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A GLOBAL ADVENTURE On August 15th, the Duke Basketball program took flight on an extraordinary journey. The team visited China and Dubai to play four games, celebrate Duke’s new campus in China and experience life on the other side of the world. The Duke program made stops in Kunshan, Shanghai and Beijing before a ninehour flight to Dubai. The Duke travel party climbed the Great Wall of China, visited the world’s tallest building, negotiated some great deals in the Chinese markets, encountered ancient Chinese history at the Forbidden City, and witnessed one of the world’s most modern cities in Dubai. The trip was unprecedented in college sports history. ESPN International televised three of Duke’s four games, which were available in 195 different countries. Also, stay tuned for an hour-long special on the trip that will air this season. Big thanks are in order to Mike Cragg (Duke Senior AD of Athletics and our Legacy Fund Director), who managed and directed the trip behind the scenes. Mike made the trip as special and unique as possible while smoothly navigating through all the challenges and unpredictably of foreign travel. Thank you, Mike!
The Duke travel party pictured in Beijing after lunch and a visit to the Great Wall of China
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INSIDE
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DESTINATIONS
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STARTING FIVE
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WORLD TOUR
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PLAYER MEMORIES
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PLUMLEES ON THE GO
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WORLDWIDE CRAZIES
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BY THE NUMBERS
Cities at a Glance
Storylines from the Trip
Day-By-Day Recap
Trip Favorites
Brothers Travel the World
Fans in China & Dubai
Trip Facts & Figures
DUKE BLUE PLANET
“FRIENDSHIP GAMES” SPECIAL ISSUE Design: Dave Bradley Photos: Dave Bradley & Jon Gardiner Cover/Inside Back Cover: Jakub Kaleta Duke Basketball 5
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AN NSatH KU I De stin ion ITINERARY Tour of Duke Kunshan University campus site... Game vs. Chinese Olympic Team at Kunshan Stadium... Meal at Fairmont Yangcheng Lake Hotel... Driving tour of Kunshan KUNSHAN FACTS *Population of around 700,000 *Known for its water resources (62 rivers, 41 lakes) *Dramatic economic growth over past 20 years *Birthplace of Chinese opera over 600 years ago *Home of Duke’s DKU campus (pictured below)
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GHAI I SHAtiN n ation I De s
ITINERARY Huangpu River cruise... First-ever basketball game played at the worldclass Mercedes-Benz Arena (vs. Chinese Olympic Team)... Participation in Nike Festival of Sport... Negotiations at Shanghai markets SHANGHAI FACTS *China’s largest city by population (over 23 million) *Most populous city in the world *Arguably the busiest port city in the world *Commercial and financial center of mainland China *GDP of $256.3 billion in 2010
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InNIIG IJ BDE I e stin atio ITINERARY Tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City... Tour of Beijing’s National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and Aquatic Center (Water Cube)... Shopping at Hongquio Pearl Market... Game at MasterCard Center vs. Chinese Olympic Team (site of Coach K’s 2008 Olympic championship)... Great Wall climb BEIJING FACTS *China’s capital (Forbidden City hosted 24 emperors) *Population of around 20 million *Hosted 2008 Olympic Summer Games *Great Wall stretches over 1,000 miles *3rd-most Fortune Global 500 companies in world
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ITINERARY Accommodations along the prestigious Jumeirah beach strip... Sunny excursion at Wild Wadi water park... Game vs. UAE National Team at Al Wasl Club... Visit to world’s largest mall... Ascend to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa DUBAI FACTS *Lies within Arabian Desert *Tourism, real estate and finance drive economy *Has quickly emerged as modern, global metropolis *Financial center of the Middle East *Has indoor ski resort and some of world’s best malls
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Starting Five
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FIRST PRACTICE TIPS IN JULY
HEAD START The Blue Devils return a strong core of student-athletes and have added one of the best recruiting classes in the nation with the additions of Quinn Cook, Mike Gbinije, Alex Murphy, Marshall Plumlee and Austin Rivers. The program has also lost the 2011 ACC Player of the Year, the 2010 Final Four MVP and the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. With a fresh group of skilled ballplayers and talented freshmen, the trip to China and Dubai could not have come at a better time for Duke Basketball. It’s an unbelievable opportunity,” said Ryan Kelly before packing his bags. “I think it will work out great for us this year -- not only on the basketball court, but our ability to bond. As we’ve seen these last few years, the teams that make it are the ones that are most together. We know we have great teammates, but we need to continue to get to know one another.” In addition to traveling the world together over two weeks and competing in four games, the team was also able to start practice early. Before leaving for China, the Blue Devils had 10 practice sessions to prepare beginning in July. “It’s really going to be a wonderful experience for our team,” said Coach K before heading over to China. “A big thing is getting better as a basketball team and growing together.”
>> Ryan KELLY
“We’re in a little different situation; we don’t have guys coming back who are solidified (standouts) in the Duke program. We have guys we know are really good players. But they haven’t established themselves yet as really good players. To have this opportunity, it comes at a perfect time for our team, for guys to step up and fill roles and figure out who they’re going to be.”
>> Andre DAWKINS
“Guys are already starting to get a feel for each other. Roles are starting to emerge. To be able to do this trip this early is really good for us.”
>> Austin RIVERS
“Two weeks ago we were all a little off. Everyone was out there playing basketball but not in unison and not the right way. Now, we all seem to know what to do. I can’t even imagine how much better we’ll be after this trip. I’m excited to find out.” Duke Basketball
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Starting Five
DUKE
WORLDWIDE In circling the globe with stops in China and Dubai, the Blue Devil basketball program deepened Duke’s strong global footprint. Originally conceived by Blair Sheppard (Duke’s Senior Advisor for Development in China) and Greg Jones (Duke’s Vice President and Vice Provost for Global Strategy and Programs), the trip was designed to showcase both Duke Basketball, and the university’s global business education, health, arts, civic engagement and policy-oriented programs. “As a global university, Duke is delighted to have this chance to reach out to our passionate fans around the world,” said Duke President Richard H. Brodhead. “The success of our men’s basketball team is a highly visible symbol of Duke’s commitment to excellence every day, across the university, and a wonderful way for people to connect to Duke.” The team’s first game tipped in Kunshan, the location of a new 200acre Duke campus set to open in 2012. The Blue Devils were supported heartily during the game by the “Kunshan Crazies” -- a contingent of students from Duke’s cross-continent MBA program. In Shanghai, the first-ever basketball game played at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Arena featured a Duke logo at center court. Later, in Beijing, the team competed on the court where Coach K led the USA to gold at the 2008 Olympics. The final stop was Dubai, one of the cities where Duke’s Fuqua School of Business has established a strong presence. Meanwhile, the games were televised in as many as 195 countries around the world with the potential to reach more than 275 million households. “We are excited about the opportunity for our team to compete internationally and be exposed to so many significant historical and cultural landmarks,” said Coach K before departing. “It should be a trip they remember for the rest of their lives.”
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GLOBAL BRAND
"This global tour presents Duke University with an extraordinary opportunity to expand our brand across the world, using one of its primary assets -- Duke Basketball -- as the catalyst. The planning process involved several significant university entities, and is yet another example of the incredibly strong collaboration that exists at Duke.� Duke VP and Director of Athletics Dr. Kevin White
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WORLDWIDE TEAM BONDING
FRIENDSHIP GAMES “During the season, it’s all business,” said Associate Head Coach Chris Collins about road trips. “You’re going in there, preparing, playing a big game and you’re getting out of there.” In the case of the Friendship Games tour, the Blue Devils had time to explore new places, bond as a team and develop stronger relationships. From climbing the Great Wall to visiting the world’s tallest building, the players shared memories they will carry for the rest of their lives. “I think the Great Wall was pretty amazing,” said Ryan Kelly. “It’s something you may only experience once... The Burj Khalifa, seeing the tallest building in the world, there were some amazing things we saw on this trip.” “We’re together 24/7 and that’s big,” said Austin Rivers. “We already like each other but that just draws everyone closer.” As the team ventured from the Duke campus in Kunshan to the stunning Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai to the Great Wall to the markets to the Wild Wadi water park in Dubai, friendships grew stronger. “We have five freshmen,” said Coach K. “They know each other really well right now.” Duke’s juniors and seniors know just how important team chemistry, friendships and camaraderie is to the success of a team. That group won a national title on a team defined by its togetherness. “Most teams that win it, looking back on their season, know they were the closest team. We have great relationships within our team,” said Kelly. “My freshman year and even last year because both teams were winning teams, we were very close on and off the court. You’ve got to continue to grow in those relationships to be a good team. And this trip was a step in doing that.”
COACH K: "To see them scale the steps, I think there's 1,600 steps, to get to the Great Wall -- it was really a cool thing when they all made it up there. That was a bonding experience. Probably 48 hours later they are all together in the tallest building in the world. The interaction that you have there, to see them in the markets bartering, and what they are bartering for -- those are cool experiences."
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A TRIP FOR THE AGES Duke reached new heights literally and figuratively during the Friendship Games trip, accomplishing a series of exciting and memorable firsts while crossing the globe.
KUNSHAN
The Blue Devils visited DKU -- one of the first campuses built in China by an American college or university.
SHANGHAI
The Blue Devils played the first-ever basketball game in the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Arena... with the Duke logo at center court.
WORLD
Duke took the longest trip ever by a college basketball program, covering over 21,000 miles and seven countries.
DUBAI
The team traveled to the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
BEIJING
The team climbed over 1,600 steps on one of the tallest and steepest portions of the Great Wall of China.
DUBAI
The team traveled in the world’s fastest elevator, shopped inside the world’s largest mall and observed the world’s largest aquarium.
WORLD
Duke Basketball games were available on television in 195 countries spanning the entire globe. An estimated 275 million households could tune in.
BEIJING
Coach K returned to the gym where he led Team USA to gold in 2008 and again earned a win as Duke became the first college team to play in MasterCard Arena.
BEIJING
Coach K and his Blue Devils walked through the Forbidden City -- the world’s largest surviving palace complex.
DUBAI
The Blue Devils became the first college sports team to play the UAE National Team in Dubai, earning a victory at Al Wasl Club.
BEIJING
Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming visited the team’s hotel and attended the game vs. the Chinese Olympic Team in Beijing.
Pictured right: a view from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa
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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
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DUKE’S CHINA CAMPUS
BLUE DEVILS
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In Durham, construction cranes and steel frames are a common site on a Duke campus that always seems to have a major construction project in the works. Over in Kunshan, the Blue Devil traveling party observed a similar picture, except with bamboo replacing steel and aluminum in the scaffolding. Duke University is building a massive, 200-acre campus that will serve as an academic center for Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. The current construction project covers 36 acres and approximately one million square feet. Duke has partnered with the city of Kunshan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University on the unique project. Before visiting, the travel party met in a conference room at the Fairmont Yangcheng Lake Hotel for an info session led by Blair Sheppard. The group saw models and designs of the campus’ various construction phases and plans, including a peek at what DKU will look like when students are first scheduled to arrive in late 2012. The first phase includes a main education center, residences for students and faculty, a research center, a conference center and a support facility. In total, the first phase will include more than 700,000 square feet of classroom space. “The world will increasingly rely on university graduates and faculty members who have been trained in global settings,” said Sheppard. “It is our true pleasure to enter into partnerships that will help China address its immediate needs for talent development, while also creating unique opportunities to educate future leaders.”
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AROUND THE WORLD IN 14 DAYS Daily Recaps by Matt Plizga & Dave Bradley Photos by Jon Gardiner & Dave Bradley
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/14/11
DaY
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Durham, NC USA
ITINERARY
Travel to Shanghai via Alaska and Japan
What’s one way to pass the time and improve your hoops game while stuck in an airport? Break down some game video with Coach K. Pictured to the right, Coach K shows Mason some footage at RDU before the team’s flight to Alaska.
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Day one - Travel to China Travel delays held the Blue Devils at the airport longer than anticipated as the Friendship Games trip started out, but the squad maintained high spirits. "It has been a long day but we are spending time as a team, playing games, watching movies and hanging with Coach K's grandchildren," said Ryan Kelly while dribbling a Duke mini-ball and clowning around with Alex Murphy. After getting through security at RDU, players ventured off to Gate D20. While waiting for the flight crew to arrive and the plane to refuel, the Blue Devils found various ways to pass the time. Austin Rivers and Michael Gbinije made a quick pit stop at Five Guys, while Josh Hairston, Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton grabbed some sliders, french fries and crab cake sandwiches. Several Duke managers, Mason Plumlee and Coach K's grandchildren (Joey, Michael, Emmie & Carly Savarino) sat down for a rousing game of Down by the River. Miles Plumlee and Marshall Plumlee passed time with episodes of South Park, while Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins and Kelly played cards. Thornton and Miles Plumlee were the most prepared for comfort on the plane with neck pillows, starting a trend as several other members of the team and travel party rushed off to Hudson News to purchase comforting neck pillows of their own. Cook took an early hit on the trip as his movies were locked in his dorm room. The Maryland native rallied to borrow Seasons 1 and 2 of the HBO series, Oz, along with an iPad he used in his quest to set the high score in a soccer game. Power outlets were at a premium in the airport terminal and players scattered throughout Terminal D to charge iPads, iPhones and computers before the lengthy flight to Shanghai via pit stops in Alaska and Japan. Todd Zafirovski tested out his videographer skills with some flip cam work in the terminal before settling in to watch movies and grab some pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. Coach K pulled the entire travel party together for a short talk about teamwork and pride. His speech to the group of nearly 200 people lightened the mood of the crowd, while also covering the team’s standards for the trips (which were flexibility, poise, respect, performance, no excuses, collective responsibility, care and pride). The Peoples' Champ, Nolan Smith, continued to earn his moniker by talking to fans throughout the airport before finding a quiet corner to work the phone lines and Twitter. He managed to do both while bouncing a Duke mini-basketball he purchased at the airport. As the airport delay wore on, Mason became restless and found a vacant iPad2 to play some Text Twist. The 2011 ACC All-Academic Team choice was excited to post several high scores on the game only to be disappointed when informed that he was the first to play the game on that particular iPad. Just when the plane was scheduled to board, a thunderstorm rolled into the area, adding to the delay. An impromptu game of "Taps" broke out and Dawkins proclaimed himself the winner. The audience, not knowing exactly what the rules were, could neither confirm nor deny his triumph. Ultimately, equipment issues with the team’s aircraft prevented the group from leaving on Sunday evening. With precious cargo on board, the staff opted to attempt a departure on Monday morning.
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Facing early delays, the Blue Devil travel party quickly mastered the art of passing time in the airport... Games, iPads, laptops, random photo opportunities, mini-basketballs, video sessions, flip cams and inspirational words from Coach K were popular choices for Blue Devils waiting to leave for China.
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Day TWO - Travel to China
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/15/11
DaY
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Durham, NC USA
ITINERARY
Travel to Shanghai via Alasks and Japan
The Blue Devils flew into Alaska on a sunny morning with great views of immense, snow-capped mountains.
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Day TWO - Travel to China Prior to boarding in Raleigh on Monday, the Blue Devils were met with exciting news as former NBA standout and Chinese icon Yao Ming confirmed that he would attend one of Duke’s games on the trip. “Yao Ming is a global icon,” said Josh Hairston. “Seeing and possibly meeting him is another one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. I know how much he means to China and the game of basketball over there. It’s pretty cool that he will be at the game.” Meanwhile, Austin Rivers obliged several autograph requests at RDU while searching out a pre-flight meal. Marshall Plumlee entertained a small group of Duke staffers with a reenactment from the movie “Men in Black.” The 7+ hour flight to Anchorage was met with travelers eager for naps. Marshall took home the sleep title by crashing for nearly the entire flight, while older brother Miles took advantage of his sleeping teammates by cranking out a paper for his Business Improv class. Others alternated between napping, watching movies and showing off their iPad gaming greatness. Rivers and Michael Gbinije went old school with “Rocky IV” and Todd Zafirovski watched “Legends of the Fall” next to a napping Nolan Smith (except for when the friends posed for the photo to the left). Seth Curry spent a good portion watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, while Alex Murphy reviewed Season 4 and 5 of Entourage. Ryan Kelly was wrapped up in a Mitch Albom book while Andre Dawkins knocked out a paper during the flight before engaging in an impressive game of Plants vs. Zombies. Mix in a couple of sandwiches and the travel party remained relatively entertained through the first leg of the 22+ hour excursion. The coaching staff passed time with some game/practice film as well as episodes of Friday Night Lights and The Wire. With everyone eager to deboard in Alaska, team video coordinator Kevin Cullen came through with the play of the day as he located power outlets and pulled out several power strips for the travel party to charge a multitude of laptops, iPads, iPhones and more. With the departure for Shanghai fast approaching, players stretched their legs, grabbed a bite to eat and took in the crisp fresh air of Alaska before climbing aboard for another eight hours. It was onward and upward, with Japan and then Shanghai awaiting.
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After about 24 hours of travel from NC to China, the Blue Devils were in great spirits and pleased to see that their bags had arrived halfway around the world.
DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/16/11
DaY
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Shanghai, China
ITINERARY
Arrive in Shanghai and rest before a visit to Kunshan 32
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Day THREE - ARRIVE IN China
The Blue Devils arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday night after a 24+ hours worth of travel. The team was set to open up exhibition play less than 24 hours after arriving in China with a matchup against the Chinese Olympic Team in Kunshan. “I’m looking forward to the games -- I just want to start playing,” said Andre Dawkins after arriving in the hotel lobby in Shanghai. “We’ve got a game tomorrow, so hopefully we won’t be too jet-lagged. It shouldn’t be too bad -- we’ve played back-to-back games during the season before -- but this is definitely a little bit different, being on the other side of the world.” Duke landed in Shanghai just before midnight and arrived at the hotel around 2 AM after going through customs and a 45-minute bus ride from the airport. The late arrival allowed the Duke travel party to easily roll through downtown Shanghai with a majority of the city’s population of 23 million resting quietly in their homes. A tour guide warned the travel party not to be fooled by the calm evening as the streets spring to life in the morning with rush hour traffic lasting from 5-10 AM. When asked to describe the three-day traveling process, Dawkins summed it up: “It was a long trip, but for 17 hours of flying it wasn’t really that bad.”
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/17/11
DaY
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Kunshan, China
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Duke’s Kunshan campus, first game vs. Chinese Olympic Team
PICTURED • • • •
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Blair Sheppard discusses Duke’s campus in Kunshan Rendering of DKU One of the many streams in Kunshan A look at the DKU campus under construction
Friendship Games
Day FOUR - KUNSHAN The team woke up and had breakfast before making the two-hour drive to Kunshan. According to savvy tour guide Jimmy, Kunshan has a population of 1.5 million and is one of China’s wealthiest cities. The team drove right to the arena for shoot-around, then had lunch at the lovely Fairmont Yangcheng Hotel before driving over to Duke’s new campus (DKU). Before seeing the campus, Blair Sheppard gave a presentation on the ins and outs of DKU (which is slated to be double the size of Duke’s East Campus when it’s done!). Sheppard likened the school’s location to a Chinese version of Stanford, located in a growing, smaller city (Kunshan/Palo Alto) a few hours from a major metropolis (Shanghai/San Francisco).
Coach K chats with Dr. White and Blair Sheppard at DKU
After seeing DKU, the team headed back to the hotel for a pre-game meal and a little bit of quiet time before heading to the arena. Two-time NCAA champ Grant Hill joined the team for breakfast, later attended the game in Kunshan and enjoyed a casual meal (highlighted by burgers, fries, grilled chicken, and the ice cream sundae bar) after the 77-64 win.
Scenic views from the team’s lunch/hotel destination in Kunshan
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Day FOUR - KUNSHAN PICTURED • • • •
Kunshan Stadium Players with tour guide Jimmy A photo opportunity in Kunshan Images from shoot-around in Kunshan
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Day FOUR - KUNSHAN AUGUST
GAME ONE
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Kunshan Stadium - Kunshan, China
DUKE Blue Devils
CHINA Olympic Team
77 64
At 8 PM in Kunshan, the Friendship Games officially tipped off. The squads were even at 11 after the first quarter before the Blue Devils took command of the game by outscoring China 21-12 in the second quarter (games were played under international rules with four 10-minute quarters). The run was highlighted by an Andre Dawkins slam that was worthy of a SportsCenter top play nomination (see page 41). Duke’s defensive effort was strong throughout the game, holding the opposition to 20-of-61 shooting from the field while forcing 19 turnovers. The Chinese Olympic Team was able to stay in the game in large part due to a huge discrepancy at the foul line, with China shooting 40 free throws to Duke’s 15. The Blue Devils ended up with the 77-64 victory as Austin Rivers scored a team-high 18 points, Dawkins chipped in 15, Ryan Kelly netted 14 and Seth Curry added 13. Special thanks to the Duke cross-continent MBA program students (the Kunshan Crazies!) who arrived in full force to support their Blue Devils. After the win, the team swung by the hotel in Kunshan for a post-game meal before making the drive back to Shanghai. Thursday was another game day, so the Blue Devils were quick to relax and find their beds.
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Day FOUR - KUNSHAN
Basketball 39 some TheDuke Kunshan Crazies brought Cameron craziness to China
"I felt very comfortable from the start of the game. We got off to a little bit of a slow start but in the second half we came out and played well. We are excited about the way we played especially in the second half and are looking forward to getting out there to continue to develop." AUSTIN RIVERS Duke national champions Nolan Smith and Grant Hill supported their Blue Devils in Kunshan
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Day FOUR - KUNSHAN Andre Dawkins had one of the most memorable buckets of the trip with this slam in Kunshan.
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Duke vs. China. That remarkable matchup really sunk in when the teams were displayed for the first time on the scoreboard in Kunshan.
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Day FOUR - KUNSHAN
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/18/11
DaY
5
Shanghai, China
ITINERARY
Game vs. Chinese Olympic Team in Shanghai
The first-ever basketball game in Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena featured the Blue Devils. The $280-million arena opened in 2010 and seats approximately 18,000. The venue’s saucer-style exterior gives the arena one of the world’s most notable stadium designs.
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Day FIVE - SHANGHAI
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AUGUST
GAME TWO
18 Thursday
Mercedes-Benz Arena - Shanghai, China
DUKE Blue Devils
CHINA Olympic Team
78 66
Ryan Kelly poured in 20 points and all five Duke starters scored in double figures as the Blue Devils pulled away from the Chinese Olympic Team 78-66, claiming a second victory over the Chinese in as many nights. “We did a good job playing through adversity,” Seth Curry said. “A lot of stuff wasn’t going our way, but guys kept fighting and we ended up winning. We had a good two days.” Curry scored 15 points, Miles Plumlee had 14, while Andre Dawkins and Austin Rivers each added 12. Kelly made nine of 11 shots from the field and added eight rebounds. Miles pulled down nine rebounds and had four steals. “Ryan and Miles are playing with a lot of confidence right now, especially Ryan knocking down shots and Miles down there battling and playing against real good big men,” Dawkins said. “Miles was ready to take on that challenge.” The Blue Devils used an 8-0 run spanning the end of the third and the start of the fourth quarters to break open a tight game. Curry’s floater just before the third-quarter buzzer ignited the run and Rivers followed his own miss to give the Blue Devils a 62-47 lead after back-to-back buckets by Kelly. Three-pointers from Ryan and Seth and baskets from Andre and Miles helped the Blue Devils maintain a comfortable lead the rest of the way. “Tonight’s game shows we’ve got that fight in us and we’ve just got to continue to grow and get better,” Dawkins said. Duke jumped out to an 8-0 advantage, holding China scoreless for nearly four minutes to open the game. Although China closed to within two points on several occasions, Duke never gave up the lead.
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Day FIVE - SHANGHAI
Miles Plumlee finishes with power during the win in Shanghai.
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/19/11
DaY
6
Shanghai, China
ITINERARY
Shanghai Market, Nike Festival of Sport, Huangpu River cruise
48 was Friendship Games This photo taken inside the market in Shanghai where the Blue Devils did some wheeling and dealing for electronics, trinkets, watches and other gifts.
Day SIX - SHANGHAI With no game in Shanghai on Friday, August 19th, the team enjoyed its first full day of sight-seeing. The Blue Devils spent the morning at a Shanghai market before heading to the Nike Festival of Sport. With the morning trip to the market approaching, players and staff hit ATMs and the hotel currency exchange area to prep for a true Chinese cultural experience. Despite the early morning departure, the team and coaching staff were joined on the trip by former Blue Devils Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving. On the way to the market, Duke passed by the most expensive condos in Shanghai with space running as much as $20,000 per square meter. Condos in the high-rise complex ranged from $6 to $22 million. Players took advantage of the negotiating opportunities with the market vendors to purchase a variety of items, including watches, wallets, Dre Beats headphones, figurines and belts. “It was awesome,” said Miles Plumlee after working some deals at the market. “This is what I came here for -- that was real China. We were the biggest people walking there, there were really tight alleys -- just a lot of really cool stuff.”
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The Plumlee brothers impress at the 50 onlookers Friendship market in Shanghai.
Games
Day SIX - SHANGHAI The Nike Festival of Sport at Shanghai Stadium featured several outdoor sports displays and hoops courts. Quinn Cook, Seth Curry, Austin Rivers and Tyler Thornton took their cuts in a home run derby cage, with Curry cranking the lone long ball. Rivers took a vicious cut and almost knocked the tee out of the park in his only swing. Todd Zafirovski, Michael Gbinije and some of the team managers played Pop-a-Shot, while Chris Collins, Steve Wojciechowski and Chris Spatola hit the driving range. The Plumlees spent some time in the skateboard park, with Miles pulling off a kick-flip on his second attempt. Next stop for the Plumlee clan was the tennis court where Marshall proudly boasted about his 15-0 junior varsity tennis record. Coach Wojo joined the big-man trio for a competitive set of doubles. Miles and Wojo took the shortened set, 5-2, as Wojo aced Marshall for the win. Wojo impressed the audience with his overall play, while Marshall was a force at the net. The rest of the team made its way to an outdoor hardwood court, which Nike donated to the city of Shanghai following the festival. Austin Rivers played some one-on-one with Michael Savarino, while Nate James put on an around-the-world shooting clinic. Andre Dawkins drained a half-court shot before moving on to a H-O-R-S-E win. The Blue Devils then put on a clinic focusing on the fundamentals of basketball, warming up and competing at game speed. The team also led a group of Chinese students through a series of ball-handling and shooting drills, before playing two five-minute scrimmages against the China Olympic Team. Alex Murphy was the star of the exhibition with a series of slashing layups and a posterizing dunk over two Chinese defenders off a curl from the left wing. Marshall also impressed the crowd with a quick baseline spin and reverse layup in traffic. After the clinic, the Blue Devils signed a few autographs and took pictures with fans on the way back to the buses. Duke then went back to the hotel to prepare for dinner and an evening cruise on the Huangpu River.
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Day SIX - SHANGHAI
The Blue Devils entertained and interacted with Chinese hoops fans, players and coaches at the Nike Festival of Sport after taking a swing at other sports (such as baseball). Kyrie Irving made an appearance for Nike as well.
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The team participated in a hoops clinic during the Nike Festival of Sport which included drill work with local ball players and a scrimmage against the Chinese Olympic Team.
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Day SIX - SHANGHAI
2010 Team USA world champions Coach K and Tyson Chandler
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After dinner at an authentic Chinese restaurant, the Blue Devils set sail on a private tour on the Huangpu River.
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Day SIX - SHANGHAI
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Another look at the impressive Shanghai skyline, which has a New York/Las Vegas feel
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Day SIX - SHANGHAI
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/20/11
DaY Beijing, China
ITINERARY
Travel from Shanghai to Beijing
The Blue Devils stayed Friendship at the 60 Peninsula hotel in Beijing
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Day SEVEN - BEIJING The Blue Devils packed and woke up around 7:00 AM to grab breakfast and board a flight to Beijing. The team arrived at its new hotel in the afternoon after a two-hour flight and rested for a little while until dinner. The group visited Peking Duck for the evening meal and had a variety of interesting options for dinner:
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Date DAY
6/11/11
8/21/11
DaY
8
Beijing, China
ITINERARY
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Silk Market
This photo was taken as the team entered Beijing’s Forbidden City
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Day EIGHT - BEIJING The Blue Devils experienced a taste of ancient history on August 21st when the team walked through Beijing’s Forbidden City. Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City served as the home of emperors and Chinese government for almost 500 years. The tour started near Tiananmen Square with tour guide Wang alerting the group to stay close and follow his “Friendship Games” sign attached to a four-foot tall pole. With thousands of people visiting that morning, it would have been easy to get lost in a crowd while walking the grounds. However, between the tall sign hoisted by Wang and having three Plumlee brothers towering over everyone, the Duke team easily stayed together throughout the two-mile walk around the palaces. Shortly after arriving, Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins and Tyler Thornton acquired China-themed headwear from local street vendors while Nolan Smith picked up a Chinese fan to help stay cool on a warm day. Coach K and Wang led the way through the heavy crowds as the group maneuvered around the impressive palaces. Several times along the way, local residents awed by uncommonly tall young men sought photo opportunities with the Plumlee brothers, and the towering brothers happily obliged. The coaching staff also wanted to capture a few team photos during the tour and a few locals tried to jump in the pictures. Wang stopped the group on a few occasions to provide history lessons on the palaces. He noted that the Forbidden City has 9,999 rooms because legend dictated that 10,000-room venues are reserved for the Gods. Also, Wang noted that the palaces are red because the color represents happiness and prosperity in China, and the roofs are yellow with the color reserved exclusively for the emperor. At one point, Smith and several staff members stepped away from the group to visit the first turf basketball court they had ever seen. Several guards and a fence protected the unique hoops court, discouraging visitors from taking jump shots. Towards the end of the tour, Quinn Cook, Alex Murphy and Todd Zafirovski stepped away to grab a blueberry smoothie from a snack shop. The smoothie did not quite arrive as expected so Zafirovski earned praise for adding a vanilla soft-serve cone to his order.
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After strolling through the two-mile stretch of palaces, the team arrived at the bus on the opposite side of the Forbidden City. As the group approached the bus, street merchants hustled over looking to sell watches, chopsticks and wooden Buddha dolls. The vendors did not have many takers with a trip to the Silk Market on tap later in the day. One aggressive merchant almost boarded the bus in an attempt to close a sale before the team made the quick drive back to the hotel for lunch. “It was unreal and I’ve never seen anything like it,” said freshman Marshall Plumlee about touring the Forbidden City. “It was just crazy to see how many resources that were devoted to China’s emperors and government.” After lunch, the team headed over to MasterCard Center. The practice brought back fond memories for Coach K, who led Team USA to the 2008 Olympic championship with a win over Spain. The Duke Global Health Institute hosted a youth health/exercise program during practice, enabling local kids to watch some hoops, meet some of the Blue Devils and learn keys to staying healthy and fit. Following practice, the team headed to the silk market where electronics, clothes and trinkets for friends back home were among the most frequent Blue Devil buys. Marshall Plumlee scored a silk robe and a Vancouver Canucks hockey jersey. From there, the team headed back to the hotel for dinner which included stuffed chicken breast, steak, mashed potatoes, salad, fruit, meat lasagna and various cakes for dessert. The squad was excited to enjoy an Americanstyle meal after two nights in a row at authentic Chinese restaurants.
PICTURED • • • •
Josh, Seth and Andre around Tiananmen Square Coach K inside MasterCard Center Nolan and Seth at Tiananmen Square Blue Devils prepare at MasterCard Center
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PICTURED
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• • • • • •
Nolan meets a new fan in Beijing Alex and Coach K Mike dunks at shoot-around in Beijing Scenes from the Forbidden City DC guys Tyler, Josh, Nolan and Quinn Nolan and a watch salesman in Shanghai
Day EIGHT - BEIJING
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/22/11
DaY
9
Beijing, China
ITINERARY
Olympic venues, game vs. Chinese Olympic Team
Inside the Water Cube, site of the 68 Friendship Games 2008 Olympics, where Michael Phelps won eight gold medals
Day NINE - BEIJING Duke’s second-to-last full day in Beijing had an After Olympic strolling feel. through the two-mile After stretch breakfast palaces,atthe the hotel, team the arrived Blueat Devils the headed bus on the out opposite to the Bird’s side ofNest the (Beijing Forbidden National City. As the Stadium), group a 91,000-seat approached architectural the bus, street marvel merchants that served hustledasover the looking stadium for to sell the 2008 watches, opening chop and sticks closing and wooden ceremonies, Buddha as dolls. well asOne the track-and-field aggressive merchant events.almost A number boarded of the the players bus intook an attempt photos inside to close and a sale. outside Theofvendors the venue, didwhile not have members many takers of the travel with party a triprode to the segways silk markets around onthe taptrack. later in the day and the team made the quick drive back to the hotel for lunch. After a team picture outside the Bird’s Nest, Duke headed across “It wasthe unreal pavilion and I’ve to the never Water seen Cube. anything Alonglike the it,” way, said the team freshman was treated Marshall to Plumlee a close-up about viewtouring of the Olympic the Forbidden torch that City.was ”It was lit for just thecrazy duration to see of how the Beijing many resources Games in that 2008. were devoted to China’s emperors and government.” The Water Cube, a swimming facility now with a water park, left After thelunch, players theimpressed. team headed Again, over atonumber MasterCard of pictures Arena. were The practice taken, while brought several back members fond memories of the team for Coach recalled K the who dominance led Team USA of Michael to the Olympic Phelps inchampionship the pool they were with a standing win over above. Spain. Phelps, The Duke a 16-time Global Health Olympic Institute medal hosted winner, won a youth eight health/exercise gold medals during program the during 2008 Games, practice a record so localfor one kidsOlympics. were able As to watch the players somewalked hoops, meet through some theofconcourse, the Blue they Devils stopped and learn to take about pictures keys to ofstaying severalhealthy. statues erected in the building in Phelps’ honor. Following practice, the team headed to the silk market “It’s where cool electronics, to see the stadiums clothes and in trinkets person,” for Seth friends Curryback said. “You home see were it on among TV but the it looks most frequent totally different Blue Devil in person. buys. The Bird’s Marshall NestPlumlee was way scored bigger a than silk robe I thought and a itVancouver would be and the Canucks Waterhockey Cube --jersey. it was cool the way it was built. After Following the tour theitmarket was time trip,for the a shoot-around team headed home at MasterCard for dinner Center. which included The workout, stuffed which chicken lasted breast, just over steak, one mashed hour, saw the potatoes, Devilssalad, walk through fruit, meat a number lasagnaofand their various own sets cakes along for with dessert. those The thesquad Chinese was had excited been to using enjoy against an American-style them. Coach Kmeal tookafter timetwo to remind nights his in ateam row at that Chinese it wasrestaurants. three years to the day that his Team USA club beat Argentina in the semifinals of the 2008 Olympics on the very same floor.
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Inside Beijing’s Bird’s Nest
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More Blue Devil scenes from the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube...
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Members of the “K” family outside Gate K of the Bird’s Nest, where Coach K walked with Team USA in the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics
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Yao towers over Marshall Plumlee, who stands 6’11”
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Day NINE - BEIJING
A VISIT WITH YAO After lunch in Beijing, basketball legend Yao Ming stopped by the team hotel to chat with Coach K. Afterwards, the eight-time NBA All-Star kindly fielded a few questions about the Blue Devils… How did you get to know about Coach K? YAO: I know he has coached Duke for almost 30 years. He’s definitely the best coach on the world level. I knew his player first -- Shane Battier from Duke. So you can look through Shane and find out what Coach K’s personnel is like -- Very honorable people, very well-educated, and they treat people with honesty. Coach K had success here in Beijing at the Olympics and Shane Battier is recognized in China. Do people know about Duke here in China? YAO: I have a personal friend who graduated from Duke. People know Duke. It’s a very good school, it’s a small school but sometimes smaller means good quality. I think Duke has good coaches over there. People there are a little crazy, but it’s a good crazy. What do you think Duke will learn getting to play basketball in China? YAO: What I’ve learned from traveling the world is you realize how small you are, how tiny you are -- whether you are 7’6” or you are 5’6”. It’s a big world, there’s so many ideas, people, coaches. When you get this chance and you can talk to different countries and people and have a different experience, it will help you. And one day 50 years from now you can see your grandchildren and say, “Hey, I touched every corner of this world.”
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AUGUST
GAME THREE
22 Monday
MasterCard Center - Beijing, China
DUKE Blue Devils
CHINA Olympic Team
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Ryan Kelly scored a team-high 20 points for the second straight game and Seth Curry added 16 points to lead Duke to a 93-78 win over the Chinese Olympic Team at MasterCard Center. The Blue Devils improved to 3-0 on the world tour. Miles Plumlee dropped in 14 points and pulled down 13 rebounds -- eight of them offensive -- and Mason Plumlee added 14 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field to help the Blue Devils complete a sweep of the three-game series with China. Austin Rivers netted 11 points and Andre Dawkins had 10 points to give Duke six double figure scorers in the contest. The Blue Devils dominated early, running out to leads of 13-2 and 28-6 as Duke made its first four 3-point attempts. Curry got off to a fast start with a pair of three-pointers and a 20-foot jump shot in the first three minutes of action. Miles Plumlee added six points during the run and finished the first half with 10 points and seven rebounds. Curry also had 10 first-half points as the Blue Devils took a 49-40 lead into the locker room. Duke finished the half 19-of-35 from the field, its best shooting half of the three games in China. Kelly took over early in the second half to thwart a spirited charge by the China team. After China cut the lead to 50-47, the 6’11� forward poured in 14 points during a decisive 18-3 run. Rivers came up with a couple of keys steals and chipped in five points in the quarter, helping Duke enter the final period with a 70-59 lead. Mason Plumlee took control midway through the fourth quarter, scoring on a layup, a short turn-around jump hook, and a pair of dunks to lead the Blue Devils on a 12-1 run that put the game out of reach. The Blue Devils went 35-of-68 (.515) from the field in the contest with the post trio of Kelly, Mason and Miles Plumlee combining to go 18-of-25 (.720) from the floor. Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming attended the game and was presented with a Duke jersey at halftime by Coach K.
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MasterCard Center, where Coach K led Team USA to gold in 2008 and returned to lead the Blue Devils against the Chinese Olympic Team
Photos of Duke vs. the Chinese Olympic Team in Beijing
“The team we played has a lot of talent and they’ve been playing together for a long time. They could beat a lot of college teams, there’s no question about that. To come out with three victories in China -that’s a good step forward for us.” RYAN KELLY
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Day NINE - BEIJING “I think we are adjusting as a team and figuring out things about each other. You see more ‘connecting plays’ as Coach calls them. You get a feel for your teammates’ games and play off them and play with them.” MASON PLUMLEE
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/23/11
DaY Beijing, China
ITINERARY
Great Wall of China
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Day TEN - BEIJING Following an impressive win over After the Chinese strolling Olympic through Team, the the Duke two-mile team stretch took on palaces, another the team arrivedfoe challenging at the bus on next day. theThe opposite Blue side of rose Devils the Forbidden early to City. Asfor depart the a two-hour group approached bus trip to the the Great bus, Wall street ofmerchants China. hustled over looking to sell watches, chop sticks and wooden buddha dolls. One aggressive On the way merchant over, tour guides almost provided boarded the thebus travel in an party attempt with tobrief a closelesson a sale.onThe Chinese vendors history. did not The have Great many Wall takers is over with a trip to 3,000 miles the silk longmarkets and wason built tap to later keep in the Mongolians day and the team out ofmade China.the Around quick 475 driveBC, back seven to the rival hotel kingdoms for lunch. built towers in the region to protect themselves from invasion “It was and by 221 unreal BC and one I’ve rulernever conquered seen anything all sevenlike regions it,” said and freshman China entered Marshall into feudal Plumlee society. about The touring Great the Wall Forbidden crosses City. provinces nine ”It was just and crazy is the to see onlyhow man-made many resources construction that that were is recognizable devoted tofrom China’s space. emperors and government.” The tour After lunch, andthe trek team up the headed Greatover Walltowas MasterCard a phenomenal Arena. The practiceand experience brought possibly back asfond grueling memories as anyfor game Coach theKBlue who led Devils will Team playUSA thisto season. the Olympic Once the championship team overcame with the a win over steep andSpain. uneven The steps Duke leading Globalup Health to theInstitute first lookout hosted a youth point, they health/exercise were greetedprogram with more during steps,practice ramps, towers, so local kids were crowds and able heat. to watch some hoops, meet some of the Blue Devils and learn about keys to staying healthy. “I felt like stopping on like the tenth step,” Tyler Thornton Following said half-kiddingly practice, the afterteam the journey headed was to the over. silk “I market was like, where ‘I don’telectronics, think I’m going clothes to be and able trinkets to do it,’ forbut friends we made backit to home the top.” were among the most frequent Blue Devil buys. Marshall Plumlee scored a silk robe and a Vancouver Canucks “It was crazy hockey because jersey.I’m scared of heights,” added Thornton. “Conquering the Great Wall with my teammates Following and Nolan the [Smith] market andtrip, some theof team my coaches headed home was afor great dinner which included experience as a stuffed whole. chicken When webreast, have asteak, toughmashed game we potatoes, can always salad, say we fruit, climbed meat lasagna the Great and Wall various -- nothing cakesisfor dessert.than harder Thethat.” squad was excited to enjoy an American-style meal after two nights in a row at Chinese restaurants.
The Blue Devils enjoyed scenic views all around as they climbed the Great Wall
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Friendship Coach 84 K and grandson Michael at the Great Wall
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Day TEN - BEIJING
Blue Devil players and staff atop the Great Wall of China
The pace up the Wall picked up at the midway After strollingpoint when team physical through the two-mile therapist Nick Potter stretch palaces, the challenged team arrivedMiles at the Plumlee a race up bus on thetoopposite a steeply-inclined side of the Forbidden portion of the wall. City. As the group Miles took home thestreet race title with hishustled long stride an approached the bus, merchants over and looking early out chop of thesticks starting blocks, butbuddha was not quiteOne the to sell jump watches, and wooden dolls. first playermerchant to reach the peakboarded according a teammate. aggressive almost thetobus in an attempt to close a sale. The vendors did not have many takers with was to on thetap top.later I want that in and writing,” a“Itrip tothe thefirst silk player markets in the day the jokedmade Toddthe Zafirovski. “Butback I was tired.”for lunch. team quick drive tovery the hotel “Itwas wasunreal absolutely amazing,” Zafirowski went onit,” tosaid say. “It and I’ve never seen anything like “Being able to get to the highest on the Wall freshman Marshall Plumlee aboutpoint touring the Great Forbidden and see the whole countryside -- to see how big it that actually City. ”It was just crazy to see how many resources is -- is amazing. Being there withand the team was pretty were devoted to China’s emperors government.” special with all of us making it to the top. My legs are still shaking, butthe that’s probably of the trip so far.” After lunch, team headed the overhighlight to MasterCard Arena. The practice brought back fond memories for Coach K In all, entire Blue Devil team and a majority ofwith the a staff who ledthe Team USA to the Olympic championship battled the heat, crowd to get to the top win overthrough Spain. The Dukesteps Globaland Health Institute hosted the wall. Following aprogram team picture at practice the top and some aofyouth health/exercise during so local amazing images, longmeet trip down began. kids were panoramic able to watch some the hoops, some of the Blue Robin and King, wifeabout of academic Kenny King, Devils learn keys to coordinator staying healthy. counted over 1,600 stone steps, meaning that many Blue Devils completed Stairmaster routine Following practice,the themost teamamazing headed to the silk market of all time. where electronics, clothes and trinkets for friends back home were among the most frequent Blue Devil buys. A privatePlumlee lunch for the entire party followed the Marshall scored a silktravel robe and a Vancouver tour, where Kevin White and Coach K addressed the group Canucks hockey jersey. as everyone dined on pan-fried honey baby chicken, baby potatoes, caramelized apples and cheesecake. Following the market trip, the team headed home for dinner which included stuffed chicken breast, steak, mashed The lunch ended with a team picture the entire travel potatoes, salad, fruit, meat lasagna andofvarious cakes for party and thesquad Blue Devils boarding the bus for the hotel dessert. The was excited to enjoy an American-style and an afternoon of leisure, silk and the Hong meal after two nights in a row at markets Chinese restaurants. Qiao Tian Le Toy Market.
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/24/11
DaY
11
Dubai, UAE
ITINERARY
Travel to Dubai, practice and coaches clinic at Al Wasl Club
The view from Duke Airlines 86 Friendship Games flying into Dubai
Day ELEVEN - DUBAI With three wins and a fantastic Chinese cultural experience under its belt, the Duke team took flight to Dubai on August 24th. After a quick stop in Thailand to refuel, the Blue Devils were off to the United Arab Emirates. “We are excited about coming to Dubai for another new experience,” said Austin Rivers after the 15-hour journey from Beijing to the Middle East. “The trip to China was great from a cultural and team perspective and we are really looking forward to continuing that in Dubai.” Duke arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand at midday and spent about an hour on site before reboarding flight NA72. During the brief stint in Thailand, the Blue Devils did a little shopping, grabbed a quick bite to eat and observed a monk sitting on an airport bench. Marshall Plumlee scored an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and grabbed a chicken sandwich from Burger King. Both were highly recommended by the freshman big man, as players were happy to find some American tastes available. After another six hours on the 757 flight, the Blue Devils touched down at Dubai International Airport with temperatures nearing 100 in the late afternoon. The travel convoy of five buses arrived at the palatial Mina A’Salam Hotel at the Madinat Jumeirah Resort and everyone dispersed to prepare for the evening.
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Day ELEVEN - DUBAI “It was definitely a different experience,” said Michael Gbinije. “It’s a nice seven-star hotel. It had some rock climbing and the rooms were a whole lot different than your average hotel, so it was nice.” With Muslims observing Ramadan, all food and drink in public was prohibited. The Blue Devils waited until sundown to grab a bite to eat in preparation for an evening practice and coaches clinic at Al Wasl Club led by Coach K. More than 50 coaches attended the clinic and practice which lasted about an hour and allowed the Blue Devils to exert some energy after nearly 15 hours of travel. Following practice, Coach K conducted a 20+ minute press conference with the media in attendance. “After nine or 10 hours in the air it felt good to get back out on the court to get our legs under us,” said Tyler Thornton after the practice. “This is what we came here for -- this is a business trip. Everything else is fun, but when we get in the gym it’s all business -- we have to get focused. No matter what time it is or how tired we are, we need to keep our focus so we can practice and prepare for the game.”
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/25/11
DaY
12
Dubai, UAE
ITINERARY
Game vs. UAE National Team in Dubai
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Day TWELVE - DUBAI
The team hotel in Dubai, the Mina A’Salam, was spectacular.
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AUGUST
GAME FOUR
22 Monday
Al Wasl Sports Club - Dubai, UAE
DUKE Blue Devils
UAE National Team
86 66
Andre Dawkins and Mason Plumlee combined for 37 points and 22 rebounds as Duke wrapped up an undefeated foreign tour with an 86-66 victory over the United Arab Emirates National Team at Al Wasl Club. Dawkins made six of 10 shots from 3-point range and finished with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting overall. Mason poured in 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting and hauled in 15 boards, including seven on the offensive end of the court. Austin Rivers added 16 points for the Blue Devils, 12 in the first half, including 10 in the second quarter, on an array of drives to the basket. Duke headed into the break with a 4331 lead and momentum from Mason’s offensive rebound and layup off a missed free throw just before the halftime buzzer. The Blue Devils stretched the lead to 67-48 at the end of the third quarter and coasted to victory behind a staunch defense. Duke held UAE to 30-percent shooting for the game, forcing 17 turnovers and blocking six shots, including three blocks from Miles Plumlee. The Blue Devils also controlled the glass, outrebounding UAE 66-39. Seven different players grabbed five or more rebounds in the contest. Seth Curry contributed 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals, while Alex Murphy added nine points and four rebounds for the Blue Devils. The victory over UAE completed Duke’s undefeated fourgame, two-nation Friendship Games tour. The final three games were televised live in the USA on ESPNU and ESPN3.com.
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Duke vs. the UAE in Dubai
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The Blue Devils’ hotel had a view of the The Burj Al-Arab, the 96 Games world’s only Friendship seven-star hotel. The facility has a helipad where Tiger Woods once hit golf balls and Roger Federer played tennis.
Day TWELVE - DUBAI
Day TWELVE - DUBAI
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DAY 1
Date DAY
6/11/11
8/26/11
DaY
13
Dubai, UAE
ITINERARY
Burj Khalifa, return home via Thailand, Germany, Ireland and Maine
98 down Friendship Games Looking from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa
Day THIRTEEN - DUBAI The team concluded the trip with a visit to After the tallest strolling building in through the worldthe and two-mile a quick stretchatpalaces, lunch Ruth’s Chris the team arrivedbefore Steakhouse at the bus on thethe boarding opposite plane sidea of for 20+ the hour Forbidden return City. As flight back thetogroup the approached United States. the bus, street merchants hustled over looking to sell watches, chop sticks and wooden buddha dolls. One aggressive At the tour of merchant the Burj almost Kalifa, the boarded Blue Devils the busfirst in an walked attempt to close athe through sale. largest The mall vendors in the didworld, not have which many included takersan with a trip to the aquarium impressive silk markets complete on tap later with sharks, in the day sting andrays the and team a widemade variety theof quick colorful drive fish. back The to Duke the hotel tourfor group lunch. then boarded the elevators to the observation deck and took the “It waselevator, single unreal and 124-story I’ve never jaunt seen up.anything like it,” said freshman Marshall Plumlee about touring the Forbidden City.elevator The ”It was just ridecrazy took about to seeone howminute many resources and opened that to a were devoted large observation to China’s area where emperors you could and government.” look for miles over Dubai. The view included a large patch of green that was After lunch, Dubai’s onlythe golfteam course, headed as well over asto the MasterCard crystal blue Arena. waters The of a series practice of brought waterways back and fond a number memories of nearby for Coach towers. K who led Team USA to the Olympic championship with a win over “You really Spain. can’t The imagine Dukehow Global tallHealth the building Institute is until hosted you a youth get the opportunity health/exercise to get program up here,” during said Ryan practice Kelly. so local “When kidslook you wereout able fortomiles watch insome each direction hoops, meet andsome see the of the whole Blue Devils city building and learn in front about ofkeys you, to it is staying impressive. healthy. It really is a modern marvel.” Following practice, the team headed to the silk market wherewent Kelly electronics, on to point clothes out that and the trinkets observation for friends deck back was home a littlewere over among halfwaythe upmost the building frequentwith Bluethe Devil 40 buys. floors Marshallabove directly Plumlee it serving scored private a silk robe residences. and a Vancouver Canucks hockey jersey. Another minute back down the elevator and the Blue Devils Followingback funneled the market to the buses trip, the with team several headed players, homestaffers for dinner which and travel included partystuffed members chicken stopping breast, at Candylicious steak, mashed to potatoes, salad, stockpile for thefruit, impending meat lasagna flight home. and various Skittles cakes prices for dessert.off leveled The at squad the massive was excited candyto store, enjoy providing an American-style the meal after average consumer two nights an in opportunity a row at Chinese to tasterestaurants. the rainbow for significantly less than the $9 bags at the Bangkok airport. The entire travel party lunched at Ruth’s Chris as the departure time from Dubai was moved up in hopes of getting everyone back to the states before Hurricane Irene reached North Carolina. The Blue Devils took flight around 5 PM from Dubai for an eight-hour flight to Shannon, Ireland. Heavy winds forced a brief stop in Germany for refueling. The weary travelers arrived in Ireland and spent about two hours taking in the airport terminal before reboarding the 757 for the skip across the pond to Bangor, Maine. Several airplane meals, movies, games and hours later, the Blue Devils landed in the United States at 2:40 AM Saturday to go through customs and refuel for the final leg of the trip. Duke departed Maine at 5 AM and headed west over Albany and Western Pennsylvania in order to circle into the back side of RDU and avoid some of the weather caused by Hurricane Irene. The charter 757 touched down in Raleigh at 7:16 AM with over 20,000 frequent flyer miles logged on the trip. The Blue Devils boarded one last set of buses for the 25-minute ride back to Duke where they were greeted by family, friends and fans. In just 14 days, the team had circled the globe, completing a voyage defined by extraordinary cultural education, valuable team bonding and important game experience.
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This photo was taken from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalia looking up!
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Duke coaches Chris Collins, Chris Spatola, Jeff Capel, Steve Wojciechowski and Nate James
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Coach K thanks the travel party after touching back down at RDU.
Quinn Cook
Freshman Guard On the Games “We took care of business, went 4-0. We were on national TV three times. Hanging with my teammates and classmates was just a blessing and meeting all the Duke fans and supporters was great. It was a trip I’ll never forget.” On Returning Home “It wasn’t a trip, it was an adventure to China and Dubai. I am just very blessed to be part of a great organization like Duke. Not many 18-year-old kids have been through seven countries in 13 days.”
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Duke Duke Basketball AIrlines lifts103 off for
the return to Durham, NC.
MEMORY LANE During the long trip back to Durham from Dubai, the Blue Devils shared their favorite memories from the Friendship Games trip… Quinn Cook- The water park function with the team. No questions. Seth Curry- Climbing to the top of the Great Wall on my birthday. Andre Dawkins- The Great Wall. Josh Hairston- The Forbidden City with all that history was really cool. Mike Gbinije- Visiting the water park in Dubai. Ryan Kelly- So many great memories… I’d have to say the Burj Khalifa if I can only name one. Alex Murphy- Reaching the top of the Great Wall with all of my teammates.
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Miles Plumlee- Shopping in the markets. Marshall Plumlee- That day I defeated the beast by reaching the top of the Great Wall. Mason Plumlee- Our last game in Beijing was awesome and it was really special to win on the same court where Coach K and Team USA won the gold. Austin Rivers- Making my first good play in a Duke uniform and doing it in China. Tyler Thornton- Reaching the top of the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa). Todd Zafirovski- The Great Wall. I thought it was awesome that all of the guys made it to the top.
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PLUMLEE POSTCARDS
THE BIRD’S NEST
HUANGPU RIVER
BURJ KHALIFA
RDU AIRPORT
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GREAT WALL OF CHINA
“The trip was amazing and sharing it with my teammates and brothers made it even more special. We have memories that will last for the rest of our lives.� Mason Plumlee
THE FORBIDDEN CITY
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WORLDWIDE CRAZIES Crowd, fan, cheerleader and mascot photos from Duke’s adventures in China and Dubai
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For more Crazie photos:
www.blueplanetshots.com/keyword/ Crazies
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FRIENDSHIP GAMES VIDEOS
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World Tour
New Heights
The Stairmaster
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The 2011-12 Duke Basketball team poster, with Shanghai, Beijing and Dubai among the skylines in the background
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