The top five rated recruits in Duke basketball history will surprise you
By Nickeem Khan
Class of 2005. Josh McRoberts. player. Scouting Report. Forward. 3. 434. Pick Analysis
Many new Duke basketball fans may be surprised by this, but longtime fans know Josh McRoberts was the man in his younger years. He was the No. 1 ranked power forward in the class of 2005 and was highly sought after. Unlike players already mentioned, McRoberts’ recruit rating was 0.9998.
In his senior year of high school, McRoberts averaged 17.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 blocks. He was able to lead the Carmel Greyhounds (Ind.) to a birth in the sectional championship game.
In two years playing for the Blue Devils, McRoberts was relatively productive. In his freshman year, he averaged 8.7 points and 1.3 blocks. During that season, he was able to help lead the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament title. Although he was considered a lottery pick by many GMs and scouts, he elected to stay another season.
In McRobert’s sophomore season at Duke, he averaged 13.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He would eventually declare for the 2007 NBA Draft, in which he would be selected No. 37 by the Portland Trailblazers.