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Like Mike? Not if you’re Duke commit Rasheed Sulaimon

Rasheed Sulaimon

McDonald’s West All-American Rasheed Sulaimon, (35) from Houston, Texas, shoots during the three-point competition of the McDonald’s All-American Jam Fest at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Monday, March 26, 2012. Sulaimon won the boys competition. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

AP

At this year’s Jordan Classic -- which is, after all, named for His Airness -- a group of prospects decided to sing the commercial jingle “Like Mike” in honor of the greatest basketball player of all time. Everyone, from Shabazz Muhammad (UCLA) to Nerlens Noel (Kentucky), took a turn slaying eardrums.

One recruit, in particular, was reluctant to join in.

Duke commit Rasheed Sulaimon decided it was a no-go, saying “Mike, you’re still my man, but the Duke/UNC rivalry is just too big.” Austin Rivers was similarly disinclined to invite scorn from his teammates and fans last year.

Who does Rasheed want to emulate, then? He name-checked Rivers, Jason Williams and, of course, Coach K.

Smart kid. There’s something to be said for knowing which side of Tobacco Road your bread is buttered on.