BDP: We noticed that after returning to action Friday night you didn't play last night.
Was there any particular reason?
Well, I talked to the trainer & he didn't want me to go two nights in a row right now.
BDP: Did you play more Friday night than you had expected to play?
Not really. I played about 14 minutes. The most that I was going to play was about 20 minutes.
But 14 was pretty good for the first time back.
BDP: So the reason why you didn't play had nothing to do with any soreness?
It is a little sore. I don't think it is completely healed. The trainers just kind of felt
that it would be best not to go two nights in a row this soon.
BDP: How long will you have to play with the brace?
Probably all season.
BDP: Has there been any indication from the doctors or trainers of any long-term problems
with this particular injury?
No. They have all said that I should be fine & there shouldn't be any long-term affects.
I just need to take it slow & make sure that the injury completely heals before I start going full blast.
BDP: What position do you usually play on your high school team?
I play sort of an inside-out position. Because of my size, I have to play mostly inside. I
basically play the 4 position. We have a 6-6 football player on our team who usually plays the center position. I stay inside
most of the time. I made a three the other night. If they leave me open out there I feel comfortable taking the shot from
the perimeter. It just depends on what the defense gives me.
BDP: Have you heard anything from the Duke staff lately?
They are limited in how often & when they can call me. But I will usually call them myself
about once a week & talk to one of the coaches.
BDP: Do you talk to any of the other players who have committed to Duke?
I talk to Greg Paulus once or twice a week. I also talk to his brother all the time. I am
really looking forward to playing with him. We have really hit it off. Most likely we will room together when we get to Duke.
BDP: Has Coch K talked with you about what role he envisions you playing at Duke?
Not really. I think that as the time gets closer that will become more clear. A lot of things
can happen as far as players leaving or players coming that will determine what my role will be at Duke.
BDP: Which parts of your game would you consider to be your strengths & what parts
of your game do you think needs the most work?
That is always a really hard question to answer. I would say that my inside game is probably
my strength. You can always work on your shooting & your strength, so I would say those are the areas that I could work
on.
BDP: Did you grow up a Duke fan? Who was your favorite Duke player?
I always liked Duke. I guess I was more of a Duke fan than anybody else. They were always
fun to watch. I would say that Mike Dunleavy was the guy that I enjoyed watching the most. He is the player that I can see
myself playing a little alike.
BDP: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I guess I am just like any other kid, I like playing video games & hanging out with my
friends.
BDP: Do you have any idea what number you would like to wear at Duke?
I wear #44, but it is hanging up there at Duke. Greg & I talked about that a little bit.
I told JJ that he needs to pick another number so I could have that number, but that one might be hanging up there too someday.
But I will take whatever number that they give me.
BDP: Who will you be pulling for in the UNC-Georgia Tech game tonight?
I hope they both lose, but I don't think that will happen. So I guess I will pull for Georgia
Tech.
