Oftentimes, when the Duke basketball program plays host for an official visit, as is the case this weekend, a commitment soon follows.
With two in tow, in order to compile a 2020 class consisting of no less than six ready-made prospects — to once again reload from an anticipated one-and-done exodus — the Duke basketball staff must continue averaging one commitment per every two months.
The first came from five-star point guard Jeremy Roach on May 8; roughly two months later, on July 4, the Blue Devils heard equally great news from five-star small forward Jalen Johnson. Now, nearly two months have passed since the last, and a third could realistically arrive within a few days after Trinity Episcopal School (Va.) power forward Henry Coleman leaves Durham on Sunday.
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On Friday, six weeks after extending an offer, Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his cohorts greeted the 6-foot-7, 220-pound four-star who ranks No. 40 on the 247Sports Composite. (Coleman is among the best rebounders in his class and has a soft touch around the basket, but he lacks the necessary handles and outside shot to earn an elusive fifth star, meaning he could be the type of four-year guy the Blue Devils need.)
According to 247Sports, Coleman has not announced official visits to any of his other four finalists: Virginia Tech, N.C. State, Michigan, and Ohio State. However, Rivals claims he has: to Ohio State next weekend and Virginia Tech the weekend after that.
Even if Rivals is correct, assuming the Duke crew brings its A-game this weekend, Coleman could do what recruits often do: give Krzyzewski great news just before departing, cancel remaining visits, and then publicly commit a few days later.
Whether the announcement comes next week or not for several weeks — Coleman has said he will pick a school before the early signing period in November — the 247Sports Crystal Ball unanimously shows Duke coming out victorious (to date, seven picks are in).
Based on comments to 247Sports shortly after landing the Duke basketball offer, Coleman sure seems smitten with the Blue Devils and the future Coach K envisions:
"“He sees me as a Justise Winslow or Amile Jefferson kind of guy, a guy who can mix it up in the post but who also has the ability to put it on the floor and play on the perimeter as well.“He said that they feel they can bring in a really good class. That includes guys like me, Mark Williams, Jalen Johnson, Jeremy Roach, D.J. Steward, and maybe even Walker Kessler to do some damage…”"
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So will the pitch be enticing enough for Coleman, who took an unofficial visit to Duke back in January, to join #TheBrotherhood?
Ball Durham now officially predicts Coleman to commit to Duke by the end of September.
Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting updates, analyses, opinions, and predictions.