to the championship game. Harding went on to win the State Championship with a 72 -68 overtime victory over Tipton-Rosemark Academy. It must be disheartening for St. George's fans that the Gryphons were a combined 4 - 0, during the regular season, against the two schools who played in the state championship game.

In Florida, Brandon Knight scored a game high 22 points to lead Pine Crest to the 3-A state championship, 69 - 50, over P.K. Yonge. Knight, a 6'3" point guard, is rated as one of the top five players in the Class of 2010 and is on Duke's recruiting radar.

Jon Hood, a 6'6" Class of 2009 shooting guard, has broken his right wrist and is out for the season. According to a quote from Jon's father, on Jody Demling's blog, Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski is scheduled to watch Jon play in April AAU action.

Leslie McDonald scored 28 points to lead Briarcrest to victory in the Tennessee Division 2-AA semi-finals. Briarcrest will face Christian Brothers Saturday evening for the state championship. McDonald, a 6'4" Class of 2009 shooting guard, has been offered a scholarship by Duke.

The high school season is just about finished up for this year and I really hope everyone enjoyed reading my High School Hoops articles as much as I enjoyed writing them. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mark Watson for allowing me to contribute to the Blue Devil Nation.  Go DUKE!

Olek Czyz scored 18 points and Reno High School defeated Cheyenne, 76 - 72, to win the Nevada 4A Championship!

Olek Czyz scored 25 points and Reno defeated Foothill 76 - 61 to qualify for the State Championship game. Reno lost to Foothill back in December but came away victorious in the more important play-off game. Reno will face Cheyenne in the Championship Game. Cheyenne defeated Douglas, 93 - 55, in the other semi-final game.

Here is more on Elliot Williams being selected as a McDonald's All-American and an article on Leslie McDonald being a finalist for Tennessee Mr. Basketball honors. Williams and McDonald will be back in play-off action Saturday February 23rd.

Mason Plumlee scored 14 points as Christ School defeated Providence Day, 63 - 44, in the quarterfinals of the NCISAA 3-A tournament at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh. There is a complete scouting report on Mason Plumlee in the Premium Newsletter.

DeShawn Painter posted an impressive double-double of 30 points and 17 rebounds, but Booker T. Washington dropped a 101 - 89 decision to Norcom. The game was tied 82 - 82 at the end of regulation before Norcom outscored BTW 19 - 7 in overtime.

High School Playoffs have commenced across the country and the best teams have commenced their quest for a State Championship. For diehard, rabid basketball fans, high school playoffs serve as a tune-up for March Madness. Let's take a look at future Blue Devils Olek Czyz and Elliot Williams:

In Nevada, Reno High School has won the Northern 4A Regional Championship with a 69 - 53 victory over Douglas High School. Olek Czyz battled flu like symptoms in the game and finished with 13 points. In previous games, Czyz scored 16 points, in a 57 - 45 victory over Bishop Manogue, and 23 points in a 79 - 47 blowout of Spanish Springs in the opening round. Next up for Czyz and the Huskies is Foothill High School on Tuesday. Foothills defeated Reno, 85 - 78, on December 23rd.

In Memphis, Elliot Williams and St. George's defeated Tipton-Rosemark 73 - 57 on Saturday. Previously, Williams scored 15 points as St. George's defeated FACS 53 - 32. and 19 points in St. George's first tournament game, a 63 - 22 victory over SBEC. St. George's moves on to the Sub-State level on Saturday February 23rd.

For Class of 2009 recruiting targets, here are articles on Leslie McDonald and Mason Plumlee.

Elliot Williams returned to the court on Thursday and scored 23 points as St. George's defeated Lausanne 88 - 61. Williams, a 6' 4" shooting guard, who will attend Duke next year, has been out nursing a sore knee. On Friday, Williams scored 25 points as St. George's defeated Tipton-Rosemark Academy 77 - 70.

Olek Czyz scored 24 points as Reno defeated North Valleys 72 - 56, on Tuesday. Czyz went 8-11 from the free throw line. With the victory, Reno clinched the Sierra League. On Friday, Reno routed Douglas 75 - 39. Czyz scored 14 points.

DeShawn Painter scored 19 points as Booker T. Washington clinched the Eastern District with a 89 - 48 victory over Wilson, on Tuesday. On Friday, Painter scored 22 points, but it wasn't enough as Maury stunned the Bookers 64 - 62, with a 15 foot buzzer beater.

6' 11" Mason Plumlee scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked four shots, as Christ School defeated Asheville 86 - 58 on Wednesday. On Friday, Plumlee posted another double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds in a 74 - 57 victory over Roberson.

Olek Czyz scored 21 points and Reno High School defeated Hug High School 64 - 41 on Thursday night. Czyz was 5 - 7 from the free throw line in the victory. On Saturday, Czyz scored 16 points in Reno's 75 - 40 victory over Damonte Ranch.

Greg Echenique scored 15 points and grabbed three rebounds as St. Benedict's Prep defeated American Christian 77 - 70 on Friday night in the Prime Time Shootout.

In Memphis, Leslie McDonald scored 15 points as Briarcrest defeated MUS 51 - 46. St. George's defeated FACS 66 - 57 but Elliot Williams did not play.

DeShawn Painter scored 14 points as Booker T. Washington routed Lake Taylor 99 - 57 on Friday night.

Mason Plumlee recorded a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds as Christ School defeated Spartanburg Day 79 -53.

The Reno Gazette-Journal has updated their high school basketball power rankings and Reno High School, which features future Blue Devil Olek Czyz is at the top. The Reno Huskies are now 8-0 in Sierra League play. Czyz scored 21 points in Reno's 71 - 48 victory over South Tahoe on Tuesday evening.

Elliot Williams remains sidelined in Memphis with a sore knee. St. George's continues to win with Missouri recruit Laurence Bowers stepping up and handling the scoring load. Bowers scored 21 points as St. George's defeated Harding 54 - 53.

Looking at Class of 2009 prospects, DeShawn Painter scored 19 points as Booker T. Washington defeated Norview 67 - 59. The win places BTW back into first place in their district standings. Mason Plumlee led all scorers with 21 points as Christ School defeated Forsyth Country Day 76 - 50 on Tuesday.

For the Class of 2010, Brandon Knight is a Top Five rated target. He scored 10 points in Pine Crest's latest victory. Two more 2010 names have recently surfaced, Josh Hairston and Eric Atkins.

Out West, on Friday night, Reno defeated Carson 79 - 56.  Olek Czyz scored 18 points for the Huskies who were led by Austin Morgan's 28 points. On Saturday, Czyz scored 16 points as Reno defeated Wooster by 49 points, 93 – 44.

In Memphis, Elliot Williams remains sidelined nursing a sore knee. In his absence, teammate Laurence Bowers, a Missouri signee, stepped up and led St. George's to a 64 - 60 victory. The linked article contains an update on Elliot Williams’ health.

Leslie McDonald scored on a fast-break dunk to give Briarcrest Christian a 59 - 58 lead, but the Saints couldn't hold on losing to Christian Brothers 62 - 59. McDonald finished with 23 points.

In Norfolk, Churchland defeated Booker T. Washington 53 - 46. BTW made just 2 of 11 field goal attempts over the final four minutes as Churchland finished the game on a 12 - 5 run. DeShawn Painter was held to six points in the contest.

In Asheville, Mason Plumlee scored 14 points as Christ School defeated Cannon School 79 - 62 on Friday night. He also pulled down 11 rebounds. Mason's brother Miles, who has signed a LOI to attend Stanford, scored 35 points in the win. On Saturday, Mason scored eight points as Christ School defeated Rabun Gap 72 – 39. Christ School's game against Spartanburg Day on Thursday will be televised on WMYA (Channel 40) so if your cable service includes that channel check out the game and provide the Message Board a report on Mason Plumlee.

Finally, here is another article on the big American Heritage vs. Pine Crest game down in Florida.

Brandon Knight scored 34 points to lead Pine Crest to an 86 - 70 victory over American Heritage. Kenny Boynton was the game's leading scorer with 40 points. Post player Eloy Vargas and point guard Ray Taylor did not play for American Heritage.

Brandon Knight and Kenny Boynton were recognized by the Miami Herald for their performances last week. On Tuesday evening, Brandon Knight scored 15 points as Pine Crest defeated North Broward Prep 66 - 25. Kenny Boynton's game was rained out. That sounds funny for a basketball game until you know that the gym the game was scheduled to be played in has a leaky roof. The game is rescheduled for Thursday.

Adam Zagoria has wriiten an interesting article which discusses the merits of a High School National Championship.

Mason Plumlee, whose name has recently been linked with Duke recruiting efforts, receives some ink from Jody Demling at his Louisville Courier-Journal blog. Here is a brief article on Plumlee's last game from the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Have you ever wondered who picks the McDonald's All-Americans? Dick Weiss provides the answer in his blog at the New York Daily News.

Olek Czyz scored 16 points as Reno defeated Douglas 60 - 41 in Friday night action. Czyz scored 11 of his points in the second half. On Saturday, Czyz scored 15 points as Reno defeated Damonte Ranch 77 - 50.

Meanwhile, in Norfolk, on Friday night, Deshawn Painter scored 10 points as Booker T. Washington defeated Granby 62 - 59. On Saturday, BTW fell to Bethel 49 - 42. DeShawn Painter scored 13 points in the loss.

Saturday, at the Dan Finn Classic, St. Benedict's defeated Patterson Catholic 57 - 52 behind 24 points and 15 rebounds from Louisville bound Samrdo Samuels. Duke recruiting target Greg Echenique added nine points and seven rebounds for the Gray Bees.

Kenny Boynton scored 44 points, but a short-handed American Heritage lost to Monsignor Pace 94-70. Center Eloy Vargas and point guard Ray Taylor did not play for AH. Both players have been suspended for their decision to skip the nationally televised game against Pace.

Leslie McDonald scored 17 points as Briarcrest Christian defeated Memphis University School 71-54. McDonald is the most recent player to be offered a scholarship by Duke.

Duke recruiting target Greg Echenique scored 15 points and hauled in 11 rebounds as St. Benedict's Prep defeated Rice at the Nike Super Six Invitational in Madison Square Garden.

DeShawn Painter only scored 5 points in Booker T. Washington's 54-53 victory over Norcom, but he pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked 6 shots in the game. The victory broke a three way tie for first place in the district standings leaving BTW alone in the top spot.

In Detroit Country Day's latest game, DaShonte Riley scored 16 points in a 62-45 victory.

There are many games involving Duke recruits and recruiting targets this weekend so check back with the Blue Devil Nation to keep abreast all the action.

In Memphis, on Thursday night, St. George's defeated Christian Brothers 58-57. Elliot Williams was carried off the court at the 6:36 mark of the 3rd Quarter with a hurt knee. He is expected back in a couple of days. Williams scored 20 points in the first half of the game. On Friday night, sans Elliot Williams, St. George's defeate Lausanne 71-48 and Leslie McDonald scored 22 points as Briarcrest defeated St. Benedict 76-67.

Out in Reno, Olek Czyz scored 20 points as Reno defeated Hug 69-52 on Friday night. Czyz was 14-16 from the free throw line. The scouting report on Czyz has consistently discussed his rawness, specifically his lack of offensive polish, but it has become clear in following his games that he is a good free throw shooter. This is a characteristic that should serve him well at the collegiate level.

Down in Florida, Brandon Knight dished out a school record 16 assists and scored 13 points for Pine Crest High School, in his first start of the season, after recovering from off-season surgery, as Pine Crest defeated Boca Raton 73-46 at the MLK Classic.

In Norfolk, DeShawn Painter scored 23 points to lead Booker T. Washington to a 64-49 victory on Friday night.

There is much to report in this edition of High School Hoops. Starting with 2008 signee Olek Czyz who won the Slam Dunk Contest at the Wild West Shootout and has been nominated for consideration as a McDonald's All-American. Czyz scored 22 points in his most recent game for Reno High School.

In Memphis, 2008 signee Elliot Williams scored 20 and 21 points in St. George's last two games. This article has some nice verbage on Williams' abilities.

Down in Florida, Kenny Boynton has been suspended for two games due to receiving two technical fouls in a game at the McDonald's Tampa Classic. In other news, highly sought after 2010 point guard Brandon Knight is set to return to the court after missing the season's first 14 games recovering from off-season surgery.

On Wednesday evening, at the Wild West Shootout, in Reno, Olek Czyz and his Reno High School teammates defeated Edison (Stockton, CA) 99-62. Czyz scored 27 points and was perfect from the free throw line. On Thursday, RHS rolled over La Quinta (Westminister, CA) by 49 points, 72-23. The storm in the Sierra-Nevadas has impacted the tournament with games being cancelled and rescheduled.

In Florida, on Thursday night, Tyreke Evans and American Christian defeated Kenny Boynton and American Heritage by a 99-72 count. Evans scored 31 points and Boynton scored 26. It was a tight game in the first half with American Christian leading 37-31 at the break. American Christian broke it open with an 18-2 run to start the 3rd Quarter.

DeShawn Painter and Booker T. Washington High School were back in action on Friday night in Norfolk. Painter scored 17 points as BTW defeated Lake Taylor 70-33.

In Memphis, on Friday night, Leslie McDonald scored 32 points to go with 12 rebounds as Briarcrest defeated Christian Brothers 72-69 in overtime.

The Blue Devil Nation will continue to keep you abreast all the high school hoops action for Duke signees and recruiting targets so stay tuned for continuing coverage of 2008 signees Elliot Williams and Olek Czyz as well as all the 2009 targets.

At the Bojangles Shootout, Samardo Samuels scored 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds while Greg Echenique contributed 16 points on 7-8 shooting from the field as St. Benedict's defeated South Atlanta 57-43. Derrick Favors scored 16 points with 11 rebounds for South Atlanta. American Heritage defeated Miami Norland 63-51 on Friday at the McDonald's Tampa Classic. Booker T. Washington defeated Courtland 59-47 in their 3rd game at the Ronald Curry Christmas Classic.

At the Bay Ball Classic in Delaware, Erik Murphy recorded a double-double of 35 points and 11 rebounds, but St. Mark's fell to National Christian Academy 75-66. Murphy shot 12-18 from the field and 9-13 from the free throw line.

At the Les Schwab Invitational, Drew Gordon and Archbishop Mitty advanced to the Championship game where they will face Oregon City. Drew Gordon scored 28 points and collected 19 rebounds in a 79-45 rout over Grant. Oregon City defeated South Medford, 64-58, in the other semi-final. E.J. Singler scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the defeat.

The Holiday Tournament action continues on Saturday.

American Heritage defeated Galena 80-68 in their opening game at the McDonald's Tampa Classic. Kenny Boynton scored 33 points. The AH Patriots will face Christian Life from Humble, TX at 7:30 pm tomorrow. DeShawn Painter scored a season low eight points and Booker T. Washington lost their opening game, 62-60, to Kecoughton, at the Ronald Curry Christmas Classic. BTW Coach Darren Sandlerin stated, "Painter's got to be a little more assertive." BTW will be back in action tomorrow afternoon.  In the Desert Heat Classic, Olek Czyz and Reno High School dropped a 73-68 decision to Los Osos. Czyz scored 25 points in the loss. RHS faces Mercer Island (WA) in tomorrow’s game. Mercer Island is the alma mater of former Duke Point guard and Asst. Coach Quinn Snyder.