BDP: Greg we have been keeping up with your exploits on the football field this
year. Congratulations on a great season, although it didn't end the way you would have liked. Was the last game a matter of
meeting a strong team, or did your team just have a difficult game?
GP: They were a good team, but we just had a really tough game. We lost our 2 best running
backs to injuries during the week of the game. Then our best receiver injured his shoulder on the 1st series of downs. Those
things made it hard for us to do what we wanted to do on offense.
BDP: Is there any possibility that you will play any football at Duke?
GP: My dad & I talked to Coach Franks when we were down for our visit before he was fired.
But I wanted to play basketball at Duke & that is where my focus is right now.
BDP: How did your high school basketball team do last year & what are your prospects
for this season? What is your schools level of competition? We understand you have a younger brother who also plays basketball.
Can you tell us a little about him?
GP: We lost last year in the state semifinals by about 6 points to McQuaid Jesuit, who at
the time were rated #2 in the country. Our team competes at the highest level in the state (AA). We started practice about
a week ago. Our 1st game won't be until December 10th. The schedule got pushed back a little bit because of football. We have
3 starters back this season. Hopefully, we will have a pretty good team this year. My brother is a freshman. He is about 6-4
& will be playing on the JV team. He plays the 3.
BDP: Have you ever been to a game at Cameron & do you have any plans to attend
any games this year?
GP: My dad & I actually were at last year's Blue-White game. Right now nothing is set
up to attend a game. It may be hard to determine because a lot of Duke's games are on days that we play & it may
conflict with my practice schedule. But I hope to be able to go to a game sometime this season.
BDP: Which players to you consider your game to be most similar?
GP: Most people tell me that my game is similar to Steve Nash, John Stockton, & Steve
Blake.
BDP: What part of your game do you think needs the most work?
GP: Most definitely, defense.
BDP: Have you met or had contact with any of the other players who have committed
to play at Duke?
GP: I met Nelson when we both played at the Bob Gibbons tournament. I haven't met Livingston.
I have met McRoberts at other tournaments. I haven't been in contact with any of the seniors. But I do talk to McRoberts ocassionally.
BDP: Can you tell us a little about how the Duke staff has explained the roles they
expect you & Livingston to play within the Duke system?
GP: They have told me that we are different type players & will likely be playing different
roles. I haven't seen him play. But I have been told he is a really good player. I look forward to playing with him.
BDP: Who were your heroes in basketball & football?
GP: In football, Joe Montana & Brett Farve. In basketball, Pistol Pete, Michael Jordan,
& I really liked the Fab 5. My brother & I used to play each other all the time & I would be Webber & Howard
& he would be Hurley & Laettner.
BDP: Do you ever check out any Duke or college basketball sites?
GP: About the only site that I check out is GoDuke. I check it out to find out what is going
on with Duke. I don't usually check out any other sites.
BDP: How are your grades looking & when will you be taking your SAT?
GP: My overall average is around 90. I recently took the PSAT & plan on taking my SAT
in the spring.
BDP: Greg, thanks for your time. We will be keeping up with your high school career
& look forward to seeing you play at Duke.
GP: Thanks. Anytime.
