RANKINGS: Rivals150 | 2018 team rankings

After years of pursuing him, Providence has finally landed its guy, as David Duke committed to the Big East program. A 6-foot-4 lead guard and top-50 prospect in the 2018 class, Duke brings familiarity, upside, elite defensive traits and versatility to Ed Cooley’s program.

One of the top point guard prospects available this fall, Duke came to his final decision on Friday after visiting his hometown program last weekend. The Friars, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Villanova and Florida made up his final five. The four-star guard has the chance to immediately stabilize Providence’s backcourt with the upcoming departure of senior playmaker Kyron Cartwright.

After making his commitment to Providence official, Duke spoke on what made him choose the Big East program as his future destination.

“Coach (Ed) Cooley is as good of a person as he is a coach,” Duke said. “He loves his players and also pushes his guys to be their best. He develops them off the court, as well, into becoming great role models.”

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Chemistry won’t be much of an issue for Duke, as he will be rejoining two of his former Mass Rivals travel teammates next year at Providence.

“Playing alongside AJ (Reeves) and Kai (Makai Ashton-Langford) would be cool,” he said. “I played with each of them before and they’re both very good players.”

The fourth commitment in the 2018 class for the Friars, Duke will join good friend and fellow top-50 senior Reeves at Providence next season, creating a highly potent backcourt. They will be aided by mismatch forward Kris Monroe and sharpshooting stretch power forward Jimmy Nichols, making the argument for the best Big East recruiting class a month out from the early signing period.