Trouble ahead: Predicting entire Duke basketball roster next season
By Matt Giles
434. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Jaemyn Brakefield. Fr.. player. Forward. 6-9, 215
No. 40 on the 247Sports 2020 Composite
At the start of November’s signing period, for a few days after every Duke basketball commit except Huntington Prep (W.Va.) power forward Jaemyn Brakefield had put pen to paper, there were Twitter rumors that the four-star was having second thoughts.
Turns out those rumors were nothing more than rumors. The only reason the chatter sparked any concern at all at the time was that Brakefield committed in October after holding a Duke offer for less than 24 hours — combined with the fact he had not taken an official visit to Durham beforehand.
In reality, Brakefield seems to have been unwavering in his commitment — and eventual signature — every step of the way. This means Duke basketball fans shouldn’t hesitate to start envisioning what all the versatile forward could provide the next squad in Durham: a knack for rebounds, a smooth perimeter shot for a guy his size, a deft set of handles, and an underrated collection of athletic gifts.
Again, Brakefield vs. Coleman for playing time next season should be a fun intrasquad battle to keep an eye on. What else should be fun about the 2020-21 Blue Devils? Hot hands, such as the one that has caught fire on several occasions this season…