Is Nelson Having Second Thoughts

During the Adidas Big Time Tournament this past week in Las Vegas, word began to spread that Demarcus Nelson was thinking about backing out of his commitment to Duke. Many believed that the 6-foot-3, 195-pound shooting guard from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, CA., was seriously considering staying in California and playing for his hometown UCLA Bruins.

“No, I am not trying to get out of my commitment to Duke,” Nelson said. “That is just another rumor. I plan on attending Duke after I graduate from high school.”

Now that Nelson has set the record straight, he plans to focus on his senior year and, more importantly, take care of some unfinished business. The Duke coaching staff has spoke with Nelson about his game and they are doing everything they can to prepare him for the next level.

“The coaches at Duke have given me some advice about areas of my game that I should work on,” he said. “They are doing their best to prepare me for my time at Duke. I have not focused on one area of my game, but all areas.

“I have some goals I plan to achieve before I leave for Duke,” he added. “I’ve never won a state championship, so that’s really important to me. On a personal level, it would be great if I was named Mr. Basketball in the state of California. Most of all, winning a fourth straight player of the year award would also be a great accomplishment.”

As it stands right now, Nelson and Tyson Chandler are the only two players to be named player of the year for three consecutive years. If Nelson can win the award again next year, the record would be his.

Rivals.com ranks Nelson No. 20 on the Rivals150 list and the fifth best player at his position.