Duke commitments Luol Deng and DeMarcus Nelson continued play today in the Glaxo Smith Kline Holiday Invitational in Raleigh, North Carolina. Vallejo came up on the short end to DeMatha, losing 64-43 despite DeMarcus Nelson scoring all but eighteen of his teams points. In the earlier game, Luol Deng led Blair Academy to a 72-62 win Nansemond River.
Nelson played the entire game, but didn't get much help from his teammates. The
Apache shot selection did them in, as did DeMatha when they collapsed on the inside with their defense.
The famed DeMatha (which won the tournament last year) program is supposed to be rebuilding after losing legend Morgan Wooten, but new Coach Mike Jones showed that the school that produced former Dukies Danny Ferry and Kenney
Blakeney - wasn't going anywhere. A balanced attack, and slowing the Vallejo running game, helped them cruise to a
twenty point win.
DeMarcus often handled the ball out front, but gravitated towards the basket on defense. Nelson plays larger than his size, and already has a
chiseled upper body for a junior. He showed a deft outside touch, and once scored three 3-pointers on successive
possessions. In a victory the night before, he had two successive steals for baskets.
Nelson has shown a lot of skills over the two games, and has the ability to put a team on his back. The only weakness I saw was an occasional odd defensive stance or positioning. Other than that, this kid can truly fill it up from anywhere on the court and is explosive.
The loss dropped Vallejo to 9-2, and they'll play on Monday afternoon before later participating in yet another tournament at UCLA's
Pauley Pavilion. De' will take in the Dayton game tomorrow.
Blair Academy had no problem disposing of Nansemond River, as Illinois bound 6-10 Charlie Villanueva led his team with 26 points. As good as his game was, Luol Deng's line was better. Luol was 10 of 16 from the floor, 2 of 4 from three for 23 points. More importanly though were his other stats, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, and a couple of blocks for good measure.
Luol did the aforementioned sitting out the entire second and much of the third quarters. Deng again started the game 0 for 2, but settled in and shows a sweet outside touch, great passing ability and the ability to throw down a nice dunk.
He is a tremendous talent who is not afraid to be in the middle of ball handling or throw the outlet pass. His all around game and potential are truly exciting to watch. His long arms enable him to cover a lot of court and he is very smooth and quick with or without the ball.
Blair Academy plays again at seven on Monday night, and Luol will also see the Devils play Dayton.
Tidbits-- Assistant Coaches Chris Collins and Steve Wojociehowski were present tonight. Only two Coaches are allowed at these events. JJ Redick and Shavlik Randolph were there again too. Marquie Cooke filled it up with 36 points for Nansemond in the loss to Blair. The attendance was listed at 4000. Former Duke football player Wes Chesson is on the board of directors for the organizers. Current Duke PG Chris Duhon was a MVP of this tournament. Twenty two players that have played in this tournament are currently on NBA rosters . General Admission to the final day's games on Monday are 8.00 for Adults and 5.00 for children. If you have the time, check out Duke's basketball future.