John Feinstein, a 1977 Duke graduate and one of the most prolific sportswriters in the business, has published an essay in the Chronicle's news magazine, Towerview. The essay, "Fixing Football," can be read here: http://www.dukechronicle.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=47a58847-b68b-48b0-8388-645f4417197c

Feinstein doesn't mince words. Here's an excerpt:

>>What's wrong with Duke Football? Everything.

To put it simply, you can't just keep changing coaches. You have to change the culture. And Duke has had two opportunities to do that in recent years and failed both times.

The first failure was in 1998, when Nan Keohane decided to hire Joe Alleva as Athletic Director-knowing full well that Joe is a nice guy whose next original idea will be his first-rather than hire Tom Mickle. Mickle walked into her office with a full set of plans on how to try to fix Duke Football, but she didn't want that. She didn't want sports to become any more important than they already were at Duke. She tolerated the success of the basketball team, because it helped her raise money, and because she had no choice.

So she hired an A.D. who she knew wouldn't rock the boat in any way and who would continue what was then the mediocrity of Duke Football. Later, the ACC voted in all these football schools, which just exacerbated the situation and made it more difficult to compete under any circumstances for Duke.

The second failure was a couple years ago. Alleva had the chance to hire Bobby Ross, who-last I looked-had only won a National Championship at Georgia Tech, not exactly a football power, and taken the San Diego Chargers to their only Super Bowl. Alleva had Bobby Ross in his office, again with a plan, because Ross came down to Duke on his own and studied the place to figure out what needed to be done to fix Duke Football. And because Alleva was scared of somebody who was going to be aggressive and make demands financially, he hired Ted Roof, who had never been a head coach.

And so you just go from bad to worse, to even worse, to what is now a complete and utter embarrassment.<<

Patrick Patterson is taking a break from setting recreation leagues on fire in West Virginia to visit Durham this weekend with both his parents.

Patterson is a key power player recruit for the Devils and while Duke got in a tad late, they are to be considered a leader.  I got a chance to see the fast rising star for the first time at the NBA Players Association Camp and then the Peach Jam Festival.

In South Carolina, or the Georgia border, a bevy of coaches watched the player who has continued to rise in the rankings. Every game he played had Roy Williams, Billy, Tubby and others watching his every move.

Duke, Kentucky, Florida, West Virginia, Wake Forest and UVA are on his short list, but a recent defection at Virginia may hinder the hoos hopes.

Patterson will get a chance to play with Duke players and will stay on campus to get a feel for student life.  His parents will be housed off campus.

The Pattersons have family in the Charlotte and his Dad is a Duke fan, but this means little, as his parents have clearly stated it will be his decision to make.

He had a good visit to Florida and Tubby has worked his magic, but Duke expects to make an impression this weekend.  Duke was not able to be as involved as it would have liked due to Coach K's USA obligations.  However, Coach K called the Patterson's with a scholarship offer which was heard by the whole family on conference call on the way to the Peach Jam.

Patterson impressed Williams and UNC enough to where it took three phone calls from Steve Robinson before they were told they were not on the final list.

Here is his scout profile, which touches on his talent.  Speaking of the premium/newsletter, it is a great time to join and support the Blue Devil Nation.  We will have quotes after the Patterson weekend visit with timely and accurate details, and also updates on Kyle Singler. 

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Let's go Duke!

 Patterson and his Mom visit Duke University this weekend.  Details and quotes will be on the Blue Devil Nation.

 

Duke hopes to end an 11 game losing streak.   Here, Frank Dascenzo asks Can Duke Win? This article has Ted Roof saying the team is too concerned with the score.

FWIW, I am picking the Devils to win 20-17.  Let's go Duke!

Here, Bill Brill has a nice article up on Coach K.  It's well worth the read.  The folks at BDW do a great job and anytime you can peruse the work of Brill, Roth or Sumner, it is worth your time.  Oh!  That guy named Corey too.

Duke prepares for Patrick Pattersons official visit to Duke University.  The 6-8 Huntington, West Virginia prospect is a key recruit for the Devils who covet his tenacious play and his family background.  We will have a lengthy article up soon on one of the best players in the class of 2007.  Check back for the guide to Patricks visit on Thursday.

Here is an article hot off the press Oregonian on Kyle Singler .  For more and continued updates, check out our newsletter.

Here is a great article with comments from ED Singler.  As many of you know, we have a lot up in the newsletter section - see below.  Blue Devil Nation works with its sources to stay on top of things in the right way, never hounding a recruit by pounding their phones.  I will be on top of Patrick Pattersons visit too and I am already discussing other targets.  Accurate information, informed and studied speculation await those who choose to support this site through premium access.  Thanks to all the new members and email any problems to watzoneBDP@gmail.com. Please allow 12 hours for replies.  Remember, the money spent goes into the site and I have a great article coming by weeks end for all on K and a hallowed UNC game, which is sure to please with quotes from Bob Harris and David Henderson.

More trouble for LAX accuser.  The plot thickens as accusers troubles catching up.

Bale and Harding lead as Captains for Coach G's Devils.

Singler visit information in newsletter

For info on joining, send and email to watzoneBDP@gmail.com  or go to the link to your left.

There you will get the latest on who he hung out with on his visit and the upcoming Patterson visit.

Details forthcoming in the premium/newsletter.  Singler dunks at AAU event below.

 Will Singler choose the Devils?  Are Kansas, UCLA and Arizona still in the running?  How long will his recruitiment go on?  Join the newsletter and find out the latest on the future star from Oregon and help support The Blue Devil Nation.

DukeWomen Field Hockey whips the UNC Tar Heels in a thriller, 2-1.

Duke Womens Volleyball opens with the Clemson Tigers in the start of ACC play.

Sports Illustrated talked with Chris Collins and the result is a very interesting analogy on he coming season.  Well worth the read.

Assistant Coach Chris Collins as quoted in the article- 

"Josh is definitely our most talented player," said Collins. "Whether that means he's the leading scorer every night or not, he's still going to be the guy that makes everything go for us." 

A friend of Blue Devil Nation, John Roth has an excellent piece up on Alana Beard.  Meanwhile, Team USA Team USA lost to Russia.  It is further proof that the World is playing some good basketball.

OJ Mayo recently joined Huntington High School and Duke University prospect Patrick Patterson is quoted "I don't think there will be any problems with the chemistry,"

The reason his team is scheduling Dematha could have something to do with his answer to a question by a reporter, asking how local teams would fare against his squad which has five Division 1 players.  "Not with the in-state games,"  Patterson said. "I don't think there will be many close ones."

You can click this link for the complete story.

 

Kyle Singler will be taking his official visit to Duke University this weekend and other schools seem to be holding their breath.

Many have felt that the young Singler has been a Duke lean since before Summer.  If he is, you would never know it from recent comments, but then again, why would he tilt his hand and insult the many fine schools that are recruiting him.

Just recently, he phoned Lorenzo Romar and told the Washington coach that they were no longer being considered. Singler had played for Romar with team USA U-17 and was often refereed to as the player with the most upside.

UCLA fans are sitting on pins and needles, hoping Kyle doesn't end the process in Durham this weekend.  Singler is currently in the process of creating an official visit to UCLA. What might be more important than the official visit to the Los Angeles campus, is Kyle not verbally committing to Duke during his visit.

Kyle visited Arizona recently and they obviously made a good impression, but he left them no doubt he would continue his visits. His father Ed Singler is quoted "It is evident that he can get a quality education at U of A."  "More than anything, Kyle felt people were great he met from the coaching staff, school administrators and students." 

Ed and Kris Singler will both accompany their son this weekend.  They show an obvious love for their son and his future college choice. 

Ed has prepared Kyle from a very young age.  In fact, Kyle told me in an interview at the Peach Jam AAU Festival that they'd watch film of Larry Bird together, but told me one more telling thing when asked about the recruiting process.  "It is getting a little daunting ... I'll be glad when it is over."

That wasn't hard to figure.  As I stood back after the interview, I saw some of he more aggressive media pushing through for a word, despite the fact that his AAU coach, Troy Berry was trying to console the Portland Legends after a tough loss which ousted them from the tournament.

The media questions have gotten so redundant, that the Singlers have seemingly taken a standard answer stance.  One Arizona site whined that they couldn't get in touch with his Father, as if every schools numerous sites haven't called only to get the same answers I seem to have in an interview over the Summer.

Duke had a very good in home visit with the Singlers and they showed him their vision for Kyle. Coach K had already developed a bit of a relationship with the USA U-17 event.

It was obvious that Kyle was ahead of his years in our two interviews.  He was careful with his answers and it showed that he did not want to show any disrespect to any school on his list by saying the wrong thing.  He was quick to talk up his teammates and coaches.

He was also quite pleasant, smiling, looking me in the eyes when talking and showing that his upbringing was top notch.  His Assistant HS Coach had a glowing review of Kyle.  "He is obviously the best player I have ever coached and it has been a privilege to be a part of his development."

There have been  pressures too.  Besides the many who want him to remain in the West, he was a big part of his football team.  South Medford High School is really big on pigskin and Kyle had to make a tough choice not to play.  The 6-9 Singler provided a tall target at his wide out position and enjoyed his teammates and competing on the gridiron.  Here is a great picture of Kyle, who is #3 and on the end of a TD reception. 

There are not many who could question that choice, in that Kyle is the consensus fourth rated player in the country.  He has a bright future on the hardwood and that is where his skills may make him the big bucks in the NBA one day.

So, that brings me back to the rumors you hear.  Many think he is a Duke lean.  Well, I am biased and I think he is a perfect fit for Duke.  His games reminds me of a Laettner/Ferry hybrid, only different.

I guess what I am saying is that Kyle is Kyle and comparisons are not one of my favorite things.  His game is inside/out and he has advanced passing skills.  He is the type of player who makes those around him better.  While he could be a ball hog, he will not be.  However, he will often start a break and many times finish them. He is made for the motion offense and running the court when available.  No, he is not a power rebounder, but will mix it up and when the game is on the line, he gravitates toward the key board.  Kyle gets to the free throw stripe with ease too, an he makes them.  He is often double teamed and tends to find the open man when that happens.  Kyle can step out for the three, and eventually lull the defense asleep when he will burst toward the inside.  He is a well rounded player that has faced teams trying to play him physical with a bump every time he moves, to a box in one zone.

The reason Kyle gets so much attention are his advanced skills, demeanor and  character.  He is not one to taunt, unlike the talented Kevin Love, who is rumored to have been a bit overbearing after and Oregon playoff game.  That may not help UCLA who is rumored to be trying to get a coach in his school to watch a workout before the weekend.

Also, I do not think Duke will shower him with coeds like this article claims Arizona did, ahem.  No knock on Arizona or their coeds, but Kyle will likely choose a school based on academics and comfort.  I think Duke will push the school, females will always be available for a talented young man and many former Duke players have met a very nice upstanding wife while at Duke.

The Blue Devils will be straight forward with the Singlers, as they are with every recruit.  There will be no attempt at a mirage.  They will let Kyle see what Duke is about.  He will hang with our players, play some pick up and get and idea of the surroundings.  He will walk through hallowed Cameron Indoor Stadium and visit the lofty office ajacent to the stadium, see the groundbreaking for a new state of the art practice facility, walk through the hall of fame and see the Sears Championship trophies.

 Duke would like for Kyle to help add another championship.

He will see Coach K, the USA Olympic Coach and the family atmosphere that permeates Duke University.  No wonder other schools are worried.  They should be, because there is a feeling that a good fit is waiting the talented youngster.

 Singler at the Peach Jam Fest

I will have comments on how the visit went on the premium/newletter and you will find some note up now and my thinking on the visit.  There are curently articles on Patrick Patterson too.  To join and help support the Blue Devil Nation and get great information, go here.  We are still running special prices and the money goes into the site, not my pocket and allows me to give Duke fans the coverage they deserve.

 

 

 

 

We are currently ranked the number two college basketball blog.  Many thanks.  Here are the overall rankings.  A special thanks to Duke Basketball Report and  TDD, plus the many others who link the site.  Plug us and we will plug you.  There is nevr enough information on Duke Athletics.

Team USA is in the semis and they are led by fomer Duke standout Alana Beard.  Go USA!

Link

There is some mention of the hit, but little elaboration on the particulars or what our staff thought.

Media Interview is here.

Lewis earned the role of starter

DeMarcus Nelson is ready to show on court leadership as is Josh McRoberts, but the backbone may be the choem bice of Greg Paulus.

Here is the link to them being named Captains for 2006-07 from GoDuke.com .  Captains

Duke, Marquette, Stanford and Texas Tech will be the host schools for the opening rounds of the College Basketball Experience Classic, formerly known as the Guardians Classic.

The winners of the four-team regional brackets will advance to the semifinals in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 20. The championship game will be in Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 21.

The first regional bracket will be Nov. 12-13 at Durham, N.C. with Duke playing Columbia, and Georgia Southern against Cal-Davis. The winners and losers meet the second night.

Two sites will have games on Nov. 13-14. At Milwaukee, Marquette hosts Idaho State, while Maine plays Detroit. At Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech hosts Gardner-Webb, and Arkansas-Little Rock faces Akron.

The final regional bracket will be in Palo Alto, Calif., on Nov. 14-15, with Stanford hosting San Jose State, and Air Force meeting Long Beach State.

The semifinals will have the Durham winner against the Palo Alto winner, while the Milwaukee winner meets the Lubbock winner.

Texas beat Iowa 69-59 in last year's championship game.  Texas Tech and Duke could very well meet in the finals, pitting Coach K versus Bobby Knight.

The College Basketball Experience Classic was created to promote the National Association of Basketball Coaches "College Basketball Experience" and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame, which will be located in downtown Kansas City, will induct its inaugural class of the Wizard of Westwood John Wooden , Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, UNC's Dean Smith and Dr. James Naismith on Nov. 19.

 Devils will open in Cameron

Here is an interesting link to fox news and a report on the Duke LAX case.

I met writer Rob Harrington briefly during the  Peach Jam Classic.  IMO, he is one of the best in the business, maintaining balance.  Here is an excellent USA Today article on RECRUITING which covers Kyle Singler and Patrick Patterson among others. 

It looks as if the ACC will allow teams to headhunt with a simple penalty, or two in the case of Aaron Rouse. The Tech safety was caled for two infractions, but the ACC seemingly saw the vicious hit on Duke starting QB Thaddeus Lewis as being okay. The good news is that Lewis should be back fo the UVA game.

Strong safety Aaron Rouse will not be disciplined for his late hit Saturday on Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis beyond the 15-yard roughing the passer call he received during the game, a conference official said. Lewis, a freshman, suffered a concussion on the play and is expected to return for Duke's next game Sept. 30 against Virginia.

For anybody who missed the hit, it was really calculated and late. I think the decision is sending the wrong message.

Devils Den posters in HERE.

The Duke Men's Soccer team (6-0-1) go for their 26th straight non conference win in Koskinen Stadium. The game takes place tonight at 7:00 versus formidable UNG-W which has a record of 4-1-1. Here is a link.

We have some great notes in an article on the premium/newsletter which breaks down the Patrick Patterson situation. We cover when an asistant will return to take in a practice, how visits have been going, his schedule and much more including his high school teams games on ESPN. It's a great time to join the newsletter! The link on how to is on the menu to the left.

Currently in premium archives

- Taylor King update
- Taylor King Interview
- Kyle Singler Interview and game breakdown
- Past Patterson Interview, game coverage and game breakdown
- Samardo Samuels Interview
- Luke Babbitt Interview
- Greg Monroe Interview and game breakdown
- Nolan Smith Interview
- Past seasons AAU coverage
- My view on Duke recruiting
- Pick Up game recaps

... and much more is coming! Sepetember is a big month for hoops recruiting with Patterson and Singler on campus and we will have their impressions here. We will continue to talk to prospects and give inside tips and opinions on Duke Athletics. So, consider joining and help to support the Blue Devil Nation so that we can continue to bring you unique coverage of all things Duke.

Nobody thought Duke would come away from Blacksburg with a victory over what may be the conferences best team in Virginia Tech. There were some people hoping we'd break 200 yards of offense, something we have yet to do in the last three games versus the Hokies.

Then there was the second goose egg of the season. Twice now Virginia schools have held Duke scoreless in the young season, but the 0-3 Devils have a legitimate chance when Virginia comes rolling into Durham. Duke has a week off for added preperation for one of the ACC's less challenging teams. Less challenging doesn't mean they are horrible, but this is the new ACC and Duke must secure any chance they can for a victory.

There are whispers around that claim if Ted Roof and staff do not find a win, that recruiting will plummett. The Wake game was a killer, in that we should have won the game and it would have meant a lot towards in state recruiting. So, some how, some way, Duke has to gather themselves and give a Wake like effort against the Hoos.

If they do not find a victory in two weeks, it may be a while looking at the schedule. Here is to hoping Duke learns how to score in the redzone and shows enough progress for Duke fans to feel as if they are truly turning a corner. The team did little more than show up in Blacksburg, and IMO, Duke can ill afford a loss to a team it is capable of playing with ... and Hoo wants to go oh for Virginia?

> Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia - Averaging 8-plus yards a carry for the No. 4 Mountaineers, Slaton's candidacy will be bruised by his team's favorable schedule. Voters may be reluctant to hand over college football's top prize as a result. But if people vote on merits, no one's had a better start to the season in America than Slaton. If WVU goes undefeated--and if Slaton plays well against Louisville--then I'll be rooting for Slaton to hoist the Heisman.

> Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma - Made Oregon's tacklers look silly on Saturday night--though not as silly as those refs looked.

> Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State - The media is trumping his pristine performance against Texas as the hallmark of his early Heisman credentials. But it has been Smith's efficiency--he's completing 70% of his passes, and is yet to throw an interception in three games--that has been most impressive to me thus far. Still, his numbers are yet to be overwhelming...but being the quarterback for the top team in the country will keep him atop the Heisman list for the time being. For now, he's thrown for 769 yards and 7 touchdowns in three relatively easy victories.

> Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois - Because his team is 1-2, Wolfe will have a hard time becoming a serious Heisman contender. But his performances thus far have been nothing short of remarkable. Against Ohio State in week one, Wolfe racked up nearly 300 yards running and receiving. The following week, against Ohio University, Wolfe compiled 196 yards on the ground. And on Saturday, he bulled over Buffalo for 263 yards rushing.

> John David Booty, QB, USC - Another stellar USC quarterback contending for the Heisman. All he's done is throw for 518 yards and 6 touchdowns--with no picks--in two games, while completing 70% of his passes. As USC continues piling up the wins, Booty's Heisman stock will inevitably rise.