news-record.com

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee, Duke's two promising frontcourt recruits, get an extra benefit from Wednesday night's McDonald's All-American Game at the BankUnited Center.

It is the last time the two will be on opposing teams. It happened twice last season, with Plumlee's Arden Christ School beating Kelly and Raleigh Ravenscroft, 62-54, to win the N.C. Independent Schools 3-A championship in the second meeting.

"We've always had respect for each other as players and people," said Kelly who averaged 29 points, 13.2 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game, "and we'll finally be on the same team at Duke."

Their competition in high school and AAU basketball has helped develop their games.

"It has been a healthy rivalry," Plumlee said. "I always knew when we played against Ryan that it would take my best effort to win. It sharpened my focus. We've talked about it, and he feels the same way."

Plumlee also will be reunited with his brother, Miles, a freshman for the Duke this season who saw limited playing time.

"It was a tough year for him, perhaps the toughest of his career," said the 6-foot-11, 220-pound Plumlee, who averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game at the Asheville private school. "I hope the transition isn't as tough for me."

Kelly isn't as concerned about that.

"I'm prepared to do whatever Coach K asks to make the team better," said Kelly, who is from Raleigh. "I'm sure there will be tough times because the game is faster and there is much more talent on a game-to-game basis."

Coach Mike Krzyzewski has two more options to match with Kyle Singler inside to balance Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer, Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith outside, not to mention transfer Seth Curry in two years.

"(Brian) Zoubek played well at the end of the season," Plumlee said. "I view it as a collective effort. I'm confident that between Kyle, Zoubek, Lance Thomas, Miles, Ryan and myself that we can do the job."

If Henderson leaves early for the NBA, which some believe he will, Singler could move to small forward and create more minutes for Thomas, the Plumlees and Kelly.

Kelly, who is 6-10, 217, has been a consistent scorer who functions well around the basket.

Both players have good mid-range games, but Kelly's game with his back to the basket is slightly more advanced.

Plumlee's rebounding and passing are solid, but he needs to score more rather than just taking points when they are there. He has an instinct for finding the ball coming off the glass.

"I'm not as concerned about offense as I am adjusting to the defense," Kelly said. "I've been working on my hips and sliding side-to-side. Duke's defense is built on pressure and switching a lot."

The Plumlees made one positive switch, and it was leaving Indiana for Arden.

"It is a long story," Plumlee said, "but we lived in a small town in Indiana where the basketball wasn't what we hoped it would be."

As is the case for most freshmen, Kelly and Plumlee have to adjust in a college program where they are expected to contribute immediately.

"I don't think that I'll be uncomfortable," Plumlee said, "but I understand how the game changes from high school to college. If Duke didn't think I had something to offer, I wouldn't be there."

Kelly can't imagine being one of the players the Cameron Crazies back, but he can't imagine not having them there.

"They help create one of college basketball's great environments," Kelly said, "and it is one reason Duke has been consistently good at home."

Kelly and Plumlee can't wait to be teammates, but first comes the McDonald's All-American Game, where they will be on opposing teams one final time.

While some players and others have concerns about playing in all-star events, Plumlee isn't one of them.

"If we weren't playing in this game, we would be playing somewhere," Plumlee said, "so why not play in the one with the best players?"