So it's the
off season, in the
off season of college basketball things can get a little sleepy for a Mr. Duke. Luckily I've been keeping busy over with my boys on
STOB, but I need a Duke fix. Since it's been a while let's just cover some of what has been going on at Duke since my last post, oh so long ago, and I'll offer up some opinions.
Jeff Capel is back! -The man who brought Oklahoma Sooner fans Blake Griffin and an Elite Eight appearance is now back at Duke after being fired.
Capel will now be an assistant coach with Duke taking over the spot on the bench of another ex-player (as all the assistants are for K) Nate James. James isn't leaving but taking on "a different role" for the team.
This is a huge win for Duke.
Capel may need a few more years of seasoning prior to becoming a head coach again at a major university. Yet, one thing he proved he could do at Oklahoma was recruit. Now give Coach
Capel the Duke name to sell and I foresee big things, and recruits, happening as long as
Capel stays around Durham.
DeAndre Daniels Saga-Unfortunately this "Saga" continues on. The ever indecisive freshman to be forward
DeAndre Daniels is still mulling over his decision. At this point Duke is now a long shot after just a few weeks ago being the top dog in the Daniels Sweepstakes. Kansas and Texas have emerged as the front runners with Oklahoma State also being mentioned.
Until there is some confirmed news that Daniels is still interested in Duke this maybe the last Daniels related post until he actually announces something. Even if it's just what he had for lunch yesterday. Imagine being behind
DeAndre in line at McDonald's! "Welcome to McDonald's. How can I help you?" "Um...not sure if I am ready...oooo..Burger King is across the street!...Oh wait though there is a Wendy's a block over and I do love their new fries!...Is there a Red Robin around here?" McDonald's Lady, "I am not sure sir. Would you like to try one of our value meals?"
DeAndre, "Well I am just thinking if there was a Red Robin, I could kind of take my time...no pressure of a line and all...I could sit in seclusion at my booth and really mull over my burger selection." You in line, "................". He'd have no chance.
Greg Paulus Hired by OSU -Now 3 major Universities (Duke, Syracuse and Ohio State) showing love for Greg
Paulus. This kid must have something to him even though a ton of people (including Duke fans) can't stand the sight of him. As Video Coordinator for Ohio State's basketball program Greg is on his way to, he hopes, being a D-1 head coach. Keep an eye on those tattoo parlors there Greg!
Getting Pumped for Duke Basketball in China and Dubai -Duke fan's are excited that they get to see the team a little earlier than most fans this year. This August the team will be traveling to China on August 14
th and playing their first game August 17
th. On August 19
th Duke will be playing in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. It's then off to Beijing on August 22 for their third game in China. Finally the squad will finish it's foreign tour in Dubai on August 26
th.
It should be exciting to see this young team play and get some early time to start meshing prior to the season. The added
camaraderie gained from this trip in August may very well go a long way in making the team better in March.
That's a quick wrap up of what is going on with Duke. I'll try to be back as soon as some new Duke news comes in.
