The offer, the list, and the praises within the past week suggest momentum favors the Duke basketball staff in one huge recruiting race.
Two weeks ago, Dematha Catholic (Md.) center Hunter Dickinson was just a blip on the Duke basketball radar. Fast forward to the present to see that not only are the Blue Devils suddenly among his final four — after not being among his final seven and not extending him an offer until last week — but they also might just be the new favorites.
On Thursday evening, Dickinson tweeted his new shortlist: Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Duke (the only late addition). His cuts consisted of UNC, Providence, Purdue, and Louisville.
Final 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/f2tyvfdyDH
— Hunter Dickinson (@H_Dickinson24) October 3, 2019
Soon after unveiling his finalists, the 7-foot-2, 260-pound four-star, who ranks No. 34 on the 247Sports 2020 Composite, provided another encouraging sign for Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s chances — this time, by way of his praise.
"“When Coach K calls, you have to pick up the phone,” Dickinson explained to Stock Risers’ Jake Weingarten. “He’s an all-time legendary coach, and to play under him would be incredible.“I like how I’d come in and have a chance to play a lot right away.”"
Dickinson’s frame and game — similar to former Duke basketball champ Brian Zoubek — should pose a problem for his future defenders. He appears beyond his years in terms of post moves, shooting, and passing. Obviously, the 17-year-old’s unteachable size is also a giant asset. However, his physique needs some chiseling; plus, his speed — or lack thereof — may be a liability against lightning opponents.
Considering the Blue Devils’ inclusion on his list, the amount of playing time up for grabs in Durham, his intention to use his last official visit on Duke, the lack of other juggernauts still in contention, and the fact there are only two Crystal Ball picks — both favor Michigan but came prior to his offer from Coach K — one could assume Duke is in the best position.
According to Weingarten, Dickinson plans to announce his decision before his senior season begins — i.e., within the next five or six weeks.
The Duke basketball coaches are also still in hot pursuit of four-star 2020 center Mark Williams, who is set to visit at the end of October and then likely announce his decision within the following two weeks. And as of Wednesday evening, they are officially in the race for four-star 2020 power forward Jaemyn Brakefield.
ALSO READ: Duke again tests late-entry recruiting strategy
The 2020 crop of future Blue Devils is already four-deep: five-star point guard Jeremy Roach, five-star small forward Jalen Johnson, five-star combo guard D.J. Steward, and four-star power forward Henry Coleman.
ALSO READ: 2020 center makes changes, advantage Blue Devils
Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting updates, analyses, opinions, and predictions.