Coach K of Duke University (Photo : Jeremy Brevard / Reuters)
The Duke Blue Devils have their sights set on taking the top 2016 Recruiting Class. After Jayson Tatum, next target is top prospect Harry Giles.
Despite winning the NCAA Championship last April, the Duke Blue Devils are not letting up on their recruiting efforts. They just had the top recruiting class of 2015 but now they have their sights set on 2016.
As of now, Duke already has the inside track on the young 2016 race when they successfully gained a commitment from Jayson Tatum, the no. 2 ranked recruit in the 2016 class according to ESPN 100 recruiting database.
Tatum was described in the ESPN Scouting Report as "a smooth and versatile skilled wing who has mastered the art of the middle game." They also note that he has "a very good basketball IQ" and with his 6'8" frame, he has the speed and versatility to defend any position.
While a recruit like Tatum is enough to boost a college recruiting class, Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his crew are not taking any chances. They have their sights set on Harry Giles, the no. 1 recruit of the 2016 class.
Giles is a prime prospect and according to ESPN interviews with coaches, he's a shoo-in to make the NBA.
"He's a potential 10-15 year NBA all-star for sure," an unnamed coach said. "He's 17 years old and doing that [his performance with Team USA and at the Peach Jam]."
"He's a pro, obviously, but I think he's got a chance to be a great one," reiterated another coach. "He's one of the best prospects I've seen in a long time."
The 6-10, 230 pound prospect has narrowed down his college choices recently on Twitter. His choices are down to Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky and Wake Forest.
These are probably the top four college recruitment machines in the country save for Wake Forest, but SB Nation says Duke has the edge because "Giles has stated his desire to team up with ESPN's No. 2 recruit, Jayson Tatum, in college. "
Getting Giles would virtually ensure that Duke would have the top recruiting class for 2016. That would make it the third year in a row. Coach K won the title with the 2014 top class and also dominated 2015 by taking no. 3 Brandon Ingram and no.11 Chase Jeter.
