Athletic News

Former Duke walk-on could play big role

By By Robbi Pickeral
August 29, 2009
www.charlotteobserver.com

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 red-shirting 2008-09, and playing a fifth year as a graduate student, it was an insurance policy. The Blue Devils knew they'd 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 available in case of foul trouble or injury.

The latter is more important. Aside from Davidson, only three natural perimeter players are on scholarship: Nolan Smith, John 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.”

Another Showdown

Duke or UNC 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-feet-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.”

Barnes – a multi-talented wing – last weekend narrowed his list to six: UNC, Duke, Kansas, Oklahoma, UCLA and Iowa State (where his mother works). And he's such a big deal to both Triangle schools that they're trying to make sure he'll visit at peak times.

He's scheduled to be in Chapel Hill next weekend in time for Friday's Alumni Game, which will feature the debut of the 2009 national championship banner and a scrimmage between UNC's current pro players – including Antawn Jamison, Jerry Stackhouse, Sean May, Raymond Felton and Tyler Hansbrough (who will only be able to watch because of a shin injury).

Meanwhile, Barnes probably will be in Durham the weekend of Oct. 23, which means he could view Duke's exhibition basketball game against Pfeiffer, then its football game against Maryland.

Expect both schools to pull out all the stops, because losing this head-to-head clash now could mean losing some head-to-head games come 2010-11.

“Whoever gets Barnes will celebrate the signing and immediately plot how to win a national championship with him,'' Telep said in his e-mail. “The window will only be a year or two so it's a signing that has to pay immediate dividends. I feel the mere fact that we can have this discussion and project title implications lends credence to an argument that this is one of the important all-time tussles [between Duke and UNC].”

Another 100 Years

The Tar Heels aren't the only ones celebrating a 100th birthday this season. While UNC will be commemorating its 100th basketball anniversary, beginning with a pro alumni game on Friday, N.C. State also will be celebrating its 100th basketball season.

State played its first game at Wake Forest on Feb. 16, 1911, losing 33-6. It finished 1-1 in 1910-11.

The school has already come up with a nifty logo to commemorate the season, and plans are in the works to bring back some former players.

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