Mega Duke basketball target finally set to announce, sort of

A potential Duke basketball big man has further narrowed down his announcement date.

DeMatha Catholic (Md.) center Hunter Dickinson had initially intended to finalize his recruitment in time for the fall signing period in November. But that window passed without a peep from the 7-foot-2, 260-pound four-star who holds the last unanswered 2020 Duke basketball offer.

Last week, Dickinson informed 247Sports’ Evan Daniels that he had decided not to rush his decision and anticipated telling finalists Duke, Florida State, Michigan, and Notre Dame his future plans by the end of December.

ALSO READ: Recruit explains indecision, gives Blue Devils hope

Then late Thursday night, the 19-year-old confirmed to recruiting insider Adam Zagoria that next week is the week. Dickinson did not, however, disclose a specific date or method for making the announcement.

If Dickinson does opt to become a Blue Devil, then he would provide what would likely be the final piece to what is currently the nation’s No. 2 class. Five-star point guard Jeremy Roach, five-star combo guard D.J. Steward, five-star small forward Jalen Johnson, four-star power forward Jaemyn Brakefield, four-star power forward Henry Coleman, and four-star center Mark Williams. have all signed letters of intent.

ALSO READ: Stacking up Duke’s six 2020 signees to date

While Dickinson, who ranks No. 34 on the 247Sports 2020 Composite, would be one of the largest Duke basketball specimens in history — an inch taller than Brian Zoubek, the behemoth who helped cut down April nets in 2010 — size is not his only strength. The lefty’s footwork, half-hook, quick putbacks, outside stroke, and instinctive passing all point to his countless hours honing his craft.

The Crystal Ball predicts Dickinson to follow his reported girlfriend, Georgetown Day School (D.C.) track star Ziyah Holman, to Michigan. Meanwhile, most experts believe the only other legit contender for his services is Notre Dame; after all, head coach Mike Brey is a DeMatha alum and has been hot on his trail ever since he entered high school.

That said, Dickinson has continued to speak highly of both Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. Plus, after taking an official visit to Duke the weekend of Oct. 18 and attending Countdown to Craziness, he said he is well aware of the need for another center in Durham next season (Javin DeLaurier will have graduated, and the only other current Blue Devil taller than 6-foot-9, freshman Vernon Carey Jr., will likely be in the NBA).

Furthermore, Coach K and his assistants have experience pulling off late upsets in recruiting races (see: Zion Williamson). Therefore, Duke basketball fans should continue to consider the possibility of Dickinson joining #TheBrotherhood up until his announcement — whichever of the seven days next week that will be.

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting updates, analyses, opinions, and predictions.