What a difference a year makes for four-star PG David Duke
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – This time last year, David Duke was a relative unknown commodity. Now, 12 months later, the 6-foot-3 lead guard is amid a high-major recruitment as some of the East Coast's top programs have made him a priority target.
Duke has become valued for his upside, explosiveness and improved playmaking abilities. His recruitment, which features offers from Virginia, Providence, Florida, Villanova and Indiana, remains open.
IN HIS WORDS
Villanova: “I fit their playing style. I could come in and play right away, which is what I am looking for. I could play both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively, which could help a lot of teams."
Providence: “They think we (AJ Reeves) can win together and that it would be great to keep the local guys at home and stuff like that.”
Florida: “I definitely like Florida. I am in contact with coach (Darris) Nichols and Mike White a lot. They are just as involved as any other school, including Providence, too. They are in a good spot.”
Virginia: “I talked to coach (Tony) Bennett and coach (Ron) Sanchez a couple of times. They send me a text every once in a while. I visited last summer. They hadn’t offered at that time but coming in, I thought that it was a really nice place and they showed professionalism about them, even though they didn’t offer yet.”
Indiana: “Coach (Bruiser) Flint and coach (Archie) Miller, we talked a couple of times. They are really interested and want to be in that final category with those schools once I cut my list.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Duke will finish out his final year of travel ball with the Mass Rivals 17-under unit on the adidas circuit next month.
“I am just completely open right now,” he said. “I am not focused on it but by the end of the summer I will be deciding my final list and putting that out.”
RIVALS' REACTION
There are plenty of quality landing spots for Duke, and all of the programs involved in his recruitment can offer the four-star prospect a chance to play early and develop into a major weapon on the perimeter.
Indiana recently offered and could make a heavy push, Florida will likely receive a visit and Villanova is in a solid spot for Duke. However, Providence made Duke a priority early on and the idea of playing with his travel teammate and good friend Reeves in college remains a strong possibility.