Because of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's propensity to shorten his bench as the season stretches along, few former walk-ons ever have the chance to play important minutes, much less make an impact.
Point guard Jordan Davidson -- who began his career as an invited walk-on, and is now on scholarship -- hopes to change that.
When Duke approached Davidson a year ago about redshirting in 2008-09 and playing a fifth year as a graduate student, it was an insurance policy. The Blue Devils knew they would be graduating point guard Greg Paulus and that shooting guard Gerald Henderson might turn pro early.
And that was even before reserve guard Marty Pocius opted to give up his final year of eligibility to play in Europe, and part-time starter Elliot Williams decided to transfer to Memphis to be closer to his ailing mother.
"Coach (Chris) Collins talked to me during the preseason, and when we started looking ahead, we obviously didn't see Elliot leaving. But other than that, we had a decent feel for what could happen and what this season could be," Davidson said. "He asked me if I would consider redshirting and coming back for a fifth year... and I said 'of course,' because obviously, it could end up being a better opportunity for me to play."
The choice was a no-brainer for Davidson, whose older brother Patrick played for Duke, because he had only played 46 minutes and scored 9 points in three seasons. Plus, his one-year masters program at the Fuqua School of Business is now paid for by his athletic scholarship.
Meanwhile, keeping him for another year was a smart decision for the team because, at worst, it guarantees the Blue Devils a veteran practice player who can push its thin group of guards during workouts, and at best, an able ballhandler on the bench is available in case of foul trouble or injury.
The latter is more important. Aside from Davidson, the Devils only boast three natural perimeter players on scholarship: Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer and freshman Andre Dawkins.
Davidson said he is excited about his new role, which he sees as being a leader -- and hopefully earning more minutes. The high point of his career so far, he said, was being part of last year's team that won the ACC tournament, even if he had to enjoy it in street clothes. By the end of the season, he wants to celebrate with his team in uniform.
"As far as on the court, I don't have too many highlights, so far," he said. "When I got into games (in past years), my job was to take care of the ball and defend and distribute and get guys involved. As far as individual plays, I'm hoping to add onto that this year. ... But the most important thing I want to do is contribute, and help this team win."
DUKE-UNC SQUARE OFF AGAIN
Duke or North Carolina are always in the mix for the top players, but it has been since 2006, when forward Brandan Wright chose the Tar Heels, that the Tobacco Road foes have battled each other for a top-3 recruit.
So like most of their showdowns, it shouldn't be surprising that the latest clash -- this time over 6-6 Ames, Iowa phenom Harrison Barnes, the top recruit in the class of 2010, according to scout.com -- will probably have championship implications.
"Harrison Barnes is a major chip in the game," scout.com recruiting analyst Dave Telep said in an e-mail. "Whoever gets him -- and let's not overlook Kansas for a minute -- puts itself in a position to contend for a title. Given Barnes' talents and the roster that would be around him, it's safe to say that his signature easily makes one of the teams on his list at least a Final Four contender. I'd say that means this is a pretty big deal."
(Contact Robbi Pickeral at robbi.pickerel(at)newsobserver.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
column
Must credit The News and Observer of Raleigh, N.C.
Post new comment