Over at the Fayetteville Observer, Sammy Batten has an article posted about Thad Lewis and the daunting challenge of starting as a freshman.

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James scored 21 points each as the USA defeated Brazil 113 - 76 in preliminary round play at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas, NV.  Anthony also grabbed 10 rebounds; and James, Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams all dished out five assists.  Brazil's top scorer, Leandro Barbosa, was held to four points.  Kobe Bryant spearheaded the USA's defensive effort.  The USA remains undefeated at 4 - 0, while Brazil drops to 3 - 1.  More links:

Sporting News: Stars shine as U.S. beats Brazil

Sports Illustrated: Team USA clinches group with 113 - 76 rout of Brazil

ESPN: Bryant's defense locks down Barbosa as U.S. stays perfect at TOA

USA Basketball: Defense And Balanced Scoring Leads USA Past Brazil

The Blue Devil Nation was on hand for the Meet the Blue Devils function this past Saturday.  There is an upbeat mood around a team which is playing for the future and refuses to give the past a lot of thought.  

There was a much better turnout than last season and the venue, the Wilson Recreation Center, was more accommodating atmosphere.  The voice of the Blue Devils, Bob Harris hosted the event which allowed fans to seek autographs and pictures with the team and staff.  The seniors spoke to the audience and said they were up to the challenge when talk came to facing the Huskies.

I try to capture the spirit of Duke events with photography.  You will see pictures of a lot of kids who are the future fanbase.   The gallery also features our outstanding cheerleaders.  Our cheer squad mingled with the fans and made all feel welcome as did the players.  Both represented Duke University in a fine manner.

Duke football kicks off this coming Saturday versus UConn in Wallace Wade Stadium at 2:00.   I hope that you will make it a point to back this fine group of young men.  So, see you there and until then, enjoy the gallery.  For best viewing go to the slideshow mode which is located at the bottom of the picture that comes up in the link.

         

         

         

           

The Blue Devil Nation loves all Duke Athletics!  The above pictures are from the "Meet the Blue Devils" event on Saturday.  Here is the -

Complete Gallery

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DURHAM, N.C. – No. 18 Duke pulled out two victories during Saturday’s round at the Duke Invitational, including a 3-1 (30-32, 30-21, 30-20, 30-26) upset over No. 13 Purdue and a 3-1 (23-20, 30-22, 30-23, 30-14) triumph over Winthrop in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Blue Devil senior Carrie DeMange was named the tournament’s most valuable player, while senior teammates Ali ...   more »

After an extensive evaluation of his job performance by a nine-member committee of trustees, faculty and alumni, Joe Alleva has been appointed to a third five-year term as Duke’s director of athletics. University president Richard Brodhead made the announcement to a gathering of athletics staff members on Aug. 7.

Brodhead cited Alleva’s integrity, loyalty and dedication to Duke’s educational mission among the significant factors in his positive review, along with his track record of hiring quality coaches and the success of the school’s various sports teams. - Continue -

Team USA improved to 3 - 0 in the FIBA Americas 2007 Championship with a 113 - 63 victory over Canada.  Carmelo Anthony shot 75% from the field and scored 25 points to lead all scorers.  Seven USA players scored in double digits.  LeBron James was the leading rebounder with eight, while Deron Williams dished out six assists in only 13 minutes of action.

Next up is Brazil tomorrow evening at 9 p.m. EDT.  Brazil is the team most likely to challenge the USA in this championship.  Brazil is currently 2 - 0 with a game against the Virgin Islands this afternoon.

The Boost Mobile Elite 24 Classic was played at Rucker Park and Dick Weiss has written a synopsis for his blog at the New York Daily News.  Brandon Jennings receives most of the ink, but Duke recruiting target Kenny Boynton does get mentioned.

Mike DeCourcy has a complimentary analysis of the 2007 - 2008 schedule posted at The Sporting News.

The Duke Children's Hospital has been ranked as one of the nations best - LINK

The Duke football program will hold its annual "Meet The Blue Devils" day on   Continue

The Blue Devil Nation will cover the event and bring you great photos and coverage in our unique style.

Michael Redd and Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points each as the USA cruised to an easy victory over the Virgin Islands.  The team shot 59.7% from the field.

Sports Illustrated

The Sporting News

Here is an excellent read from Gene Wojociechowski where he talks of  how Coach K wants to put the dream back in team.

Here is a look at the progress of the Center of Athletic Excellence.  The construction is on schedule.  Go to slideshow mode after hitting the link.

     

Twenty-seven years later, John Rennie still has the videotape that commemorates the birth of the Duke soccer program as we know it today.  It hasn't collected too much dust, because Rennie still - Continue

The USA shot 54.7% from the field with seven players scoring in double digits in a 112 - 69 drubbing of Venezuela on opening day of the FIBA Americas 2007 Championship in Las Vegas, NV.  Michael Redd and Carmelo Anthony were the leading scorers with 17 points.  Dwight Howard grabbed eight rebounds.  Next up is the Virgin Islands Thursday night at 11 p.m. EDT. 

More Links:

CNNSI

The Sporting News

The Salt Lake Tribune

Luciana Chavez has written a nice article over at the News and Observer on J.J. Redick and his experience working out with the National Team this summer.  J.J. is working hard in preparation for his second NBA season.

     

      

      

Photo Gallery Here   -go to slideshow mode for best viewing once you have hit the link.

For complete inside coverage on Duke football and basketball, try out the Blue Devil Nation Premium Newsletter!  To subscribe, go to the paypal links to your left.  You get more than just recruiting updates and you will always find pictures of every Blue Devil gathering.

Duke junior forward David McClure will miss 6-8 weeks of action following surgery on his right knee. The surgery was successfully performed Tuesday at Duke University Ambulatory Surgery Center by Dr. - Continue

Following six days of training in Las Vegas, Nev., USA Basketball announced its official 12-man roster that will represent the United States in the Aug. 22 - Sept. 2 FIBA Americas Championship 2007 - Continue -