Deng: Visit Sold Me On Duke

Luol Deng, the talented 6-8 versatile recruit from Blair Academy in New Jersey, told RivalsHoops.com today at a press conference that the visit to Duke sold him on his decision. "I really felt comfortable with the freshmen there and I knew seeing their situation that there was a place for me," Deng said. "I like the coaches and I loved my visit. I liked everything about my visit."

Deng chose Duke over Indiana, Missouri, and Virginia. When asked who finished second, Deng said: "Probably Indiana...but Missouri and Virginia were right there too."

Deng visited all four schools officially. And after each visit he praised the school, the program, and its coaches. "The tradition and academics of Duke is strong," Deng said. "There are a lot of things that I liked there."

Deng, rated the second best player in the 2003 class, is an outstanding young man. He is a very good student, a tremendous basketball player but an even better person. Deng will be a major impact player who has the skills and smarts to play every position on the court.

Deng said he wasn't sure if he would sign a letter of intent this Fall. "It hasn't been decided," Deng said.