By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
After Austin Rivers' 30 point performance in Team Hendrick's win over Triangle G, the incoming Duke guard stopped by and talked about his summer.
Q: What has your experience been like so far at the Pro AM?
A: Oh it's been great. Just getting to come out here and play against the top players in the state of North Carolina and all around the United States is just fun to get to come out here and play.
Q: Is there any particular aspect of your game that you're looking to improve right now?
A: Just basically a little bit of everything. Tonight I was finishing with my left a little bit more and just trying to get after it a little bit, and we ended up winning so it was all good.
Q: You've got Kyrie (Irving) and Jay (Williams) out here also. Do you feel like you've got some shoes to fill out here or any pressure like that?
A: I mean I just don't look at it like that. Those are two great players that played here at Duke, you know, legendary players at Duke. They both dominated their freshman seasons, so hopefully I can do that, but right now I'm just concentrating on doing everything I can do to win.
Q: Austin, I see your family here. That's kind of cool playing in front of them, right?
A: Yeah it's always nice, my family is real busy, so just to have them come down here and be with me means a lot to me. My best friend and my whole family, and for everybody to come down really means something.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Big 12 Transfers to Give Eagles a Boost
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
North Carolina Central's transition to Division I college basketball could get a lot smoother this year, thanks to a couple transfers from the Big 12. Forwards Dominique Sutton and Ray Willis will be eligible to play in the 2011-2012 season, and fans can definitely expect a boost for this year's Eagles team.
The two teamed up Wednesday night to lead Team Jamison to a 105-64 victory over 751 South in dominating fashion. During the rout, the two new faces for NCCU made their presence known.
Sutton, formerly of Kansas State, had 14 points at the break, but showed off his versatility in a second half performance that included a four-point play after he was fouled on a deep 3-pointer. The Durham native, primarily known for his defensive and rebounding skills, drew the loudest cheers on the offensive end with his explosive dunks and long-range ability.
Oklahoma transfer Willis was also a fan favorite, blowing away the opposition with his exceptional ability in transition. The redshirt junior is a tremendous scorer, and his athletic ability makes him tough to stop when playing up-tempo basketball.
After last year's .500 season, Sutton and Willis will be stepping in to lead the Eagles into MEAC play.
North Carolina Central's transition to Division I college basketball could get a lot smoother this year, thanks to a couple transfers from the Big 12. Forwards Dominique Sutton and Ray Willis will be eligible to play in the 2011-2012 season, and fans can definitely expect a boost for this year's Eagles team.
The two teamed up Wednesday night to lead Team Jamison to a 105-64 victory over 751 South in dominating fashion. During the rout, the two new faces for NCCU made their presence known.
Sutton, formerly of Kansas State, had 14 points at the break, but showed off his versatility in a second half performance that included a four-point play after he was fouled on a deep 3-pointer. The Durham native, primarily known for his defensive and rebounding skills, drew the loudest cheers on the offensive end with his explosive dunks and long-range ability.
Oklahoma transfer Willis was also a fan favorite, blowing away the opposition with his exceptional ability in transition. The redshirt junior is a tremendous scorer, and his athletic ability makes him tough to stop when playing up-tempo basketball.
After last year's .500 season, Sutton and Willis will be stepping in to lead the Eagles into MEAC play.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Old Face and Young Star Compete in Tight Game
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Former NC State great Julius Hodge may be remembered as much for his playful personality as he is for the talent he showed off throughout an exceptional college career.
Fans had an opportunity to see both at the NC Pro-Am on Tuesday night as the 2004 ACC Player of the Year squared off against Washington Wizard point guard John Wall.
Hodge got started early in the first half, finishing a bucket through a foul and doing the "John Wall Dance" in the face of the top overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. The fun taunting continued throughout the night between both players, but Wall ultimately got the last laugh.
With time winding down, Wall brought the ball up the floor for his team's final possession with the score tied 71-71. He then drove to his right, getting a shot off as he was fouled by Hodge with .9 seconds remaining. Hodge finished with a game-high 20 points, but Wall got it done from the charity stripe to lead Triangle Gastroenterology to a two-point lead over 751 South that stood after incoming Duke freshman Quinn Cook's desperation 3-pointer fell short.
Wall (12 points) got some help in the victory from Tar Heel newcomer PJ Hairston, who contributed 18 points, including multiple eye-opening slams. Hairston used his athleticism to get to the basket, as he was guarded throughout the night by bigger defenders such as former UNC star Jawad Williams (10 points), and Duke big man Miles Plumlee (10 points).
Former NC State great Julius Hodge may be remembered as much for his playful personality as he is for the talent he showed off throughout an exceptional college career.
Fans had an opportunity to see both at the NC Pro-Am on Tuesday night as the 2004 ACC Player of the Year squared off against Washington Wizard point guard John Wall.
Hodge got started early in the first half, finishing a bucket through a foul and doing the "John Wall Dance" in the face of the top overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. The fun taunting continued throughout the night between both players, but Wall ultimately got the last laugh.
With time winding down, Wall brought the ball up the floor for his team's final possession with the score tied 71-71. He then drove to his right, getting a shot off as he was fouled by Hodge with .9 seconds remaining. Hodge finished with a game-high 20 points, but Wall got it done from the charity stripe to lead Triangle Gastroenterology to a two-point lead over 751 South that stood after incoming Duke freshman Quinn Cook's desperation 3-pointer fell short.
Wall (12 points) got some help in the victory from Tar Heel newcomer PJ Hairston, who contributed 18 points, including multiple eye-opening slams. Hairston used his athleticism to get to the basket, as he was guarded throughout the night by bigger defenders such as former UNC star Jawad Williams (10 points), and Duke big man Miles Plumlee (10 points).
Monday, July 11, 2011
Heels, Devils Guards Shine at Pro-Am
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Duke lost two of the best guards in the country after its Sweet 16 loss in March, as Nolan Smith wrapped up his senior year and Kyrie Irving declared for the NBA Draft.
If Thursday night was any indication, the Blue Devils will be just fine with the next wave of talent at the guard position. Andre Dawkins made his presence known with 16 points, helping Sheraton Imperial to a victory over Hendrick of Durham.
Although their team came up on the losing end, a couple other Duke guards kept the game from getting out of hand. Junior Seth Curry (17 points) dialed in from long range several times to establish himself as a perimeter threat, while incoming freshman Austin Rivers (15 points) showed off incredible athleticism with three crowd-pleasing dunks and three trey balls.
Smith, now a Portland Trail Blazer, demonstrated the tremendous scoring ability that made him such an excellent collegiate player as he contributed 29 points in the losing effort. Despite his departure, the remaining Duke guards will have no trouble running up and down the floor with anyone, and will definitely be a threat to score quickly this season.
Several Tar Heel fans were in the crowd at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, and had great reason for optimism after the showings from Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald. The two juniors teamed up with Dawkins in Sheraton Imperial's win.
McDonald had a game-high 30 points, and while deadly from 3-point range, the Memphis native also put on a show with an impressive floor game. Strickland (24 points) was also instrumental, pushing the ball up the court and finishing strong through contact. Rivers may have been the flashiest player in the gym with the highlight dunks, but his Tar Heel rivals didn't hold back from running with him.
With the upcoming college basketball season still months away, it is already clear that fans on Tobacco Road can look forward to some up-tempo basketball. Duke will reload the back court with depth and talent, but they only need to look eight miles down the road to find another elite program with guards who can score, as North Carolina could be this year's favorite to win a national title.
Duke lost two of the best guards in the country after its Sweet 16 loss in March, as Nolan Smith wrapped up his senior year and Kyrie Irving declared for the NBA Draft.
If Thursday night was any indication, the Blue Devils will be just fine with the next wave of talent at the guard position. Andre Dawkins made his presence known with 16 points, helping Sheraton Imperial to a victory over Hendrick of Durham.
Although their team came up on the losing end, a couple other Duke guards kept the game from getting out of hand. Junior Seth Curry (17 points) dialed in from long range several times to establish himself as a perimeter threat, while incoming freshman Austin Rivers (15 points) showed off incredible athleticism with three crowd-pleasing dunks and three trey balls.
Smith, now a Portland Trail Blazer, demonstrated the tremendous scoring ability that made him such an excellent collegiate player as he contributed 29 points in the losing effort. Despite his departure, the remaining Duke guards will have no trouble running up and down the floor with anyone, and will definitely be a threat to score quickly this season.
Several Tar Heel fans were in the crowd at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, and had great reason for optimism after the showings from Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald. The two juniors teamed up with Dawkins in Sheraton Imperial's win.
McDonald had a game-high 30 points, and while deadly from 3-point range, the Memphis native also put on a show with an impressive floor game. Strickland (24 points) was also instrumental, pushing the ball up the court and finishing strong through contact. Rivers may have been the flashiest player in the gym with the highlight dunks, but his Tar Heel rivals didn't hold back from running with him.
With the upcoming college basketball season still months away, it is already clear that fans on Tobacco Road can look forward to some up-tempo basketball. Duke will reload the back court with depth and talent, but they only need to look eight miles down the road to find another elite program with guards who can score, as North Carolina could be this year's favorite to win a national title.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
D1 Sports 135 Hendrick of Durham 124
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
In a game full of stars on the professional and college levels, the Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship offered one of the most competitive showdowns in all of summer league basketball. The stakes were high as New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton and D1 Sports had championship hopes on their minds in their contest against Cleveland Cavalier Jawad Williams and Hendrick of Durham.
D1 sports came out gunning from the opening tip, leaping out to a 10-2 lead after Duke's Andre Dawkins drained a pair of three balls. Williams responded on the other end, showing off his mid-range game hitting a step back jump shot and following it just seconds later with a lay-up. NCCU sophomore Nick Chasten added on to Hendrick of Durham's scoring with a baseline deuce, as his team climbed its way back into the game.
It appeared that Hendrick of Durham had ended the first quarter on a good note after former ECU standout Derrick Wiley nailed two free throws with just 2.9 seconds left on the clock, but Atlanta Hawk center Josh Powell hit a deep fade-away attempt at the buzzer to boost his team to a nine point lead.
The success continued for D1 Sports in the second quarter with Felton and Powell hooking up on several occasions. Their team led by as much as 15 in the second quarter, in large part because of Felton's offense. After Felton's trey ball to end the period, D1 Sports held a 68-57 lead at the half.
"He just took over the game," Williams said of Felton. "Whoever has to guard him, he's getting them ready for the next level."
The third quarter posed more problems for Hendrick of Durham as D1 Sports' Marcus Fisher continued to build on his sensational tournament. Fisher dropped eight of his 27 points in the third period, and was perfect on all three of his free throws in the second half.
Although they had little success on the defensive end, Hendrick of Durham had a big third quarter from the field as Wiley and Michael Deloach hit several shots that helped cut the deficit. With six seconds remaining in the quarter, Deloach hit a deep two pointer to trim the margin back to single digits as their team trailed 97-89 heading into the final period.
The heated atmosphere reached its peak in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter when Powell was whistled for his third goaltending violation of the game. His protest led to a technical foul that paved the way for Wiley to knock down a free throw that made it only a one point game in favor of D1 Sports.
Despite Hendrick of Durham's 9-0 run, Felton would not let the game get away. He fearlessly burst into the lane, getting to the rack and drawing fouls. Within seconds, D1 Sports' lead was stretched back to nine.
Williams and Wiley combined for 11 fourth quarter points, but fell short of sparking a run to get Hendrick of Durham back in the game. Felton and Fisher's backcourt dominance proved to be the difference, as D1 Sports won the third annual Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship by a score of 135-124.
After leading a team to the summer league's championship for the second year in a row, Felton discussed the benefits from playing against such a high level of talent.
"It's a good thing to come out here and get a run," Felton said. "This is pretty much one of the best [summer leagues]."
While Felton and Powell both played significant roles in winning the championship, Fisher came away with honors for Most Valuable Player after his exceptional play throughout the tournament. Through three tournament games, Fisher averaged 16.7 points per game, but the championship contest was by far his most impressive outing.
In a game full of stars on the professional and college levels, the Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship offered one of the most competitive showdowns in all of summer league basketball. The stakes were high as New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton and D1 Sports had championship hopes on their minds in their contest against Cleveland Cavalier Jawad Williams and Hendrick of Durham.
D1 sports came out gunning from the opening tip, leaping out to a 10-2 lead after Duke's Andre Dawkins drained a pair of three balls. Williams responded on the other end, showing off his mid-range game hitting a step back jump shot and following it just seconds later with a lay-up. NCCU sophomore Nick Chasten added on to Hendrick of Durham's scoring with a baseline deuce, as his team climbed its way back into the game.
It appeared that Hendrick of Durham had ended the first quarter on a good note after former ECU standout Derrick Wiley nailed two free throws with just 2.9 seconds left on the clock, but Atlanta Hawk center Josh Powell hit a deep fade-away attempt at the buzzer to boost his team to a nine point lead.
The success continued for D1 Sports in the second quarter with Felton and Powell hooking up on several occasions. Their team led by as much as 15 in the second quarter, in large part because of Felton's offense. After Felton's trey ball to end the period, D1 Sports held a 68-57 lead at the half.
"He just took over the game," Williams said of Felton. "Whoever has to guard him, he's getting them ready for the next level."
The third quarter posed more problems for Hendrick of Durham as D1 Sports' Marcus Fisher continued to build on his sensational tournament. Fisher dropped eight of his 27 points in the third period, and was perfect on all three of his free throws in the second half.
Although they had little success on the defensive end, Hendrick of Durham had a big third quarter from the field as Wiley and Michael Deloach hit several shots that helped cut the deficit. With six seconds remaining in the quarter, Deloach hit a deep two pointer to trim the margin back to single digits as their team trailed 97-89 heading into the final period.
The heated atmosphere reached its peak in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter when Powell was whistled for his third goaltending violation of the game. His protest led to a technical foul that paved the way for Wiley to knock down a free throw that made it only a one point game in favor of D1 Sports.
Despite Hendrick of Durham's 9-0 run, Felton would not let the game get away. He fearlessly burst into the lane, getting to the rack and drawing fouls. Within seconds, D1 Sports' lead was stretched back to nine.
Williams and Wiley combined for 11 fourth quarter points, but fell short of sparking a run to get Hendrick of Durham back in the game. Felton and Fisher's backcourt dominance proved to be the difference, as D1 Sports won the third annual Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship by a score of 135-124.
After leading a team to the summer league's championship for the second year in a row, Felton discussed the benefits from playing against such a high level of talent.
"It's a good thing to come out here and get a run," Felton said. "This is pretty much one of the best [summer leagues]."
While Felton and Powell both played significant roles in winning the championship, Fisher came away with honors for Most Valuable Player after his exceptional play throughout the tournament. Through three tournament games, Fisher averaged 16.7 points per game, but the championship contest was by far his most impressive outing.
White Team Shoots its Way to Victory in the Greater NC Pro-Am High School Showcase
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
There was a great amount of anticipation surrounding the Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship, but fans were in for a treat even sooner than expected when much of the young local talent gathered to participate in the High School Showcase.
Knightdale's Jalen Jones got things going early, leading the Black team to a 6-0 lead in the opening minutes, but his high school teammate and fellow class of 2013 prospect Deshawn Griffin hit a field goal to begin the scoring for the White team.
Word of God's Josh McNeal demonstrated his wide range of skills, finding success down low and later stepping out to hit a three pointer. McNeal turned in a solid seven point effort in the first half for the Black team.
While Jones and McNeal found first half success on the offensive end, Mount Zion's Sean Nottingham played excellent basketball on both ends of the floor for the White team. His ten points led all scorers at the break, and played a big part in gaining a 33-20 advantage at the half for the White team.
Ravenscroft guard and class of 2012 prospect Madison Jones heated up in the second half, fueling a 10-0 run for the Black team that cut the deficit to just four points.
Durham Hillside's Torian Graham had answers for the quick run and was not about to let the game slip away from the White team. Graham's second half baskets were crucial in helping his team regain a comfortable lead and hold on for the win. Jalen Jones made things interesting in the final minutes, hitting a free throw to convert a three point play, but Graham was successful in completing an old-fashioned three point play of his own with just under 30 seconds left on the clock. Graham received Most Valuable Player honors as the White team escaped with the win, 60-53.
There was a great amount of anticipation surrounding the Greater NC Pro-Am Tournament Championship, but fans were in for a treat even sooner than expected when much of the young local talent gathered to participate in the High School Showcase.
Knightdale's Jalen Jones got things going early, leading the Black team to a 6-0 lead in the opening minutes, but his high school teammate and fellow class of 2013 prospect Deshawn Griffin hit a field goal to begin the scoring for the White team.
Word of God's Josh McNeal demonstrated his wide range of skills, finding success down low and later stepping out to hit a three pointer. McNeal turned in a solid seven point effort in the first half for the Black team.
While Jones and McNeal found first half success on the offensive end, Mount Zion's Sean Nottingham played excellent basketball on both ends of the floor for the White team. His ten points led all scorers at the break, and played a big part in gaining a 33-20 advantage at the half for the White team.
Ravenscroft guard and class of 2012 prospect Madison Jones heated up in the second half, fueling a 10-0 run for the Black team that cut the deficit to just four points.
Durham Hillside's Torian Graham had answers for the quick run and was not about to let the game slip away from the White team. Graham's second half baskets were crucial in helping his team regain a comfortable lead and hold on for the win. Jalen Jones made things interesting in the final minutes, hitting a free throw to convert a three point play, but Graham was successful in completing an old-fashioned three point play of his own with just under 30 seconds left on the clock. Graham received Most Valuable Player honors as the White team escaped with the win, 60-53.
Bridge2Sports All-Stars shut out Wall, NBA stars
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Shortly following the East-West Bridge2Sports All-Star game, the Bridge2Sports All-Stars took the court to face the number one overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, John Wall, and four other high profile standouts in a wheelchair match-up.
Wall, accompanied by Josh Powell of the Atlanta Hawks, Jawad Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers, C.J. Leslie of NC State and Julian Gamble of Miami, struggled throughout the contest as he and his team were unable to keep up with the pace of their opponents.
Jeremy Smith got an early bucket to put his team up by four in the first couple minutes. Mike Adkins knocked down a three pointer and the game really got out of hand when Andrea Woodson-Smith's lay-up bumped the score up to 11-0.
Fans caught a good laugh as Wall, Leslie and Gamble each missed from point blank range down the stretch. Kevin Bailey's two pointer with 40 seconds remaining was the last basket of the game as the Bridge2Sports All-Stars got the surprising shutout, 15-0.
Shortly following the East-West Bridge2Sports All-Star game, the Bridge2Sports All-Stars took the court to face the number one overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, John Wall, and four other high profile standouts in a wheelchair match-up.
Wall, accompanied by Josh Powell of the Atlanta Hawks, Jawad Williams of the Cleveland Cavaliers, C.J. Leslie of NC State and Julian Gamble of Miami, struggled throughout the contest as he and his team were unable to keep up with the pace of their opponents.
Jeremy Smith got an early bucket to put his team up by four in the first couple minutes. Mike Adkins knocked down a three pointer and the game really got out of hand when Andrea Woodson-Smith's lay-up bumped the score up to 11-0.
Fans caught a good laugh as Wall, Leslie and Gamble each missed from point blank range down the stretch. Kevin Bailey's two pointer with 40 seconds remaining was the last basket of the game as the Bridge2Sports All-Stars got the surprising shutout, 15-0.
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