Trouble ahead: Predicting entire Duke basketball roster next season

No. 26 on the 247Sports 2020 Composite

Whitney Young (Ill.) combo guard D.J. Steward has the tools to become a Duke basketball legend. He’s quick. He’s lean. He’s smart. He’s slippery in traffic. He’s on his way to becoming as silky as they come from deep. He can handle the point with fluidity or find his spots playing off the ball.

Best of all, video evidence suggests Steward is constantly playing with a healthy chip on his shoulder.

From his interviews, it’s apparent he has built close bonds with two fellow natives of the Chicago area: Krzyzewski and the former Duke basketball star combo guard who is now the associate head coach and spearheaded his recruitment, Jon Scheyer.

Summarizing, not only does Ball Durham see Steward’s remaining journey to Durham being free of roadblocks, but visions of the 18-year-old (will be 19 by the time his freshman season begins) as a starter right away are impossible to ignore — naturally, so too are thoughts that he may be unable to avoid the NBA’s lure after one year. After watching his composite ranking jump 100 spots across the past 18 months, it’s no secret his stock is 100 percent on the rise.

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Simplifying further, Steward should be special next season. Ditto for Duke’s other 2020 signee at guard, who will most likely be by his side in the starting five from Day One…