Want to know what Wojo is saying about the Maui trip?  Then go here and you will get his thoughts.

Duke's top prospect in the class of 2009 is Kenny Boynton Jr.  He transferred to American Heritage this season.  Last evening he led his team to their first win, tallying 18 points and 8 rebounds.  The BDN will be covering Duke prospects ad naseum, so check back from time to time.  Here is the link.

  Kenny Boynton is pictured here during the Tournament of Champions AAU event.  He is Duke's #1 prospect in the class of 2009.

Here is my pal, Al Feartherston and his take on Duke's upcoming trip to Maui from the Duke Basketball Report

The following interview gives you a general idea of what premium members receive on recruiting.  Deshawn Painter has become a hot commodity and the Blue Devil Nation Premium Newsletter was the first site to tell fans of the Blue Devils interest this past July.  In the future the BDN will go behind the scenes on the AAU circuit to bring you some of the best recruiting information and as always you can count on illustration which has become a staple.  You can count on unique coverage of events from the Coach K Academy, pick up games, practices to banquets that is often copied, but rarely matched .  So, give the Premium Newsletter a try by going to the appropriate paypal link in the menu to your left.  Memberships offered are for 3, 6 or 12 months.  You may then become a part of recruiting chats, the premium only message board and much more.  **There have been some slight omissions from the article below.  This article first appeared for premium members eight days ago.

The Blue Devil Nation talked with Deshawn Painter about the coming season and who is recruiting him.  I was able to see Painter play in four games over the summer and came away impressed.

Painter proved he is a solid post player during the Peach Jam going up against some of the countries best players.  One of the first things I observed was that he appeared to really enjoy competing. 

Painter runs the floor well and plays good defense in the post where he is very active.  He enjoys swinging out to the perimeter and wants to be known as a balanced player. He plays his AAU ball for Boo Williams and said he would continue to play with the organization this coming summer.

He could certainly fit into the Duke system and has become one of their big man targets in the class of 2009.

The Blue Devil Nation will continue to follow Deshawn Painter.

Painter will suit up for Booker T. Washington High School where he hopes to lead his team to a state title while continuing to improve on his game.  As you heard here first this summer, his nickname is goofy.  "I just like to keep my teammates from getting uptight.  I try to lift them up when they are down," said Painter during the interview.

He continued, "I work hard on every play and try to bring energy to the court.  Despite his good nature and jest, he stops short when asked if that meant he wasn't intense.  "That's just who I am.  It doesn't mean I am not into the game," said one of the top prospects in the 2009 class.

Painter listed several schools which are showing interest.  When asked he listed them as UConn, Ohio State, Duke, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Florida State, Old Dominion, UNC, Louisville, Michigan and Oklahoma.  "I'm wide open right now, there is no leader.  I'll be watching a lot of college basketball this season to get an idea of how these teams play," said Painter.

When asked of the style of play he enjoyed most he stated, "I like teams that get up and down the court.  He went on, "I'd like to play in a system that will let me play outside, but float out to the perimeter.  I like to run the court."

During the summer he told me that Virginia Tech was one of the leaders as was UVA, but when questioned about that tonight (ten days ago), he clearly stated there was no leader and he planned to take several visits before deciding.

"Virginia Tech is in touch with me the most and UVA was the first major program to show interest in me," said Painter.  Considering he has played his hoops career in Virginia, this is certainly not unusual.

Since the summer, his stock has been rising and Painter should be a consensus top twenty prospect when the dust clears.  Duke started to show interest around the time of the Peach Jam for the young man who is quick to crack a smile.  "Wojo has been talking to me from Duke," said Painter.

He went on to mention that UNC's Steve Robinson had been in touch too and that he liked ACC Basketball, having grown up around it.  He wouldn't rule out going away to school though, saying distance might not be a problem.  That statement was a departure from earlier interviews which he seemingly favored the Virginia schools.

"I'm not afraid to work for playing time ... I mean I look at it like I kind of came out of nowhere.  I just want to keep playing and getting better," said Painter.

One thing is certain, that being Deshawn Painter is on a lot of teams wish list right now.  I look for Duke to continue to evaluate the young star in the coming months. 

In closing I can tell you that it is hard not to like Deshawn Painter after talking to him twice now.  He's a good kid that will work hard for the team lands his services.

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Here are some links to articles on the Duke - Notre Dame football matchup on Saturday: 

(F)ans haven't abandoned Irish

Irish egos not only thing hurting

Duke seniors refuse to give up

Roof almost coached at Notre Dame