Plumlee Makes Surprise Visit To Jefferson Elementary
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Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – Less than a week ago, Mason Plumlee was in Spain, playing basketball on the biggest stage against the best players on the planet as Team USA won Gold in the FIBA World Cup. Thursday afternoon the stage was much smaller, though he had the full attention of his audience with every move he made. The 6-foot-11 Plumlee threw down an array of dunks. He signed autographs and posed for pictures. It was just another day at the office for the former Duke University standout, who is gearing up for his second NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets. Back in Indiana to visit family and go to a friend’s wedding this weekend, Plumlee made a surprise visit to Jefferson Elementary School, the school he and his brothers Miles and Marshall and sister Madeline attended. “It’s always fun to come back home and see people that you appreciate so much,” said Plumlee. “There’s so many people at Jefferson that helped me ... people like Denny Duncan. And I appreciate them. I don’t get to come home often, but it’s fun to come back and see them.” Duncan, the former Jefferson Elementary School principal, was just as excited to see Plumlee. “The staff that was here when the Plumlees went here, and some of that staff is still here, loved them,” said Duncan. “They’re great kids.” Miles is preparing for his third NBA season as a member of the Phoenix Suns, while Marshall is entering his junior year and playing basketball at Duke University and Madeline is in her freshman year and playing volleyball at Notre Dame. After spending time with the staff and students during recess, Plumlee sat and talked hoops at the Grace College Bookstore. The conversation included everything from his rookie season with the Nets to playing for Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski again, this time as a member of Team USA, to the time he ate lunch with golf star Rory McIlroy. Plumlee won three high school state championships in North Carolina, a national championship at Duke, and now he has a Gold medal and memories of a trip to Spain he’ll never forget. And to think, he – along with Miles – went to the Team USA camp in Las Vegas as a member of the Select Team, the team that was picked to scrimmage the group that would eventually play in Spain. “It was an honor to just play for the Select Team,” said Plumlee. “And to have Miles out there too, that was awesome. “They told the Select Team players our purpose was to scrimmage and get the guys ready for international play,” added Plumlee. “They told us not to show off or have any ideas of making the other team.” As Plumlee continued his story, he talked about how Jerry Colangelo, who runs USA Basketball, noticed how well he was playing in practice. With the National Team needing post players, Plumlee was added to the roster, and after what he called a “long month” he made the trip to Spain. It allowed him to play for Coach K again, as well as play with former Duke teammate Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers star point guard who was named MVP of the World Cup. “We had the guards we needed, but they were looking ahead to a matchup with Spain, and we needed some more bigs,” said Plumlee. “I think they saw what I did during the season against the Gasol brothers. Coach K is the coach, yes, but Jerry Colangelo makes all the decisions. It was an honor to make the National Team.” Plumlee averaged seven points per game for the Nets during his rookie season. While he said he enjoyed playing for coach Jason Kidd, Plumlee said he’s excited about playing this season for coach Lionel Hollins. “All the talk is about the big trades that were made in the offseason, so we’re kind of being overlooked,” said Plumlee. “That’s fine with us. “I have a lot teammates on the Nets that are former All-Stars and members of the Olympic team. I have a great group of guys around me, pushing me every day. Last year, I was fixated on just getting on the floor. I wanted to do whatever I could just to get in the game. It’s been a good summer, and I’m excited about the season.” The Nets’ first preseason game is scheduled for Oct. 7. Brooklyn opens the regular season Oct. 29 in Boston.
