Duke Basketball: Is Isaiah Stewart destined to become a Blue Devil?

The Duke basketball coaches may soon have a chance to impress a recruit — if he can figure out a good date for a visit — who would literally be a huge addition to the 2019 class.

Isaiah Stewart’s quick explosiveness and high motor around the rim bring to mind last season’s inside stud for the Duke basketball program, Marvin Bagley III.

And his shoulders, like those of former Blue Devil big man Shelden Williams, should require a “WIDE LOAD” sign. Also, his unbelievable wingspan — it has been measured to be about eight inches more than his height — and knack for anticipating shots when playing defense would make him worthy of being “The Next Landlord” in Durham.

Furthermore, his ability to use his soft touch to score in the paint resembles that of yet another former Duke standout in the frontcourt, Elton Brand.

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Yes, Stewart would undoubtedly spark memories of past Duke basketball greats while offering the Blue Devils a force to be reckoned with down low next season — likely not a season longer, as he is expected to be a one-and-done prospect.

First, though, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff must convince the Rochester, N.Y., native to bring his talents to the Bull City.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound was originally supposed to be on campus this weekend for the last of his five official visits. However, according to Evan Daniels of 247Sports, Stewart has put his official visit to Duke “on pause until I can figure out a better date.”

Across the past two months, Stewart has visited Washington, Kentucky, Syracuse, and Michigan State; although he had put out a list of the six schools he is considering in August, he now says those four and Duke comprise his final five, according to Stevie Johnson of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Stewart, ranked No. 5 overall and No. 3 at his position on the 247Sports Composite, has yet to make up his mind as to when he will actually make up his mind.

“I don’t have an idea,” Stewart said, as reported by Johnson. “It could be early, but if I can’t decide, then it’ll be later.”

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If it’s early, he could potentially sign during the early signing period (Nov. 14-21). If it’s late, he won’t officially sign until the spring signing period (April 17 through May 15).

The 247Sports Crystal Ball lists Michigan State as the current favorite (44 percent of the experts are predicting he will join the Spartans) and Duke as a close second (31 percent). In August, though, the Blue Devils were the overwhelming favorite (at one point, 91 percent of the experts were picking Duke).

In other words, Coach K and Co. have some work to do to jump back into the lead for the services of Stewart, who is playing his senior season for La Lumiere Prep in La Porte, Ind.

As of right now, the Blue Devils have just one commitment from a 2019 prospect, five-star small forward Wendell Moore.

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