<p>Mentioning basketball doesn't seem like a good idea to me not because it's a little tired, but because unless you have plans to be part of the b-ball program, it doesn't really tell anything about you. A lot of apps "demonstrate interest" by rattling off all they know about Duke, but adcoms already KNOW all about Duke--they want to know about you. You want your essay to convey how you'll benefit and contribute at Duke, ideally by tying it into your HS record and ECs. Example(s): Your coaching/community involvement experience is something you hope to continue/expand on in Durham. The "go for it" attitude you took to umpiring you want to apply to [blank] at Duke. You're interested in Duke in LA (the film/tv program with USC), etc... </p>
<p>I want to be a Cameron Crazie is a dud.</p>