Catching Up with Andre Buckner: Your Questions

Looking back on your four years at Duke, how does it make you feel? You got a degree from Duke University, won a National Championship, won four ACC regular season titles and were an asset to the program all four years?

Well, I just hope that I am appreciated as much as I appreciate everything and everyone who has helped me throughout my life. Duke was an experience that I will always remember, and sometimes I just sit back and think, "wow.” I am very fortunate and I feel very well connected to the Duke family for life. That is a wonderful thing.

What are your long term goals with GMA and how do you plan on accomplishing them?

My long term goal is to add something new to the family tree every year. I want to help out and receive help from as many people as possible. I want to be plugged into every entity of entertainment. My ultimate goal is to modernize my city and help our socio-economics through entertainment and education.

What did you learn at Duke that will better you in life and with building GMA?

I learned specifically that there is a larger world out there than just Hopkinsville, KY. I learned how to connect with people from all different places, different sizes, shapes, shades, and backgrounds.

Have you spoken with Jay Williams since his accident? Would you ever ride a motorcycle or have you done so before?

No, I have not spoken to Jay although he is in my thoughts everyday. I have written him and sent him a copy of my cd in hopes of cheering him up a bit. I actually feel a bit uncomfortable answering this question given the circumstances. Let's just all pray for Jay and wish him well.

Questions from The Devil's Den Editor in Chief John Watson

Why did you change from # 15 to # 2 for your senior year?

Well, I knew that Dock had been #15 throughout his high school career. And it probably meant a lot more to him than me. #15 was one of the few numbers left over when I came to school. I didn't really care what number I wore. I just wanted to play. I actually wore number 21 all of my life and it was not available at the time. Duhon reactivated it the next year. But anyway, I felt that it was time for a change, a fresh start. Number 2 worked out well for me because it was close to 21 and so on...

What player was the biggest clown off the court?

We didn't really have a specific clown. Everyone was pretty funny in their own little way. I think I stood out a bit because my humor was a bit diverse.

What was the biggest challenge you overcame in your career?

Everyday was a challenge for me because I was always at a disadvantage. I am not a good runner, my biological make up doesn't give me really good stamina, I am not very talented as far as speed and ball handling. I was always placed against guys who were great at the things I lacked. Also, I come from a very small town, so my social and vocal skills were not very good. It took me nearly a year to even feel comfortable, and confident around my teammates and peers.

What is the typical day for a Duke Basketball player like? What makes it different from a normal college student?

We are different in a sense that we have about five or six hours less time to waste.

What was your biggest moment?

Hard to decide between winning the title, hitting the last basket in Cameron in 2003, and pushing Coach Doherty.

Tell us something about Coach K that most people wouldn’t know?

Coach K actually likes me and thinks I am a good kid.

Questions from board posters on TDD

Andre, what was it like being a part of a team knowing your role was going to be very limited? You had All Americans ahead of you every year at Duke.

-Will from Gastonia, NC

It was hard because I realized at an early stage that I would not play much if any. It kind of gave me less of an incentive to work hard. But you can look at it both ways. I am a realist, not an idealist. So, I figured out other ways to have a successful career. Thanks Will.

Who personified Duke most as a player?

-James from College Station, TX

Of course, Shane Battier of my time. I am really not familiar with Duke pre-Battier. I am actually from Kentucky and my brother went to Clemson so I wasn’t a real fan of the Blue Devils until I got there. Thanks James.

Andre-Do you have a regular 9am-5pm job now? If so, what is it and how is it going?

Bjorn, Seattle, WA

No, I do not. I have a 9am to 2am job. I am working extremely hard on my business in town. It is wonderful and I am enjoying it very much. I have freedom, and I am looking forward to traveling and living life without boundaries. Thanks Bjorn

Andre-What was Coach K's recruiting pitch that led you away from walking on at Tennessee and landing at Duke on scholarship? PS Can I have your autograph?

-Michael from North Carolina

Three words-- A free ride, I couldn't beat that with a stick and three baseball bats. You can have my autograph but it is not worth much. Thanks Michael.

Andre-What type of music is in your cd player right now and what do you like about it?

-Mark, North Carolina

Right now I have my own cd in it. I critique it all day. It is the only rap I normally listen to. I am more of a mellow guy. I like R&B, Soft Rock or whatever you would label a group like MatchBox20, oldies, and funk. I just like the melody and tunes, and display of vocals of music aside from the screaming, hard kicks, bass instruments. Thanks Mark.

Andre-What really happened with Doherty?

-Claytondevil, Clayton, NC

I can’t tell because the host would have to pay me for an exclusive, and we have yet to reach an agreement. But I will tell you that I am not the only one to blame even though I received all of the bad words in the media.

Coke or Pepsi?

-Meredith, Shepherdstown, WV

Coke. Until Pepsi pays me to drink it haaha. Just kidding. I drink Coke more often. But I like Pepsi too. I really can't tell the difference. But Red is my favorite color. Thanks Meredith

Who do you look up to as a basketball player and a musician?

-Dan from Illinois

As a basketball player, I always looked up to my brothers Greg and Mauryio. Musically, I am a huge 2Pac fan. Thanks Dan

What COLLEGE basketball team and player did you idolize growing up?

- Lane from Kingsport, Tennessee

Greg Buckner and the Clemson Tigers. I was also a Vols fan with Isiah Victor. Thanks Lane.

The old classic question-boxers or briefs?

-Matthew, from Durham, NC

Boxerbriefs! Thanks Matt. D-town in the house. Duke or NC?