Duke Lands Another Top Prospect
Coach Mike Kryzewski is setting up what could be one of his strongest recruiting classes ever. Not only does he have Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum, who are the first #1 and #2 pick to commit to the same school, but he will also be adding center Marques Bolden to his list. Bolden, the 6-foot ten 240 pound Dallas-native, will be the fourth top-20 commit including Giles, Tatum, and McDonald’s All-American game MVP Frank Jackson. I believe Bolden will fit right in where Marshall Plumlee left of at the center position. This could help guys like incoming freshman Javin De Laurier and returning players Chase Jeter and team captain Amile Jefferson be able to spread out on the court and use their slashing abilities to impact the game. In the past with smaller lineups, it was not uncommon to see Jefferson or Jeter playing the center role with four guards around them. Now Duke can have a true center in the middle to anchor the defense and protect the rim. I think that this second ranked recruiting class coming in under Coach K will have high hopes this upcoming season. There should be a match-up mismatch at positions one through five, all depending on the opponent that night. Duke could seriously be raising a sixth championship banner around this time next year, but only time will tell. Either way, the Blue Devils are in for a great season.