Duke Basketball Recruiting Interview with Adam Rowe
By Thomas Eames
Mar 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) drives against Duke Blue Devils guard Quinn Cook (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Rowe covers Duke basketball, football, and recruiting for bluedevilliar.com on the 247Sports network. I interviewed Adam about Duke basketball recruiting and his outlook on this season.
Thomas Eames (balldurham.com): Do you think Jabari Parker will be able to lead the team in scoring and be a leader for this team in his freshman year?
Adam Rowe (bluedevillair.com): He definitely can lead the team in scoring, but I think the team next year will be very balanced. The difference between the leading scorer and the second-leading scorer likely won’t be too pronounced. As for leadership, Jabari has shown that ability in the past (The U-19 USA team, Simeon and The Mac Irvin Fire) but I don’t think he’ll be called upon to do that next year. Tyler Thornton, Josh Hairston and Quinn Cook look poised to take over the locker room.
TE: Between Semi Ojeleye and Matt Jones, who do you see as a bigger contributor this year, and in the future?
AR: It’s hard to project further in the future without knowing what the roster makeup will be. The return of Andre Dawkins will make it hard for either one of those guys to get much playing time next year. Both of them will have time to improve their games and adjust to college life while logging minimal playing time.
TE: Transitioning into 2014, what player can you compare Duke commit Grayson Allen to and how do you see him fitting into the culture Duke currently has?
AR: I’ve never seen Grayson Allen play live before so it’d be hard for me to give an honest evaluation. Based on what I’ve been told, he has a solid handle and is able to get to the rim with ease. Duke has done real well with combo guards in the past, so he should be able to fit into Duke’s offense quickly. The defensive end of the floor is reportedly where Allen has room for improvement and where he will be able to get on the floor the fastest.
TE: I haven’t got to see him play, but hopefully he can turn into a Jon Scheyer type combo guard for Coach K. Do you see him having the ability to become that type of player over the course of four years?
AR: Duke would be very fortunate for that to happen. Scheyer was a helluva player.
TE: With Jon Scheyer returning as a coach, maybe it could happen. What is the latest news about the next player to join Grayson Allen in the 2014 class?
AR: Well, 2014 5-star forward Justise Winslow visited Duke’s campus last weekend and Duke is hoping to bring him in with a class with fellow 5-stars in point guard Tyus Jones, center Jahlil Okafor and combo forward Kevon Looney. Once the July evaluation period cranks back up (7/10-7/14) things will start to take shape a little more.
TE: Do you and all of college basketball still view Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor as a package deal that will definitely be going to college together?
AR: They have said repeatedly that they will be going to the same college. I have no reason to doubt them.
TE: It would be a huge victory for whoever gets those two players. Besides those five playes, are there other players you could see at Duke in 2014, like Stanley Johnson or Trey Lyles?
AR: I don’t think either of those players will end up at Duke. Duke could add another big man like Goodluck Okonoboh or Myles Turner.
TE: I know it is looking way ahead, but are there any early recruits Duke is looking at for the 2015 recruiting class?
AR: Here’s an early list of guys Duke is looking at in 2015. The Blue Devils haven’t extended any offers yet in the junior class, so it’s hard to get a handle on their top targets.
TE: One final question, what is your overall outlook for Duke heading into this season?
AR: There is a ton of talent on the 2014 Duke Blue Devils and if they can find someone to nail down the center position, they’ll be really difficult to match up with. It should be a very fun team to watch — high scoring and up tempo.
TE: I agree one hundred percent. Thank you so much for doing this interview. Would you like to quickly plug your twitter handle and website?
AR: No problem.
BlueDevilLair.com
@BlueDevilLair
TE: Ok thanks again. Everyone go follow him on twitter and hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
AR: Sounds good. Thanks Thomas.