The Blue Devil Blog: May 2006

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

TOC in review

Memorial day weekend is for relaxing, going to the lake, and having BBQ's with neighbors. However, for the best high school basketball players in the country, this weekend is reserved for two of the most recognized events on the AAU circuit. This past weekend the "four corners of college basketball" were turned into one huge tournament format. Teams such as the So-Cal All Stars, Juice All-Stars, DC Assualt, and the NJ Elite, came together to play in the prestigious Bob Gibbon's Tournament of Champions.

Duke was well represented as Taylor King put on a show over the weekend. King has been committed to Duke since early this year, and proved why he was offered the early scholarship. King lead his team to an easy final win over the Playaz Basketball Club to repeat as tournament champions.

"I'm bringing all I can to help the team win. And that's all I want to do. We did. We won," King said.

Taylor King is looking like a great pickup for the Blue Devils. His sharpshooting ways are impressing many people. And leaving Coach K hungry to see more.

A few side notes from the TOC.......

-Julian Vaughn, the once top 25 prospect, before an injury left him sidelined, visited the Duke campus and said he had a great time. Many think that he is waiting for a offer from Duke, and UNC before he decides.
-Future Blue Devil, Nolan Smith did not play in this years event because of an injury. He traveled with his DC Assualt teammates, and commented on getting better to try out for the U18 US National team in San Antonio.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Kyle Singler: A 2007 Recruiting Battle

You have heard his name throughout the year. His performances in AAU events have been posted around the internet. He is one of the most sought after recruits in the 2007 class. His name is Kyle Singler. And as far as the Duke recruiting goes, he is priority number one.

Singler is a 6'8" 210 pound small forward from Medford, OR. He plays his high school ball for South Medford high school. This past year he led his team to a 27-2 record, winning their conference. However fell short to Lake Oswego(Kevin Love's high school) by two points.

Since he stepped on the AAU circuit scouts, and colleges from all over have been watching him constantly. He plays ball for the Portland Legends. Until this year, he played side by side with good friend Kevin Love, and they both dominated the circuit. However, this past year Kevin Love switched teams, and is now playing for a southern California team. Singler is now the go to guy on the Legends. And is still performing at a high level.

Scout.com has listed him as the #1 SF, and the #6 overall prospect. Rivals.com have him at #2 SF, and #6 overall. All the internet sites say that this kid can make an immediate impact. As it stands today he has his final four listed as Duke, UCLA, Kansas, and Arizona. UNC was recently removed from the list, about the same time Kevin Love removed Duke from his list. Earlier this year the rumor was that Singler, and Love wanted to attend the same college. But as the year went on, that rumor has died down.

"We haven't really talked about it lately", says Singler. "I love playing with Kevin. I can't think of a player I would rather play college basketball with. But if we don't wind up at the same school, it's not going to ruin my life."

His top two are Duke, and UCLA. But he has kept a lid on anyone having an advantage. Singler will not make any official visits until this fall. And has been quoted as saying that this fall looks like a good time to announce where he wants to go.

Singler would be a great addition to Duke, and Coach K could do some amazing things with a talent like this. Keep an eye on Singler, as he continues to showcase his skills this summer. Keep your fingers cross fellow Blue Devil fans, as his announcement draws near.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006