Blue Devils ink ACCs top class
[rl]Another year, another strong recruiting haul for Mike Krzyzewski and the
Duke Blue Devils.
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This year's class, the eighth best in the nation, could have three
McDonald's All-Americans in Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and
Singler, a 6-foot-9 forward, is the most versatile player in the nation. He
should play from Day One in Durham. Smith could be the defensive guard that
the Blue Devils have lacked in some time, while King is a winner. He's a
tough rebounder and a guy that will hit the big shot from deep.
Virginia Tech has quietly been climbing up the ACC ranks in the win column,
and now the Hokies are starting to reel in some nationally ranked talent.
The Hokies inked Jeff Allen last year, but the 6-foot-8 D.C.
native needed another year academically. He'll be battle tested. His last
three high schools are among the best in the country - DeMatha Catholic,
Oak Hill Academy and Hargrave Military.
Allen is joined by dynamic scorer Dorenzo Hudson, Baltimore combo
guard Malcolm Delaney, big man Augustus Gilchrist and
Georgia wing Terrell Bell.
New N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe scored two major recruits before he
coached his first game as the Wolfpack's head man. He went right after
Georgia big man J.J. Hickson, one of the elite power forwards in
the nation. Lowe secured the five-star big man when many had pegged Hickson
for the SEC.
Adding Tracy Smith late in the game was a major coup. Lowe landed
a North Carolina transplant that is on the upswing of his basketball
career. In-state recruit Johnny Thomas could be one of the top
sleepers in the conference over the next four years.
Florida State was not far off from the top 25 and checks in at No. 4
overall in the ACC. Five-star center Solomon Alabi and Julian Vaughn, a fine shooting forward from Oak Hill Academy, are a dynamic
combination. They are joined by athletic wing Jordan DeMercy.
DeMercy's Norcross teammate Gani Lawal leads the pack for Georgia
Tech. Lawal is joined by another Georgia's Lance Storrs and
Memphis point guard Maurice Miller.
Jerry Meyer's take: Duke brings in an elite and versatile prospect
in Kyle Singler, who can do just about anything on the court. Nolan Smith
and Taylor King should be successful in coach Mike Krzyzewski's
system...Virginia Tech has a quality potential starting five headed to
Blacksburg...First year head coach Sidney Lowe makes an initial recruiting
splash landing five-star post player J.J. Hickson and four-star post player
Tracy Smith.
Justin Young's take: What player will be the Boston College
surprise? Biko Paris could be that guy. He's quick, strong and knows how to
score from the point position.Jerai Grant may not have a big national
reputation but Clemson has an absolute steal here. He's a late blooming big
man that fits the kind of player that shines under Oliver Purnell.Dorenzo
Hudson (Virginia Tech) and Jeff Jones (Virginia) will both be among the top
scorers in the ACC in their careers.Wake Forest will have a track team in
the backcourt with Jeff Teague and Ishmael Smith next year.
Biggest story of the recruiting period: New N.C. State head coach
Sidney Lowe wasted little time on the recruiting front, proving that he can
get it done with the big boys of the ACC. He landed a top-three recruiting
class in the conference and a likely McDonald's All-American in J.J.
Hickson. Now he'll need to win games on the hardwood.