So, does everybody love Taylor King so far this season?  There is no doubt that Duke got a special player in TK.  Here is a must read from the LA Times where it infers the obvious in that our gain is UCLA's loss.

The Blue Devil Nation has been covering the exploits of Taylor King for a long time.  TK accepts the MVP of the Hoophall Classic in this picture I took in Cameron during the event.

Well, it hasn't been a lot of fun recovering from or adjusting to the aftermath of this past weeks Achilles tendon surgery.   The Vicodin haze is starting to clear though as is the hot pocket debris near my bedside.  I'm starting to master the art of the one legged hobble and will attempt to start catching you up on Blue Devil happenings.

Let's start with what I think is great news.  XM has decided that you can listen to the podcast from the Coach K Show for free.  So, follow the link and it will explain to you that this went into effect on the 11th of this month.

If I might somewhat stray away from the Blue Devil Nation ... Al Featherston is in all his well thought out and long winded glory in this article which discusses the  ACC vs BCS in basketball.  Yea, I know that is a confusing title so let me break it down.  Al breaks down the ACC versus other conferences in the young basketball season.  It's a good read, especially considering the lack of games in December.

The Duke Football Coaching search continues, or does it.  I discuss this issue in the Blue Devil Nation Premium Newsletter.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes and some feel a tentative choice has been established, myself included.  In the FWIW department, one internet site is pushing hard for Rick Neuheisel to get an interview.  I want DFB to win, but count me in as one who doesn't think it a good idea.  I am backed on this by the likes of Al Feathertson, Jim Sumner, Bill Brill and many others.  I, nor we have nothing personal against Neuheisel.  No, we just know where there is smoke there is generally fire.  To think the NCAA just happened to have it in for him is really short sighted.   Add to the equation that his alma mater nor any other school will not touch him and one has to wonder.  Does Duke gamble with it's overall integrity to win in football?  Would Neiheisel stay after going say 6-6?  He obviously seems to be using Duke as a stepping stone having contacted them.  That said, I'm certain he has sought other positions, but let's face it.  How many hotshot coaches call coveting the Duke job?  Well, you might do that if others have said no and it makes me feel as if he is lowering himself to help himself.  This can be argued ad nausea and I admit that I think some of the charges against him were very cheesy.  Still, I can assure you it is more to it.  Trust me when I say if Duke makes improvements to Wade and wins a few games fans will come no matter what the last name of the HC is.

Former women's player Laura Kurtz has landed on her feet at Villanova.

Last night in Norfolk, 6' 8" DeShawn Painter scored 24 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked six shots to lead Booker T. Washington to a 61-57 come from behind victory over Granby. The linked article is a very nice read on Painter's talents, which include leadership. Painter is rated by Scout.com as the # 8 player in the Class of 2009. Duke is not the only school in pursuit of Painter as Florida's Billy Donovan attended the game.

Scout.com rates DaShonte Riley, of Detroit Country Day, as the # 16 player in the Class of 2009. The 6' 10" Riley scored 10 points on Tuesday evening as Country Day defeated Berkley 40-37. The Detroit Free Press provides a preview of Country Day's team.

The analysis on 6' 10" Eric Murphy, rated # 41 by Scout.com, is that he is extremely skilled around the basket. Murphy is averaging 21 points per game after five games for St. Mark's in Southborough, MA.  He scored 23 points and 24 points in St. Mark's two games this past weekend.

Television alert: on Thursday at 9 PM, St. Benedict's Prep will play Oak Hill Academy in Benton, KY as part of HoopFest. ESPN will televise the game. St. Benedict's features Louisville recruit Samardo Samuels and Duke prospect Greg Echenique. The 6' 9" Echenique is rated as the # 37 player in the Class of 2009 by Scout.com.