It"s Time to Pay More Attention to Jared Kushner

What We Know About Jared Kushner And His Infleunce With Donald Trump | MSNBC

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of of President-elect Donald Trump, walks from Trump Tower on November 14, 2016, in New York. As Trump and President Barack Obama met privately at the White House, Kushner strolled the mansion"s South Lawn, deep in conversation with Obama"s chief of staff. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Chris Christie was fired as the head of Donald Trump"s transition team last week. This week, two members of Trump"s transition team for national security have also been fired. What"s going on? The Washington Post says this:

A former U.S. official with ties to the Trump team described the ousters of Rogers and others as a "bloodletting of anybody that associated in any way on the transition with Christie," and said that the departures were engineered by two Trump loyalists who have taken control of who will get national security posts in the administration: retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Rogers had no prior significant ties to Christie but had been recruited to join the Trump team as an adviser by the former New Jersey governor. At least three other Christie associates were also pushed aside, former officials said, apparently in retaliation for Christies role as a U.S. prosecutor in sending Kushners father to prison.

Smoldering vengeance is about what we"d expect from Trump and his extended family, so I"m provisionally ready to believe this is what"s going on. Remember this?

Aboard his gold-plated jumbo jet, the Republican nominee does not like to rest or be alone with his thoughts, insisting that aides stay up and keep talking to him. He prefers the soothing, whispery voice of his son-in-law.

Kushner is Trump"s very own Grima Wormtongue! And he really, really, doesn"t like Christie. This is from July:

Sources close to Jared Kushner, who is Ivanka Trumps husband, say that Kushner has been telling them that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be Vice-President over his dead body. Kushner, who is playing an increasingly active role in the campaign, has a bitter history with Christie. Christie, when he was the US attorney of New Jersey, prosecuted his father, Charles Kushner, in a case that grabbed national headlines. The elder Kushner, pled guilty to 18 counts of illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering in 2005. He received a 2 year prison sentence.

Wait. Kushner"s father engaged in witness tampering? Oh yes:

The federal witnesses he had attempted to retaliate against were his sister and brother-in-law, who were cooperating with that same investigation. Kushner paid a prostitute $10,000 to lure his brother-in-law to a motel room at the Red Bull Inn in Bridgewater to have s*x with him. A hidden camera recorded the activity, and Kushner sent the lurid tape to his sister, making sure the tape arrived on the day of a family party.

Maybe we should be less worried about Steve Bannon and more worried about Jared Kushner. No, scratch that. We should be worried about both. But Bannon is already getting plenty of attention. I have a feeling maybe Kushner should too.

Source: http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/11/time-pay-attention-jared-kushner

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Jerry Lopez says crowds on Ricky Martin"s world tour were totally loco

Ricky Martin se casará con su novio Jwan Yosef

Jerry Lopez well remembers taking the stage in front of 17,000 Ricky Martindevotees at Miami Arena on Oct. 20, 1999.

Lopez was ready for that night. He spent eight days learning the set list for the show he was about to perform on lead guitar. He was equipped with his trusty Fender Stratocaster and a pair of in-ear sound monitors so he would not miss a beat.

But as soon as the crowd heard the first notes of Livin La Vida Loca as Martin raced to the stage, Lopezs preparation was obsolete.

The audiences deafening screams made it impossible to hear, forcing him to play the famous hit by memory.

This roar happened that drowned out everything, said Lopez, the front man and founder of Palms headliners Santa Fe &The Fat City Horns, during a recent interview on my KUNV 91.5-FM radio show. I heard nothing. It was so loud that I was playing by braille. It was a very scary moment in an exposed moment of the show. It was the weirdest, weirdest thing ever.

Having said that, Lopez added, Every musician should have a taste of that, a moment like that, when youre a real rock star.

Martin and Lopezs lives will cross again next April when Martin begins an extended engagement at Park Theater at Monte Carlo. The 44-year-old international singing sensation will perform April 5, 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15. Hes back for two more stretches in June and September (tickets range from $59.50-$175, absent fees, and are on sale beginning at 10 a.m. Monday at ticketmaster.com/rickymartin).

Lopez spent a year on tour with Martin, playing for sold-out crowds at every stop. More than 54,000 filled Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City; 46,000 filed into the Sun Bowl in Tempe, Arizona. The traveling crew exceeded 100 members, with 13 buses and 17 semis descending on each venue.

In 2001 Lopez became the music director for Storm at Mandalay Bay, a theatrical show conceived by members of Martins creative team.

Today, Lopez just drives himself to his gigs at the Lounge at the Palms, where Santa Fe returned to a packed house of more than 240 last Monday night.

But you know what? The crowd at the Palms is actually more intimidating than playing for 50,000 people, Lopez said. At the Palms, you can see the whites of the eyes of the people sitting right in front of me. I can gauge every reaction. In that environment, Lopez can see and more important, hear everything.

BAND BREAKS

Band of Magicians is going dark after next Mondays show at Tropicana Theater, less than four weeks after it opened. James Galea, Joel Ward, Brett Loudermilk and Stuart MacLeod were told last Monday that the production will be on hiatus through the rest of this year (the term hiatus has also been used by 53X, about to close this weekend at Chateau at Paris Las Vegas).

Production officials explained that this break was planned because of seasonally low show attendance caused by the arrival of the National Finals Rodeo, set for Dec. 1-10. The magicians, a magnanimous lot, and executive producer Steve Sterling are reportedly planning some upgrades to the show for a January relaunch. Hey, if that happens, well be back that night.

A PLAN FOR THE PLOT

Rock in Rio USA is not happening in Las Vegas in May of 2017, but that doesnt mean the festival is finished forever. Chris Baldizan, MGM Resorts senior vice president of entertainment booking and development, said Wednesday that he still hopes the event will return in 2019. The original schedule was for Rock in Rio to be held here 2015, 2017 and 2019, he said. Its not working out next year, but we plan on keeping communication open for its return. We consider (Rock in Rio officials) our friends, and we want them to come back.

KEEP (FRANKS) MEMORY ALIVE

Divas Las Vegas frontman/woman Frank Marino never forgets a face as long as Larry Edwards is at his side. Marino has been depending on Edwards to help identify fans and acquaintances during Marinos post-show meet-and-greet events after his drag show at Linq Showroom.

It seems Marino, who turns 53 on Sunday, has detected he has increasing difficulty remembering names, dates and events. Edwards, who portrays Tina Turner and Beyonce in Divas, has been a friend of Marinos throughout Marinos 32-year career on the Strip (first in Evening at La Cage and for the past five years in Divas at the Linq). So when Marino draws a blank, Edwards is there to fill it.

I whisper to him, Now, who is this person? How do we know him? Marino said Tuesday during a visit to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. I feel that my short-term memory, things that happened over the past 6-to-18 months, is suffering. Thats why I am here. Marino has volunteered to serve as a case study in the Cleveland Clinics Professional Fighters Brain Health Study as part of National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month.

Though not a professional (or even amateur) fighter, Marino has been taking part in the study to test his cognitive mental and physical health, using the Cleveland Clinics C3 iPad test to monitor his movements and responses. The device is hooked to a harness and the results recorded by Cleveland Clinic research specialist Pamela Dino.

I am a big proponent of research, and raising awareness, said Marino, who plans on continuing the study indefinitely. If there is something wrong, Id rather know now than later.

John Katsilometes column runs Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in the A section, and Fridays in Neon. He also hosts Kats! On The Radio Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KUNV 91.5-FM and appears Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with Dayna Roselli on KTNV Channel 13. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.

Source: http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/columns/kats/jerry-lopez-says-crowds-ricky-martin-s-world-tour-were-totally-loco

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"The Voice" Top 11 Is Revealed as Alicia Keys Performs New Music

Alicia Keys - Holy War (Audio)

The top 11 artists of the season were announced in tonights live results episode of The Voice. Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys didnt have a say in these results, which were determined by voting and iTunes downloads after last nights performance. It was all in the viewers hands. The bottom two had to sing for the instant save.

The first artist voted through to the top 11 was Team Mileys Ali Caldwell, who sang Did I Ever Love You by Leonard Cohen last night. America also saved Team Alicias young artist W Mcdonald, who gave a powerful performance of Take Me to Church by Hozier last night. Team Adams Brendan Fletcher also advanced. Fletcher sang Whipping Post by The Allman Brothers this week in one of his personal best performances.

Levine took the stage with his top 12 artists: Fletcher, Josh Gallagher and Billy Gilman. Team Adam sang For What Its Worth, with Levine, Gallagher and Fletcher all playing guitar.

Carson Daly then brought out the artists for more results. America voted to save Team Blakes Courtney Harrell, who was shocked to join the top 11. But she shouldnt have been surprised; shes Team Blakes most impressive artist. America also saved Team Adams country-turned-pop singer Gilman.

Next, Alicia Keys sang part of her single Blended Family from her new album Here but then transitioned into a performance of Holy War, also from Here. She accompanied herself on the piano and was joined by Levine on the guitar. It was a powerful performance that ended up being the most exciting part of the night.

As more results came in, Team Mileys Darby Walker advanced to the top 11, along with Austin Allsup. Walker put her own twist on Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones last night, while Allsup similarly brought his own sound to Do Right Woman, Do Right Man by Aretha Franklin.

Cyrus joined Walker, Caldwell and Aaron Gibson next for a Team Miley performance of Therell Always Be Music by Dolly Parton. The harmonies were nice, but everyone sort of seemed like they were trying to outsing one another instead of singing together.

America saved Team Alicias Christian Cuevas, who sang The Scientist by Coldplay last night. Gallagher from Team Adam also advanced, which meant all of Levines artists made it to the top 11. The last artist automatically through to the top 11 was Team Blakes Sundance Head.

That left Team Alicias SaRayah and Team Mileys Gibson to sing for the instant save. Only one could advance to the top 11.

SaRayah went first, singing for her life in a performance of Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin. It was a high-energy and magnetic performance, with SaRayah showing off her bold vocals and range. Keys urged viewers to vote for her artist. Continue to walk in your light, she said to SaRayah, who seemed confident even though everything was on the line.

Gibson followed with a softer, quieter performance. He sang Lego House by Ed Sheeran. Singing a Sheeran song in the high-stakes setting of an instant save was not the smartest choice. Sheeran songs are beautiful but ultimately empty unless the artist can bring something special to it, and Gibson didnt. Would it connect with America enough to keep him in the competition? Cyrus said she was proud of him no matter what was about to happen.

With the votes from Twitter in, Gibson surprisingly received the instant save, and SaRayah went home.

The top 11 perform next week on The Voice. What did you think of tonights instant save?

This was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.

Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7580398/the-voice-top-11-alicia-keys-performs

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Maybe he"s done with livin" la vida loca. Because Ricky Martin is engaged

Ricky Martin - La Mordidita (Official Video) ft. Yotuel

Ricky Martin is going to be shaking his bon bon down the aisle: Hes engaged to Jwan Yosef, a conceptual artist hes been official with since January.

I was really nervous, the 44-year-old singer told Ellen DeGeneres on her Wednesday show, but I got on my knees and I got out the little not a box,I just had [the rings] in a little velvet pouch and instead of saying, "Would you marry me, Isaid, I got you something!Fact!

The two have been dating for more than a year, after art-collector Martin saw Yosefs work, liked it,and looked him up.

I had no idea what he looked like, and then I saw what he looked like, and I was like,yeah, the Menudo alum explained. Said DeGeneres: And then you collected him.

This, folks, is what Yosef looks like:

(Really, who wouldnt say yeah? OK, you you get out of the room while the rest of us say, yeah. Cool, you can come back in now.)

So, after presenting the ring, I said, Iwant to spend my life with you, explained the singer and father of two. And he was like, What is the question?

It was, of course,Would you marry me?

It was very beautiful, Martin said. And then, like 30 minutes after,I said, "Wait, did you sayyes?

Yes, Ricky, he said yes! As for when this all happened, Martin can be seen with a band on his left-hand ring finger in an Instagram shot posted Sept. 30.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK_RQDjAJVt/

Heres Martin telling DeGeneresthe whole story.

Follow Christie DZurilla on Twitter @theCDZ

ALSO

Shia LaBeouf says his Las Vegas wedding to Mia Goth was legit

Singer Ricky Martin splits with four-year boyfriend Carlos Gonzalez Abella

Mariah Carey and James Packer"s split is a mess of money, mansions and gossip grenades

Source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-ricky-martin-engaged-20161116-htmlstory.html

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Carrie Fisher Drops "Star Wars" Bombshell: Did She & Harrison Ford Really Have An Affair?

Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds Interview FULL - THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW - 2011
November 16, 2016 5:05 PM PST

She"s played coy about the rumors in the past, but in her new book "The Princess Diarist" Carrie Fisher claims she and Harrison Ford had an "intense" three-month affair on the "Star Wars" set in 1976. While the actors did share a friendly kiss on the Comic-Con stage last year, Harrison himself has yet to comment.

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNE4Lb6Wqrw5RCYVyiAKq1_5gp5o9w&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&ei=6HAtWJiSIYPE3QGL9rbgCA&url=https://www.accesshollywood.com/videos/carrie-fisher-drops-star-wars-bombshell-did-she-harrison-ford-really-have-an-affair/

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Holly Dunn"s 10 Biggest Billboard Hits

Daddy"s Hands-Holly Dunn

Known best for her run of hit country songs in the 1980s and "90s, Holly Dunn died Tuesday (Nov. 15) after battling ovarian cancer. She was 59.

Born Holly Suzette Dunn in San Antonio, Texas, in 1957, the singer-songwriter rolled up 21 appearances on Billboard"s Hot Country Songs chart from 1985 to 1995, initially recording for MTM Records before moving to Warner Bros. in 1989. Originally, Dunn and songwriter brother Chris Waters signed to MTM as writers. Early success came when the pair, along with Tom Shapiro, co-wrote Louise Mandrell"s "I"m Not Through Loving You Yet," which rose to No. 7 on Hot Country Songs in June 1984.

After then signing with MTM as an artist, Dunn"s 1985 debut single, "Playing for Keeps," dented Hot Country Songs with a No. 62 peak before she cracked the top 10 for the first time with what became arguably her signature song, "Daddy"s Hands" (her fourth chart entry), which climbed to No. 7 in November 1986. Dunn wrote "Hands" by herself as a tribute to her father, a San Antonio minister.

Holly Dunn"s 10 Biggest Billboard HitsRank, Title, Hot Country Songs Peak Position, Peak Date1, "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me," No. 1 (one week), 19892, "Love Someone Like Me," No. 2, 19873, "There Goes My Heart Again," No. 4, 19894, "Only When I Love," No. 4, 19875, "That"s What Your Love Does to Me," No. 5, 19886, "You Really Had Me Going," No. 1 (one week), 19907, "A Face in the Crowd" (with Michael Martin Murphy), No. 4, 19878, "Strangers Again," No. 7, 19889, "Daddy"s Hands," No. 7, 198610, " (It"s Always Gonna Be) Someday," No. 11, 1988

Holly Dunn"s 10 Biggest Billboard Hits are based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (through the Nov. 26, 2016, ranking). Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at lower ranks earning less. Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted to account for different chart turnover rates over various periods.

Dunn collected nine total Hot Country Songs top 10s, including two No. 1s: "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me" (1986) and "You Really Had Me Going" (1990). Her chart hits included two duets: "A Face in the Crowd," with Michael Martin Murphey (No. 4, 1987), and "Maybe," with Kenny Rogers (No. 25, 1990). Dunn also logged six Top Country Albums entries, with 1987"s Cornerstone her highest-charting (No. 22).

Dunn was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1989. She signed with River North Records in 1995, releasing two albums for the label: Life and Love and All the Stages (1995) and Leave One Bridge Standing (1997). Before retiring from music to pursue painting, she released one last LP in 2003, Full Circle, on the independent South Heart label.

Dunn"s career even included a short stint in radio. Having worked in college radio, she joined WWWW-FM Detroit in 1997 as morning personality Jim Bosh"s co-host in 1997, staying on-air for almost a year.

"Working with Holly was one of the highlights of my career," Bosh tells Billboard. "Holly was talented, gracious and always came to work with a great attitude and a smile on her face. We had many awesome experiences doing the show in the studio and on the road. The whole team had a great time off the air, as well, with many lunches and dinner parties and lots of laughs. Holly was class and warmth 24/7. I will miss her forever."

Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7580346/holly-dunn-10-biggest-billboard-hits

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Getting to know: Duke basketball

Top Plays: Duke 90, VA State 59 (Ex.)

Duke"s Frank Jackson (15) and Grayson Allen (3) guard Grand Canyon"s Fiifi Aidoo (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. Duke won 96-61.

The Kansas Jayhawks certainly did themselves no favors with their schedule, traveling several time zones to play two top-10 teams in the nation within a span of five days.

The good news: There might not be a better time to play top-ranked Duke this season. The No. 7 Jayhawks will face a team that"s at much less than full strength during the Champions Classic around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

The Blue Devils are without three freshmen in their highly-regarded recruiting class because of injuries.

Of course, even with some injuries, Duke is still Duke. Theres a high-scoring backcourt led by All-American junior Grayson Allen, who is averaging more than 20 points per game. Along with Allen is emerging sophomore Luke Kennard, senior Matt Jones and freshman point guard Frank Jackson.

And then there"s a guy in charge named Mike Krzyzewski, the winningest coach in NCAA history.

But if there"s a good sign for the Jayhawks, Duke misses its three star freshmen in the frontcourt. The Blue Devils returned fifth-year senior Amile Jefferson, who missed 27 games last year with a broken foot and received a medical redshirt. After that, its a bunch of question marks. In the first two games, Duke leaned on sophomore Chase Jeter, who wasnt strong enough to hold a steady spot in the rotation last year.

Plus, there"s not many regular season events that can produce great matchups like the Champions Classic each year.

Interesting note: Duke has won 45 of its past 68 games (66 percent) when both teams have been ranked in the top 10.

Series history: Duke leads, 7-3. The last time these two schools met was in the Champions Classic in Chicago in 2013, which the Jayhawks won, 94-83. It was KUs lone win in the history of the Champions Classic.

DUKE STARTERSNo. 5 G Luke Kennard | 6-6, 202, soph.

• One of the most improved players for the Blue Devils, Kennard is averaging 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists through two games. Hes shooting 57 percent from the floor (12-of-21) and is 4-of-8 from deep.

• The left-handed sharpshooter connected on 52.8 percent of his shots from inside the three-point line last year (86 of 163). Plus hes a phenomenal free-throw shooter, making 88.9 percent last year.

• The Franklin, Ohio native had some shooting slumps during his freshman season, but averaged a strong 1.03 points per possessions, according to Synergy Sports Technology. He makes smart decisions with the ball and is equally strong with jump shots and driving to the rim.

• Kennard ended his prep career as the second highest scorer in Ohio state history with 2,997 points, only trailing former Ohio State guard Jon Diebler.

• QUOTE: He doesnt have to force me to play him, coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the teams first exhibition game. Hes played great. I think, to be quite frank with it, hes played the best overall since we started practice.

No. 3 G Grayson Allen | 6-5, 202, jr.

• Beloved by Duke fans and despised by opposing fan bases, Allen is one of the most prolific scorers in the country. Hes a preseason All-American and the preseason ACC Player of the Year.

• Through two games, Allen has picked up where left off last season. Hes averaging 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

• A skilled driver, especially with his right hand, Allen took 32.6 percent of his shots at the rim last season, according to hoop-math.com. Hes only taken 14.3 percent of his shots at the rim in Dukes two games.

• He hasnt shot the ball particularly well, 11 of 28 (39.3 percent), but knows how to earn trips to the free throw line, where hes shooting 81.3 percent (13 of 16).

• Highlighted Dukes 2015 national championship with 16 points in 21 minutes.

• QUOTE: I feel quicker, Allen told Sports Illustrated, noting he dropped 10 pounds in the offseason. Im not walking into the gym feeling sluggish. Thats going to be big if Im able to stay fresh game to game.

No. 13 G Matt Jones | 6-5, 204, sr.

• His hamstring tightened up in Dukes first exhibition game, but there hasnt been any lingering effects. In two games, hes averaged 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

• Jones, who has a slower release compared to most shooters, shot 41.5 percent from behind the three-point line last year (76-of-183). Hes started slow this season at 28.6 percent (4-of-14).

• Dukes best on-ball defender, Jones usually draws the assignment of the opposing teams top guard. Hes a big reason the Blue Devils held their first two opponents to an average of 55 points on 16.2 percent shooting from deep.

• Jones only played four minutes when the Blue Devils played Kansas in the 2013 Champions Classic. He was scoreless, missing a three-pointer and two free throws.

• QUOTE: Im really excited about my growth, Jones said. I feel like Ive became a man just through all the ups and downs that Ive been through. As far as my game goes, Im more confident than ever but mentally I feel like thats where Ive had my biggest growth spurt and thats what I hang my hat on.

No. 2 F Chase Jeter | 6-10, 230, soph.

Duke forward Chase Jeter (2) blocks a shot by Marist guard Brian Parker, lower left, as Marist center Kentrall Brooks (1) and forward Isaiah Lamb (4) watch during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.

• Jeter earned his first two career starts this season, averaging seven points, five rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 steals. He set career highs with 11 points and eight rebounds in the season opener against Marist.

• He was at the bottom of Dukes rotation last season. He didnt have enough strength necessary to battle inside for layups or play strong post defense without fouling.

• The Las Vegas native took 73.7 percent of his shots at the rim last year, but only had a 60.7 field goal percentage on those shots, per hoop-math.com. This season, hes improved those numbers to 83.3 percent shots at the rim and hes made 80 percent.

• His father, Chris, played basketball at UNLV and was a reserve big man on the 1989-90 national championship team.

• QUOTE: Im finally coming into my own here at Duke, Jeter said. I always knew I could do this and its just finally happening for me now. Its much different than last year for me, being able to get in and be composed and have that type of mindset to be relaxed out there on the court.

No. 21 F Amile Jefferson | 6-9, 224, r-sr.

• Jefferson is Dukes glue guy that does the dirty work, is an extra coachs voice on the court and helps all of his teammates play better. He missed the final 27 games last year with a right foot fracture and the Blue Devils certainly missed his presence.

• Back on the court following a medical redshirt season, Jefferson is averaging 10 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks per game. Hes shot 7-for-11 from the floor.

• One of the best offensive rebounders in school history, Jefferson entered this season ranked sixth on Dukes all-time career list with 277 offensive boards.

• An efficient scorer in the post with a steady dose of dunks and layups, he ranks second in Duke history in field goal percentage (.624). He only trails Carlos Boozer, who shot .631 from the floor.

• When Duke played Kansas in the Champions Classic in 2013, Jefferson scored 17 points in 26 minutes, making 7 of his 9 shots. He added two rebounds, one assist and one turnover.

• QUOTE: Hes just evolving. Hes a really good basketball player, and he doesnt have a position, Krzyzewski said at the teams media day. If he gets a rebound, he can bring it up the court and hed be our so-called point guard. He can make really good decisions and he can defend multiple positions, and hes a great guy to lead our full-court pressure.

DUKE BENCHNo. 15 G Frank Jackson | 6-3, 205, fr.

• After Derryck Thornton transferred at the end of last season, Jackson became the de facto point guard though hes played off of the bench in the first two games and hes more of a scoring guard.

• In his first two collegiate games, Jackson has shown the same level of scoring that made him so successful in high school. Hes averaging 19.5 points per game in 25 minutes, adding a total of five rebounds, six assists, four steals and five turnovers. He was named the ACC Freshman of the Week.

• Jackson is shooting 50 percent from deep, making 5 of his first 10 attempts this year.

• His father, Al, was appointed to state senator in Utah. He resigned in July to move to Virginia for a new job.

• QUOTE: Frank did a great job of that tonight coming off the bench and playing with a verve, lifting our team up, Jefferson said after Saturdays game. Hes crafty, hes quick and he understands the spacing of the floor for where he needs to be to be most advantageous.

No. 12 F Javin DeLaurier | 6-10, 220, fr.

• Quietly hiding in Dukes star-studded freshmen recruiting class, DeLaurier impresses with his athleticism.

• In Dukes first two games, he was the second player off of the bench. But he only played a few seconds in the first half against Grand Canyon, so its really a six-man rotation.

• The Shipman, Va., native has scored eight points in 23 minutes, shooting 4-of-4 from the floor. Hes added nine rebounds and six fouls.

• His mother, Cta, earned Atlantic 10 Tournament MVP honors in 1993 while playing for Rutgers.

No. 30 C Antonio Vrankovic | 7-0, 261, soph.

Marist guard Khallid Hart (5) drives past Duke center Antonio Vrankovic (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C., Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. Duke won 94-49.

• He appeared in five games last year, only in blowouts. But injuries have forced him into the front-court rotation. He doesnt have a polished offensive game, but can use his height to grab rebounds.

• A Delray Beach, Fla., native, Vrankovic has scored seven points in 24 minutes during Dukes first two games, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing two assists. Hes only made 40 percent of his shots at the rim, according to hoop-math.com.

• His father, Stojiko, played five seasons in the NBA and won Olympic silver medals in 1988 and 1992 with Yugoslavia.

No. 41 F Jack White | 6-7, 215, fr.

• From Australia, White made a name for himself during international play. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 11 games at the FIBA U-19 World Championships.

• During the first two games of the season, White has played sparingly. Hes scored eight points in 16 minutes, make six of his eight free throws.

No. 0 F Jayson Tatum | 6-8, 205, fr.

• Out with a sprained foot that he suffered in a preseason practice/showcase for NBA scouts.

• "We"ve got to be careful not to get these guys coming back too soon," Krzyzewski said. "Jayson was doing great. I think we put him in practice a little too soon, and I think that hurt him. We"re just going to shut those guys down for a while."

No. 20 C Marques Bolden | 6-11, 245, fr.

• Out with a lower-leg injury that Krzyzewski said was too difficult to explain. There wasnt an event (that caused it). Sometimes you wake up, and it"s something you didn"t notice."

No. 1 F Harry Giles | 6-10, 240, fr.

• After suffering two major knee injuries during high school, Giles underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in October. Its expected he will take the longest to return to the court among the three injured freshmen.

• In a nice story by ESPNs Dana ONeil, Giles is hoping to play in his friends memory.

Source: http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/call-nightengale/2016/nov/14/getting-to-know-duke-basketball/

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