Duke basketball target Kennedy Chandler discusses five finalists, decision

Kennedy Chandler talks Duke

Though Kennedy Chandler admitted to being a lifelong Memphis fan, he did not keep secret to Pro Insight his admiration of all things Duke basketball dating back as far as he can remember:

“Duke has always been a dream school for me. I love Duke and Coach K, the way the program is built, and what he’s done for all of Duke University. I’ve seen players come out of Duke and do really great things. Kyrie Irving, Tyus Jones, Tre Jones, Quinn Cook. He’s had really good point guards come out there.”

Sure, it’s true that Chandler, who had a virtual meeting with the entire Duke basketball staff days before announcing his top five, could have to compete with Jeremy Roach for minutes should the incoming Blue Devil point guard opt to stick around a second season.

Surely, though, Mike Krzyzewski has reminded Chandler of some successful Duke basketball backcourt duos who thrived on the court together: Jason Williams and Chris Duhon plus Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook being among the most notable (both sets won national titles).

ALSO READ: Ranking all 40 Duke teams under Mike Krzyzewski

The Duke basketball coaches already boast one 2021 commit in Archbishop Stepinac (N.Y.) five-star small forward AJ Griffin.

On top of Chandler and Banchero, five others from the class hold Duke basketball offers, all of whom are five-star talents: Rolling Meadows (Ill.) shooting guard Max Christie, Paul VI Catholic (Va.) shooting guard Trevor Keels, The Patrick School (N.J.) small forward Jonathan Kuminga, Hamilton (Wis.) small forward Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Andrews Osborne (Ohio) center Charles Bediako.

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